Has anyone ever managed to theft proof a hardtop or has anyone ever come across a method to do it?
I have never really thought about this before but from what I remember from when I used to have one the only way would be to somehow make the two front fasteners at the front of hardtop secure. I think it could be done but you will need to have some basic engineering skills to do it. I think a simple countersunk 6 or 8mm screw that could be screwed thru the two fasteners at an appropriate place to stop the catch from opening may do the trick. I think that a stainless steel countersunk screw that is tightened with an allen key would be best as I don’t suppose theives carry a set of allen keys with them if they were to target a hard top roof.
A few years ago, SF-MX5parts sold a kit to replace the side latches with a pressed plate. Don’t think they make this anymore. Search on US forums; there are a few places selling “spec miata plates”, that do the same job (they need to replace the latches with plates for racing).
edit. The SFT plates are apparently still available from here:
http://www.freelancemazda.co.uk/hoods.htm
Typically, the Japanese have come up with a professional solution:
http://www.laile.co.jp/products/mazda/details/s75081shc.html
This actually a side latch kit for those with a rollbar; withg most rollbars, you can’t fit the sidelatch.
The latch used is a common lockable type, such as what this owner has done:
Well i guess that would make it harder to steal…but could you put up with the padlock rattling about next to your ear!
I have a new, unused lock to sell [:)]
That was just one approach; the owner sourced their own padlock (and he only fits the lock when he park the car). You could also use a locking pin, which wouldn’t be so obvious to an opportunist.
http://www.prifast.co.uk/quick_release_pins.htm
looks a good idea pollyana, ,im gona take a closer look into that idea, and if it takes off, we can share the royalties,
standard version,= one screw = and = delux version = two screws = regards leemarb
A few years ago a friend of mine that worked for Porsche had a request from an owner to make the stereo unstealable. The unit was bolted in with snap off bolt heads ( What he would do if the unit went U/S I have no idea!). A few months later the same customer returned the Garage in Chelsea with the car on a low loader. It transpires that the thieves had managed to break in with the thought of stealing the stereo head unit, when they found that they could not, they trashed the car’s interior. I think that he would have rather lost the music! Worth a thought.
Happy New Year All
I’ve heard of far worse being done.