Toyota MR2 '86
Discussion
Jonny_ said:
That's been an excellent read. Car looks fabulous, always had a soft spot for them since having a Matchbox model of one when I was a kid!
Love that you've taken the time and effort to restore original parts (alternator repair, plating bolts etc) rather than simply replacing them.
Noticed you nearly bought an old B series Dodge truck, now they're a rare thing. I've got a '56 C series which is undergoing a very very slow restoration. The trouble with old Dodges is getting hold of parts, some things (particularly steering and brake parts) just don't exist other than the odd piece of hideously expensive new old stock. So it's required a very similar approach to your MR2 of restoring or repairing as many of the original bits as possible. Time consuming but very satisfying!
That was the thing that put me off. The one I looked at was a real solid body, with only minor patch work to be done to it. As you say about parts for them, only one rear brake worked. So basically the whole system needed replacing. That is expensive, the shipping cost from the US doubled the price, with those shipping costs, there's no refunds if anything is wrong. It was a lovely thing though.Love that you've taken the time and effort to restore original parts (alternator repair, plating bolts etc) rather than simply replacing them.
Noticed you nearly bought an old B series Dodge truck, now they're a rare thing. I've got a '56 C series which is undergoing a very very slow restoration. The trouble with old Dodges is getting hold of parts, some things (particularly steering and brake parts) just don't exist other than the odd piece of hideously expensive new old stock. So it's required a very similar approach to your MR2 of restoring or repairing as many of the original bits as possible. Time consuming but very satisfying!
Edited by Jonny_ on Saturday 14th April 22:45
Cookeh said:
Decent level of correction there, well done! Quite nice polishing Japanese cars, paint is nice and soft so easy to work on.
Enjoying this thread an awful lot, and really rather like these cars..please keep it up.
I've practised on less valuable things in the past, the problem I've found out is I've not been cutting back the clear coat enough. Scared to ruining the paintwork I guess. Getting there with it now.Enjoying this thread an awful lot, and really rather like these cars..please keep it up.
It is awfully soft, particularly the rear spoiler, wow that was soft. The paint on my Honda is the softest substance known to man. anything scratches it.
Thanks for the comments. I'll keep updating this with any little bits that get done. It's a lifetime car, so there will always be some updates.
Made some more progress today. Finally had chance to try out the microfiber cutting pads. All of about two hours I think, but I knew today was going to be a lazy day.
The band had just played two gigs consecutively, an 18th birthday followed by a wedding the next day, so this morning was spent recovering from near alcohol poisoning. None of this helped by a dodgy index finger I sliced open on a step ladder at work, Friday; of which tore open each night, having to play bass. That poor guitar gets a beating, covered in beer, sweat, blood, tears and yeah. Maybe I should be polishing that?
I got a half hour trying out the new cutting pads in the early afternoon, then had to go and do some repairs/upgrades to the band trailer. Finally built a box around the car battery thrown in the back, which powers the LED strip inside it. One of the sides is bulging out, so needed some attention.
Back on the MR2 late afternoon, finding the microfiber pads to be much easier to use than even half decent foam pads. The vibrations from the hard foam pads was hurting my hands, which isn't a problem now. Being white it's easy to see if they have picked up any dirt or full of dust. They nicely blow out with some compressed air, or if really clogged up, can be washed out easily. A lesson I learn't today is, I'm using to much compound and clogging the pad up. So finding that out I washed them out and gave up for today. They are sat on the radiator drying overnight.
The engine cover is taking a lot of time to do. There's grills and steps to avoid, so it means switching back and forwards with the rotary as I don't have any 4 inch pads for the DA yet. Speaking of which the 5 inch pad size is perfect for this car over the 6 inch.
I'm using Meguairs ultimate compound and the finishing polish. I'll let you know what I think of it once it is all done.
The main issue I'm having is that even with a finishing pad and finishing polish, I'm still left with a light haze. So far the only solution for this is a quick hand polish. I'm guessing the paint is so soft I need an even softer pad for the DA, to not have to hand finish each panel. I'm regularly blowing out all my pads, probably after 1-2 passes. Any thoughts?
Never the less I'm happy. I have practised on two cars before, but only now am I getting results I'm happy with.
50/50 shot. There are imperfections that I'm not willing to chase. As a begginner I've set my goal at a 60 - 70% improvement. I'm not willing to take any risks on this car.
It is even more noticeable in person. Notice the hazy whiteness to the right side of the old tape line in the middle. There's also a bunch of scratches spidering out from the strip light above.
Here's a closer shot which makes it clearer.
I can only tolerate this in short stints. It's relaxing for a while with the radio on, but needs a lot of concentration to maintain good results. Once things go a little downhill, tools go down and do something better. Come back and things are OK again.
Other than a few odd jobs on my week off, I should have plenty of time to finish this off. I love learning new skills
The band had just played two gigs consecutively, an 18th birthday followed by a wedding the next day, so this morning was spent recovering from near alcohol poisoning. None of this helped by a dodgy index finger I sliced open on a step ladder at work, Friday; of which tore open each night, having to play bass. That poor guitar gets a beating, covered in beer, sweat, blood, tears and yeah. Maybe I should be polishing that?
I got a half hour trying out the new cutting pads in the early afternoon, then had to go and do some repairs/upgrades to the band trailer. Finally built a box around the car battery thrown in the back, which powers the LED strip inside it. One of the sides is bulging out, so needed some attention.
Back on the MR2 late afternoon, finding the microfiber pads to be much easier to use than even half decent foam pads. The vibrations from the hard foam pads was hurting my hands, which isn't a problem now. Being white it's easy to see if they have picked up any dirt or full of dust. They nicely blow out with some compressed air, or if really clogged up, can be washed out easily. A lesson I learn't today is, I'm using to much compound and clogging the pad up. So finding that out I washed them out and gave up for today. They are sat on the radiator drying overnight.
The engine cover is taking a lot of time to do. There's grills and steps to avoid, so it means switching back and forwards with the rotary as I don't have any 4 inch pads for the DA yet. Speaking of which the 5 inch pad size is perfect for this car over the 6 inch.
I'm using Meguairs ultimate compound and the finishing polish. I'll let you know what I think of it once it is all done.
The main issue I'm having is that even with a finishing pad and finishing polish, I'm still left with a light haze. So far the only solution for this is a quick hand polish. I'm guessing the paint is so soft I need an even softer pad for the DA, to not have to hand finish each panel. I'm regularly blowing out all my pads, probably after 1-2 passes. Any thoughts?
Never the less I'm happy. I have practised on two cars before, but only now am I getting results I'm happy with.
50/50 shot. There are imperfections that I'm not willing to chase. As a begginner I've set my goal at a 60 - 70% improvement. I'm not willing to take any risks on this car.
It is even more noticeable in person. Notice the hazy whiteness to the right side of the old tape line in the middle. There's also a bunch of scratches spidering out from the strip light above.
Here's a closer shot which makes it clearer.
I can only tolerate this in short stints. It's relaxing for a while with the radio on, but needs a lot of concentration to maintain good results. Once things go a little downhill, tools go down and do something better. Come back and things are OK again.
Other than a few odd jobs on my week off, I should have plenty of time to finish this off. I love learning new skills
FIREBIRDC9 said:
As an unmodified MR2 Mk2 owner, I say that is absolutely beautiful!
It looks so much better with the original wheels on.
After spending 5 years driving it's heavier, curvier successor, I really want to experience a MK1 MR2
I wish you many happy miles. And awesome colour!
Likewise I have never been in a MK2. It's the only one I haven't been in. Would love to try one sometime.It looks so much better with the original wheels on.
After spending 5 years driving it's heavier, curvier successor, I really want to experience a MK1 MR2
I wish you many happy miles. And awesome colour!
Thanks I love the two tone too. It's a bit different
After your awesome Thread i can't stop looking at this......
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1012726?fbcli...
I'm not supposed to be car shopping till after Le Mans, because i've promised myself i'd take the MK2 there before i sell it!
Gahhhh!
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1012726?fbcli...
I'm not supposed to be car shopping till after Le Mans, because i've promised myself i'd take the MK2 there before i sell it!
Gahhhh!
Edited by FIREBIRDC9 on Friday 9th November 13:49
FIREBIRDC9 said:
After your awesome Thread i can't stop looking at this......
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1012726?fbcli...
I'm not supposed to be car shopping till after Le Mans, because i've promised myself i'd take it there before i sell it!
Gahhhh!
Seems top dollarhttps://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1012726?fbcli...
I'm not supposed to be car shopping till after Le Mans, because i've promised myself i'd take it there before i sell it!
Gahhhh!
FIREBIRDC9 said:
After your awesome Thread i can't stop looking at this......
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1012726?fbcli...
I'm not supposed to be car shopping till after Le Mans, because i've promised myself i'd take the MK2 there before i sell it!
Gahhhh!
Haven't been on PH for a while. Nice to see people are taking an interest in this. I think the only update is that I've fitted a new radio, so I'll get around to updating that.https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1012726?fbcli...
I'm not supposed to be car shopping till after Le Mans, because i've promised myself i'd take the MK2 there before i sell it!
Gahhhh!
Edited by FIREBIRDC9 on Friday 9th November 13:49
Strangely enough I was just looking at that car today. Seems its still for sale. Prices do seem to have risen since buying mine. Weren't many at the price I paid and now eveyone seems to want top dollar.
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