THSCC Forums

Anyone know if it's safe to drive with the hardtop on the car with only the front latches and frankenstein bolts latched?

If I buy a top, the only way to get it home is by putting it on the car and I don't have the parts installed to connect the side latches. It would be interstate driving and I really don't want to lose the top and have it cause an accident.

Would it be a better idea to postpone the purchase and install the side striker plates before the pickup?

Thanks,
Charlie

You don't need the side latches. The bolts on the back and front hold it. I have only one side latch installed on track w/o problems. I think that people with the HDHC (non-hdtop) roll bar can't latch the side ones even if they are there.

Charlie, I've never run on the street with the side latches on my hard top. While there was a custom latch you could get for the M1's to work with the HD bars, the M2's (at least as of a few years ago) had no such option. You will get more wind noise leaking by the bottom seal without them, but nothing serious. On track, I do bolt on some steel strapping on each side for peace of mind, but I don't think it's absolutely necessary.

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Dustin Fredrickson
-- I'm a nobody --

Top latches + frankenstein bolts is more secure than all 4 latches + no frankenstein bolts.

Charlie,

I've never tracked any of my Miatae with side latches. Not many of the Spec Miata guys do either. Roll bars and cages make access to the side latch areas darn near impossible.

I have seen special plates made to replace the latches for such applications. However, they're a bitch to install because of the screw locations. They're not something that will permit you to easily remove the hardtop.

_________________
“I feel safer on a racetrack than I do on Houston's freeways.” - A.J. Foyt

Kevin Butler
Mobetta Autosport Spec E30 #612
2003 C5 Z06 Corvette
AFR Miata, SM2 61, '93 w/200 SC'd RWHP - soon to be resurrected
Waaaay too many other projects....

I am glad this topic came up. I am having to somehow secure my race seats to mine without a slider. If I do so I will block the side latches. So other than some wind noise, the frankenstein bolts and winshield latches are enough. Will is still be weather tight, or tight enough to wash it without worrying about water pouring in below that seal?

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1993 Crystal White Miata ST 27 - Slow, but always finishes
2006 Flint Mica Metallic Lexus LS430 - Pure luxury
2005 Toyota Sienna XLE - The "new" Mobile Closet, Sandbox and Grocery Getter

Hey if you need tires, I know a guy....

You'll be weather tight if the Frankenstein bolts work properly.

The pieces that go over the Frankenstien bolts (Fb) can get out of adjustment. When they're not working right you'll see/hear your hard top rattling around.

The bottom of the Fb hook grabs the bottom of the Fb head. There is a plate in each Fb hook that creates a snug fit via tension of the plate on the top of the bolt head. They've got a little bit of bend in the middle and if I recall correctly the bottom of the V rubs against the top of the Fb to create clamping force. There are a couple of screws in the bottom side of each Fb hook that will let you slide the plate out.

I had a hardtop flopping around pretty well and resolved it by bending the plates a little more which put more clamping force on the bolt head. That was aboot 4 years ago and haven't had a problem since.

_________________
“I feel safer on a racetrack than I do on Houston's freeways.” - A.J. Foyt

Kevin Butler
Mobetta Autosport Spec E30 #612
2003 C5 Z06 Corvette
AFR Miata, SM2 61, '93 w/200 SC'd RWHP - soon to be resurrected
Waaaay too many other projects....

Hard Dog has some "special" latches that are thinner than the stock latches. But, they are still difficult to install because of clearance issues with the bar. Don't run any latches if you want to remove the top regularly.

_________________
Brad