Two questions about hard top and wheels

[bpk]

I have an excellent 1990 with 15000 original miles
Always wanted a hardtop option, whats years' fit the 1990 model?
Original 14" wheels, is 15-16" a common upgrade?

[Demon I Am]

90-2004 hard tops will fit. You *May* need to change out the latch nipples, though

On a 90, I think 15" is the largest you want to go, aesthetically. Most people look for a 15*8, but it al depends on the wheel specs

[— Hammerhead —]

90-2004 hard tops will fit. You *May* need to change out the latch nipples, though

On a 90, I think 15" is the largest you want to go, aesthetically. Most people look for a 15*8, but it al depends on the wheel specs

+1

[—Martin—]

1990-2005, right? And the latches will need to be changed to the older style if you get a 2003+ top.

[NobleRogue]

Just about any hard top off of an NA will fit. If you go with one that was made for an NB (99-08) it will require some altering to make all the seals line up. As for the rims you can get away with 15x9's. This is probably the largest you would want to go. Any bigger and you will run in to "rubbing" problems. Even with the 15x9, depending on the tire size you get and the rims offset, you may need to get your fenders flared.

[— Phatmiata —]

Don't forget there are aftermarket tops as well.

[JamieH]

To reiterate what others have said:

'90 to early '03 hard tops will be a direct fit. Late '03 to '05 hardtops will require you to swap the front latches for the earlier ones and the later side strikers/achors. Regardless of what HT you get, don't forget the side strikers/anchors.

A further explanation of the latches. Sometime in '03 Mazda made a slight redesign to the soft top/hard top latches. The alignment pins/nipples went from a pointed design to a more blunt, rounded design. This was done to the latches themselves and not just the plastic pin/nipple covers. This redesign carried over to the side latches as well.

Oh, and unless you plan to do some wiring of your own, you can't make use of the defroster if you get a defroster top. The '90-'91 cars aren't pre-wired for a rear defroster.

For max fun and looks, a 15x7 wheel with an offset of +36 to +38 with a 195/50 tire that isn't too grippy will be plug and play. No chance of rubbing unless you slam the hell out of the car or something breaks. And with tires that aren't that grippy, you can still easily get the back end out a bit without much effort.

But for max grip, 15x9 on a super grippy 225/45 tire. You'll very likely need to roll the fenders at the least, and depending on ride height and offset, do a bit of pulling on them. Also, depending on the offset, some wheels will not fit/work unless you have aftermarket coil overs with a smaller diameter spring.

Well, there are grippier options, but I doubt you're going to attempt to run 15x10/15x11 with 275 Hosiers.

[NCGreasemonkey]

Just go balls out Carbon Miata full carbon top! Just pokin' ya homelander! I know you are shooting more retro style with a punch.