At the end of last summer, just before time to stick the hard top back on the MX5, the rear screen severley split through the middle. The previous owner wasn’t aware unzipping was required! The zip also began playing up, and eventually gave way. Now I’m in a position where I have to delve into something I’ve yet to had do - replace a hood on a car.
I’ve read here and there it is possible to replace just the rear window, but all depends on the model because of zip teeth sizes, or something? Am I mistaken? Regardless, would this even be possible seeing as the zip has popped? As far as I’m aware, the teeth on the hood itself are fine, as with the screen; it’s just the zip itself that has broken.
If it is possible, where should I be able to find a replacement, and, if possible, where could I go that would fit it for a reasonable price? I’m in South East Essex… If not, can anyone suggest somewhere I could get the entire hood reaplced. I’ve checked out the forum FAQ on this; three listed places are local to me, but I’ve read dodgy reviews on at least two of them.
Needless to say, the first thing that got me excited by this recent change of weather was the prospect of removing the winter coat from the MX5 and taking him out for a spin, top down, regardless of how cold it actually is! Just hope to be able to do that soon with a new hood!
Dandycars and Hothoods are the obvious local suppliers to you. A work colleague had a vinyl hood fitted by Hothoods; after a couple of years, it looked the worse for wear. I don’t think it was fitted that well. Hothoods might well be supplying better hoods now however.
Some of these places used to save the rear window sections from replaced roofs, and these could be supplied and fitted to owners who have the original mazds hood; you can check if the hood is original by looking at the zip; the toggle should say “MX5”. I think though the supplies of decent used factory windows has dried up.
Moss sell a replacement section for the factory hood, but its expensive, almost as much as a hood, and fitting is not straightforward.
Obviously, the rest of the roof will need to be in top notch order to consider this a viable option.
Otherwise, a trimmer might be able to fit a new piece of PVC to replace the window. Not sure what they will do about the zip though; however, PVC remains much more pliable than the original window, you you may not need to unzip. Typical costs are £60-80.
It was Hothoods I was warned away from - Dandycars stated it would be a waste of time fitting a new back window as the price wouldn’t differ much from fitting an entirely new hood, following with a quote of £250 for said new hood. Apparently, they’d have to order the window directly from Mazda.
Looked into repairing it myself, but to be honest, I haven’t got the time to spend trying to fix it, or fitting a new one myself. Suppose I’ll just have to look about for the cheapest viable option - my purse is going to hate me!
Did get a window replacement quote from Mazda Hood Shop of £120 to have the window replaced, although I’m unsure if that includes fitting.
It’s a shame you’re so far away. Jack Smith here in Swansea will replace a rear window for £60.00 including fitting or a mohair hood with a glass rear window for £280.00 including fitting, fitting takes about 3 hours. Still, if you fancy a drive down here, let us know as Swansea is not a bad place to spend some time!
Makes sense, will most likely end up going for an entirely new hood. At the end of the day it comes down to what I can currently afford, and to be honest, it isn’t much right now!
longdog_cymru - just spoken with the other half, a trip to Swansea may now be on the cards as he’d quite like a new hood on his MK1 too. I can’t find Jack Smith Trimmers online, do you have any further information? Such as, when those prices quoted, and what other options they offer?
Hi, I had my mohair hood fitted at the end of October 2011, I went for the black mohair with glass window with heater element and it cost £280.00 including fitting. I booked it in at 9:00am and he phoned me at 11:50am to say it was ready for me to pick up.
After seeing my hood, a friend of mine went there in December and had the same, black mohair with glass window but he could not guarantee the heater element was working, he charged my friend £260.00 all in.
Other options include vinyl, coloured vinyl or mohair, (colour will be extra), and he will do glass or plastic rear windows. With the glass rear window, there is no zip around the window, he has one of the frame rails sliding inside a sleeve for want of a better description which I think is the same as a Mk2? Please correct me if the Mk2 is not like this but that’s how I describe it.
Best thing if you decide to go down this route is to give him a ring and discuss exactly what you want. He is a nice guy, easy going and obliging. His number is 01792 461022
If you do decide, then get in touch and I’ll give you directions or lead the way if my shifts allow
Regardless, would this even be possible seeing as the zip has popped? As far as I’m aware, the teeth on the hood itself are fine, as with the screen; it’s just the zip itself that has broken. 
