My first car - 1996 VR Ltd 1.8 Combination A
Discussion
dxg said:
That's a damn fine bit of work, it looks great! Damn you for giving me ideas! 
Alex, this is the place I got it from - ClassicCarStereo
Have just re-read this entire blog, and realised I didn't mention what had caused the recent malaise with the engine.
A coolant pipe at the back of the cylinder head had perished, and a whole bunch of coolant had made its bid for freedom, resulting in the higher engine bay temps - what I mistook for smoke was actually steam from the escaped coolant on hot engine parts. My guy at the garage made up a new pipe and everything's sweet again!
When I started this blog, I seemed to be pretty hot on lists of stuff that needed to be done, and I've not done that for ages...
Stereo system - needs to be installed
Off side indicator/driving light - needs clip to secure it
Near side indicator/driving light - is cracked, needs replacing
Trim on base of D/S mirror still lose
Section of carpet in D/S footwell still adrift
Wheels could do with a refurbish
There are a couple of lumps in the bootlid where a previous owner had shut it with something big inside that has hit the lid
Poor areas of paint round the front and rear bumpers
Seats are looking worn in places, namely the D/S bolster on the seat back.
TBH, quite a few of these aren't priority items, it'd just be nice if I had the ££ to get them sorted...
A coolant pipe at the back of the cylinder head had perished, and a whole bunch of coolant had made its bid for freedom, resulting in the higher engine bay temps - what I mistook for smoke was actually steam from the escaped coolant on hot engine parts. My guy at the garage made up a new pipe and everything's sweet again!
When I started this blog, I seemed to be pretty hot on lists of stuff that needed to be done, and I've not done that for ages...
Stereo system - needs to be installed
Off side indicator/driving light - needs clip to secure it
Near side indicator/driving light - is cracked, needs replacing
Trim on base of D/S mirror still lose
Section of carpet in D/S footwell still adrift
Wheels could do with a refurbish
There are a couple of lumps in the bootlid where a previous owner had shut it with something big inside that has hit the lid
Poor areas of paint round the front and rear bumpers
Seats are looking worn in places, namely the D/S bolster on the seat back.
TBH, quite a few of these aren't priority items, it'd just be nice if I had the ££ to get them sorted...
So do I mate! 
The space underneath already has a cubby, but it ain't fixed in too well - that another of the things I'm looking to fix.
This is pretty much what she looks like atm. Apart from the trim round the radio has fallen off, and the little panel between radio and cubby had also gone south...
The space underneath already has a cubby, but it ain't fixed in too well - that another of the things I'm looking to fix.
This is pretty much what she looks like atm. Apart from the trim round the radio has fallen off, and the little panel between radio and cubby had also gone south...
Aye! I've made a start on getting the new audio stuff in, to the point where I can now play the new radio.
I started on the doors...
The trim came off very easily with the help of a trim removal tool, revealing a mess of horrible tacky adhesive stuff..
...which took a while to remove
The Dynamat came in 4 sheets, enough to do 2 doors of a normal sized car - but the perfect size for a pint-sized car like the Roadster.
Putting it on was straightforward; the hardest part was all the prep work.
I'm pretty happy with it, esp. as it's my first go at Dynamatting.
and as she looks now.
Next stage - the head unit! It's in, sort of. Its unusual design is causing quite a few problems with regards to fixing it in securely. It's fixed at the back by a metal strap and at the front just by the position of the face plate - there's no way to support it along the sides like most head units. Trouble is, the face plate needs to sit in front of the dash panel, but the dash panel needs to be removed to access the wiring.
So as things stand I've bodged it!
I do have a few ideas as to how to get it in properly, just needs a bit of time and patience!
Main thing is, it sounds bloody good! The Dynamat has made a huge difference, and together with decent speakers and a good source, music is now dynamic, tuneful and clear! It's also got a decent bit of volume. Looks wise and ergonomically, it's in a different league to the old head unit, having proper knobs to play with instead of stupid tiny little buttons!
I started on the doors...
The trim came off very easily with the help of a trim removal tool, revealing a mess of horrible tacky adhesive stuff..
...which took a while to remove
The Dynamat came in 4 sheets, enough to do 2 doors of a normal sized car - but the perfect size for a pint-sized car like the Roadster.
Putting it on was straightforward; the hardest part was all the prep work.
I'm pretty happy with it, esp. as it's my first go at Dynamatting.
and as she looks now.
Next stage - the head unit! It's in, sort of. Its unusual design is causing quite a few problems with regards to fixing it in securely. It's fixed at the back by a metal strap and at the front just by the position of the face plate - there's no way to support it along the sides like most head units. Trouble is, the face plate needs to sit in front of the dash panel, but the dash panel needs to be removed to access the wiring.
So as things stand I've bodged it!
I do have a few ideas as to how to get it in properly, just needs a bit of time and patience!
Main thing is, it sounds bloody good! The Dynamat has made a huge difference, and together with decent speakers and a good source, music is now dynamic, tuneful and clear! It's also got a decent bit of volume. Looks wise and ergonomically, it's in a different league to the old head unit, having proper knobs to play with instead of stupid tiny little buttons!
You've got the jdm tombstone, so if you dremelled off the lip around the edges of the opening, you will have a gap exactly one din wide in which your head unit's face plate will sit without having to stick out the front of the tombstone , as in the uk cars.
For mounting it, on the rear of the tomestone are plenty of spots to screw self tappers into. Then it's just a case of hacking up some appropriate brackets...
For mounting it, on the rear of the tomestone are plenty of spots to screw self tappers into. Then it's just a case of hacking up some appropriate brackets...
The red power lead is the light from the ciggie tray which I re-routed into the roof of the cubby tray (which is held onto the headunit by cable ties and duct-tape - yup). The headunit itself is screwed into b&q brackets which are screwed into the back of the tombstone by self tappers and is rock solid. The cubby tray is just a standard one din unit (hence the hole, once the lip is removed, is exactly double-din sized) out of a VW Polo because it's what I had lying around in my garage...
Edited by dxg on Sunday 22 September 17:24
This thread is a wonderful piece of surrendipity. I'm taking my practical test in October, and at this stage have been considering a number of cars for my first (at some stage next year - dependent on a number of factors re: engagement, wedding, holiday, whether we decide to move to Hertfordshire next year, yada yada yada).
I really wanted a Jag X-Type, but the costs inc insurance for a first-time driver would be horrific. Also, my girlfriend drives a S-Type, so why not get something a little different, right? I originally considered the Ford Puma, but after seeing a number in the flesh (really become observant with car models since I started driving lessons) I dislike the rear - especially lack of visibility. After a bit if searching, I stumbled on the Mk1 MX-5 and instantly fell in love with a British Racing Green eunos with tan leather interior. Of course, I haven't actually took one for a spin, so have no idea on feel (my experience limited to a Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 and a Peugeot 208).
I'm heartened to find that someone else was thinking along the same lines and choose a MX-5 as their first car; and equally had little to no experience with car maintenance. Hell, it was the first time a couple of weeks ago that I actually filled the gas tank (girlfriend's car) and a couple of days ago I added engine coolant after the warning indicator popped up en-route as we were about to head down the A1 back to London! Small, baby steps - and reading the owner's manual whilst waiting for the radiator to cool down.
My note of concern is the number of problems that you've suffered - notably the suspension. Is this pretty much a case of you pay your money and take your choice when buying used? Especially on a 17 year old car? That said, another reason to buy used is that like yourself, I would like to get my hands dirty to a certain extent - although I'd probably proceed at a much slower pace than yourself!
Your attitude is inspiring in terms of your enthusiasm and your willingness to treat problems as an opportunity to improve your car maintenance competencies!
Keep it up!
Cheers.
I really wanted a Jag X-Type, but the costs inc insurance for a first-time driver would be horrific. Also, my girlfriend drives a S-Type, so why not get something a little different, right? I originally considered the Ford Puma, but after seeing a number in the flesh (really become observant with car models since I started driving lessons) I dislike the rear - especially lack of visibility. After a bit if searching, I stumbled on the Mk1 MX-5 and instantly fell in love with a British Racing Green eunos with tan leather interior. Of course, I haven't actually took one for a spin, so have no idea on feel (my experience limited to a Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 and a Peugeot 208).
I'm heartened to find that someone else was thinking along the same lines and choose a MX-5 as their first car; and equally had little to no experience with car maintenance. Hell, it was the first time a couple of weeks ago that I actually filled the gas tank (girlfriend's car) and a couple of days ago I added engine coolant after the warning indicator popped up en-route as we were about to head down the A1 back to London! Small, baby steps - and reading the owner's manual whilst waiting for the radiator to cool down.
My note of concern is the number of problems that you've suffered - notably the suspension. Is this pretty much a case of you pay your money and take your choice when buying used? Especially on a 17 year old car? That said, another reason to buy used is that like yourself, I would like to get my hands dirty to a certain extent - although I'd probably proceed at a much slower pace than yourself!
Your attitude is inspiring in terms of your enthusiasm and your willingness to treat problems as an opportunity to improve your car maintenance competencies!
Keep it up!
Cheers.
putonghua73 said:
Of course, I haven't actually took one for a spin, so have no idea on feel (my experience limited to a Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 and a Peugeot 208).
It will feel very, very, very different! Which you may actually find disconcerting at first - for instance the brakes will feel a lot less responsive and the steering will feel heavier. But trust us - this is the correct way!putonghua73 said:
My note of concern is the number of problems that you've suffered - notably the suspension. Is this pretty much a case of you pay your money and take your choice when buying used? Especially on a 17 year old car? That said, another reason to buy used is that like yourself, I would like to get my hands dirty to a certain extent - although I'd probably proceed at a much slower pace than yourself!
Yes - that is the 'gamble'. However - it is equally going to be just as much of a problem on any car. I would almost guarantee that any problems found on an MX-5 will be easier, and cheaper, to solve than those of, say, the Jag S-type of the same value. Schmeeky said:
When I started this blog, I seemed to be pretty hot on lists of stuff that needed to be done, and I've not done that for ages...
Stereo system - needs to be installed sort of is.. but I know now how to to it - I think!
Off side indicator/driving light - needs clip to secure it has finally been procured, and is secured! Yay!
..After chasing about all over the shop online, trying all sorts, I went to my local Mazda dealer to see if they on the off chance did parts for a 17 year old car.
And they did!!
£2.90 got my the part to secure the sidelight, and I'm now a very happy Schmeeky!
In other news, I bought a radiator grill from MX5parts.com to protect my radiator* and smarten up the appearance a bit. It was 2 bolts to remove to fit it - one came out sweet as a nut - but the other was seized solid, gallons of WD40 did nowt. Stereo system - needs to be installed sort of is.. but I know now how to to it - I think!
Off side indicator/driving light - needs clip to secure it has finally been procured, and is secured! Yay!
..After chasing about all over the shop online, trying all sorts, I went to my local Mazda dealer to see if they on the off chance did parts for a 17 year old car.
And they did!!
£2.90 got my the part to secure the sidelight, and I'm now a very happy Schmeeky!
I'm going to have to go to the garage to get them to work their magic on the stuck bolt.. On the plus side, when I was in there I could see that my rad has taken some damage with not having protection, and that a new rad might be a good idea. £70 from MX5parts.com ain't too bad. The current rad is damaged, but it's still sealed - a new 'un seems like a damn fine idea though.. 
A little update - after having the interior look like this for far too long,
...it now looks like this!
My old boss from work finally got a pass out from his missus and came along to help with the wiring and amp install, while I worked on the head unit. Being a non-standard size and shape it was a real pig to get in, but it's in and I'm happy with the end result.
...it now looks like this!
My old boss from work finally got a pass out from his missus and came along to help with the wiring and amp install, while I worked on the head unit. Being a non-standard size and shape it was a real pig to get in, but it's in and I'm happy with the end result.
Just had a cracking drive oot round the Solway Firth, it's a lovely mild day up here - still got some funny looks though!
Caught a nice photo, then found that flikr has a built in editor, so have messed around with it a tad. For a photo taken with a phone I don't think it's half bad!
Car's absolutely filthy though, which doesn't help!
Caught a nice photo, then found that flikr has a built in editor, so have messed around with it a tad. For a photo taken with a phone I don't think it's half bad!
Car's absolutely filthy though, which doesn't help!
It's been a while since I've updated my blog here, and quite a few things have been going on!
My road tax was due to run out at the end of December, so I went on the web site to renew, had ticked all the boxes and thought it was all good, when it popped up and said we can't renew as you don't have a valid MOT.
I dove into my car history file, pulled out the previous MOT and discovered that it had run out in July!
After I'd kicked myself in the arse and finished swearing at myself I phoned my local garage guys and begged for an MOT ASAP - being the brilliant guys they are they said to bring it in tomorrow and they'd sort it out....
..and she passed with only a couple of advisories!
The advisories were that one headlamp was almost out of adjustment, but was legal; t'other was that there were cracks on the inner edges of the rear tyres. The tread depth on them was good though.
Tread depth is one thing, actual quality of the tyre is another, and I had one unknown brand on the front and another unknown brand on the back, not really ideal.
Also, my front offside tyre had recently lost a bit of pressure. I'd pumped it back up and it seemed to be holding the pressure, but it had me worried.
Soooooo.... new boots required!
Then I started thinking (always a dangerous pastime with me!) if the tyres are coming off, it might be a good time to refurb the wheels
I knew this was something that needed to be done, and I'd previously spoken to a guy out of town who could do it for £80 a wheel, but that seemed a tad expensive.. Then I saw an advert in town for another business that refurbed wheels, and made a mental note of the name.
The story digresses a tad here, but shortly after that, on trying to unlock the door the key just flops round in the lock, and the door doesn't open. Arse. I need to get to work on time, so I dive in the passenger side and do what are probably pretty advanced yoga moves to get into the driver's seat... Back home I take what I can of the door card off, thinking a clamping screw has slipped on the door pull mechanism and it's an easy fix, but that is all good... Humph. My guys at garage sorted it out, but had to wait 5 days on getting the new latch unit in. A broken spring in the latch (maybe 50p?) meant a £175 bill for a new latch and labour.. But at least my door works again, which is quite usefull..
On those 5 days without my baby I was mostly able to borrow my folks Jazz to get to work - which made me realise just how good a car the Roadster actually is! The Jazz felt huge, wallowy, underpowered, and far too quiet and comfortable! I was really missing my Eunos....
But on one of the days where I walked to work I spotted a business I'd driven past a thousand times and never seen - the guys who do the wheel refurbs whoose advert I'd previously spotted in town. Wandered in, had a crack; yes, they can do wheels without removing the tyres.
Get new tyres first, then refurb the wheels - don't want to possibly chip anything changing tyres on newly sorted wheels!
So, new shoes go on..
Almost exactly £61 per tyre, Pirelli Cinturato P1s. Grippy and responsive in the wet, no idea what they're like in the dry as I don't think England does dry any more... But a huge step up in everything from the rubber that was on before!
Then today, took the car in to get the wheels refurbed at 9am, bloke calls me at 2.30 to say come and collect it!
The wheels as they were..
..and as they are now!
Am soooo happy with the result, they look better than new!
The only trouble is the locking wheelnuts and the callipers are now letting the side down....
Anyhows, I've been wittering on for far too long - if you got this far then thank you!
My road tax was due to run out at the end of December, so I went on the web site to renew, had ticked all the boxes and thought it was all good, when it popped up and said we can't renew as you don't have a valid MOT.
I dove into my car history file, pulled out the previous MOT and discovered that it had run out in July!
After I'd kicked myself in the arse and finished swearing at myself I phoned my local garage guys and begged for an MOT ASAP - being the brilliant guys they are they said to bring it in tomorrow and they'd sort it out....
..and she passed with only a couple of advisories!
The advisories were that one headlamp was almost out of adjustment, but was legal; t'other was that there were cracks on the inner edges of the rear tyres. The tread depth on them was good though.
Tread depth is one thing, actual quality of the tyre is another, and I had one unknown brand on the front and another unknown brand on the back, not really ideal.
Also, my front offside tyre had recently lost a bit of pressure. I'd pumped it back up and it seemed to be holding the pressure, but it had me worried.
Soooooo.... new boots required!
Then I started thinking (always a dangerous pastime with me!) if the tyres are coming off, it might be a good time to refurb the wheels
I knew this was something that needed to be done, and I'd previously spoken to a guy out of town who could do it for £80 a wheel, but that seemed a tad expensive.. Then I saw an advert in town for another business that refurbed wheels, and made a mental note of the name.The story digresses a tad here, but shortly after that, on trying to unlock the door the key just flops round in the lock, and the door doesn't open. Arse. I need to get to work on time, so I dive in the passenger side and do what are probably pretty advanced yoga moves to get into the driver's seat... Back home I take what I can of the door card off, thinking a clamping screw has slipped on the door pull mechanism and it's an easy fix, but that is all good... Humph. My guys at garage sorted it out, but had to wait 5 days on getting the new latch unit in. A broken spring in the latch (maybe 50p?) meant a £175 bill for a new latch and labour..
But at least my door works again, which is quite usefull..On those 5 days without my baby I was mostly able to borrow my folks Jazz to get to work - which made me realise just how good a car the Roadster actually is! The Jazz felt huge, wallowy, underpowered, and far too quiet and comfortable!
I was really missing my Eunos....But on one of the days where I walked to work I spotted a business I'd driven past a thousand times and never seen - the guys who do the wheel refurbs whoose advert I'd previously spotted in town. Wandered in, had a crack; yes, they can do wheels without removing the tyres.
Get new tyres first, then refurb the wheels - don't want to possibly chip anything changing tyres on newly sorted wheels!
So, new shoes go on..
Almost exactly £61 per tyre, Pirelli Cinturato P1s. Grippy and responsive in the wet, no idea what they're like in the dry as I don't think England does dry any more... But a huge step up in everything from the rubber that was on before!
Then today, took the car in to get the wheels refurbed at 9am, bloke calls me at 2.30 to say come and collect it!
The wheels as they were..
..and as they are now!
Am soooo happy with the result, they look better than new!
The only trouble is the locking wheelnuts and the callipers are now letting the side down....
Anyhows, I've been wittering on for far too long - if you got this far then thank you!
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