Access 986 Engine (Service Mode) With Hard Top Installed?

[Canada-Eh]

Can it be done or does one absolutely need to remove the hard-top and then put the soft-top in service mode?  I've seen picts of the carpet/panel behind the seats off so as to access the drive belt, so maybe this a point of entry with the hard-top still on?  

 

1999 986, 5 speed.  

[JFP in PA]

2 hours ago, Canada-Eh said:

Can it be done or does one absolutely need to remove the hard-top and then put the soft-top in service mode?  I've seen picts of the carpet/panel behind the seats off so as to access the drive belt, so maybe this a point of entry with the hard-top still on?  

 

1999 986, 5 speed.  

You cannot get at the engine from above with the hard top installed, it has to come off.

[Canada-Eh]

Thanks JFP. 

 

Grumble, grumble, stupid design. No wonder NA (first gen) Miata prices are starting to climb higher than the 986. 

[JFP in PA]

If the hard top did not sit on top of the clam shell, it would not be weather tight; so if it is sitting on the clamshell, it has to come off for the clamshell to move and allow the soft top to go far enough up to be put in the service position.  Not a "stupid design" in the least as it gives owners that want four seasons use of the car winter protection the soft top cannot supply.

[mikefocke]

Yes the behind the seats panel is unaffected by the hardtop.  But compared to the hardtop, the choice of a mid engine design had much more consequence in terms of ease of maintenance.

 

So it all depends on what you want and most choices have downsides as well as upsides.