My first car - 1996 VR Ltd 1.8 Combination A
Discussion
Mini update - not really had a lot of time to work on the car over the holiday season, but I do have a new numberplate to replace the one that was delaminating (and was only held on by gravity! 
) It's from Craigsplates, it now totally fills the numberplate recess, and looks great!
I've also found an owners handbook on that there e-bay, which is on it's way atm.
Also, I've found my foglight! It's in the driver's side reversing lamp - I hadn't realised that it only comes on when the lights are on..
Yesterday I noticed my O/S indicator was only secured by one screw. It looks like the plastic that the screw screws into has broken. Any wise words on the best way to fix this? I had thought to get some sort of plastic epoxy and screw it in before it fully sets, but would the screw then be able to be unscrewed if/when needed?
Next on the list of things that'll get done - my folks gave me some money for Xmas to go towards getting the underside dinitrol'd, and then it's getting the suspension sorted/upgraded. Having measured up from the rim to the lip of the arches, it's sitting 1cm lower on the driver's side. Think I'm going to go for Meister R stuff, which seems to get great reviews.
) It's from Craigsplates, it now totally fills the numberplate recess, and looks great! I've also found an owners handbook on that there e-bay, which is on it's way atm.
Also, I've found my foglight! It's in the driver's side reversing lamp - I hadn't realised that it only comes on when the lights are on..
Yesterday I noticed my O/S indicator was only secured by one screw. It looks like the plastic that the screw screws into has broken. Any wise words on the best way to fix this? I had thought to get some sort of plastic epoxy and screw it in before it fully sets, but would the screw then be able to be unscrewed if/when needed?
Next on the list of things that'll get done - my folks gave me some money for Xmas to go towards getting the underside dinitrol'd, and then it's getting the suspension sorted/upgraded. Having measured up from the rim to the lip of the arches, it's sitting 1cm lower on the driver's side. Think I'm going to go for Meister R stuff, which seems to get great reviews.
A little progress report..
Mostly I've been driving and enjoying, but I've done a few small jobs, most of which concern visibility.
The wipers were shot, noisy and juddery, not doing what they were supposed to. The new ones glide across the screen and actually get rid of rain!
A small mod, but makes the world of difference. And as a newby to the world of car ownership, very satisfying. Take old part off, (when I'd worked out how they were fixed 
), put new part on, things work as they should!
Second visibility problem was loads of interior misting, a proper ball-ache in the morning. After a little research, the answer seemed to be - cat litter! Where I work is 2 doors down from Pets At Home, so I went along thinking I was looking for a bag of grey dusty stuff - and found a large bag of what is basically pure silca gel! £4.75. Result! Found a pair of socks that match my interior, filled 'em and sewed them up, and I've been totally mist free since.
Saving best till last, I've just ordered my new suspension! Am proper chuffed as it was a part of a group buy over on MX5Nutz and got £100 off the price! Another result! Should be getting some MeisterR Zeta S's through the letter box soon, and the 4x4 look my '5 is currently sporting will be banished!
I want to get the bushes done at the same time, but my research hasn't come up with a definitive answer to what is the best solution - what do you guys recommend in the way of good bushes?
Mostly I've been driving and enjoying, but I've done a few small jobs, most of which concern visibility.
The wipers were shot, noisy and juddery, not doing what they were supposed to. The new ones glide across the screen and actually get rid of rain!
A small mod, but makes the world of difference. And as a newby to the world of car ownership, very satisfying. Take old part off, (when I'd worked out how they were fixed ), put new part on, things work as they should! Second visibility problem was loads of interior misting, a proper ball-ache in the morning. After a little research, the answer seemed to be - cat litter! Where I work is 2 doors down from Pets At Home, so I went along thinking I was looking for a bag of grey dusty stuff - and found a large bag of what is basically pure silca gel! £4.75. Result! Found a pair of socks that match my interior, filled 'em and sewed them up, and I've been totally mist free since.
Saving best till last, I've just ordered my new suspension! Am proper chuffed as it was a part of a group buy over on MX5Nutz and got £100 off the price! Another result!
Should be getting some MeisterR Zeta S's through the letter box soon, and the 4x4 look my '5 is currently sporting will be banished! I want to get the bushes done at the same time, but my research hasn't come up with a definitive answer to what is the best solution - what do you guys recommend in the way of good bushes?
Great choice with the coilovers, I have them and they're great. Once fitted get yourself down to Wheels in motion for a proper geo set up. If you think they're good when fitted, you'll be amazed how they fill after a proper geo set up!
Great progress, enjoy reading this thread. There aren't enough of these build threads on here, usually just people asking for advice, so makes a nice change.
Great progress, enjoy reading this thread. There aren't enough of these build threads on here, usually just people asking for advice, so makes a nice change.
Cheers Aiden! I think they'll be a good choice as well, have only heard good things about MeisterRs.
I'm thinking my mother is a bit of a closet petrolhead, 'cos when I showed them to her she said 'they're too nice to go on a car!'
AK Automotive (where my '5 is booked in) has a brand new Hunter aligner, so I'm assuming it's a similar bit of kit to the one WIM has, and the alignment is part of the deal when you get you suspension changed over. And as it's only 60 miles away from me it's a bit easier to get to than down London way! Having spoken to the guys there I have 100% confidence they know what a '5 needs.
In other news, the alarm stickers on the quarter lights have been bugging me..
Who's heard of either of these companies? My spare key has a Sparkrite fob on it, but the system died eons ago... And the fact that there's two stickers shouts overcompensation for something. So they had to go. Tried getting them off with a Mk 1 thumbnail, got maybe 1 square cm removed after a 1/2hours work, and just hurt my thumb in the process. Got a £1 razor-blade scraper from Maplin (not including staff discount!) and they came off in less than 5mins! There actually is a Cobra security system in the car, so got some stickers from Ebay for £1.50 and they look sooooo much better.
Next jobs in line - I have all the Renovo stuff need to clean and waterproof the hood, just waiting on having time off work that coincides with decent dry weather. Also got the Renovo polishy stuff to clear up the cloudy rear window, also waiting on decent weather. Although, since I have the socks full of cat litter in the car the cloudiness has reduced loads, as has the misting problem. This is probably may favourite fix so far! Under a fiver for cat litter, a pair of old socks (that match the interior upholstery!) and 10mins sewing!
I'm thinking my mother is a bit of a closet petrolhead, 'cos when I showed them to her she said 'they're too nice to go on a car!'
AK Automotive (where my '5 is booked in) has a brand new Hunter aligner, so I'm assuming it's a similar bit of kit to the one WIM has, and the alignment is part of the deal when you get you suspension changed over. And as it's only 60 miles away from me it's a bit easier to get to than down London way! Having spoken to the guys there I have 100% confidence they know what a '5 needs.
In other news, the alarm stickers on the quarter lights have been bugging me..
Who's heard of either of these companies? My spare key has a Sparkrite fob on it, but the system died eons ago... And the fact that there's two stickers shouts overcompensation for something. So they had to go. Tried getting them off with a Mk 1 thumbnail, got maybe 1 square cm removed after a 1/2hours work, and just hurt my thumb in the process. Got a £1 razor-blade scraper from Maplin (not including staff discount!) and they came off in less than 5mins! There actually is a Cobra security system in the car, so got some stickers from Ebay for £1.50 and they look sooooo much better.
Next jobs in line - I have all the Renovo stuff need to clean and waterproof the hood, just waiting on having time off work that coincides with decent dry weather. Also got the Renovo polishy stuff to clear up the cloudy rear window, also waiting on decent weather. Although, since I have the socks full of cat litter in the car the cloudiness has reduced loads, as has the misting problem. This is probably may favourite fix so far! Under a fiver for cat litter, a pair of old socks (that match the interior upholstery!) and 10mins sewing!
Schmeeky said:
Who's heard of either of these companies?
Uplands has been around for donkeys years. Think they're originally from the Uplands area of Swansea, where they had a shop which competed with Sextons down the road. Both seem to have gone now though. http://www.uplandscarradios.com/branch-showrooms/i...
Would have been funny if you'd popped in and asked if you could have your alarm serviced 'under warranty'.
Hi Mike, Following your progress with the car with interest. I'm sure that you're going to love those Meister Rs. I have them on mine and they are superb once you have them set up to your liking. They will genuinely transform your car.
Good to hear you're using AK Automotive to fit them too: Anthony (Fraser) and Dan know their stuff when it comes to suspension set ups.
Steve
Good to hear you're using AK Automotive to fit them too: Anthony (Fraser) and Dan know their stuff when it comes to suspension set ups.
Steve
FELIX_5 said:
Great choice with the coilovers, I have them and they're great. Once fitted get yourself down to Wheels in motion for a proper geo set up. If you think they're good when fitted, you'll be amazed how they fill after a proper geo set up!
Great progress, enjoy reading this thread. There aren't enough of these build threads on here, usually just people asking for advice, so makes a nice change.
Meisters are superb - and WIM too.Great progress, enjoy reading this thread. There aren't enough of these build threads on here, usually just people asking for advice, so makes a nice change.
There's a reason why both are pretty much universally acclaimed.
Hellbound said:
Schmeeky said:
Who's heard of either of these companies?
Uplands has been around for donkeys years. Think they're originally from the Uplands area of SwanseaSbloxxy said:
Hi Mike, Following your progress with the car with interest.
Sbloxxy said:
I'm sure that you're going to love those Meister Rs. I have them on mine and they are superb once you have them set up to your liking. They will genuinely transform your car.
Good to hear you're using AK Automotive to fit them too: Anthony (Fraser) and Dan know their stuff when it comes to suspension set ups.
Steve
Sooo looking forward to banishing the gap between the wheels and the arches for a start! And that's just from a visual perspective - I've no idea what to expect from a handling POV, I have no experience in modifying cars - but I'm hoping for great things! Natch, I'll report here when it's done..Good to hear you're using AK Automotive to fit them too: Anthony (Fraser) and Dan know their stuff when it comes to suspension set ups.
Steve
I found AK Automitive through your link from your website - was looking for an MX5 specialist nearby, and AK is only 60 miles away. Given that North Cumbria is basically in the middle of nowhere it's great to find a proper MX5 specialist so close. And having chatted with Anthony on the phone I'm looking forward to having a craic with him in person (If I can get a word in edgeways that is!!). A font of MX5 wisdom whose brain I want to pick!
This is a very exciting stage though, first big modification with no real experience behind me apart from the wisdom of you PH guys pointing me in the right direction... And given that I can get really happy just getting some errant stickers off my quarter-lights, gawd knows what'll happen when I've got a properly sorted suspension setup!
Finally got hold of a 31mm LED festoon bulb for the interior light...
I'm amazed at how the simplest of jobs can make such a difference - but it's something that didn't work before that now works!
You know that feeling of anticipation when you're a kid and it's not long 'til Christmas? I've got that right now - it's only 5 sleeps till I take her over to AK Automotive to get the suspension done!
I'm amazed at how the simplest of jobs can make such a difference - but it's something that didn't work before that now works!
You know that feeling of anticipation when you're a kid and it's not long 'til Christmas? I've got that right now - it's only 5 sleeps till I take her over to AK Automotive to get the suspension done!
Cheers Kazman!
The '5 is now at the shop getting the suspension done, and I've been lent another '5 to get home. The difference from mine is marked, it feels much 'tighter' I'm hoping mine will feel the same way when I pick her up later this afternoon!
Edited for smelling pistakes
The '5 is now at the shop getting the suspension done, and I've been lent another '5 to get home. The difference from mine is marked, it feels much 'tighter' I'm hoping mine will feel the same way when I pick her up later this afternoon!
Edited for smelling pistakes
Edited by Schmeeky on Monday 4th February 19:52
Job's jobbed! The new suspension is installed and all the mardyness is now banished!
It's been a very interesting day - I've learned lots about '5s, driven a '5 other than my own one, and learned a little about my car's previous history...
First job, early doors, was getting over to the North East. A bright, low winter sun and loads of water on the roads made for an interesting drive. As did the numpties who insist on driving at 40mph on NSL roads. Grrr!
Dropped the car in and had a good craic about what was to be done - install new coilovers and bushes all round, and get it all aligned for someone of my weight driving. Basically I asked for them to get it as low as possible, but without making any compromises with regards to ride or handling. I also asked them to give her a once over to see if there was anything else that needed attention.
I was given to keys to Anthony's own car to get back home, a 1.6 with a fruity exhaust and 14" wheels. It was on Gaz Pros and had the same fast road set up I was going for. This was the first time I'd driven another '5, and it was a bit of a revelation, it felt so tight, accurate and nimble, there was a sense of 'rightness' and 'togetherness' about it all.. If my car was anything like this I'd be well happy!
Fast Forward to early evening.. Anthony phoned to say she'd be ready by 5.30pm. I arrived at 5.35, delayed by 40mph-in-an-NSL numpties, again. Grrr! The car was out being road-tested by their tame racing driver, so I caught up on what had been done. Suspension and bushes had gone on no bother, in fact they said she'd been a pleasure to work on as she was so clean underneath, no sign of rust anywhere. A very pleasant thing to be told! I'd thought she was in good nick, but having it confirmed is bloomin' excellent! What wasn't quite so pleasant was what had been taken off...
The VR Ltd had Bilstein suspension originally, but the only bits of Bilstein on her were the rear dampers - everything else was standard MX5! So there was a mismatch front to rear of dampers, and at the back the stiff Bilstein dampers were working with normal soft springs! No wonder everything felt a bit sketchy...
So, on to the drive home on the newly fettled bouncy bits.. TBH there are only limited conclusions I can come to given the driving conditions were so bad - heavy rain and very gusty winds - but I can say she tracks perfectly now. There's no bump steer, no wandering around, no feeling of instability at speed. Steering inputs are followed immediately and gracefully, and she feels part of the corner, rather than skittering along on top of the corner - if that makes any sense!
It was too dark to get any decent photos of the new lower ride height when I picked her up - I'll take some tomorrow and post them up along with a comparison as she was before.
Other random thoughts - I was chuffed that Anthony liked the way I was going about things; that is, if something needs replacing then replace it with something better than original, don't do cheap, remember it's all about the handling. Folk who don't dip their headlights are utter tw@ts, as are folk attempting to overtake both you and the 40-tonner in front of you round a blind left hand bend. And Izzy the Staffy, garage dog of AK Automotive, is an absolute sweetheart!
Also, in a bit of whatever the opposite of man-maths is, I calculated that I've now spent more on fettling and upgrades than I spent on actually buying the car..
My Updated Updated To Do list -
Couple of paintwork issues to be sorted, and a couple of small dingsDone
Nose seems to be a slightly different shade to the rest of the paint - a good T-cut and polish might sort thisjust gotta live with it..
Old non-working alarm and mess of wiring needs removed
Trim - base of off-side mirror needs fixing down properly, and small bit of carpet fixed down as well
Exhaust tip is proper rusty - might go with new stainless section from back of the catDone
Zip round rear screen needs new pullerdone
Plastic rear window is a little cloudy - is there any way to clean it up?Got Renovo, waiting on good weather
Tyres - currently on some unknown brand, but with plenty of tread depth - will prob wait till they're worn and replace with Toyo or suchlike
Stereo - not a priority, but the Sony unit in there is a mass of tiny buttons with no discernible purpose, i.e. it's crap, the plastic surround fell off on the way home, and the electric aerial doesn't work.
Something chrome for the heater vents - maybe surrounds, maybe the eyeballs themselvesdone
A PH Smiley sticker!Done, happy with where it is!
New Entries
Suspension - find out exactly what's wrong, and put it right to better than standard condition. Oh yes done!
Number plate - replace and make secure.Done
Black trim - now the paint is looking sweet, some areas of black trim are letting the side down. Light sanding and application of 'Back to Black' will apparently work. Back to Black hasn't been that great, might have to get new parts in...
Newer Entries
Steering Wheel - it's a Momo, and a nice wheel - but it's too damn big - don't like catching my hands on my legs when turning.
It's been a very interesting day - I've learned lots about '5s, driven a '5 other than my own one, and learned a little about my car's previous history...
First job, early doors, was getting over to the North East. A bright, low winter sun and loads of water on the roads made for an interesting drive. As did the numpties who insist on driving at 40mph on NSL roads. Grrr!
Dropped the car in and had a good craic about what was to be done - install new coilovers and bushes all round, and get it all aligned for someone of my weight driving. Basically I asked for them to get it as low as possible, but without making any compromises with regards to ride or handling. I also asked them to give her a once over to see if there was anything else that needed attention.
I was given to keys to Anthony's own car to get back home, a 1.6 with a fruity exhaust and 14" wheels. It was on Gaz Pros and had the same fast road set up I was going for. This was the first time I'd driven another '5, and it was a bit of a revelation, it felt so tight, accurate and nimble, there was a sense of 'rightness' and 'togetherness' about it all.. If my car was anything like this I'd be well happy!
Fast Forward to early evening.. Anthony phoned to say she'd be ready by 5.30pm. I arrived at 5.35, delayed by 40mph-in-an-NSL numpties, again. Grrr! The car was out being road-tested by their tame racing driver, so I caught up on what had been done. Suspension and bushes had gone on no bother, in fact they said she'd been a pleasure to work on as she was so clean underneath, no sign of rust anywhere. A very pleasant thing to be told! I'd thought she was in good nick, but having it confirmed is bloomin' excellent!
What wasn't quite so pleasant was what had been taken off...The VR Ltd had Bilstein suspension originally, but the only bits of Bilstein on her were the rear dampers - everything else was standard MX5! So there was a mismatch front to rear of dampers, and at the back the stiff Bilstein dampers were working with normal soft springs! No wonder everything felt a bit sketchy...
So, on to the drive home on the newly fettled bouncy bits.. TBH there are only limited conclusions I can come to given the driving conditions were so bad - heavy rain and very gusty winds - but I can say she tracks perfectly now. There's no bump steer, no wandering around, no feeling of instability at speed. Steering inputs are followed immediately and gracefully, and she feels part of the corner, rather than skittering along on top of the corner - if that makes any sense!
It was too dark to get any decent photos of the new lower ride height when I picked her up - I'll take some tomorrow and post them up along with a comparison as she was before.
Other random thoughts - I was chuffed that Anthony liked the way I was going about things; that is, if something needs replacing then replace it with something better than original, don't do cheap, remember it's all about the handling. Folk who don't dip their headlights are utter tw@ts, as are folk attempting to overtake both you and the 40-tonner in front of you round a blind left hand bend. And Izzy the Staffy, garage dog of AK Automotive, is an absolute sweetheart!
Also, in a bit of whatever the opposite of man-maths is, I calculated that I've now spent more on fettling and upgrades than I spent on actually buying the car..
My Updated Updated To Do list -
Couple of paintwork issues to be sorted, and a couple of small dingsDone
Nose seems to be a slightly different shade to the rest of the paint - a good T-cut and polish might sort thisjust gotta live with it..
Old non-working alarm and mess of wiring needs removed
Trim - base of off-side mirror needs fixing down properly, and small bit of carpet fixed down as well
Exhaust tip is proper rusty - might go with new stainless section from back of the catDone
Zip round rear screen needs new pullerdone
Plastic rear window is a little cloudy - is there any way to clean it up?Got Renovo, waiting on good weather
Tyres - currently on some unknown brand, but with plenty of tread depth - will prob wait till they're worn and replace with Toyo or suchlike
Stereo - not a priority, but the Sony unit in there is a mass of tiny buttons with no discernible purpose, i.e. it's crap, the plastic surround fell off on the way home, and the electric aerial doesn't work.
Something chrome for the heater vents - maybe surrounds, maybe the eyeballs themselvesdone
A PH Smiley sticker!Done, happy with where it is!
New Entries
Suspension - find out exactly what's wrong, and put it right to better than standard condition. Oh yes done!
Number plate - replace and make secure.Done
Black trim - now the paint is looking sweet, some areas of black trim are letting the side down. Light sanding and application of 'Back to Black' will apparently work. Back to Black hasn't been that great, might have to get new parts in...
Newer Entries
Steering Wheel - it's a Momo, and a nice wheel - but it's too damn big - don't like catching my hands on my legs when turning.
Edited by Schmeeky on Tuesday 5th February 01:06
Cheers to all those who say they're enjoying this thread!
This morning was the first time I've seen the result in daylight, and to say I'm chuffed is an understatement!
This is how she was before, sporting the 4x4 look..
..and how she sits now..
The 15's fill the arches much better than I expected, I'm really pleased with the end result, to the end result that I'm now not sure I want to change the wheels!
Will have to do a bit of research/learning to edumacate myself on what precisely this all means!
This morning was the first time I've seen the result in daylight, and to say I'm chuffed is an understatement!
This is how she was before, sporting the 4x4 look..
..and how she sits now..
The 15's fill the arches much better than I expected, I'm really pleased with the end result, to the end result that I'm now not sure I want to change the wheels!
Will have to do a bit of research/learning to edumacate myself on what precisely this all means!
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