My first car - 1996 VR Ltd 1.8 Combination A
Discussion
Hi, I'm Schmeeky, I'm 37, and until today I'd never actually owned a car, and seeing as this is PH, the obvious choice was a '5!
I've put up a few posts in the 'Show us your 5' thread, but that was a 'this is my prospective purchase' - now it's actually mine I thought I'd better start my own thread!
She's an import, and a special edition of 700 - there were also 700 Combination B cars in Green with the stone roof. The extras you got on a VR Ltd were Bilstein suspension, uprated antiroll bars, a revised ECU, lightened flywheel, front strut brace, special alloys, slippery diff and reduced final drive ratio, and various bits of shiny shiny inside, leather seats and a lovely Momo steering wheel, most of which I think are pretty desirable additions.
She was imported in '06, and has done about 30,000 miles since, and has obviously been well looked after; the bodywork is in great condition, with no rust in the sills or rear arches. There are bits and bobs which need attention, a few stone chips on the leading edge of the bonnet, and some bubbling in the indent line along the flank, but these are pretty easily sortable. There are a few trim items which need fixing as well, but sorting these will help me get to know the car better, and TBH I'm looking forward to sorting them one by one. My aim is to get her absolutely spot on - not concourse (sp?), but with everything 'just so'.
Things that have been done recently include a new mohair hood in the correct stone colour, new radiator, and she's had a full service including new cam belt.
Anyhows, a picture!
Taken by the seller's wife, who's a pro photographer..
Talking about the seller, Steve, who runs Goodwood Sports Cars, is a member on here. When I went to see the car on Thursday, his opening line was 'I'll not tell you what's good about this one, just point out the bits that aren't quite so good'. Top bloke - Cheers Steve!
Right - the drive back! It's my first time in a RWD car, and the weather was really crappy, rivers across the road all over the place, but what a huge amount of fun! The direct route from Berwick on Tweed to Carlisle is all twisty A and B roads, and even though I was going steady and getting used to how she feels, it was just so satisfying. Instant reaction to the smallest of steering inputs, being able to feel exactly what the front wheels are up to, and the superb direct snick, snick gearchange... I did have one small slide coming out of a corner, but I'd caught and corrected it seemingly before I'd realised it was actually stepping out! That's not Jonny Big Balls talking, just the effect of a really communicative car telling you what she needs..
As soon as the rain had eased off, I stopped to take the hood down - would've been rude not to!
Love how warm you stay even on a freezing, damp day!
Anyhows, my To Do list -
I've put up a few posts in the 'Show us your 5' thread, but that was a 'this is my prospective purchase' - now it's actually mine I thought I'd better start my own thread!
She's an import, and a special edition of 700 - there were also 700 Combination B cars in Green with the stone roof. The extras you got on a VR Ltd were Bilstein suspension, uprated antiroll bars, a revised ECU, lightened flywheel, front strut brace, special alloys, slippery diff and reduced final drive ratio, and various bits of shiny shiny inside, leather seats and a lovely Momo steering wheel, most of which I think are pretty desirable additions.
She was imported in '06, and has done about 30,000 miles since, and has obviously been well looked after; the bodywork is in great condition, with no rust in the sills or rear arches. There are bits and bobs which need attention, a few stone chips on the leading edge of the bonnet, and some bubbling in the indent line along the flank, but these are pretty easily sortable. There are a few trim items which need fixing as well, but sorting these will help me get to know the car better, and TBH I'm looking forward to sorting them one by one. My aim is to get her absolutely spot on - not concourse (sp?), but with everything 'just so'.
Things that have been done recently include a new mohair hood in the correct stone colour, new radiator, and she's had a full service including new cam belt.
Anyhows, a picture!
Taken by the seller's wife, who's a pro photographer..
Talking about the seller, Steve, who runs Goodwood Sports Cars, is a member on here. When I went to see the car on Thursday, his opening line was 'I'll not tell you what's good about this one, just point out the bits that aren't quite so good'. Top bloke - Cheers Steve!
Right - the drive back! It's my first time in a RWD car, and the weather was really crappy, rivers across the road all over the place, but what a huge amount of fun! The direct route from Berwick on Tweed to Carlisle is all twisty A and B roads, and even though I was going steady and getting used to how she feels, it was just so satisfying. Instant reaction to the smallest of steering inputs, being able to feel exactly what the front wheels are up to, and the superb direct snick, snick gearchange... I did have one small slide coming out of a corner, but I'd caught and corrected it seemingly before I'd realised it was actually stepping out! That's not Jonny Big Balls talking, just the effect of a really communicative car telling you what she needs..
As soon as the rain had eased off, I stopped to take the hood down - would've been rude not to!
Love how warm you stay even on a freezing, damp day!
Anyhows, my To Do list -
- Couple of paintwork issues to be sorted, and a couple of small dings
- Nose seems to be a slightly different shade to the rest of the paint - a good T-cut and polish might sort this
- 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 cat
- Zip round rear screen needs new puller
- Plastic rear window is a little cloudy - is there any way to clean it up?
- 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 themselves
- A PH Smiley sticker!
Thanks guys! I'd looked at all sorts of '5s, and then when I saw this one it just ticked all the boxes - albeit at a price slightly higher than I'd budgeted for. But I thought it better to get the right car in the first place rather than have to spend to upgrade. With this I don't think there's anything I would need to upgrade (although please don't mention superchargers! 
)
First thing I'm going to have to look at is an intermittent screech from the accessories belt, which is damn annoying. I have the day off work on Friday, hopefully I can diagnose what's out of whack, given I'm a total noob to car mechanics. I've already done a bit of research so hopefully I know what to look for!
)First thing I'm going to have to look at is an intermittent screech from the accessories belt, which is damn annoying. I have the day off work on Friday, hopefully I can diagnose what's out of whack, given I'm a total noob to car mechanics. I've already done a bit of research so hopefully I know what to look for!
Some news - the cheques have gone through so payment for the car is all sorted, and I feel that makes the car really, officially mine!
Insurance is also now fully sorted - someone hadn't ticked the requisite box on the screen that linked the policy where I've been a named driver for donkey's years, and they'd rung up wanting to see my proof of NCB; cue muggins here worrying that the whole thing would go tits up... Anyhow, the Lovely Natasha ticked the box and all is well!
Next up is more bad news for my wallet - it's been taking a pounding in this last week, but now I'm adding insult to injury! Went onto Amazon, and found a couple of good books - "Mazda MX-5 (Haynes Enthusiast Guide Series)", and "Mazda MX-5 Renovation Manual". Both should teach me a lot about the history of the car and how to fix and maintain her. Both good solid purchases. Except while I was on Amazon my finger slipped and I accidentally bought a Mazda keyring to act as the puller for the rear screen zip, and a bling bling chrome tax disc holder!
My currect TD holder advertises an insurance company who quoted me a silly amount, so that has to come straight off! 
It gets worse as well - made the mistake of looking at MX5 Parts.com to see how much a new accessory drive belt would be, and ended up buying a set of shiny rings to go round my heater vents - and a new exhaust! My poor wallet doesn't know what's hit it! Thing is, MX5 Parts have a sale that's ending at midnight tonight, so the man-maths I did on the back of a rizla paper shows I'm actually saving money... The reason for the exhaust is that the tip is a little rusty, and when I stopped by at Halfords to look at stuff the exhaust tips they had were truly horrible. The new exhaust will give a few extra ponies and a couple of torques, and apparently sounds right, without being either loud or lairy, so methinks it's actually really worth the upgrade!
Anyhows, am going to stop being a magpie on internet sites - tomorrow sees the start of some proper work to sort out the squealing drive belt, tidy a few things up, and generally have a good poke about while it's light to find out what other jobs are there to be done!
Insurance is also now fully sorted - someone hadn't ticked the requisite box on the screen that linked the policy where I've been a named driver for donkey's years, and they'd rung up wanting to see my proof of NCB; cue muggins here worrying that the whole thing would go tits up... Anyhow, the Lovely Natasha ticked the box and all is well!
Next up is more bad news for my wallet - it's been taking a pounding in this last week, but now I'm adding insult to injury! Went onto Amazon, and found a couple of good books - "Mazda MX-5 (Haynes Enthusiast Guide Series)", and "Mazda MX-5 Renovation Manual". Both should teach me a lot about the history of the car and how to fix and maintain her. Both good solid purchases. Except while I was on Amazon my finger slipped and I accidentally bought a Mazda keyring to act as the puller for the rear screen zip, and a bling bling chrome tax disc holder!
My currect TD holder advertises an insurance company who quoted me a silly amount, so that has to come straight off! It gets worse as well - made the mistake of looking at MX5 Parts.com to see how much a new accessory drive belt would be, and ended up buying a set of shiny rings to go round my heater vents - and a new exhaust! My poor wallet doesn't know what's hit it! Thing is, MX5 Parts have a sale that's ending at midnight tonight, so the man-maths I did on the back of a rizla paper shows I'm actually saving money... The reason for the exhaust is that the tip is a little rusty, and when I stopped by at Halfords to look at stuff the exhaust tips they had were truly horrible. The new exhaust will give a few extra ponies and a couple of torques, and apparently sounds right, without being either loud or lairy, so methinks it's actually really worth the upgrade!
Anyhows, am going to stop being a magpie on internet sites - tomorrow sees the start of some proper work to sort out the squealing drive belt, tidy a few things up, and generally have a good poke about while it's light to find out what other jobs are there to be done!
My To Do list -
Couple of paintwork issues to be sorted, and a couple of small dings - booked in for next week
Nose seems to be a slightly different shade to the rest of the paint - a good T-cut and polish might sort this - Different shade because of different materials - not a lot to be done about this..
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 cat - New Stainless exhaust from cat back ordered
Zip round rear screen needs new puller - Mazda keyring ordered - just hope it fits the zip! If not my key doesn't have a key-ring anyway!
Plastic rear window is a little cloudy - is there any way to clean it up?
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 themselves - Shiny surrounds ordered
A PH Smiley sticker! - Measured up and ordered!
Screeching drive belts - Been to local Mazda dealer, will order after I've been for a drive!
Couple of paintwork issues to be sorted, and a couple of small dings - booked in for next week
Nose seems to be a slightly different shade to the rest of the paint - a good T-cut and polish might sort this - Different shade because of different materials - not a lot to be done about this..
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 cat - New Stainless exhaust from cat back ordered
Zip round rear screen needs new puller - Mazda keyring ordered - just hope it fits the zip! If not my key doesn't have a key-ring anyway!
Plastic rear window is a little cloudy - is there any way to clean it up?
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 themselves - Shiny surrounds ordered
A PH Smiley sticker! - Measured up and ordered!
Screeching drive belts - Been to local Mazda dealer, will order after I've been for a drive!
Aye, but I can get the parts for less than it'd cost in petrol to go over to where he's based, and in the process learn something about fixing it - win/win! I want to do as much of the remedial work as possible myself, and as this is a fairly straightforward one it seems a good place to start.
I want to do as much of the remedial work as possible myself, and as this is a fairly straightforward one it seems a good place to start. Small progress report - she went into the paint shop this morning, she should be back by the end of the week, hopefully a bit sooner!
And as I arrived back home, a delivery van pulled up outside with this for me -
Really looking to forward to fitting this, can't wait to hear the improved exhaust note!
Stainless steel system from the cat back, obtained from MX5Parts.com for a very reasonable £206. Quick delivery as well. Well chuffed!
And as I arrived back home, a delivery van pulled up outside with this for me -
Really looking to forward to fitting this, can't wait to hear the improved exhaust note!
Stainless steel system from the cat back, obtained from MX5Parts.com for a very reasonable £206. Quick delivery as well. Well chuffed!
Been thinking about the radio issue....
This is the only pic I have of my interior atm, you can just see the head unit. Really don't like all the tiny, tiny buttons and all the flashy stuff on the info panel...
So, have had a look on lots of websites for head units that I like the look of - and from the mainstream manufacturers have found diddly squat...
I then googled 'retro radios', and on a site called Edition 38 (some VW Dub type place, so it seems), found a link to this -
http://www.retrosoundusa.com/products/category/id/...
Looks perfect, nice and simple and understated. It's American, but it does European radio stations as well, and has a hidden attachment for USB stick/SD card, and an aux in socket on the front. 4x50w mosfet amp, so it's beefy enough, and it's pretty customisable, with lots of different face plates/knobs, etc. Seems to be a reasonable price as well, although that's US $ and no doubt I'd get stung for some taxes.
Will have to wait for my next payday though, bloody paint shop is using up the last of my £££ reserves!
This is the only pic I have of my interior atm, you can just see the head unit. Really don't like all the tiny, tiny buttons and all the flashy stuff on the info panel...
So, have had a look on lots of websites for head units that I like the look of - and from the mainstream manufacturers have found diddly squat...
I then googled 'retro radios', and on a site called Edition 38 (some VW Dub type place, so it seems), found a link to this -
http://www.retrosoundusa.com/products/category/id/...
Looks perfect, nice and simple and understated. It's American, but it does European radio stations as well, and has a hidden attachment for USB stick/SD card, and an aux in socket on the front. 4x50w mosfet amp, so it's beefy enough, and it's pretty customisable, with lots of different face plates/knobs, etc. Seems to be a reasonable price as well, although that's US $ and no doubt I'd get stung for some taxes.
Will have to wait for my next payday though, bloody paint shop is using up the last of my £££ reserves!
Bit of progress today - got the car back from the paint shop! 
The job they've done on the leading edge of the bonnet and the indent line on the near side where it was bubbling up is spot on. They also un-dented a small dent in the rear n/s arch, and sorted a few other small spots - doing these wasn't actually part of the original deal, so I'm dead chuffed. They also did an all over machine polish and shine, so she's looking lovely! It wasn't cheap, but I'm happy that all paintwork issues are sorted, and I don't have to worry about that for a good few years!
On getting the car home, I started on the job of changing over the exhaust. Got rear end up on the axle stands and it was immediately obvious I didn't have enough room to play with - the axle stands had another notch of height available, but the trolley jack didn't have the height to get the car up on to them. Bugger. The trolley jack and stands were £35, so not the end of the world. So I took the car down to the local exhaust/tyre place, and they bunged it on for £40. Took them an hour, as there were various issues with the cat heat shield. Even if I could have gotten access, I wouldn't have had the tools or know-how to overcome that problem, so it all kinda worked out for the best in the end!
Before - small, rusty, ugly...
After - large, shiny, beautiful!
Next job was to replace the broken zip on the rear screen. Fiddly and awkward, but got it sorted and am dead happy that it works well now.
Next up was to add a bit of bling to the cabin..
Before..
After..
Small job that makes an immediate difference. Only problem is the last trim had been broken in transit and all the chrome was flaking off!
I'm sure they'll send me a replacement with no hassle though, they've been great so far.
Last job of the day was to fit the most important part of all...
The job they've done on the leading edge of the bonnet and the indent line on the near side where it was bubbling up is spot on. They also un-dented a small dent in the rear n/s arch, and sorted a few other small spots - doing these wasn't actually part of the original deal, so I'm dead chuffed. They also did an all over machine polish and shine, so she's looking lovely!
It wasn't cheap, but I'm happy that all paintwork issues are sorted, and I don't have to worry about that for a good few years! On getting the car home, I started on the job of changing over the exhaust. Got rear end up on the axle stands and it was immediately obvious I didn't have enough room to play with - the axle stands had another notch of height available, but the trolley jack didn't have the height to get the car up on to them. Bugger. The trolley jack and stands were £35, so not the end of the world. So I took the car down to the local exhaust/tyre place, and they bunged it on for £40. Took them an hour, as there were various issues with the cat heat shield. Even if I could have gotten access, I wouldn't have had the tools or know-how to overcome that problem, so it all kinda worked out for the best in the end!
Before - small, rusty, ugly...
After - large, shiny, beautiful!
Next job was to replace the broken zip on the rear screen. Fiddly and awkward, but got it sorted and am dead happy that it works well now.
Next up was to add a bit of bling to the cabin..
Before..
After..
Small job that makes an immediate difference. Only problem is the last trim had been broken in transit and all the chrome was flaking off!
I'm sure they'll send me a replacement with no hassle though, they've been great so far. Last job of the day was to fit the most important part of all...
Cheers Felix! Aye, I'm super chuffed with the new exhaust - not only does it get rid of a bit of rusty eye-sore, but (and this is the main reason for fitting it!) it releases a whole lot of music from the engine! It's ain't loud, but it has a lovely sports car tone to it. Driving back from the garage, even though it was dark and a bit rainy, I stopped to get the hood down (now much easier because of the new zip puller!) so I could give the exhaust note a proper audition! Got some interesting reactions - 'Nice car, mate, love it!', 'Get the hood up, you moron!' and 'Cock!' 
RE the PH smiley, now it's on, I agree that it might not be the best place. I'd prefer it on the RHS, but as it is it's a bit too low. At least they're only 2.99 so it's not going to break the bank to change it. Also, as I was putting this on, I noticed the number plate was only held on by gravity. It's also delaminated, so there's another little job rearing it's ugly head!
What might break the bank though is the suspension. I had though that maybe it was sitting a bit low on the off side, but wasn't sure if it was just my imagination, but the guy at the paint shop mention that HE thought it was sitting low that side as well... I'll investigate, and it's pretty likely that it's still on its original dampers and springs... So. Looks like another big expense I could have done without is on the cards, especially as the original suspension was Bilstein. But as I'm both an optimist and a believer in the theory of replacing any part with an upgraded part I see this as an opportunity to get the car even better than it was originally!
My 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 thisDone
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?
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 themselves3/4 done. Grrrrr!
A PH Smiley sticker!Done, but pending the jury's verdict
New Entries
Suspension - find out exactly what's wrong, and put it right to better than standard condition.
Number plate - replace and make secure.
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.
RE the PH smiley, now it's on, I agree that it might not be the best place. I'd prefer it on the RHS, but as it is it's a bit too low. At least they're only 2.99 so it's not going to break the bank to change it. Also, as I was putting this on, I noticed the number plate was only held on by gravity. It's also delaminated, so there's another little job rearing it's ugly head!
What might break the bank though is the suspension. I had though that maybe it was sitting a bit low on the off side, but wasn't sure if it was just my imagination, but the guy at the paint shop mention that HE thought it was sitting low that side as well... I'll investigate, and it's pretty likely that it's still on its original dampers and springs... So. Looks like another big expense I could have done without is on the cards, especially as the original suspension was Bilstein. But as I'm both an optimist and a believer in the theory of replacing any part with an upgraded part I see this as an opportunity to get the car even better than it was originally!
My Updated To Do list -
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
Plastic rear window is a little cloudy - is there any way to clean it up?
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.
New Entries
Suspension - find out exactly what's wrong, and put it right to better than standard condition.
Number plate - replace and make secure.
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.
has kicked my NS wing mirror off. Little Bob said:
WTF is wrong with these tw@ts - anyone approaching a reasonable level of intelligence simply cannot comprehend what goes through their tiny, tiny little minds.
I feel for you - utter, utter w@nkers.
I have no idea, just pure mindlessness. When I phoned the old bill they said lots of cars had been done - looks like the cretin kicked off every mirror he passed on his way home from wherever it is scum like that hang out.....I feel for you - utter, utter w@nkers.
Little Bob said:
Hope you can get it sorted quickly without too much pain.
Cheers - have found a replacement on Ebay - correct colour, £60. Not massively expensive, but it's still £60 that should have gone to my suspension fund....I've calmed down now, but yesterday morning was one of the very few times in my life I've actually been angry... Hence the short post...
dxg said:
There's a guy on mx5nutz that removed the fascia from that headunit and built it into a custom console. Looks fantastic. As do the combination A's 
Lots seem to suddenly be cropping up. all N-reg. I wonder if a batch was imported all at the same time...
Edit: it wasn;t mx5nutz, it was here: http://revlimiter.net/blog/2012/09/na6-dash-finale...
That's a very nice setup he has there, love the effect the quilted material has. Lots seem to suddenly be cropping up. all N-reg. I wonder if a batch was imported all at the same time...Edit: it wasn;t mx5nutz, it was here: http://revlimiter.net/blog/2012/09/na6-dash-finale...
I need to stop looking at this thread - too many great ideas that'll cost me money!
^^ Marked and noted Riknos, ta!
This is what some lowlife did to my mirror the other night..
..and this is how she looks now! Dead chuffed that she's complete again.
I got the new mirror from Autolink, bought it on Ebay late Sunday night, and left an Email asking them to call me so I could give my card details - and got a call at 5mins to 9 the next morning. He said he'd stick it in the post 1st thing and that it should arrive today, which of course, it did!
The only thing stopping it being a dead simple bolt off/bolt on job was a tab of plastic that needed to be cut away, but that was a 5min job with a rotary tool.
The new mirror is exactly the right shape and the paint matches perfectly. There is a slight difference from the original mirror in that the new one doesn't have the black band holding in the glass, the new one is all body coloured. I've got round that problem by ignoring it!
Anyhow, onto the next job!
This is what some lowlife did to my mirror the other night..
..and this is how she looks now! Dead chuffed that she's complete again.
I got the new mirror from Autolink, bought it on Ebay late Sunday night, and left an Email asking them to call me so I could give my card details - and got a call at 5mins to 9 the next morning. He said he'd stick it in the post 1st thing and that it should arrive today, which of course, it did!
The only thing stopping it being a dead simple bolt off/bolt on job was a tab of plastic that needed to be cut away, but that was a 5min job with a rotary tool.
The new mirror is exactly the right shape and the paint matches perfectly. There is a slight difference from the original mirror in that the new one doesn't have the black band holding in the glass, the new one is all body coloured. I've got round that problem by ignoring it!
Anyhow, onto the next job!
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?
Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff