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Part of every service for an MX5 should be to keep the soft-top drains clear.
Condensation in the Roadster is a big give away that they are blocked or wet carpets.
If this is not done the result is rather messy because rain water will eventually end up in the cabin floor soaked up in the carpet underlay and even can fill up the body sills. So if you hear water sloshing about as you brake or corner the first thing to do is unblock the soft-top drains.
Its really easy to do, here’s how.
You will need a long rod, the OE removable radio whip aerial that comes with your Mx/Roadsters (some MK 1's a Mk 2's came with these) is good for this or the best thing to get is a trombone cleaner off e-bay etc, you can also use a curtain net wire for this, if you use the OE whip aerial make sure you are careful with it! Obviously if your car has an electric aerial or driving a MK 3 the trombone cleaner is by far the best to use.
You will find the top of the right drain under a small carpet flap inside the car behind the driver’s right shoulder on the drivers side and over the left shoulder on the passenger side.
The hole is about the size of a £ coin. Push your rod down through the hole ball tip end first (if you’re using your aerial take care at this point to flex it evenly and as straight as you can) until the rod comes out on the ground, you might feel some resistance, this will be the bottom flap which stops road noise, so give it a good push to get past it Repeat this with the passenger side drain. The drains are now clear.
If you have a rear zip out window ( which will mainly be the MK 1 version),than this can be done even easier with the clear plastic rear window unzipped flat on the rear shelf after taking the tension off with the front frame latches.
We at mazdamenders.net do not recommend useing a metal coat hanger for this job, as it can dislodge the drainage tube to the drainage tray with out you knowing bring on far bigger problems including RUST
Submitted by the team
