Im now one of YOU

Well, sort of. 

For the first time in my life, I worked on a Miata this past weekend, installing a Hard Dog rollbar into a NB my buddy owns. 

It wasnt fun. 

But I feel like Im officially a GRMer now

Congrats :)

Rollbar installs are a pain. It's like Mazda didn't really intend you to put one in there.

In reply to hybridmomentspass :

Yeah roll bar install isn't fun with all the cutting of the rear deck.

Rear deck was the EASY part...it was those danged 3 bolt holes per side on the top by the fuel tank. The forward-facing ones were super easy...others not so much.

IF I ever have to do it again I'd cut the heck out of the top deck for more clearance. 

You had a 12' drill bit, right? That's the key. That and taking the seats out. I usually drill one of those three holes from above, then use the backing plate as a template to drill the other two from below.

The top can be a little bit of a PITA to work around, that's my biggest complaint.

In reply to Keith Tanner :

12" drill bit was a life saver for my NB roll bar install. Otherwise I didn't think it was that bad at all. 

Now try an NC Miata.   That rollbar was a PITA!

AWSX1686 (Forum Supporter) said:

In reply to Keith Tanner :

12" drill bit was a life saver for my NB roll bar install. Otherwise I didn't think it was that bad at all. 

I accidentally wrote 12 FOOT drill bit in my post, which is far funnier to think about. A little awkward to use, but at least you're not all hunched over.

seats were out

top was removed

didnt have that long of a bit, but getting to most of those tops are what the issue was. 

I did do what you, Keith, suggested, once one was drilled I used the backing plate as a template. But, man, that job wasnt fun. 

Keith Tanner said:

AWSX1686 (Forum Supporter) said:

In reply to Keith Tanner :

12" drill bit was a life saver for my NB roll bar install. Otherwise I didn't think it was that bad at all. 

I accidentally wrote 12 FOOT drill bit in my post, which is far funnier to think about. A little awkward to use, but at least you're not all hunched over.

Since I've never touched a Miata with a tool, I was instantly thinking it was a situation like the top bellhousing bolts on a 3rd gen F-body. Grab every single socket extension in the shop and remove the bolts while standing behind the rear axle.

In reply to slefain :

Been there many times, mostly GM stuff, except I usually stand near the tail shaft.