OEM VS Aftermarket Signs

  1. My model of MX-5 is: MK1 Eunos 1992
  2. I’m based near: Hounslow
  3. I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: How to tell an OEM hard top from non OEM. I am going to view this tomorrow so help asap please.

It has the latches to hold down soft top, heated wire and chrome clips







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I normally look at the latches and the mouldings they go onto

The one in the photo looks OEM to me from the latches and the rear seal looks the same as mines would suggest to me that it’s an OEM seal (although OEM seals on an aftermarket top wouldn’t be a surprise)

But I may be wrong.

However that top looks excellent

Edit - stolen from miata.net

Q) How can I verify that I’m buying a Mazda Original Equipment (OE) top?

It’s tougher than you think. The OE top does NOT say “Mazda” anywhere on it! Look for a 2-inch “cover” on the inside, just in front of the rear window. The window will say “Nippon Safety” which is a major Japanese glass manufacturer. Make sure the latches look just like the soft top latches, too. Also, look for the L-shaped brackets below the rear window. These are all good indicators of an OE top. thread 1, thread 2

Q) The hard top I’m buying says “SMC” on the inside. What does that mean?

SMC stands for Sheet Molding Compound. That’s what the Mazda top is made of. It’s sort of like fiberglass.

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Look for a serial number (?) sticker on the leading edge. Not sure they all had them but if it has it’s a good indicator. That one looks OEM to me too. The TW Whites sticker is a good sign too.

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