How much of a job is replacing the soft top? My vinyl top is showing signs of shrinkage, so it’s time to replace. Going like for like with a BAS vinyl top with glass rear window but just want to know how big the job of fitting will be. Is it something I can manage myself (as a novice)
When my vinyl roof wanted replacing on a previous mk2.5 , I looked out for a second hand mohair one off eBay ( gumtree or Facebook) complete on the frame.
And changed the job lot 
It’s a lot easier to swap than just doing the skin .
Took me approximately 3 hours, having never changed one before 
As per bally3 above, I would also recommend changing the whole thing, skin and frame at once, putting a new skin on a frame looks like a whole load of hassle.
Make sure you have all the tools, correct torque and torquing order for the rain rail nuts.
I went with a 2nd hand canvas roof took me two leisurly days, mid winter, could be done in one quite easily. Good luck.
If it is just a full swap like for like , an hour, but we have done loads,as it is just a routine for us , so give yourself a weekend to play as you find your way around, if it is a complete skin change for a first go , as long as it takes really as you will fettle other bits as you go, there is no prizes for speed, just enjoy doing it at your own pace, and standing back chuffed with a " i did that"…this will help , it seems a long long process , but i have tried to cover everything that could or may be hit to slow down the job in as much detail as possible.
If you need any pointers by all means PM me.
https://www.mazdamenders.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=132&t=7088
M-m
When the original 2005 Mohair on my NB 2.5 was slashed in 2019 I got an expensive replacement from MX-5 Parts [Insurance paid for most of it]
Found an expert fitter [25 yrs experience - initially at a the plant that make soft tops before he went self employed]
He charged me £175 to remove the old one and replace it with the brand new one. It took an expert doing it for a living for donkey years a few hours
It was worth employing him for the peace of mind
PS…just to add that the price of Mohair has come down considerably since I got mine 2019
Chap I used was Mobile and came to my home address. He based in Stoke-on-Trent but being in the business so long might know a local Bolton bloke so if u want I can pm u his details as nowadays I’ve found folk avoiding long distance work
Alternatively as other posters have said…Nothing better than the pride you feel from DIY
Hey @Bullit2005 if you could PM me his details that would be awesome. Thanks to everyone for the responses!
Hopefully I’ve pressed the correct buttons for PM ?