Rear/Side Hardtop Brackets for Mazda MX-5 (Miata)
These rear/side hardtop brackets secure your Mazda OEM hardtop to the chassis, reducing body twist and providing a more coupe-like feel. This minimizes hardtop chatter, wind noise, and the potential for windshield cracks.
Features:
- Construction: Precise laser-cut from solid 4mm mild steel, pre-bent, and powder-coated to a quality OEM interior textured black finish.
- Fitment: Direct fit with or without interior trim. No modifications are necessary.
- Connection: Metal-to-metal connection between the hardtop and chassis (avoids contact with plastic trim) but also designed to integrate with the interior trim, similar to the OEM brackets.
- Weight Reduction: Saves over 2kg compared to the stock latches (full set).
- Community validated and approved: Endless positive community feedback for the last 15 years as market best sellers.
Benefits:
- Improved hardtop stability and reduced movement.
- Enhanced chassis rigidity.
- Minimizes wind noise and hardtop rattles.
- Helps prevent windshield damage.
- Buy with confidence.
Notes:
- This listing is for the rear/side bracket set only. The front bracket set is sold separately.
- An optional fitting kit is available, as OEM bolts can be reused.
Installation Instructions:
Due to variations in hardtop shapes, the brackets will conform to the hardtop after the initial installation. The following procedure is recommended:
- Initial Fitment: Attach the brackets loosely to the hardtop (3 bolts).
- Alignment: Center the brackets on the frame using the two larger bolts.
- Hardtop Bolt Tightening: Tighten the three hardtop bolts.
- Positioning: Position the hardtop using one of the following methods:
- Assistance: A second person can assist with positioning.
- C-Clamp Method: (See attached image).
- OEM Clamp Method: (Use the OEM clamp on one side during tightening – requires reinstallation after settling).
- Final Tightening: Tighten the large bolts incrementally, alternating between them until fully secured. Repeat for all brackets.
Settling and Adjustment:
The brackets will settle into their final position after approximately 20-30km of driving. If wind noise persists, reinstall the front brackets at their new forward-most position (remove the rear brackets for adjustment).
Pre-Installation Checks:
- Rubber Insulation: Verify that the legs centering over the "Frankenstein bolts" have complete rubber insulation. Damaged or missing insulation can cause rear knocking noises.
- Hardtop Seal: Grease the rear hardtop seal with silicone to prevent rubbing noises against the chassis.