Fitting a new hood, any advice

Technical Area Body, Interior & Styling
1
  1. My model of MX-5 is: __mk1 v-spec
  2. I’m based near: __
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: __
2

Pick a warmer day would be good. Its pretty miserable fitting a new MK1 hood when its cold.

Overall, I prefer to fit a hood with the frame off the car, as opposed to the frame on the car; done both. Fitting the hood to the frame on the car is quicker, but I think needs experience, especially when fitting to the b-post of the frame.

While at one point, you could usually get away with reusing the rainrail, this car is 30 years old, and I’m guessing the hood has already been replaced at least once. The Robbins rubber rain rail from Moss is very nice, and worthwhile to buy, compared to trying to repair a fragile, brittle cracked original rain rail.

When removing the various carpet clips, on the V-Spec, be careful, because replacements from MX5parts in tan are expensive. I used an old fork to lever off the clips, but you can by proper trim clip removal tools. Don’t try pulling them off with a pair of pliers.

Removing the seats and centre console is also worthwhile. There is going to be plent of times you will be inside the car, kneeling on the seats, undoing nuts or removing clips.

There are some nice writeups in the garage section on miata.net.

With the hood fitted, it might be difficult closing it the first time. It varies from hood to hood. The first one I fitted, an EZ-Top, had no issues, but another one, from BAS, I needed help as it was incredibly tight.

Order a pair of side tensioning cables, and assume you need to replace the existing ones.

1 Like
3

Expect YouTube is full of advice videos, but as said I reckon you need a warm environment, heated garage, makes the hood stretch.

4

Thanks for your good advice, I’ve been quoted £345 supplied and fitted by mx5 hoods in Romford, but I’m guessing they won’t be renewing the rain rail or tensioning straps for that price

5

No, rainrails are about £100, cables are £10-15 each. You could source them yourself, and ask them to fit, or ask them if they can also supply and fit. The cables might look ok, but they’re getting on a bit.