My hardtop latches, particularly the side ones, have this weird corrosion on them. Sort of like hard white calcium spots or little barnacles on them.

Is there an easy way to clean them off without damaging the latches, or is the damage already done? Any way to prevent this in the future?

 

I dunno what it is, but I have them too,

in for answers.

 

Same here.

 

Also have it. WTF!! lol

 

http://www.rennenmetal.com/proddetail.asp?prod=1335

Keeps the barnacles off and keeps the punks from running off with your top as easily.

BTW it is just oxidation; it's like rust except on aluminum. You can remove them, sandblast them lightly and then respray them with semi-gloss black if you would like to return them to stock appearance.

 

I noticed this a while ago as well. I was gonna remove them, scuff them with an abrasive pad, and repaint them also.
Glad to see I'm not alone.

 

BTW Sixshooter. Sweet Avatar. Is your turbo stock or add-on and how much diff does it make in power? I'm testing the waters. Had a chance to buy and '04 turbo or the '08 pwr hard top and chose the latter.

 

Steve is currently Naturally aspirated, but his turbo is definitely not stock. only stock turbo miatas are Mazdaspeeds.

 

Unfortunately turbos, Megasquirt, and many other goodies are in cardboard boxes at present. It's a long story that involves waterfront property I'd like to sell you.