Hard top quick release?

[peddani]

Has anyone modified their hard top for quick release latches? Cleaning the garage yesterday I came across an extra set of latches from a Miata that made me go 'hmmmmmm....'

Just wondering if anyone has some kind of set up like this.

 

[splib]

You have some pics of these latches?

 

[Dieseler]

Will only work on the side panels front visor and door rails still need to be bolted ...but would be nice if we could just unlatch our roofs and pull them off rather than undoing all them bolts

 

[GarageRat]

1/4 turn Dzus fasteners. Would be some work and somewhat costly but it'd make things easier.

 

[bikersmurf]

Will only work on the side panels front visor and door rails still need to be bolted ...but would be nice if we could just unlatch our roofs and pull them off rather than undoing all them bolts

Years ago, I slotted the front rail and 90 degree brackets so that the top would lift off after just loosening the nuts and bolts.

 

[3_puppies]

Has anyone modified their hard top for quick release latches? Cleaning the garage yesterday I came across an extra set of latches from a Miata that made me go 'hmmmmmm....'

Just wondering if anyone has some kind of set up like this.

no need to modify mine, I have 2 of them with latches on them...






















but they are 45's

 

[peddani]

Latches:
Mazda Miata hard top latch PAIR! on eBay!

Striker plates:
Genuine Mazda Miata OEM Hard Top Side Striker Plate 1990-2002

Understood that there would still be some required bolts; just thinking that eliminating some might be nice and relatively easy.

 

[Coastline]

1/4 turn Dzus fasteners. Would be some work and somewhat costly but it'd make things easier.

Actually not that costly. Factory rep has been to my shop a few times over the last 6-7 years and leaves the lastest and greatest sample kits. This is a project on my list of things to "get to" once I get my 77 on the road, soon.

 

[GarageRat]

About 3 dollars per fastener/catch pair through Jegs, I suppose it's not much more than getting the same amount of hardware from the hardware store.

 

[Volcanic Iceberg]

Ive had this Idea for a couple of years. I bet you could use some old FJ40 dash latches on the outside. Thats what Im planning to use to hold the top on my expedition trailer.

 

[youngmanchego]

no need to modify mine, I have 2 of them with latches on them...






















but they are 45's

Any chance you can repost these pictures? They seem to have been lost to the sands of time