Two plastic types available being :-
Mazda part, made from polycarbonate and tough, about £130 + post
MX5 Parts, slightly cheaper than above, requires new fixing holes for screws, about £110 + post
Question Has anyone fitted either of these to a MK 4 ?
Would like to receive your views about these products.
eg. pro’s and con’s
Thank you,
Peter
Hi Peter,
I have the genuine one fitted to mine. I don’t like the look of the MX5 Parts one, the genuine one is sleek and subtle whereas most aftermarket ones tend to look like bolt on items. It is worth noting even to fit the genuine one properly it requires a screw to be fitted into each style bar to secure it correctly.
I like it because it offers an unobstructed view through the rear view mirror and definitely helps with buffering inside the cabin more. A definite con though is it does reduce the ability to raise or lower the roof from inside the car (one thing I didn’t think about when purchasing), fortunately for me I have long arms so it isn’t too much of a problem but one definitely worth taking into consideration.
With that in mind, it may be worth investigating the possibility of using a standard RF item (clear, but with a cut out) if you think this may be a problem. I hadn’t seen the RF one at the time of purchasing but it may be a good alternative (assuming the fixing points are the same across the two models).
I recently added the MX-5 logo to mine:
Regards,
Gareth
I, too, have the Genuine Mazda Windblocker. I added a Mazda decal to it.
Looks great and a high quality part
That garage is way too tidy ! How do you keep your other half from filling it with rubbish ?
We have a large shed also (almost as tidy), it acts as a buffer for any of her rubbish I’ve not managed to convince her we don’t need so it doesn’t make it to the garage
Hi Chris, Thank you for.the photos, I’m most impressed and will go.ahead with the Mazda wind blocker.
I note you have replaced the exhaust, would appreciate some comments with respect to noise and fitting this product.
I have always considered these cars need to soumd more like a sports car without too much volume which may be detrimental on long journeys.
Kind regards
Peter
[quote=GarethC]
Hi Peter,
I have the genuine one fitted to mine. I don’t like the look of the MX5 Parts one, the genuine one is sleek and subtle whereas most aftermarket ones tend to look like bolt on items. It is worth noting even to fit the genuine one properly it requires a screw to be fitted into each style bar to secure it correctly.
I like it because it offers an unobstructed view through the rear view mirror and definitely helps with buffering inside the cabin more. A definite con though is it does reduce the ability to raise or lower the roof from inside the car (one thing I didn’t think about when purchasing), fortunately for me I have long arms so it isn’t too much of a problem but one definitely worth taking into consideration.
With that in mind, it may be worth investigating the possibility of using a standard RF item (clear, but with a cut out) if you think this may be a problem. I hadn’t seen the RF one at the time of purchasing but it may be a good alternative (assuming the fixing points are the same across the two models).
I recently added the MX-5 logo to mine:
Regards,
Gareth
Hi Gareth,
I wish to thank you for your comments on the Mazda wind blocker. Your car.is very similar to mine and this product does look the part particularly with the MX5 logo.
I now intend buying the Mazda part hopefully with a 10% discount, when I visit the next National Rally.
Kind regards
Peter
Hi Peter
I sourced and had fitted the exhaust from ‘Go Perform’ of Dinnington, Nr. Shefiield, South Yorks
Its a direct replacement of the back box. No modifications at all
It now sounds like it should have
Chris
Hi Chris
Thank you.for the photos showing rear exhaust system.
It appears a well made product, so I’ll give the company a call and explore costs and.delivery to Christchurch.
Much appreciated
Peter
After developing my own reversing camera kit for the ND my next project is a perspex wind blocker.
I’m working on a design that doesn’t require any drilling into or screwing onto the car.
Currently got parts on order from Sheffield, Kidderminster, Gloucestershire and Hong Kong. Might have to wait a while for the Hong Kong delivery!
Hi Roadie, no rush to buy one yet, but it appears you.need to consider access for cleaning inside of rear.window which can be restricted when hood is closed. Also opening or closing the hood from the driving seat.needs considering unless you have long arms ??
Are you planning.to use polycarbonate with s/s fixings, perhaps allowing for quick removal.
Appreciated your comments on development and details for reversing camera which could be displayed on Sat.Nav screen.
Thank you
Peter
Reversing camera kit is listed in the for sale section here - MX-5 Owners Club Forum - MX-5 OC Forum;
With any of the clear wind blockers available dropping the roof from inside and also cleaning the rear window are going to be a bit more awkward. However the manual does say that the roof should be lowered from outside the car. In fact dropping the hood from inside was claimed to be what caused the hood rubbing issue on the earlier cars.
Not 100% sure on the final details yet but the clear panel will be removable by loosening two screws.
Both the Mazda and IL Motorsports blockers are quoted by MX5Parts as being ‘Perspex’ which is a branded acrylic panel. The alternative is polycarbonate sheeting often refered to by the brand name Makrolon. Both have their advantages. While acrylic is more resistant to scratching polycarbonate is much tougher and less likely to crack or shatter. I will probably go for a UV stabilised polycarbonate.
I opted not to screw the Windblocker to the roll bar hoops.
It fits so well, you dont really need to.
It can be removed instantly when you need access to the rear window
As for lowering the roof from within the car, I do this from outside, as Mazda recommend
Hi, I have just fitted the Mazda windblocker to my ND. Perfect fit albeit I ended up screwing it into the hoops as on my test run there was a slight rattle over loose surfaces. 5 minute job to fit and gives more light in the cabin with the roof up.
Otto