Thank you so much for documenting your steps and creating this video. I am about halfway through replacing my top and this video has been so much easier to follow than the manufacturer’s instructions.
I bought a Robbins top and followed the instructions in this video very carefully. The Robbins installation instructions that came with the top were comically inadequate. They were utterly useless. I had never done anything like this before, but the instructions in this video were bang on. My son and I changed the top in a weekend and everything works great. I don't think we could have done it without this video. Thanks.
Great Video. I have just finished replacing my top and your video was extremely helpful. Thanks for making the effort to make it. It really helped me. All the best mate 😊
Wife and I enjoyed your video removing and installing the Spyder top. You are blessing. Watching and reviewing your video is an absolute must for the DIY’r. Thank you for your timely public service and sacrifice to video the entire process. It will Not be an easy project for anyone if you’re video is not used.
Great video, thanks for posting. I did one on my S2000 about 4 years ago and it was the worst experience of my DIY life, LOL! I got it done, but I feel like it took 10 years off of my life. That said, I'm somewhat of a glutton for punishment and I just picked up a 2003 MR-S that looks like it could use a new top. I will be using your video for spiritual guidance, thanks again!
@@antimattergarage8147 - Here I am again, I've officially got her all torn apart. I will probably be watching your video 8,000,000 more times, LOL. Thanks again for the assist!
you've literally been a blessing lol. i've been looking for a good tutorial on how to do this since i'm gonna replace the soft top in a couple days and this is exactly what i needed. thank you for making the process so much easier
Cool. I'm so glad it will help you. When I posted it, I figured, waaaay too long. It'll be forever before anyone uses it because these cars are getting rare. But here you are. Good luck.
Just finished replacing the top on my 2003 with a Robbins. While it wasn't exactly the same, it was very helpful having your video as a reference for how things should work and look. Thanks for posting this resource!
Right on! Nice job, I could see that you put care into it, not like some guys just trying to post junk showing off. This video was a big help. It was pretty entertaining to watch at 2× speed also
Thank you for the kind words. The 2x speed is a great idea. Unless I can start shortening my videos, maybe I'll just recommend this to my viewers. LOL.
@@antimattergarage8147 your level of detail was much appreciated especially on this soft top video and I could see it'd be hard to compromise. May I suggest a cut version and extended version? My friend suggested that for my music and I realized that would please both audiences. Personally I like the longer cuts 👍
I told myself I didn't need to record myself taking off the soft top. Your video helped me put back on the new one. Luckily all my holes were there and didn't have to drill. Overall thanks again for making this video. My new sierra canvas top is great.
Finally done with mine. all based on your guidance. thank you thank you thank you! im missing the guides on the sides though... the ones near the riveted ones.. too bad im only doing this once.. im pretty sure I can install one faster now 😆
Excellent video, i wanted to like comment and subscride right now as im in the middle of replacing my top and this video got me through taking mine off and is helping get the new one back on.
Not Too far from the time you installed the top the back glass window is gonna start falling due to the tension. When I realized it was falling I glued back up and i applied silicone on both sides
Brace yourself for any lingering issues carried from from the pre-03 model years. Do you have your pre-cats gutted or removed? Are you burning any oil?
@@nateoverthehorizon1176 Good deal, and happy driving! Just popped an '03 Celica motor in mine after replacing exhaust manifold and cat downpipe. Previous '01 motor made it to 151K.
@@nateoverthehorizon1176 If the car is breathing easy with an aftermarket precat and cat downpipe, a standard post-03 1ZZ swap is fine. The Celica GT one swaps over well and the power is fine. 2ZZ swaps are great, of course.
If you mean you cleaned your top and not it doesn't really look black anymore. I just used a vinyl cleaner made for tops. I just used the last and threw the bottle away so I can't tell you the brand. But personally I just go the parts store and use whatever they have on the shelf for vinyl tops. Seems to work pretty well. If that's what you used and now it's not black, I have seen some that are black, but they are used for trim parts. I'm not sure if they can be used for tops. Sorry, guess you'll just have to google it.
Started replacing my roof the other day, got about halfway back on today, wouldnt be possible without this video. Cant thank you enough. I was wondering how your replacement soft top is holding up after 2 years now? It looks like mine came from the same manufacturer so I was wondering.
Mine is ok. It still looks great. The only two problems are that the headliner looks like it's pulling out and the strap that goes across, won't stay snapped, but I think the snaps themselves are just old. That part didn't come with the top. Otherwise great! Glad my video helped you. Good luck!
Sierra U.S. Made twill vinyl top is nice and cones with a 5 year warranty (IF professionally installed) for around $600. However, like most other roofs the instructions are horrible, with fuzzy B&W photo-copied pictures with no arrows or notes or fastener type/sizes (in case it is missing or mixed up with others) accompanying a one-line description. 18 steps/3 pages of taking the old roof off, then 18 steps 3 more pages on installing it. They assume an auto upholstry guy has done this car before, is familiar with all the things NOT mentioned, and is well organized. As for a DIY'r, you are screwed. Good Luck, and watch this video carefully, taking notes.
I just an 03 Spyder and the original owner NEVER but the top down. Now after putting the top down about a dozen times, I've notice a separation on both sides of the top. The top is in great shape, seems like it pulling in the center in right above the center of the door. Doesn't leak pulling in about 3/8" on both sides same place. HELP ANYONE
Hi, Question for you: My soft top's "skeleton" is ripped on one side. So, I can't fold down the top anymore. Do you know if I can buy a new skeleton easily enough in the U.S? Thank you!
I'm sorry, but I don't know. If it were me, I'd just weld up something new, but if you don't have that skill, I would first suggesting a search of auto salvage yards for used ones or even on the MR2 community since some people get rid of them in favor of a hard top. The biggest online community for the Spyder, I believe, is Spyderchat.com. You could ask on the forums or even check their sales page. Good luck.
Hi there! Amazing video and it will be my go to since Im changing my top as well. My question is what nut and bolts did you use for the little metal brackets that go with the top 33:19?.
There are two things there. One is a pin and has no bolt. It's just for alignment. The other is a threaded stud, so that acts as the bolt. I'm not really sure what size it is. Sorry. It's whatever was on the car. And the nut was already on the car as well. Are your's missing?
I have a hard top so I may just delete the soft top. It looks like a pain. Also I have just finished my 2zz swap. Small video on my page if your interested.
That's what the guys from dimly lit garage did and yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing that, but can you be more specific about your "page?" Facebook, youtube?
@@antimattergarage8147 Hi, it's on my UA-cam page. It's nothing fancy, just some pictures and some small clips of it running. I'm not really into making videos.
@@Truzo Looks good and I'm glad to hear that the valves are a bit noisy like mine. I was concerned. But dude, your steering wheel is on the wrong side! Aaaaaaa!
@@antimattergarage8147 I may try and make a new video walk around at some point. The top end noise does go away some what when it's up to temperature but I think the phone camera highlights the sound also. I did all the wiring myself and recycled the celica exhaust. I will make a better one later on.
Thank you so much for documenting your steps and creating this video. I am about halfway through replacing my top and this video has been so much easier to follow than the manufacturer’s instructions.
You are welcome. I'm glad it's helping.
I bought a Robbins top and followed the instructions in this video very carefully.
The Robbins installation instructions that came with the top were comically inadequate. They were utterly useless.
I had never done anything like this before, but the instructions in this video were bang on. My son and I changed the top in a weekend and everything works great. I don't think we could have done it without this video. Thanks.
Your appreciation makes it all worthwhile. Thank you and congratulations on the new top.
Great Video. I have just finished replacing my top and your video was extremely helpful. Thanks for making the effort to make it. It really helped me. All the best mate 😊
Wife and I enjoyed your video removing and installing the Spyder top. You are blessing. Watching and reviewing your video is an absolute must for the DIY’r. Thank you for your timely public service and sacrifice to video the entire process. It will Not be an easy project for anyone if you’re video is not used.
Thanks.
Mid way stripping off my roof. Life saving advice and instruction!
Great video, thanks for posting. I did one on my S2000 about 4 years ago and it was the worst experience of my DIY life, LOL! I got it done, but I feel like it took 10 years off of my life. That said, I'm somewhat of a glutton for punishment and I just picked up a 2003 MR-S that looks like it could use a new top. I will be using your video for spiritual guidance, thanks again!
You're very welcome. Good luck.
@@antimattergarage8147 - Here I am again, I've officially got her all torn apart. I will probably be watching your video 8,000,000 more times, LOL. Thanks again for the assist!
@@industrialdrummer44 Yeah, I hope it goes ok. I have a strap that keeps coming off of mine. I think it's just 20 year old parts, though.
you've literally been a blessing lol. i've been looking for a good tutorial on how to do this since i'm gonna replace the soft top in a couple days and this is exactly what i needed. thank you for making the process so much easier
Cool. I'm so glad it will help you. When I posted it, I figured, waaaay too long. It'll be forever before anyone uses it because these cars are getting rare. But here you are. Good luck.
Yes, after i watch your hard works.... I found a auto interiors and top shop willing to put it on for under 700.
Another big thank you for this soft top install video.
You're welcome. Hope it helps or helped.
Just finished replacing the top on my 2003 with a Robbins. While it wasn't exactly the same, it was very helpful having your video as a reference for how things should work and look. Thanks for posting this resource!
Great! Glad I could help.
감사합니다!
own mr in korea
I'm preparing to replace the soft-top, and I think it's going to be a help.
Thanks so much for explaining everything in detail, this will really help when i replace mine in spring
Right on! Nice job, I could see that you put care into it, not like some guys just trying to post junk showing off. This video was a big help. It was pretty entertaining to watch at 2× speed also
Thank you for the kind words. The 2x speed is a great idea. Unless I can start shortening my videos, maybe I'll just recommend this to my viewers. LOL.
@@antimattergarage8147 your level of detail was much appreciated especially on this soft top video and I could see it'd be hard to compromise. May I suggest a cut version and extended version? My friend suggested that for my music and I realized that would please both audiences. Personally I like the longer cuts 👍
A very helpful video it has made my next project much easier. Thanks from the U.K.
I’m getting ready to change my roof over. Thank you for this vid because it’s really going to help!
How'd it go? Any unforeseen problems to watch out for?
doing mine in spring , thank you so much. exellent video
I told myself I didn't need to record myself taking off the soft top. Your video helped me put back on the new one. Luckily all my holes were there and didn't have to drill. Overall thanks again for making this video. My new sierra canvas top is great.
You're welcome. If you had hole, I kind of wish I had gotten the Sierra. How is the quality?
The Big Green Book suggests removing the top assembly entirely before replacing the top material. I can see why now.
Finally done with mine. all based on your guidance. thank you thank you thank you! im missing the guides on the sides though... the ones near the riveted ones.. too bad im only doing this once.. im pretty sure I can install one faster now 😆
Congrats!
Replacing my 02 soft top and I’m nervous but thanks for the great video!! It really helped
45:45 is the best example of editing a video for mistakes than just continuing the video and explaining it afterward
Thanks.
Hell yeah, somebody finally did this. Cheers from France
Excellent video, i wanted to like comment and subscride right now as im in the middle of replacing my top and this video got me through taking mine off and is helping get the new one back on.
Thank you. I appreciate that. I hope the top replacement goes well for you.
Thanks for this video. It was very helpful when I swapped out my top!
You're very welcomed. Hope it came out ok.
Not Too far from the time you installed the top the back glass window is gonna start falling due to the tension. When I realized it was falling I glued back up and i applied silicone on both sides
Thank you this video helped a lot
You're welcome.
I'm in the process of replacing my top. Honestly, this job is harder than an engine swap
Just got a 2001 MR2. This is gonna be the instructions for me to replace my top
Brace yourself for any lingering issues carried from from the pre-03 model years. Do you have your pre-cats gutted or removed? Are you burning any oil?
@@12ealDealOfficial pre cats are gutted no oil burning. Love it. I average 27-31 mpg and it drives like a go-kart
@@nateoverthehorizon1176 Good deal, and happy driving! Just popped an '03 Celica motor in mine after replacing exhaust manifold and cat downpipe. Previous '01 motor made it to 151K.
@@12ealDealOfficial I just bought a 2002 mr2 with a bad motor (pre cat fail) for cheap, I might do a 2zz swap to it
@@nateoverthehorizon1176 If the car is breathing easy with an aftermarket precat and cat downpipe, a standard post-03 1ZZ swap is fine. The Celica GT one swaps over well and the power is fine. 2ZZ swaps are great, of course.
Wow great video. Very helpful.
nice videos..can you please tell wat I can use to make my to black again? after cleaning ?
If you mean you cleaned your top and not it doesn't really look black anymore. I just used a vinyl cleaner made for tops. I just used the last and threw the bottle away so I can't tell you the brand. But personally I just go the parts store and use whatever they have on the shelf for vinyl tops. Seems to work pretty well. If that's what you used and now it's not black, I have seen some that are black, but they are used for trim parts. I'm not sure if they can be used for tops. Sorry, guess you'll just have to google it.
Great job!
Started replacing my roof the other day, got about halfway back on today, wouldnt be possible without this video. Cant thank you enough. I was wondering how your replacement soft top is holding up after 2 years now? It looks like mine came from the same manufacturer so I was wondering.
Mine is ok. It still looks great. The only two problems are that the headliner looks like it's pulling out and the strap that goes across, won't stay snapped, but I think the snaps themselves are just old. That part didn't come with the top. Otherwise great!
Glad my video helped you. Good luck!
Sierra U.S. Made twill vinyl top is nice and cones with a 5 year warranty (IF professionally installed) for around $600.
However, like most other roofs the instructions are horrible, with fuzzy B&W photo-copied pictures with no arrows or notes or fastener type/sizes (in case it is missing or mixed up with others) accompanying a one-line description. 18 steps/3 pages of taking the old roof off, then 18 steps 3 more pages on installing it.
They assume an auto upholstry guy has done this car before, is familiar with all the things NOT mentioned, and is well organized.
As for a DIY'r, you are screwed.
Good Luck, and watch this video carefully, taking notes.
Does a new drain assembly come with the replacement top? If not, is there a replacement available?
Thanks
No the top doesn't include a drain. Not sure if it's available. You'd have to ask Toyota.
@@antimattergarage8147 OK, thank you
I just an 03 Spyder and the original owner NEVER but the top down. Now after putting the top down about a dozen times, I've notice a separation on both sides of the top. The top is in great shape, seems like it pulling in the center in right above the center of the door. Doesn't leak pulling in about 3/8" on both sides same place. HELP ANYONE
Sorry, buddy. I just don't know what to tell you. Maybe a shop that specializes in tops can glue some sections?
3 years later and the price of the top alone is $865, damm im looking to buy mine at the moment and do it
Hi, Question for you: My soft top's "skeleton" is ripped on one side. So, I can't fold down the top anymore. Do you know if I can buy a new skeleton easily enough in the U.S? Thank you!
I'm sorry, but I don't know. If it were me, I'd just weld up something new, but if you don't have that skill, I would first suggesting a search of auto salvage yards for used ones or even on the MR2 community since some people get rid of them in favor of a hard top. The biggest online community for the Spyder, I believe, is Spyderchat.com. You could ask on the forums or even check their sales page. Good luck.
Hi there! Amazing video and it will be my go to since Im changing my top as well. My question is what nut and bolts did you use for the little metal brackets that go with the top 33:19?.
There are two things there. One is a pin and has no bolt. It's just for alignment. The other is a threaded stud, so that acts as the bolt. I'm not really sure what size it is. Sorry. It's whatever was on the car. And the nut was already on the car as well. Are your's missing?
I notice that the drain isn't part of the top assembly. Did you replace the drains previously?
If you mean the drains on the sides of the cars, nope. Just the originals.
At 1:03:40 were you able to get that part of the fabric over the metal part?
I'm sorry. I don't recall, if I removed the top from the front and did it over again or just stretched it. Sorry.
thanks for the video lol i need to do this
starting dissasembly tomorrow and just got to 46:50. im dying
Nice adub
I'm like you too aw11+zzw30
I have a hard top so I may just delete the soft top. It looks like a pain. Also I have just finished my 2zz swap. Small video on my page if your interested.
That's what the guys from dimly lit garage did and yeah, I wouldn't mind seeing that, but can you be more specific about your "page?" Facebook, youtube?
@@antimattergarage8147 Hi, it's on my UA-cam page. It's nothing fancy, just some pictures and some small clips of it running. I'm not really into making videos.
@@Truzo Looks good and I'm glad to hear that the valves are a bit noisy like mine. I was concerned.
But dude, your steering wheel is on the wrong side! Aaaaaaa!
@@antimattergarage8147 I may try and make a new video walk around at some point. The top end noise does go away some what when it's up to temperature but I think the phone camera highlights the sound also. I did all the wiring myself and recycled the celica exhaust. I will make a better one later on.
there is a tool for clips well worth buying
Got a link or pic or something?
I'm paying, no way my time doing that.