So to be clear. You broke stuff for free that wouldn't be broken had you paid someone?

LOL.

I'm investigating the feasiblilty of a 2k6 soft top and frame. if i can install the top to the frame outside the car, I'll do it. I installed a soft top in my Miata (2 times!) and hated it. I won't do it in the S, it's a LOT more cramped in the back area.

 

I've not installed one, but I have removed one. It's a doable job, but a PITA.

For R&R, you're probably looking at all day if you do it yourself, or about 6-8 hrs of shop rates if somebody else does it.

Also, you need a helper to actually lift it out and lift the new one in. It's not too heavy to lift by yourself, but it's too awkward to do so.

 

 

Breaking stuff for free is better than the paid "professionals" breaking it for you.

 

I've replaced the top on my 2000 with a 2005 top. You just need the top, you can do some minor modifications to the frame to make it work. It is a lot of work, probably 10 hours for the first time, but isn't that difficult of work. The only special tools you will need is a riveter which can be bad for less then $20.

 

did you ever get resolution?

 

If I had a holey top and a busted plastic window, I'd install a 2002+ glass-window top (keeping the old frame).

Clovis tells how he did it: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=99683

 

it's been done, and it works!