Theft of Hardtop - What's Next?

[patrickbc]

I initially signed up for this site to get ideas of liners. As of last night my hardtop was stolen from my 2001 MX-5. I am new to this world of the MX-5, since May of this year. It took me quite a while to find the one I did and repaint...Is this prevalent? I have heard they were high theft, yet, somehow wasn't prepared to lock it down permanently.

At this point I am still spinning a bit with what to do next and the shoulda's...I would appreciate ideas from people and experience mostly.

thanks

Patrick

[RustRat]

https://youtu.be/zx3U9hwUuEk

From what I've heard, it's common, unfortunately. I haven't heard anything where I live (Greece) but I've read a lot of people got their Hardtops stolen in the States.


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[—tsingson—]

I see you are in CA where the Miata has become the Civics/Integras of today. Sorry to hear. Maybe post up any details so people can keep an eye out on craigslist and such.

[— Phatmiata —]

this is probably more common in Cali, only heard of a couple stolen here in Florida.

[— Hammerhead —]

Does anyone make a locking latch (or a latch that you can put a small padlock on?

[—tsingson—]

Beatrush latches can have a lock attached.

[HarryB]

Doubt if a padlock can save the HT. Adam has a solution (I think) which required special tools to remove the bolts, and solid mounts instead of latches.

[—tsingson—]

If the hardtop will be permanent, grinding the edges of the bolts to where a socket won't be able to turn it can work. At that point if it's a smash and grab thing, you have deterred that.

[Travyss]

Does no one like http://www.thetoploc.com ? I have had them since I bought my car with hardtop. I recommended my friend buy a set...but they were gone, AWOL, but then the company returned with a refined product. Easiest to use in my opinion.

[patrickbc]

thanks for the ideas! The top I had was a 1991. I had the glass replaced for adding defrosting capabilites. The inside did not have a liner. The from drivers side latch had a particular patter of paint scracthed off. The right side latch had to be pulled out to close. The color was shiny black, as I had it repainted. One telling feature, is that the top paint bubbles in a couple of spots, looks like blisters. The individual who painted it told me that might be an issue, I was able to live with it. Well...thanks again all

[— freedomgli —]

revlimiter did a whole write up on hard top security for his blog and his online store offers solutions. Like others said, the Miata used to fly under the radar of thieves until they became popular with the low-life import scene guys, some of whom used to drive, steal and chop Hondas. So now hardtop theft is a problem in certain areas. Anything that is readily detachable like wheels suffer the same problem. I hear about it mostly around big cities like SF and LA but pros and opportunists alike will target them wherever you are.

The Hardtop Security Project part 1

The Hardtop Security Project – part 2

Hardtop Security Hardware Group-buy

Hardtop Security Hardware

[Ctsquid]

I can say from experience that if you go through insurance, it will almost certainly be a total loss. That was the case on my 99 that had the hard top stolen a few years ago.

[★ revlimiter ★]

http://revlimiter.net/store/hardtop-security.php

It's not foolproof by any means and it's a pretty DIY project, but it might help you (or someone else) in the future... The little square nuts are damn hard to get off without having a key.

[★ revlimiter ★]

Beatrush latches can have a lock attached.

The downside is that you can still unbolt the whole Beatrush latch from the HT, even with a lock through the hole. You need some security hardware to attach the latch to both the top and body.

[NCGreasemonkey]

Adam. The secret is multiple layers of protection, right? Your hardware. Bolted latches. Personally chosen tamper-resistant items in other places. Would you get us up some side window stickers that state "Hard-top is permanently mounted and has security fasteners to deter theft!"?

Thanks!