1989–1997 Mazda Miata Convertible Top Replacement Guide | Glass, Plastic & Streamline Tops | TopsOnline Blog

The 1989–1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata (also known as the Eunos Roadster in some markets) remains one of the most beloved roadsters ever built. Lightweight, simple, and incredibly fun to drive, the first-generation Miata has developed a loyal enthusiast following—and many of these cars are still on the road today.

Because these vehicles are now decades old, NA Miata convertible top replacement has become one of the most common restoration and maintenance projects for Miata owners. Whether your original top is cracked, leaking, fogged, shrinking, or separating at the seams, choosing the correct replacement top can feel overwhelming because there are so many options available.

This First Gen Mazda Miata soft top replacement guide walks through the decision-making process step-by-step so you can confidently select the best replacement convertible top for your 1989–1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Understanding the Main Miata Convertible Top Options

When shopping for a replacement Miata top, you’ll make decisions in several stages:

1. Window Type
2. Top Style (2-Piece Look vs Streamline/1-Piece Look)
3. Zipper or Non-Zipper Window Design
4. Rain Rail Options
5. Material and Color Choices
6. Miata Convertible Accessories

Each option affects appearance, functionality, price, and installation details.

Step 1: Choose Your Rear Window Type

The biggest decision is selecting the type of rear window you want for your MX-5 roadster top.

Option A: Heated Defroster Glass Window

A heated glass rear window is the premium upgrade choice for many Miata owners.

Benefits of Heated Glass:

• Improved rear visibility
• Better durability than plastic
• Scratch resistance
• Defroster functionality for cold or damp weather
• More modern appearance
• Less distortion while driving

This option is especially popular for daily-driven Miatas or vehicles used in cooler climates.

Things to Consider:

• Typically more expensive
• Slightly heavier than plastic

Browse Heated Glass Miata Convertible Tops

Option B: Non-Heated Glass Window

Non-heated glass gives you many of the benefits of a glass rear window without the electrical defroster system.

Benefits:

• Durable and scratch-resistant
• Cleaner appearance than aging plastic
• Lower cost than heated glass
• Excellent visibility

Best For:

• Fair-weather drivers
• Budget-conscious owners wanting glass
• Owners without factory defroster wiring

Shop Non-Heated Glass Miata Tops

Option C: Plastic Window

Plastic window tops stay closest to the original early Miata design.

Benefits:

• Most affordable option
• Lightweight
• Original factory-style appearance
• Easier folding characteristics

Things to Consider:

• Plastic can yellow, crack, or scratch over time
• Requires careful folding in cold weather
• Visibility degrades as the window ages

View Plastic Window Miata Tops

Step 2: Choose Between a 2-Piece Look (Factory Original Style) or 1-Piece Look (aka Streamline) Design

What Is a 2-Piece Look Miata Convertible Top?

The original factory-style Miata top used a separate sewn window section that gave the appearance of the soft top being in two pieces. That is why the distinction is made that it is a 2-Piece “Look” versus just saying that it is 2 pieces. On 2-Piece Look Miata tops, the top quarters overlap both sides of the window with a vertical seam that gives the window panel an appearance of being separate from the rest of the top.

Benefits of the 2-Piece Look:

• Factory-correct appearance
• Traditional Miata styling
• More OEM-authentic restoration look

What Is a 1-Piece or “Streamline” Miata Soft Top?

A streamline top integrates the rear window area into a smoother, more modern-looking single-material design. This streamlined look does not have seams or overlapping quarters around the window.

Benefits of the Streamline Look:

• Cleaner styling
• Modern appearance
• Reduced seam lines
• Popular custom upgrade

Side-by-Side 2-Piece Look and 1-Piece Streamline Miata Tops

Here is a comparison of the two styles of tops, highlighting the visual differences:

Step 3: Zipper vs Non-Zipper Designs (2-Piece Look Tops Only)

Zipper Rear Window Tops

A zippered rear window allows the window section to unzip separately from the top.

Benefits:

• Easier top folding
• Reduces stress on the window
• Helps prevent cracking on plastic windows
• Classic factory-style functionality

Non-Zipper Tops

Non-zipper tops have a permanently attached rear window.

Benefits:

• Cleaner appearance
• Fewer moving parts
• Simpler construction
• Less maintenance
• Very slight cost savings

Step 4: Rain Rail or No Rain Rail?

The Miata rain rail is a very important component that channels water away from the interior (including away from the trunk) and into the car’s drainage system.

Over time, original rain rails often crack or become brittle.

What Is a Rain Rail?

The rain rail mounts along the lower rear section of the convertible top and directs water into the factory drains behind the seats.

A damaged rain rail can cause:

• Water leaks
• Wet carpets
• Mold or mildew
• Interior damage
• Drainage problems

Tops With a New Rain Rail Included

• Simplifies installation
• Eliminates old brittle components
• Reduces leak risks
• Saves labor time

Tops Without a Rain Rail

• Lower purchase price
• Useful if your current rail is still in excellent condition

Decision Tree: Heated Defroster Glass Tops

• 2-Piece Look
  • Zipper or non-zipper
  • Rain rail included or not included
• 1-Piece Streamline Look
  • With new rain rail
  • Without rain rail

Shop Heated Glass Miata Top Options

Decision Tree: Non-Heated Glass Tops

• 2-Piece Look
  • Zipper or non-zipper
  • Rain rail or no rain rail
• 1-Piece Streamline Look
  • With rain rail
  • Without rain rail

Browse Non-Heated Glass Miata Tops

Decision Tree: Plastic Window Tops

• 2-Piece Look
  • Brand choices
  • Rain rail or no rain rail
• 1-Piece Streamline Look
  • Two brand choices, offering different price points
  • Rain rail or no rain rail

Shop Plastic Window Miata Tops

Miata Convertible Top Materials

Cabrio-Textured Vinyl

• Factory-style appearance
• Lower cost
• Easy maintenance
• Weather resistant

Haartz Stayfast Cloth/Canvas

• Premium look and feel
• Improved insulation
• Quieter driving experience
• Higher-end appearance

Color Choices

TopsOnline has the most color choices available from any online source for MX-5 Miata convertible top replacements. Depending on whether you are going with the factory-original Cabrio-Textured vinyl or the premium Haartz Stayfast Cloth canvas you will have different choices.

If you are looking for a factory original color and material, you should choose Black or Tan Cabrio-Textured Vinyl for your First Gen replacement Miata top.

Other colors are available as aftermarket additions and can really customize the look of your NA Miata. Popular aftermarket options include: Bordeaux, Medium Grey, and Dark Blue.

Accessories Available for 1989–1997 Miata Convertible Tops

Rain Rails

Rain rails manage water drainage and help prevent leaks. Shop Miata Top Rain Rails

Tension Cables

• Improve fitment
• Help reduce leaks and wind noise
• Replace stretched or corroded originals

Shop Miata Convertible Top Tension Cables

Boot Cover

A boot cover is a protective cover designed to cover the opening of a convertible top when it is folded down. It is sometimes called a "parade cover" or simply a "top cover". It not only provides a cleaner vehicle appearance, but it also protects the opening to the “boot” or trunk from dirt and debris. It helps prevents grime from entering the crevices of the top storage area.

• Protects top storage area
• Provides clean aesthetic
• Improves the car's aerodynamics
• Secures the convertible top while driving
• Does not fit models with a roll bar
• Available in Cabrio-Textured Vinyl or Haartz Stayfast Cloth

Shop Miata Boot Covers

Tonneau Cover

A tonneau cover is a protective cover that is used when the convertible top is down and is designed to cover the back and/or passenger seat area of the vehicle while allowing the drivers section to remain open. You can also open the passenger’s side if you have a guest and just cover space behind the back seat.

• Protects upholstery
• Reduces wind turbulence
• Improves the car's aerodynamics
• Includes headrest covers and has side zippers
• Available in left-hand drive and right-hand drive versions
• Will not fit vehicles with wind blocker or roll bars

Shop Miata Tonneau Covers

Installation Resources

• Convertible Top Cables
• Installation Videos

Shop Miata Convertible Top Accessories

Best Miata Convertible Top Options on a Budget

Best Budget-Friendly Choices:

• Plastic Window Tops
• EZ On 2-Piece Look Tops
• Reusing a Good Existing Rain Rail
• Vinyl Material

For many budget-minded owners, a plastic-window EZ On vinyl top delivers the best balance of affordability and appearance.

Why Buy Your Miata Convertible Top from TopsOnline?

Large Selection of Miata-Specific Configurations

• Window choices
• Glass options
• Streamline designs
• Zipper configurations
• Rain rail options
• Material choices
• Convertible Top Accessories

Competitive Pricing Against Major Convertible Top Sellers

TopsOnline has the highest volume of any online convertible top retailer, so we are able to pass along our volume savings to our customers, making TopsOnline an easy choice for value.

TopsOnline remains competitive while also offering expert product details and configuration options that help reduce ordering mistakes.

Helpful Product Information

Choosing the correct Miata top can be confusing, especially when dealing with rain rails, glass compatibility, streamline designs, defroster choices, and zipper configurations. Please let us know if you have questions.

Enthusiast-Focused Selection

• Factory-correct appearance
• OEM-style fitment
• Restoration authenticity
• Performance upgrades
• Long-term durability

Shop 1989–1997 Mazda Miata Convertible Tops at TopsOnline

Final Thoughts

The 1989–1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata remains one of the most rewarding sports cars to own, and replacing the convertible top can completely transform the vehicle’s appearance, comfort, and usability.

Whether you want:

• A factory-style plastic-window restoration
• A premium heated glass upgrade
• A streamline modern appearance
• A budget-friendly replacement
• Or a fully refreshed weatherproof system with new rain rails and cables

There are excellent options available for every type of Miata owner.

Taking the time to understand the differences between window types, top styles, zipper configurations, and rain rail setups will help ensure you choose the best replacement top for your specific goals and budget.