1999-2005 Mazda Miata
When shopping for a replacement Mazda Miata convertible top, one of the many options available is zippered versus no-zipper windows. The original factory style convertible top does not have a zipper. However, any Miata can have its top replaced with a zipper or no-zipper window, so there is no need to worry about fit.
What is the benefit to getting a zipper on your Mazda MX5 convertible top? It lets you unzip the back window and fold it down, for better air flow. This can be a great experience if you live in a very hot climate, because you get all of the air flow AND all of the shade. Some days are just too hot to have the top down, letting the sun beat down on you during your drive! But at the same time, it may be too hot to drive with all the windows up. Unzipping the back window gives you air flow through the car cabin to keep you cool.
Getting a zipper window convertible top for your Mazda Miata also lets you unzip the window and get air flow on rainy days. This gives you air flow, without getting you, your passengers, or your Miata’s interior wet!
We have lots of options for replacement Miata MX5 convertible tops. Click here to check them all out!
Image courtesy Flickr/nettsu
Q: How can I decide which windows I want for my replacement 1999-2005 Mazda Miata top?
A: For convertible Mazda Miatas, we offer a wide variety of combinations of windows, top styles, fabrics, and more.
The first question is, do you want glass or plastic? Both are DOT rated. Our plastic windows are 40-gauge vinyl which is safe and durable. Our glass windows are professional grade safety glass made by well-known manufacturers.
If you need a heater/defogger, this option is only available with glass windows. We offer glass Mazda Miata top windows with a heater/defogger with three tops: the original style “2-piece look” top (either with or without a zipper), and the “1-piece look” top (a.k.a. “Sport Look”).
We also offer a tinted glass window. This has no heater/defogger, and comes in the same range of three tops: the original style “2-piece look” top (either with or without a zipper), and the “1-piece look” top (a.k.a. “Sport Look”).
Vinyl windows are less expensive. We offer plastic (vinyl) windows on our budget tops, and on a “1-piece look” top without a zipper.
Still not sure which one you want, or looking for a specific combination? Contact us to ask!
Photo credit: Flickr/michael.banovsky
Q: How much will it cost to replace my Mazda Miata’s convertible top?
A: We have a list of installers in your area on our website here. We have verified the contact information, and the installers on our list have agreed to install products which you purchase from us.
However, each installer has their own hourly rate. Also, just like any kind of car repair job, each top takes a different amount of time to replace. (In the case of installing a replacement Mazda Miata convertible top, per factory book, it is about five hours of labor.)
The best way to find out the replacement cost is to contact the installers in your area and ask for an estimate.
When shopping for a replacement convertible top window for your vehicle, it’s important to consider the difference between glass windows and vinyl windows (also known as plastic windows).
Glass convertible top windows have been the industry standard since convertible automobiles were introduced, and glass windows offer what every owner wants: solid rear window protection from the elements, as well as durability and safety. Glass convertible top windows are made of DOT-rated safety glass and are perfectly safe for your car.
But did you know that vinyl convertible top windows offer a great value alternative when you are seeking to restore your convertible top? Vinyl convertible top windows are made of DOT rated 40-guage plastic, and withstand the weather and wear and tear over the years you own your car. As such, they are a great alternative when considering how to get the best value for your money.
Are plastic windows actually Plexiglas?
This is a question is based on a common misunderstanding about glass versus plastic windows. Plexiglas is not used for automotive windows, rather, safety glass is used. When we talk about “plastic convertible top windows”, we are referring to soft, Vinyl 40-guage plastic windows.
Do plastic convertible top windows feel like glass convertible top windows?
No. Vinyl convertible top windows are much softer and have some flexibility in them.
Why would I buy vinyl convertible top windows instead of glass convertible top windows?
If you are looking to save money without sacrificing quality, vinyl windows offer a great alternative for you.
Are vinyl convertible top windows available for all makes and models?
Not all years/makes/models have vinyl windows as an available alternative; however, many popular models do have this less-expensive option. Here are a few examples of cars which have replacement convertible tops available with both glass windows and vinyl windows:
1994 through 2004 Ford Mustang Convertibles
1996 through 2000 Chrysler Sebring, and 2001 through 2006 Chrysler Sebring Convertibles
1989 through 1997 Mazda Miata, and 1999 through 2005 Mazda Miata Convertibles
1967 through 1969 Chevy Camaro, 1987 through 1989 Chevy Camaro, 1990 through 1993 Chevy Camaro, and also 1994 through 2002 Chevy Camaro Convertibles
Many other makes/models have the vinyl plastic window alternative available – visit TopsOnline.com to see the options available for your convertible.
