I just got a brand new top install by a Honda dealer in StL, MO. & its looking good! Some neighborhood vandals cut original top. Now that I have a new top what diameter should the "pvc" pipe be??? What are the suggested material to cover the pipe???(terry cloth towel) The last "roll" I use which wasn't completely effective(from stopping the crease) was about 2in to 3in across including the towel covering. I ain't taking the top down till I hear from you guys/gals. Thanks!!!

 

I just use a foam pool noodle from the local toys R us, it is a soft foam so does not need any type of covering, it is also the perfect diameter. Good luck finding one of those things in the middle of Fall though!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Frank:
[B]I just use a foam pool noodle from the local toys R us, it is a soft foam so does not need any type of covering, it is also the perfect diameter.

 

Well, some guys use a roll of quarters, others use a rolled up sock. I've never had to resort to that, so I can't really say.

Oh THAT roll! Never mind!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TFota:
[B]Well, some guys use a roll of quarters, others use a rolled up sock.

 

I'm really sorry to hear about the top. Where was it parked? I'll have to avoid the whole area!

I have been using the softest material I could find for the "window". Sears and Autozone sell "polishing' cloth which seems to work pretty well.

 

Here's an alternative to the "noodle" that has worked for me to maintain a scratchless, creaseless back window. I take a soft terrycloth towel that is slightly longer/wider than the rear window and do the following: Tuck the towel between the window and the top where the top overlaps the window at the top and sides of the window. This holds the towel in place for lowering the top while protecting the outside window from scratching and creasing.

Another advantage to the towel is that it allows you to park the car, raise the top for security purposes for what ever period of time you'll be away, and put the top back down immediately upon your return without having to re-noodle.

 

Ivs2K, does that prevent the crease too?

After our last discussion on this topic I bought a medium or small bath towel, cotton, white and it fits just like you said it would.

I have a crease from the ONE TIME I've put the top down without protection, but no scratches that I know of. Since it is so cold here, the crease hasn't come out yet, but I bet it does as soon as we get some warmth.

I was thinking I should roll up a terry cloth towel and use that in addition to the terry cloth towel tucked into three sides of the window, but from your last post in this thread, perhaps that is not necessary.

Barry
'01 #52 and VERY COLD (below zero F)
too cold to wax/zaino
too cold to wash

[This message has been edited by Barry WY Silver/Black '01 (edited November 12, 2000).]

 

I'm planning on using a foam used for insulating pipes. It is wrapped with fleece.

I couldn't find the pool noodle, but this should work.

dave (S/B any day now)

 

I bought the tube from the Team Miata web site. It's about 2 1/2 inches diameter including the covering. It is a 29 1/2 inch long plastic pipe covered with headliner fabric (soft fabric with a foam backing). I still get a slight crease in the window, but it goes away after it sits in the sun a few minutes. I also made a mat for the roof well using headliner fabric and velcro to keep the inside of the window from scratching.