Hardtops for mk1 mx5, are they the same as the mk2 ones? Mohair and vinyl - what's the difference?

General Discussion Forums MX-5 Chat
2

 Hi I am searching ebay trying to find a black hardtop for my red mx5, red is ok, but prefer black as it breaks up the colour a bit without looking out of place. I just wanted to know are the mk1 and mk2 hardtops exactly the same?

Also I am looking to get a new softtop, but I want to know what the difference is between vinyl and mohair? I know mohair is more expensive, so I am guessing better quality than vinyl, but can anyone tell me why mohair is better than the vinyl? I think we have a vinyl one on our car at the moment, it’s not got any major rips, but it has aged and unfortunately shrunk so it isn’t sitting right around the windows. Apparently I have to get some new tension cables when I get a new softtop too. I have seen two brand new hoods on ebay and there is £50 difference in price between vinyl and mohair, just want to know how it is better to have mohair. The hood we have at the moment isn’t black on the inside, it’s some skanky beige colour, but is black on the outside. Do mohair ones come with black on inside?

Help, confused. Thanks

3

This link to the faq answers your first question—

http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/forum/forums/t/341.aspx

 

4

 Hope this helps: I have a MK1 with a Mk2 hardtop, I have not changed any seals and it seems to fit perfectly.

Vinyl hoods are prone to ‘cracking’ or splitting especially with age. Also depending on whether you have the roof down in the winter as it is cold the vinyl will not give much. Mohair is a canvas type material, and is much less prone to splitting as the fabric folds easier. A MK2 hood will fit a MK1, but there is a mod you have to do, although if you can source a Mk2 hood complete with frame as I did, you can just unbolt one and bolt the MK2 straight in. Also I am not sure but you can also get an heated rear window with the Mohair, not sure if this is an option with the Vinyl.

Good luck with the search.

5

 Thanks kitmanrally that is exactly what I wanted to know, definately going to get mohair softtop. But still searching for the hardtop, made my search a little easier thanks :slight_smile:

1 Like
6

 I sold a MK1 hardtop on ebay last year to a MK2 owner in te belief that the top fitted either model.  Unfortunately the seals needed changing as there were gaps to the rear of the door windows, not major but they still let in water. 

7

 I have had my vynil roof for over 7 years and treat it every month or so to a bumpercare product and it looks as good as new, admitted when the temperature is under 5 degrees or so it does not like to be folded as the vynil is not as pliable.

The Mk2, 2.5  vynil roof has a glass heated window.

A friend has a mohair roof and regularly gets bits of plantlife sticking to it from the nearby trees and in the spring and summer all sorts of floating stuff from dandelions and the like stick to it.

I have also heard of a number of mohair roof stitching comming undone. Before you make the leap, pop round a few garages or mazda meets and check out the difference in both phyical and asthetic attributes.

For my money I prefer the look and precticality of the vynil, also my friends mohair is only 5 years old and looks god awfull gompared to mine ( he doesent maintain his roof on a regular basis though)