What did you do to your NB today? [Archive]

MX-5 Miata Forum > NA/NB (1990-2005) Miata > NB (1999-2005) General discussion > What did you do to your NB today?

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zupah

24th October 2012, 15:20

Changed spark plugs. Took off pin striping.

Motocrossx23

24th October 2012, 16:10

Rolled the window up. Have to wait till next week to order the mid pipe from RB

shroom

24th October 2012, 18:04

It was fixed within 10 days. ~$2500 total, covered by insurance. They did a nice job, even repainting the rock-chipped nose, so it's better than it was when I bought it.

Also, took it on a 1100 mile trip last weekend, ~16 hours of ~4000 rpm highway driving. Never missed a beat, used almost no oil, and got over 32 MPG.

Great car!

Smacked a deer on the way into work this morning. :mad:

Needs a new right front fender, maybe more. It was a large doe, rolled up onto the hood. Hood looks unscathed except for a scratch. I'm very thankful it didn't roll over the windshield, through the top and into my lap. Some of the paint damage around the foglight was already there, but I think it's worse. Maybe I can get the nose repainted as part of the repairs.

This is new territory for me. I haven't made an insurance claim since the 80's.

...waiting for the Travelers adjuster. Be careful out there.

Vann

24th October 2012, 19:38

Went to dinner with my wife, top down & radio up. Not bad for a late October day in SEPA. Even sat outside at the restaurant:)

zzman

24th October 2012, 22:31

Been daily driving her for two weeks now an hour to and back from work. The Ranger developed a misfire and have been working so many hours can't get it in to the shop. With warm weather went to and back from work top down. Dark to and back. Another 11 hour day. I really like this car as a DD. Saving a ton on gas. It's all smiles. Came home tonight with a expandable aluminum painters plank stuffed into the passenger footwell and resting between the seats like a second spoiler. Got a few a strange looks but they'll get get over it.

Tasbrus

25th October 2012, 16:23

Been using it as a daily driver , way better MPG then my pick up. Just got back from a top down ride and changed the oil. Wash and wax later today or tomorrow and putting it away for the winter.

atl_sud

25th October 2012, 20:18

Changed the upper and lower shift boot. Thanks R-Speed.

Changed the stock pleather shift boot and installed a leather e-brake cover. Thanks topgaiter.

jimbop99

25th October 2012, 22:41

Tucked her in for a, hopefully, short winters nap.

iowncars

25th October 2012, 23:57

Loving Florida weather...got the seats reupholstered, and the convertible top being tackled this weekend. Can't wait for it all to be done.

Ciotti

26th October 2012, 01:21

Enthuza mid pipe went on, this thing sounds gooooooood :)

Motocrossx23

26th October 2012, 11:14

^I'm debating on whether to get the Enthuza, RB, or RS. How much of a difference did it make in the tone/sound level?

justinsane

26th October 2012, 12:24

^I'm debating on whether to get the Enthuza, RB, or RS. How much of a difference did it make in the tone/sound level?

For a full exhaust the RB and the RS3 look like they are better finished,
the RB is the cheapest midpipe + muffler combo but there is no cat,
I went with the RS myself cause it seemed like the best bang for the buck.
A resonated Enthuza midpipe is close to $500 shipped and the whole RS3 exhaust was only $650.

Personally (flame suit on) when I looked through all the youtube exhaust clips there wasn't a major difference that would make me choose one over the other, but then again youtube quality isn't the best and first hand info from someone who's tried both is probably better.

PatrickWilmot

26th October 2012, 12:42

if those are for an NB - do you mind sharing where you got those?

They are technically for NA but they fit almost perfectly in my '99. Slide right under the dead pedal. I found them on eBay of all places!

kallsop

26th October 2012, 13:18

Yesterday actually, completed the "Bose-ectomy" by adding Kenwood KFC-X1730P component speakers to my Kenwood DPX308U head unit, and it sounds so much better. The Bose was alright but flat compared to what I have now.

Went from this
150740

to this
150741

BGrigg

26th October 2012, 13:27

I bought the RS3 midpipe & muffler combo last year, but only installed the muffler at first, as I only had access to jack stands at the time, and it looked like a job for a lift! I finally put the midpipe on a few weeks ago, and it really enhanced the exhaust note. And I swear my Mark I butt dyno noticed a small increase in mid range response!

Agree about youtube videos being a poor choice to sample exhaust notes.

Antrey

26th October 2012, 14:45

Took it for a little spin (76 degrees at the end of Oct. in WI. ....hell ya!). I then put on the winter storage wheels/tires. Tomorrow will be a quick wash and then beddy bye time for her until next spring. :(

Be thankful for Global Warming

Antrey

26th October 2012, 14:46

Changed spark plugs. Took off pin striping.

Best mod ever is to remove the cr@p pinstriping dealers love to install and charge for. When I owned a '96 STO that was the first thing I did :)

Antrey

26th October 2012, 14:51

Loving Florida weather...got the seats reupholstered, and the convertible top being tackled this weekend. Can't wait for it all to be done.

Any pictures of the reupholstered seats? Where did you get the work done?

Antrey

26th October 2012, 14:53

I had my oil changed at the dealership. Over the years, with increasing oil quart pricing, it has started to make less and less sense to change the oil yourself. Its not worth saving a couple of dollars in my opinion.

PatrickWilmot

26th October 2012, 15:23

Washed and waxed my '99 and added a new sticker :) Stickers add horse power right?!

tgr

26th October 2012, 15:40

Washed it in and out in preperation for Fall in Fontana.

nate0123

26th October 2012, 15:40

Stickers on paint subtract horsepower.

PatrickWilmot

26th October 2012, 16:57

Stickers on paint subtract horsepower.

Aww man. :ohno:

Kylini

26th October 2012, 21:41

Guess which one I just pulled off the car...

http://kylini.com/ul/thermostatp.jpg (http://kylini.com/ul/thermostat.jpg)
http://kylini.com/ul/thermostat2p.jpg (http://kylini.com/ul/thermostat2.jpg)

On the plus side, I got to install the gasket twice. It'll drip when you pull the throttle cable if you put it on backwards.

PokeyJoe

26th October 2012, 22:32

Washed and waxed my '99 and added a new sticker :) Stickers add horse power right?!

I think that you lose a few top mhp on the very top end but you make up for it in the corners via the sticker ground effect.. :rofl:

tylervalo

27th October 2012, 09:43

Replaced the interior with factory stuff:
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/9703/img0429ee.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/11/img0429ee.jpg/)

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/8966/img0458zo.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/51/img0458zo.jpg/)

Derrick_B

27th October 2012, 09:51

Replaced the interior with factory stuff...
Much improved!

Brendanj

28th October 2012, 00:43

Tackled the tedious job of doing a coolant flush via repeated drain and filling with distilled water. Installed a new thermostat and found that NAPA carries the Japanese-made OE thermostat with gasket for $21. Next up - tires!

NA Dylan

28th October 2012, 01:25

Replaced the interior with factory stuff:
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/9703/img0429ee.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/11/img0429ee.jpg/)

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/8966/img0458zo.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/51/img0458zo.jpg/)

So much better!

spif

28th October 2012, 02:54

i bought it yesterday and i already spilled my co*ke everywhere!
http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-10-27_20-35-17_257.jpg

hahaha just kidding! im trying the baking soda smoke smell remover trick!
i filled the ashtray also

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-10-27_20-32-03_135.jpg

agv

28th October 2012, 08:11

putting her up on stands....mandatory evacuation for my town by 4:00pm today....unfortunately since she is the cheap car I have to make the choice..... :-(

boomercarguy

28th October 2012, 08:41

I had a convertible Corvair which was caught in a flood and had muddy water over top of the dashboard. The stench was worse than old roadkill. I tried every chemical known to man. What finally worked was leaving the car out in the sun with the top down for a few days. Bacteria and Dracula don't like UV rays.

agv

28th October 2012, 08:53

but this will be salt water flooding ...... :cry:

dfitz

28th October 2012, 11:01

This is more what I put our 2003 LS through as I didn't do anything to it!

We have had a bug to get a Boxster. Found a very low (really low) mileage 2001 base model. We made the deal which included trading in the Miata. Overnight we had second thoughts. The next day the dealer respected our request to kill the deal.

We took the Miata out for a long "I'm sorry!" drive...

RicksMazda

28th October 2012, 12:35

Installed new rain rail but did not have torque wrench. Rain real leaked. Duh. Borrowed torque wrench from a Motor head friend and followed torque sequence. Now rain rail does not leak.

Got every thing back in order and now the switch for the passenger window does not work. Just one little thing afer another! But it's a 12 year old car and minor repairs are expected!

Thinking of selling my Mazda 6 and my NB to get a nice used NC as a daily driver. Right now the 6 is my winter car and the NB is my summer car. It would be nice to only have one car to deal with.

Gun Bunny

28th October 2012, 12:53

This is more what I put our 2003 LS through as I didn't do anything to it!

We took the Miata out for a long "I'm sorry!" drive...

There, there. We all make some pretty dumb mistakes from time to time. Good thing Miatas are such forgiving cars, right? :)

Ciotti

28th October 2012, 21:36

^I'm debating on whether to get the Enthuza, RB, or RS. How much of a difference did it make in the tone/sound level?

Big difference over the stock midpipe, totally uncorked the sound and added just the right amount of extra volume. Love it, highly recommended.

My Enthuza resonated midpipe with a metal core race cat was only $375 shipped.

spif

29th October 2012, 01:14

i buffed out my headlights!

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-10-28_12-14-37_314.jpg

96Formula6spd

29th October 2012, 01:38

Drove to VIR and worked 13 hour. Got to watch Panic Motor sports car win spec Miata with a 5 lap lead and 6th overall. I will drive VIR sometime next year.

sonny1

29th October 2012, 10:32

Rain drops on the soft top is music to my ears. Watched a showed on Velocity last week where Roll-Royce actually studied the sound of rain drops on convertible tops and how it was more desirable over hard top. 100% agree :)

Happy Driving ~

PokeyJoe

29th October 2012, 10:35

i bought it yesterday and i already spilled my co*ke everywhere!

hahaha just kidding! im trying the baking soda smoke smell remover trick!
i filled the ashtray also

If that doesn't work - you can also try fresh ground coffee - but keep it in a container under the seat.

CrazyBlue85

29th October 2012, 21:07

sonny1, I know exactly what you mean. I love the sound of rain, be it on the tin roof of the house I grew up in, the sound of it outside an open window, the roar of a good thunderstorm anywhere, the sound of it as I'm driving along with the rhythmic swiping of my wipers all alone on the highway, everything. I've even done PT in the rain voluntarily.

And yet I've been stuck in nigh-rainless deserts for six years. Oh, how that hurts my soul. I got more rain in two four-month deployments to Afghanistan than in the entirety of the last six years stateside.

96Formula6spd

29th October 2012, 22:41

got 31 mpg. First time over 30 at all. Normally in the 24-26 range. Also my waterpump squealed into life. Looks like my new approved mazdaspeed membership will be put to use.

spif

30th October 2012, 00:26

the first wash under new ownership! desperately need to clean the sap off and wax it!

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-10-29_11-49-10_804.jpg

looking better all clean
and my old civic (for sale) in the back haha.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-10-29_11-49-32_493.jpg

CrazyBlue85

30th October 2012, 00:33

When you said "old Civic," you weren't kidding. I'd imagine you could get decent money for it, seeing as how you can now be on the good end of the "Ricer Tax." :)

mx5<3

30th October 2012, 01:41

I took off my front license plate!

spif

30th October 2012, 01:43

haha its a 91. im asking 2750 for it and got a few bites so far. hope i sell it within the week. some kid already asked if it has a "big speaker" hahaha

sonny1

30th October 2012, 08:41

I took off my front license plate!

Good idea..I hate mine also but it's required in MA or a $50 ticket (@#$M*F&^%) Front plate kills the look on a NB, IMHO.

OT..Well Sandy blew by yesterday, lost two trees but still have power. Went ahead and bought a generator, now me buy transfer panel next ! Hope everyone in the NE are safe and sound.

Happy Driving ~ (for another 30 days B4 storage)

sonny1

30th October 2012, 08:45

THANK YOU for your service to our country ! I'd buy you a drink if we were closer :)

We got more rain in the last 24 hrs to last until next spring. NM is a freaking desert (I kiddin')...but look on the bright side you have more topless time and don't have to worry about winter storage.

Happy motoring ~

CrazyBlue85

30th October 2012, 15:37

The thought is appreciated!

Where I'm at is indeed a desert; look up Alamogordo on Google Maps' Satellite View to see for yourself. However, I've got a few awesome mountain roads within easy driving distance just up to the east-north-east. I've already spent a decent pile on afternoon/evening trips to Cloudcroft on both food and fuel. It doesn't matter if I'm in my truck or my blue streak, as it is always a good time.

Growing up in Florida, my family quickly established a hurricane plan-of-action. We had an awesome deep-freeze full of meat and produce, a well-reinforced house that started off as a single-wide trailer but grew to over 2,000 sq. ft., and some nifty redneck engineering to include a deep well into the Blackwater aquifer and a splendid little Generac generator on which we could run the house's A/C if we really wanted to! Add in being inland and on some of the higher terrain Florida has and we hadn't any problems besides downed limbs and a dirty pool. If it was a category 2 (or weak 3) or less, we didn't budge; there was no need. :thumbs:

mx5<3

30th October 2012, 22:54

151717
151718
151719
Washing/Vaccuming/Cleaning out drains

Ling

30th October 2012, 23:50

Replaced the throttle/oil cooler and oil cooler/rear block 5/8" hoses. Latter one split and stranded me. It's a pig of a job to replace them. Best way is to remove inlet manifold bracket and oil cooler together with the hoses. And of course grow some skinny arms for the rest.

spif

31st October 2012, 01:58

i started fabricating a license plate holder

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-10-30_22-53-34_138.jpg

stoves

1st November 2012, 12:52

Today, I drove it.
Last night, I
- finished installing my HID conversion/full retrofit
- installed new OEM tail lights with the turn signal redded-out (original tails were both cracked)
- changed the spark plugs and wires
- reconnected a small hose on the TB that was causing a lean issue

every time i work on this car, i am amazed at how easy it is to disassemble and how simple it is.

Since I bought it, It had a few issues which i've corrected. A broken center compartment lid hinge, broken glovebox hinge pivot, a small tear in the seam of the drivers seat bolster, replaced the bose HU and tape deck, installed a bluetooth mic for the new HU, installed an s2000 antenna and wired the amp, and added an s2000 start button in the center console. all those little things were enough for me to go from 10k on the lot to 7k out the door. I won't complain, I've got no problem working on it. I love the simplicity.

ggrillo

1st November 2012, 15:36

Phase 1 of my Bosectomy completed.
Replaced my Bose HU with a bluetooth sony one.

spif

2nd November 2012, 00:28

i finished up my license plate relocater. its a little more flimsy than i expected but its fine. just reveals the marks from the original holder :(

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-11-01_12-42-32_362.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-11-01_12-43-01_738.jpg

my miata is claustrophobic so i put it in a big garage! :D
its my girlfriends new house she will move into next week

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-11-01_17-44-07_43.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-11-01_17-44-28_168.jpg

96Formula6spd

2nd November 2012, 01:40

Get to bleed the clutch. Fluid is nasty and burnt. Then its off to myrtle beech for an autocross. Is the season over yet so I can modify the car or sell it.

kallsop

2nd November 2012, 06:22

Phase 1 of my Bosectomy completed.
Replaced my Bose HU with a bluetooth sony one.

Did the same with mine and went Kenwood, one of the best things that I have done.

:thumbs:

miagra

2nd November 2012, 12:59

Had to meticulously inspect my Miata exterior this morning for possible paint damage.

Last night I was stopped at a red light on a poorly lit 4 lane boulevard. It was rainning a bit and the pavement was wet. I was second in the inside lane and ahead of me was one of those large Chrysler Ram pick-up, and in the outside lane beside us was a city bus.

While the light was still red I heard some heavy revving and noticed the pick-up ahead of me was sliding sideways. Suddendly I realised that the @#%XX ahead of me was spinning his rear wheels with the brakes on, slidding sideways back and forth.

I could hear sh#t hitting my car. He just kept on spinning so I had a quick check in my rear view mirror and luckily there was no car behing so I was able to shove it in reverse to back away .

The light turned green and he took off. I could have followed him to get his licence no. etc. but my first concern was to get to a stop point and check for damage.

I was able to pick off a dozen dark rubber pellets (still warm ) off my hood and soft top. I am not sure yet if there is any chip marks from rocks. I will have to wash manually to see if there is any damage to the paint.

I really keep my car clean and am very conscious about where I drive and park. I am also aware that you cannot control everything (dings in parking lots and chips) but it is very frustrating to deal with idiots.

bigdave

2nd November 2012, 13:00

Had to meticulously inspect my Miata exterior this morning for possible paint damage.

I could hear sh#t hitting my car. He just kept on spinning so I had a quick check in my rear view mirror and luckily there was no car behing so I was able to shove it in reverse to back away .

The light turned green and he took off. I could have followed him to get his licence no. etc. but my first concern was to get to a stop point and check for damage.

what a moron! hope your car is ok.

sonny1

2nd November 2012, 13:24

WTF !! road rage would have been justified. "Case Dismissed!"

Hope car is OK.

spif

2nd November 2012, 16:51

hope your car is ok man! and hope that guy gets caught soon! that would piss me off so bad. :realmad:

anyways, today i cleaned out my drain tubes with trombone brush! lovely dirt came out. and did anyone else have troubles cleaning the drivers side? its hard to get the vacuum in there with that switch in the way. what is that switch? to let you know the top is down? or to resist power going to the defroster so it wont burn the top? :confused: haha idk. i just got a skinny tube hooked up to the vacuum and sucked all the pine needles and grime out! i feel better about driving in the rain now! :cool:

spif

2nd November 2012, 16:52

and today was the first time i got to drive with the top down! finally didnt rain and i just had the heater on to keep warm! i cant wait till summer!

CrazyBlue85

2nd November 2012, 17:02

I've been driving it more or less daily for the past two weeks. I still have the occasional misfire, but it now seems to be limited to very low speed, light throttle operation with the motor at any temperature. It also likes to shut itself off after idling for 30 seconds to a minute after startup (not a new problem, but a sufficiently minor one that I've not bugged Jeremy with it yet).

My fuel mileage seems to have improved with the Hydra and turbo kit, believe it or not, even with getting into light/mild boost (0-4 PSIG) at lights and onramps. What a nifty (and thrifty!) side-effect.

As for the fool in the Ram... That really irritates me. I've been a Dodge guy since I understood the differences between brands and people like that puke give us a bad name. If you're going to do a burnout, clear behind and around you and don't do it in traffic. Respect other peoples' property. How difficult is that? I don't think you'll have damage, since it was primarily warm, soft, tacky rubber hitting your nose. I'd give it a good waxing/clay-bar session after a thorough wash just in case the clearcoat was negatively affected.

tylervalo

2nd November 2012, 20:49

The biggest douches on the road are usually Ram drivers.

Derrick_B

2nd November 2012, 21:52

I went for a drive after work with my g/f. She drove out of town a bit, then we switched and I drove back. It is great convertible weather in Oklahoma. My Miata wants to dart off the road with every little bump, though. Time to take it in for an alignment.

socal pat

2nd November 2012, 21:57

Fixed my first CEL code in many months..... retightened the gas cap DOH!.

Peaviner

2nd November 2012, 23:06

and today was the first time i got to drive with the top down! finally didnt rain and i just had the heater on to keep warm! i cant wait till summer!

I too drove with the top down (on my way home from work). It was nice to have a break in the rain... (though we saw how long that lasted since it's raining now...).

miagra

3rd November 2012, 01:05

Thanks for the understanding posts regarding the burn-out consequences. It's not the driver's choice of vehicle that frustrated me, but what he did with it.

Another thing that frustrated me was that the only reason I was on the road that night was to give a recharge to my battery after a boost. I was not even in my neighborhood when it occured. I had just driven off the highway to loop around and come back home.

CrazyBlue - I will give it a good wash and shine(I didn't think of the clearcoat-thanks)

Regarding road rage I try to avoid confrontation (controlling my emotions)when I can. You never know who you are going to be dealing with. Some people's values and conscience may be much different than mine.Years ago I was biking downtown and a car cut me off. I zigzaged through traffic to catch up with him. I pulled up beside his window to tell him off when I noticed him pulling his vest aside and showing me a gun tucked into his belt. :eek::ohno::sad:

boomercarguy

3rd November 2012, 08:36

The biggest douches on the road are usually Ram drivers.

You may be right. Yesterday, I was run off the road by one with dual wheels on the back. The driver wanted his half of the road in the middle. What is it with these big bullies? It could be they just don't know how to drive. Around here, "Bubba" rarely keeps his truck between the lines on two-lane roads, regardless of brand.

RicksMazda

3rd November 2012, 10:51

Installed new power window switch. Took a drive with top down and heater on full blast. 42 deg F is pretty cold going 50 MPH. Won't be able to have top down very often as winter is coming!

nate0123

3rd November 2012, 13:47

Yea I reopened some tears in my roof Thursday night putting the top down when it was too cold. Thank goodness for vinyl adhesive...

amptramp

3rd November 2012, 17:09

Last week's rain is now over and it left me with standing water on the driver's side of the car. We have a lot of mature trees in our area and they all lose leaves that go right into the convertible top drains. I had this happen last summer and the temperature was sufficiently high to evaporate the water after removing the seat. No such luck this time.

The steps are:

1. Take out any place mats.
2. Slide seat forward and remove the two 14 mm seat bolts at the back.
3. Slide seat back and remove the two 14 mm bolts at the front.
4. Tilt the seat and use a jeweller's screwdriver to unclip the connector going to the seat.
5. Remove the seat (easier with the top down).
6. Use a 15 mm socket to remove the lower seatbelt bolt
7. Remove the two 10 mm bolts holding the dead pedal and pry it out.
8. Remove the door sill (it just pulls off).
9. Remove the plastic panel above the dead pedal.
10. Sponge the water off the carpet.
11, Flip the carpet up and remove the jute pads under it.
12. Sponge all the water out of the steel tub.
13. Dry the jute.
14. With the door sill off check the water level in the rocker panels.
15. If you see water, unplug the four drains on each side of the rocker panel.
16. Reassemble the car.
17. Use a coax cable or some other item of a similar shape to rod out the drains for the top.

Unlucky step 13: I tried to dry the jute in the microwave oven. When it was still sopping wet (it doesn't tolerate much wringing out) it survives 30 seconds for the piece under the seat pan and 50 seconds for the front piece. Once it is dry, do not use a microwave oven - the rear piece was OK but about 40 seconds into the cycle, the front piece caught fire and had to be pulled out and taken outside where the adhesive that had caught fire proceeded to burn the whole thing. I had to make a new piece out of a thin roll of closed-cell foam. I did not want to leave the carpet in contact with the steel tub since the carpet is backed with rubber that has a number of small projections, supposedly to lock the jute in place. This would chew through the paint if there was no pad between the carpet and the tub.

neosamurai

3rd November 2012, 18:55

Installed my fidanza short shifter. Click click click ;)

spif

3rd November 2012, 19:17

i finally washed, clay bar, and waxed it! paint looks a lot better protected!
and i took the center console out to clean under it.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-11-03_15-56-39_719.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-11-03_15-14-16_581.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-11-03_15-12-26_550.jpg

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-11-03_15-11-54_64.jpg

sonny1

3rd November 2012, 21:15

i finally washed, clay bar, and waxed it! paint looks a lot better protected!

Nice ! clay is the best. First glance thought something wrong with your paint, then realized it was the reflection of the ceiling.

Going to wash and maybe clay before I put it away for the winter. It's going to be nice tomorrow but no time, got a 5K race to do.

CrazyBlue85

3rd November 2012, 21:19

Question: What did I do to my NB today?

Answer: Awesome drive. I could say "epic," but the term is increasingly overused and undervalued.

I started my day by driving over to the Kent Kwik for water, orange juice, and an energy drink. I knew everything would stay fairly cool because I was headed up to the mountains. I slithered up to Cloudcroft, had a meal at Big Daddy's BBQ (which I incorrectly referred to as The Lodge in previous posts), and then ran NM 244 to the highway and back, then took a left and ran up to Mayhill where I had a grilled cheese on rye at a little cafe as a break. After that was NM 130 back into Cloudcroft and back to Big Daddy's for a piece of cake which I promised the staff I would come back for! I ran back down the hill to Alamogordo, but decided I was not yet done for the day, and so drove up to Tularosa then to Carrizoso, and then to Riudoso via Nogal, and then, finally, back to Alamogordo just as the post-sunset light was fading. Through all this, I sung along with almost every song on Alan Jackson's "Greatest Hits II" album and then re-discovered my Fleetwood Mac "The Dance" CD (recorded live in-concert, for added goodness). What a day. :D

It really only had one downside. On the outbound leg of 244, I ended up behind a pair of motorcyclists. They were cruising along, not a big deal, and I followed at a decent distance. We finally get to a safe passing zone, I pass giving them as wide a berth as the road allows, and continue on with my business at a spirited pace. The guy with the non-cruiser was apparently displeased by being passed by a Miata such that, when I got to the highway, turned around, and headed back, he shook his hand/pointer finger at me when he and his cruiser buddy finally made their way to that end of the road. Curious, though at least he was adult enough not to utilize the "Las Vegas Hello" finger.

I saw only one other Miata on the road that day, and it was on either NM 37 or 48 approaching Riudoso. It was a yellow NB (without tupperware if I remember correctly), black top, top-up, and a rollbar in back. He was northbound and I southbound. I waved with a hang-loose out above my windshield, but couldn't see a reciprocation due to low light and his top being in the wrong position. It was a nice-looking car nevertheless.

95 M

3rd November 2012, 21:19

Mazdaspeed muffler on my 2001 Miata. Deeper, louder and more toned than stock. Best 50 bucks I have ever spent!!

Reving from behind:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJOknS1EhsA&feature=channel&list=UL

Drive by:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSByPiUPmmI&feature=channel&list=UL

CrazyBlue85

3rd November 2012, 21:27

95 M, from the outside and rear, it sounds a tad raspy. In-car, however, it sounds just fine. Pretty nice, actually. Well done.

95 M

3rd November 2012, 21:36

Thanks! I think it is a tad raspy because of the resonator delete. For the price I paid I'm really happy!

Here is inside the car:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xhljDeScYk&feature=channel&list=UL

GoldfishRT

3rd November 2012, 22:21

Got my snow tires on. :D

gtechie

3rd November 2012, 23:11

151912
The above seat transformed into the below seat.
151913

I haven't put it back together yet, but it feels good, laying on it!

miagra

4th November 2012, 02:02

Just changed the Miata clock to standard time.(I get to spend an extra hour with it!)

96Formula6spd

4th November 2012, 02:29

Autocrossed in Myrtle Beach. Did not place wheel but finished 3rd in points this year. Also drove a rx8 and that is the car I should have bought last year. Also drove a scion frs. Now after driving a brz and a frs I would want an frs. More twitchy over the brz. More fun than a Miata. To bad I can't afford one.

Brendanj

4th November 2012, 03:24

Had a set of Yokohama S-Drives installed on my '03 LS. Only able to drive a little bit today, but obviously WAY better than the all-season Toyos that were on it when I bought it..

kallsop

4th November 2012, 03:41

Did a damp, wet, foggy at times 420 mile loop from Coquille to the 101 to Lincoln City, to McMinville to the Evergreen Air & Space Museum, to Salem and down the I-5 to Roseburg, and back to Coquille and enjoyed every minute of it, and the museum was cool too. Averaged 29mpg for the trip.

burntgamer

4th November 2012, 07:15

Not so much today but over the last week I installed stock suspension, replacing Tien lowering springs. Oh what a joy to hit a bump on 495 and not feel like my car is tearing itself apart. The springs will be in the for sale section this week. My struts were shot and I prefer the stock ride height as driving my car out of my apartment complex was excruciating. If I tracked my car it would be different. It's supercharged and I live in the DC metro area so I get all the point to point rally I want, and I do it comfortably. I also replaced the power steering pump. You forget how nice it is to simply lay your hand over the wheel, no grip with fingers, just turning with the palm of your hand. I finally found a rare dual throttle body kit from the UK made by a guy on MK5nutz.com. Now I have AC again and my idle is amazing. I can simply let my clutch out slowly and the car lurches forward effortlessly without hitting the gas. Response is just like stock, but instant boost. Gone are the days of fluctuations in idle, no AC, readjusting idle in a rainstorm, and generally wondering why I keep this car. I can go from full boost to a dead stop and the rpms go right back to 900. Perfect. Today it's brakes. Next pay it's a top. Then some new skates. Yesterday I made a U-turn, tapped the accelerator and drifted beautifully 180 degrees, my passenger was amazed at how smooth it was. This, I thought, is why I keep my car.

Posted from Miata.net App for Android

Shazbat

4th November 2012, 10:06

Timing belt and water pump, along with new rad hoses and antifreeze. I know there isn't really in difference between my former 2001 and my MSM as far as timing belts and water pumps go, but it was a lot more work getting through all of the plumbing!!! Did Mazda glue all of the turbo connections?!?

While I had her on stands, I changed the tranny fluid to Motorcraft Full Synthetic (I really liked the way it made my '01 shift) and Royal Purple diff fluid.

I have new shift boots to install, but it was late, I was tired and sore, and it is too nice of a weekend NOT to drive. Shift boots will go in next week!

Ciotti

4th November 2012, 12:17

Finished up Part 4 of my NB adventure in Boone :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTBcVG8vf6o

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/542090_325628334202872_2079024593_n.jpg

Motocrossx23

4th November 2012, 12:24

Walked out to the garage, looked at it.

I can't wait for my exhaust to come on Thursday/Friday. I MUST drive this thing again before the snow falls!

rwyatt365

4th November 2012, 16:48

Solved a slow leak on the water line to the turbo.

Solved a persistent P1135 CEL (faulty wiring destroyed existing O2 sensor - replaced with a "junkyard find" sensor and rewired the connector).

Unsuccessfuly tried to locate an annoying rattle in the exhaust system (it's driving me CRAZY!!).

Greased the slides in the windows - they're moving smoothly and quickly now.

Figured out that the power lock actuator on the driver's side has bitten the dust (the plactic arm has cracked) and needs to be replaced - now that I know what the problem is I'll unlock the door "old school" (i.e. with the key) for the time being.

All in prep for the upcoming winter - it was 30* outside this morning, and just barely got to 40* by mid-afternoon.

Gun Bunny

4th November 2012, 17:39

Oil change, plus went from this:151945
To this:151946

rgrega

4th November 2012, 18:08

Went from Lebanon to Jamestown, TN and back yesterday. No interstate and some interesting road. Hwy 52 between Celina and Jamestown is fun. Total miles 241.
Washed, waxed, leather treatment for the seats and general detailing today. The car is looking good.

NewtoCarsGuy

4th November 2012, 19:44

Let my buddy at work drive my car. He put the top down roughly... or pulled it up roughly... and put a small quarter inch tear in the side of the top. First one on a 1 year old top. Very sad. Never had a tear in a convertible top before.

Did a burn out in frustration when I left work. Lol. (On private property, with permission)

Enjoyed the new 80 MPH speed limit highway with another Miata randomly found.

MemoNB

4th November 2012, 20:09

Last night I was just taking pictures of her.. And telling her all the mods I will soon do to her<3

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/8152600977_21372c61e5_z.jpg

Triple88A

4th November 2012, 21:24

Ask her if she likes the exhaust heat soaked air in the intake :)

Simpson89

4th November 2012, 23:17

Ask her if she likes the exhaust heat soaked air in the intake :)

Play nice he's new! Haha.

Finally got my new wheels in! They should be going on Tuesday. So I'll have another post with pictures coming soon!

JoeTheZoe

5th November 2012, 11:01

1. Timing Belt
2. Water pump
3. Accessory Belts
4. Idler & Tensioner pulleys
5. cam seals, front main seal
6. Oil Change (Rotella T6 again :D)
7. Thermostat
8. Upper and Lower Rad hoses
9. Radiator cap
10. New PCV valve and hose, picked up the better one from rosenthal that all the turbo guys like (from a 323 GTX or something like that)

*My new GMB water pump from Rosenthal had a cross-threaded hole on the side water pipe flange (thats on GMB, surely not the fault of Rosenthal, they have always been great). But we did our best to get it to go in straight, used a good gasket and silicon RTV :bang:, bolted everything up, even the intake piping, pouring in new coolant, BUT.......as I let some distilled water flow down the frunnel into the radiator I heard a faint drip below. :cry:

After inspection, it was surely coming from the aforementioned flange. So at 11:30pm on Saturday night, I tore everything back down in no time at all while I let my assistant go home and sleep to regroup for Sunday. I was in LUCK! The local advance auto parts had a brand new GMB in stock for the car and took mine in swap as a defective one FREE OF CHARGE! Woooohh wooooooh! :jump:

In attempting to still make it work, we also ended up crushing the threads on the bolt we had used on that hole, so we had to also get some appropriate bolts from advance, only needed one though, so I used the bolt from the thermostat housing as the 6th bolt on the water pump and threw the auto parts store bolt on the t-stat housing because its easy to get to if I have a problem with it.

Put everything back together AGAIN! And she runs like a rolex :) very nice peace of mind now. :cool:

Learning experience of doing the whole job twice was great, I could do this blindfolded now.

One question: I know if the accessory belts are too loose they will squeal, and if they are too tight it is bad for the pulley bearings...soooo how do you determine if they are too tight? deflection was within spec, but should I expect the belts to stretch at all as they "break in?"

All the help on this forum made the job as easy as it was, THANKS!!!

Gun Bunny

5th November 2012, 12:11

Put everything back together AGAIN! And she runs like a rolex :) very nice peace of mind now. :cool:

Learning experience of doing the whole job twice was great, I could do this blindfolded now.

All the help on this forum made the job as easy as it was, THANKS!!!

Check the belts after a couple hundred miles, or less, if most of your mileage is city mileage, and adjust as (if) necessary. Do the same at a thousand and you should be good.

shoult

5th November 2012, 12:12

You can go get a belt deflection tool, but I typically tighten belts until they just stop squealing. New ones will start squealing soon after, so I tighten them again until they just stop squealing. The object is to get them as loose as possible so that they put the minimum pressure on the bearings while still being tight enough to avoid slipping (squeal).

On the Miata it's very simple to adjust.

Motocrossx23

5th November 2012, 12:18

Parked it at work, in between two vans...hahahaha.

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/600488_135604779921309_1618036503_n.jpg

spif

5th November 2012, 18:50

i changed my oil! from nasty black coffee to nice golden mobil 1 :)

JoeTheZoe

6th November 2012, 10:21

Just bought a "TYC" (read as "re-labeled KOYO") OEM replacement radiator from Amazon...mine is leaking pretty quick when there is pressure in the system. Noticed last week before changing the t-belt and then finally got to see it while it was leaking this morning, it looks like it is at both sides of the top tank where it is attached to the fins.

Anywho, I have a jug of coolant in the car, my coolant temp gauge is linearized, and I will take it easy going home (9 mi) tonight and back to work tomorrow and back home again...I got 1-day shipping, so it should be there tomorrow before my trip to the airport on Thursday.

nate0123

6th November 2012, 10:25

Parked it at work, in between two vans...hahahaha.[/IMG]Love the way the exhaust looks. Fitment looks great, and the size looks good too. Did you apply red vinyl to your tails?

BGrigg

6th November 2012, 10:59

Parked it at work, in between two vans...hahahaha.

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/600488_135604779921309_1618036503_n.jpg

While it looks funny, may I suggest that you don't pull all the way into the parking spot? I parked between two large trucks like that and almost had a third truck park on top of me. All because they couldn't see the car, until they pulled into the spot. Now I park "flush" with the other vehicles.

JoeTheZoe

6th November 2012, 11:17

Ditto.

Motocrossx23

6th November 2012, 11:22

I normally do actually, I've had someone hit my motorcycle before because they didn't see it before, ugh lol.

As far as the exhaust, thanks! I'm happy with it.

The tail lights, I taped off and sprayed with VHT red tint. Then clear coated and buffed them to shine.

Motocrossx23

6th November 2012, 14:46

This came in the mail today. Helllooooo full exhaust! (RS mid pipe). Hopefully the rest of the bits come by Friday so I can install it Saturday morning and drive the car all weekend.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f44/Motocrossx23/E4DFDB87-FC44-409A-B5E9-E4C62E4976BA-775-00000063F26920B3.jpg

chemwarrior

8th November 2012, 10:55

I finished out first for the year in STR for my local autocross region.

JoeTheZoe

8th November 2012, 11:02

New Radiator! MINE WAS LEAKING ALL THE WAY ACROSS THE TOP, where the plastic and metal meet.

Just as I read in a few places, Amazon has "TYC" radiators, that turn out to just be re-labeled KOYO factory replacements (for AT Trans, but that doesn't matter for me). That indeed is what it was! :thumbs:

152135

I am SOOOO happy that these cars are so easy to work on :D and will surely miss it.

CrazyBlue85

8th November 2012, 14:39

Yesterday evening, I drove it to Las Cruces for dinner. The car had zero issues holding 80 MPH with cruise control on in 6th, including the big hills/pass through the little mountain range. It was spinning approximately 3,900 RPM at that speed and did so without complaint. On the flats, it was running between 9 and 6 inches of mercury and on the worst of the hills maybe 2-3 lbs of boost. It was amusing to have a Corolla zoom past me between 85 and 90 MPH and then I pass it back but moments later as the incline increased, cruise control still on, 6th still selected, 80 MPH maintained. What a swell thing to be able to do. Now I won't have to downshift to 4th or 5th to keep up with Mr. Sharp on the hills on the next Roadrunner Miata Club drive I can attend.

Provided I find a good place to have my new top installed, I'll calculate long-term highway mileage when I head to Florida next month. I expect to get 1-3 MPG more at reasonable altitude with less crosswind over the improvement I've already noticed with the Hydra, not to mention the obvious improvement in spool speed and torque from having actual air to pump into the motor. :)

boomercarguy

8th November 2012, 16:42

I almost got hit again by "Bubba" in his Big Pick-em-up Truck when he was "straightening the curve" by coming at me in my lane! This is why I always drive with my lights on. If I had been in a standard size car, I would have been hit. Yes, I blew my horn but he was on past me by then. Since I had my MG in the 60's, headlights and quick reflexes with good handling have saved my life many times.

Gun Bunny

8th November 2012, 18:52

I'm headed into the mountains this weekend, you ever driven to Timberon?

cruisin'n5thgear

9th November 2012, 10:32

Fixed squeaking brakes (loose slider pin), starter clutch interlock removed (deleted the spring inside the assembly), and installed the O2 sensor mod to pull it out of the exhaust stream (spark plug anti-foul trick), hopefully will keep the CEL from coming on.

CrazyBlue85

9th November 2012, 14:35

GB, no, I've not yet went that way. After looking at it on Google Maps and seeing the area on local aviation charts, it's on the "to-do" list.

kallsop

9th November 2012, 18:40

Installed my K&N Typhoon intake, and took it for a run. Like the sound, reminds me of a car with Webers. Some actual data that I got using it showed that the intake air temp on a comparable day outside airtemp wise, driving at 60mph the air temp was ~ 5-8 degrees warmer than stock. The ambient temp is 55 degrees and the humidity is near the same at 80 to 90%, the stock was at 65 degrees, K&N was at 71 degrees. Yes while sitting stopped it did go up more than stock, but seemed to cool down quicker. Last weekend on a drive, I had been driving for about an hour and a half and at 75mph it had a temp of about 78 degrees, Stopped to get a burger, was out of the car for less than 10 minutes, and the intake temp spiked at 110 degrees starting back up and took about 5-10 minutes to get back to mid 70's, the outside temp was 65 degrees and about 40% humidity with the stock intake.

Also my unsophisticated butt dyno feels that the throttle response is a bit smoother.

152190

ggrillo

9th November 2012, 18:53

Washed And waxed.

It's dirty already....

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

drp967

9th November 2012, 21:33

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/46563_137462383067743_1142255352_n.jpg

Took my NB to the muffler shop and did a muffler delete.

Now running a straight pipe axleback with resonator as seen in the photo.

Custom straight resonator pipe axleback with pea shooter tip for a discreet stock appearance. Exhaust note is deep and throaty throughout the RPM range with zero to no burble, pops, flame shootage. Cabin noise is slightly louder than stock (bear in mind I have deleted my soft top and carpeting). Highway drone is very minimal, just enough to know its there but not overbearing. I can hold a conversa
tion with my passenger sufficiently...actually the wind noise is louder than the exhaust note. Weight savings, a bunch. (Didn't weigh the OEM backbox but its noticeable, the car's acceleration/braking/cornering abilities have been improved exponentially). Overall I am more than satisfied, free flowing exhaust set up but not at the compromise of excessive/obnoxious noise decibels. I would say this set up is maybe 6-10 decibels louder than stock.

NotaBene

9th November 2012, 23:24

In anticipation of installing leather seats I've purchased, I removed the passenger seat and vacuumed 13 years worth of crap collected under and around it.

Loosened three of the four bolts on the driver's seat before proceeding to partially round off the fourth bolt. Swore at the dog.

Headed to the tool store to buy a half inch drive 17" T-Bar wrench as a last resort before drilling it out.

Can't wait to vacuum under the driver's seat. In total, I've probably cut the weight down by a good 5 pounds.

good2go

10th November 2012, 00:07

In anticipation of installing leather seats I've purchased, I removed the passenger seat and vacuumed 13 years worth of crap collected under and around it.

Loosened three of the four bolts on the driver's seat before proceeding to partially round off the fourth bolt. Swore at the dog.

Headed to the tool store to buy a half inch drive 17" T-Bar wrench as a last resort before drilling it out.

Can't wait to vacuum under the driver's seat. In total, I've probably cut the weight down by a good 5 pounds.

Please . . . Don't go drilling anything until you've tried a decent quality 6-point socket, and if that doesn't work then try these:

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-number/52061/0009/009?utm_source=gogle&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=52061&sid=SPDxGPROD

If, after that, you're still up a tree, THEN you can drill. :wave:

kallsop

10th November 2012, 00:15

Please . . . Don't go drilling anything until you've tried a decent quality 6-point socket, and if that doesn't work then try these:

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-number/52061/0009/009?utm_source=gogle&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=52061&sid=SPDxGPROD

If, after that, you're still up a tree, THEN you can drill. :wave:

Those are worth their weight in gold!!!!!!! :thumbs:

jazzdude

10th November 2012, 00:21

Washed, waxed, detailed, replaced wheels/tires with winter-storage wheels/tires, put the car away for the winter - snow here tomorrow.

BGrigg

10th November 2012, 00:41

Actually did that a few days ago. Snow here today! :(

shoult

10th November 2012, 00:57

It's supposed to be in the mid 70's and sunny here tomorrow so I'm trying to decide between getting up at 5:00 am to head out for one last run on the Dragon or a much later easy run down the Natchez Trace. Either way it's top down traveling.

Motocrossx23

10th November 2012, 01:14

Somehow lost two nuts (har har har) so I have to wait till tomorrow morning to finish the exhaust, I'm going to make a YouTube video once I'm done.

96Formula6spd

10th November 2012, 03:49

Got the stock radio out and added a tape deck to it. Now just to get an old school tape to headphone jack thing.

GhostFive

10th November 2012, 07:20

Did the dash light mod. First the red ones were from an auto zone, didnt realize you need proper wide angle LEDS so i ordered the ZPE kit. Accidentally got blue but I all ready like it better then red.

Went from::

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q294/revrags/smallred.jpg

To ::

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q294/revrags/SMALL.jpg

CheapWhine

10th November 2012, 11:15

Got the stock radio out and added a tape deck to it. Now just to get an old school tape to headphone jack thing.

I use one of those adapters.. makes more sense than installing a fancy HU that might tempt a thief, 'specially in a convertible

hcrown280zx

10th November 2012, 11:32

"Did the dash light mod. First the red ones were from an auto zone, didnt realize you need proper wide angle LEDS so i ordered the ZPE kit. Accidentally got blue but I all ready like it better then red."

That looks great. I searched around but could not find any info on using the ZPE kit. So, where did you get it and what is the item number? Also, are your dash faces white or black?

Thanks
Herb

NotaBene

10th November 2012, 12:47

Please . . . Don't go drilling anything until you've tried a decent quality 6-point socket, and if that doesn't work then try these:

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/part-number/52061/0009/009?utm_source=gogle&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=52061&sid=SPDxGPROD

If, after that, you're still up a tree, THEN you can drill. :wave:

Thank you.

I'm not thrilled with the thought of drilling, either, so I will try those before doing so. I am hoping, as you say, a good quality 6 point socket will work once I can get the proper angle with the T-Bar wrench on it, but those nut/bolt removers do give me one more option beyond that.....

btw, I would have only drilled it out enough to get an extractor in there. That way there is no need to damage the hole thread....

EricV

10th November 2012, 13:45

Snow Tires!:jump:

After I lost my lug nut tool and had to order a replacement online...

GhostFive

10th November 2012, 14:36

"That looks great. I searched around but could not find any info on using the ZPE kit. So, where did you get it and what is the item number? Also, are your dash faces white or black?

Thanks
Herb"

I used

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ZPE-Blue-dash-LED-kit-Mazda-MX5-Miata-1989-2005-/281017601319?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item416df44d27

It is a 2000 w/factory set up so i believe it is black. looks good. That kit comes with all 5 bulbs needed to do the swap. Took up 3 minutes. Comes from Australia so you got to give it wait a few weeks.

good2go

10th November 2012, 14:39

Thank you.

btw, I would have only drilled it out enough to get an extractor in there. That way there is no need to damage the hole thread....

Once upon a time, while doing a clutch job on another car, I went ahead and bought a few extra long extensions for my socket sets so I could get at some ridiculously placed bell-housing bolts. I found that once having them, they've come in handy more often then you'd think. Removing the seat bolts in the Miata is one of those times. Using 24" or so of extensions on the backs, and about 18" for the fronts, I can pop those seat bolts out in no time without any struggle because, at that distance, I can use a nice long breaker bar (or torque wrench during replacement) without obstruction. Of course it's good to use a 6-point socket, and pay attention to the angle of the bolt heads so your extensions stay on axis, but the whole seat removal job virtually becomes a non-event. :dunno:

67MIke

10th November 2012, 14:56

I got the new top on and closed the lid, excwpt for teh trim and a few bits here and there....
What a pain in 40* degrees at night with no help........

torranosaurus

10th November 2012, 16:50

Got sick of the passenger window only going down 4 inches so I did the zip tie trick.

torranosaurus

10th November 2012, 16:53

Then while at it, I cleaned out the tracks on both sides since the driver window was going way slow. Then I used the best lube around a la Honda.

torranosaurus

10th November 2012, 16:55

Then I got around to replacing this with thanks to a Brit friend of mine.

EricV

10th November 2012, 17:28

Then I got around to replacing this with thanks to a Brit friend of mine.

What is THAT!?

Would give me a good excuse to buy some aluminium plate and cut up a few silicon baking mats, if it works.

CrazyBlue85

10th November 2012, 17:28

That's an interesting boot design; it's obviously not OEM. Where did you get it and why did you choose it versus OEM, might I ask?

shoult

10th November 2012, 19:57

Cleaned my rain rail drains. Then to reward myself for all that hard work I took a ~200 mile top down drive along some two lane roads.

CrazyBlue85

10th November 2012, 22:15

So, I began my day by driving to Las Cruces for a pleasant lunch at Olive Garden (where I made my previous post) and decided to drive the roads from Deming up to Bayard and then over to just south of Truth or Consequences, and then back to Alamo through Cruces after having dinner there.

That was the plan. What happened was I began to get misfires around halfway down NM152. With no garages, parts houses, nor public servants/revenuers about, I elected to run it to TorC. Apparently the misfires are minimised above 3,800 RPM. Oh how I wish I had elected to bring my old crotchety datalog laptop with me! Anyhow, hopefully tonight's stay at the Holiday Inn Express will bring inspiration upon the morn. For now, though, I'll satisfy myself with a walk to the WalMart and dinner at the Denny's, all conveniently located nearby. I'll check what grounds I know of (I'm still sure I don't know where a minimum of two are!) In the morning and see if I can get it home without spitting pieces of catalytic converter out the pipe along the way. Odds-are I'll need a new one if this crap continues, anyway.

Blargh, I say! BLARGH! :O

agv

11th November 2012, 10:16

SANDY report: finally brought the car off it's makeshift stands (I got the car 3ft off the ground) the garage slope is about 6" higher than ground level, and the flood in the house stopped at just over the kitchen countertops. Well, good news no salt water touched the car, only the lower edge of the wheels, (a new set of wheels will be on order. so ..the little car was saved. :)

J3cubrc

11th November 2012, 10:53

^^^awesome!!!

torranosaurus

11th November 2012, 11:00

I got it from a British Miata guy who goes by MX5 Doctor.
Thought I would give it a try. Obviously the old technology is just that...old.

That's an interesting boot design; it's obviously not OEM. Where did you get it and why did you choose it versus OEM, might I ask?

CrazyBlue85

11th November 2012, 15:48

Well, I made it home. This thing confounds me. Before I left T or C, I jacked it up and checked the PPF ground, which was still clean and tight. I checked underhood and could find nothing loose or otherwise wrong.

Time to get a haircut: it's long enough to pull. :rofl:

96Formula6spd

11th November 2012, 17:22

I use one of those adapters.. makes more sense than installing a fancy HU that might tempt a thief, 'specially in a convertible

I have a fancy head unit but its from 2005 and looks beat up. So no one would every steal it. Problem is I am broke and can not afford to install it.

Racing_Green

11th November 2012, 20:08

Washed the car yesterday. Lifted it on 4 jackstands and went at it today. Changed the oil from M1 0w40 to German Castrol (Edge 0w30) and replaced the filter with usual M1 110 extended performance. Also had a great idea before I removed the old filter. Get an old V8 plastic bottle or some similar size. Cut the bottom off it and then one of the sides to form a half funnel with a nice collector at the top with the cap on. This fit exactly under the filter mount plate and was just long enough to wedge against the engine mount and frame. It's big enough to collect all the oil from the filter and I only missed 3 drops or so.

While I was waiting for the oil to drain, I had at the coilover springs. Dropped them all another 1/8 of an inch to avoid coil bind. Almost there had only one clank from the right rear on a the test drive. I'm riding 12.5 front 13 rear still but that should settle a bit since that's where I started. Got back in the driveway without scraping. I can hear a little more valvetrain but not worrying about it. It will be just fine over the winter. I have half a tank of gas and hope to see some improvement in gas mileage. Seems to rev a little easier. Should clean the throttle too. Keep forgetting.

sloopercat

11th November 2012, 20:22

Drove the '99 from Knoxville area to Kansas City. 11 hours. Hardtop, NA seats and Satellite radio made the trip go well. Now off to a long Epsom salt bath and catch up on the auto mags.

notbenh

11th November 2012, 21:27

I seafoamed the engine a few days ago 1/3 vac, 1/4 oil, rest in the gas. Today I changed the oil and checked the gaping on the plugs as I got a misfire yesterday. All the gaps looked good, did the tug on the sender springs. Though all in all it's quite likely just the foam action.

BKMrSteel

12th November 2012, 01:43

Attended a miata meet at a local miata shop. They offered free lift access, and mechanic help and advise.

Got my Y2K silver miata on the lift, and an experienced mechanics hand on everything. Gave me a full list of "EVERYTHING" wrong with the car. All little things really, big relief!

Also placed a wrench on all the under side bolts to check tork, and cleared cel from missfire from a spark wire that popped off.

I posted this using my "I don't care what you say, I like this app" application!

sonny1

12th November 2012, 08:18

Washed her twice to make sure all the salt and sand are off (outside and underneath). Had to drive her in a bit of snow last week since my winter car was not ready. Did not like that at all.

Drove top down one last time :) to make sure all the water underneath was dried off since it will sit idle for a while. Let her sit outside for 5 hrs then topped off gas, disconnected battery, cleaned inside, pumped up tires, covered her up.

ODO reads 32k, put on 11K miles since I bought her 16 months ago. But she's only been on the road for 9 months so I've been having lots of fun.

It's gonna be a long 5 months.

Happy hibernation ~

amptramp

12th November 2012, 11:10

A beautiful day yesterday driving around Toronto - temp of 65°F and the top down. Warm today, but it will rain this afternoon. It seems surreal looking at the pictures of snow from the US.

chazrull

12th November 2012, 11:11

Finally used touch up paint on her small nicks and scratches. It's amazing the difference from just a couple of feet away. Well worth the effort.

Letit*now

12th November 2012, 11:27

Yesterday: Prepared its space in the garage for the imminent long winter's nap. Cover, battery maintainer, tennis ball for the exhaust. *sigh*

Today: Drove it to work! 63° and sunny this far into November, with no salt since the spring? Awesome.

nwick

12th November 2012, 13:07

Yesterday: Prepared its space in the garage for the imminent long winter's nap. Cover, battery maintainer, tennis ball for the exhaust. *sigh*

Today: Drove it to work! 63° and sunny this far into November, with no salt since the spring? Awesome.

Why the tennis ball for the exhaust?

GoldfishRT

12th November 2012, 13:11

Why the tennis ball for the exhaust?

To keep things from crawling in it? :dunno:

Letit*now

12th November 2012, 13:27

Why the tennis ball for the exhaust?
Potential for critters during storage, I've read. Maybe I'm being a sucker for a myth that a critter might find a way to make itself a permanent home in my muffler?

I've heard of airboxes full of nuts before, so I guess it's possible. :confused:

*search* *search* Looks like <this guy (http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?p=2105961&highlight=tennis+ball+winter#post2105961)> and <that guy (http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?p=1531922&highlight=tennis+ball+winter#post1531922)> do this, too. :dunno:

shoult

12th November 2012, 13:41

Why the tennis ball for the exhaust?

Many years ago when I was rescuing an MGB found in a field from the slow return to the earth I found the reason. After spending some time on the engine replacing fluids and spark plugs I gave it a start. Chug, chug, chug, WOOF! and out popped a big old pile of straw, sticks, cloth and other bits of nest. This probably wouldn't happen often in a garaged car, but sitting out in the field I sure can see it. Critters will find any space that seems safe to make their home.

Steve'smiata

12th November 2012, 15:48

Replaced the timing belt, water pump and seals, at 90k decided it was time to stop tempting fate with the original timing belt. Not a Job I want to do again anytime soon, hopefully I can get another 90k out of the new belt.

lukejazz

12th November 2012, 16:46

Had a full day of cooking planned Saturday in preparation for the holidays so I couldn't join The Piney Hills Miata Club for the monthly outing. Instead me and the missus took a couple of hours out of the day to drive some local twistys before heading back into the kitchen to work on a big pot of gumbo. Fantastic weather.

Kylini

12th November 2012, 17:08

Yanked the insurance. Time to start saving my precious dollars for 1) a new roof, and 2) new shock assembly bushings and bump stops to go with my Koni Yellows for next season.

Panchira!

12th November 2012, 20:57

Putting some bends and pipes together for my DIY midpipe and testing out more mufflers to get the perfect sound now. And still way under buying a pre fabbed mid pipe and muffler :)

mrjacubec

12th November 2012, 22:51

Finished the last phase of my Bose-ectomy by installing a wood "bulkhead" in both tunnels and installed a set of component speakers in the rear parcel shelf. Had already replaced the HU and the door speakers. Used dynamat on the shelf to give it a little more solid feel.

PokeyJoe

12th November 2012, 23:45

Dropped the wife's 2001 CB off at the body shop today to fix the rear bumper cover that got kissed by a range rover.

The shop caters to high-end Euro makes and my contact there is really fighting the insurance company to only use OEM parts. If we can't win that battle, I will probably pay some out of pocket just to make sure she looks good for another 5-6 years... :thumbs:

While I was waiting for a friend for a ride, I happened to pick up a pamphlet from the local Ferarri shop. Apparantly this body shop is associated. Anyways, while i was flipping the pages, I came across a section that offered upgraded parts/accessories. HOLY SMOKES that stuff is expensive. A titanium fuel cap $975, new wheels $13K, new tricolored mirrors - $2K, new race exhaust mufflers $2.8K.....:eek:

It made me want to reach out to all the great vendors here on m.net and give theam all a group hug!

shoult

13th November 2012, 10:54

I bought a great new toy for my NB. It's an app for my iPhone that overlays GPS and OBD-II data over the camera video. The app is called TrackAddictHD (http://racerender.com/TrackAddict/Features.html) and it costs a whopping $6.99. Sure, it's not going to replace your $2500 pro race setup but it does do pretty good for what it is.

Demo Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5MIat9T7QnU)

I tested it this morning using my KiWi Wifi adaptor to aquire the OBD-II signal and my iPhone 5's camera to get 1080P video. I found that it did pretty good self mapping the "track" (actually my route to work) and the overlays didn't have much lag ( I was only using Speed and RPM). One thing I didn't try was the included live streaming feature. This sends all the video and data to a website in real time. This can be private or public. You can use this feed as a rough kind of telemetry and one way audio communications to the pits. You can also export the logged data in a .csv file to look at it in a spreadsheet.

I can't wait to try it out for real on a track. Come on SPRING time!

chihuahua

13th November 2012, 11:13

Washed her twice to make sure all the salt and sand are off (outside and underneath). Had to drive her in a bit of snow last week since my winter car was not ready. Did not like that at all.

ODO reads 32k, put on 11K miles since I bought her 16 months ago. But she's only been on the road for 9 months so I've been having lots of fun.

It's gonna be a long 5 months.

Happy hibernation ~

11k miles in over a year? Wow. The only reason I havn't put many miles on my car is the thing hasn't been running long enough to. When it ran I put 500 miles a week on it no problem

nate0123

13th November 2012, 11:22

I've had my NB for almost a year, and I've put ... less than 3k on it.

shoult

13th November 2012, 11:38

I've had my NB for almost a year, and I've put ... less than 3k on it.

I've had mine for 22 months and for 7 of those months it was down with a blown engine. Still, I've put 18,000 miles on it.

nate0123

13th November 2012, 11:48

Mine is truly a pleasure vehicle. I normally ride my bike to work, and those times I do drive to work, it's 2 miles each way. Most of the miles are weekend tooling around miles.

tomldavies

13th November 2012, 12:25

Bought mine! 2001 BRG SE, 60,000 miles. Happy camper.

em1zack

14th November 2012, 05:48

Drove to work - top up - cold - new top comming soon.

__________________
01 LS Emerald, 04 Saturn (KIA) crash (wife hurt but ok), 93 GMC, 57 Belair

01bluemiata

14th November 2012, 07:34

Not today, but last Friday I bought it! 02' SE. Couldn't be more pleased. 30K miles and showroom new condition! Came with Borla dual exhaust. I don't see the need to change much of anything else. Time for the claybar routine and Meguires 3 step.

Brad

ny2001miata

14th November 2012, 14:53

Got the NYS inspection done today so now I can drive thru the local speed trap known as Brewster, New York and not get nailed by their Rent-A-Cops.

Willy3794

14th November 2012, 14:58

Washing, Smoking the tail lights, Plastidipping the rims and underbody for the winter. cheap but productive day!

rwyatt365

14th November 2012, 15:00

Replaced a broken power door lock actuator.

SarangHae

14th November 2012, 15:12

Struggled with it on a highway as my gears weren't meshing. Find out the clutch cylinders are going and had to hitchhike to get brake fluid to top it off for emergency driving. Ordering clutch cylinders now..

nwick

14th November 2012, 17:14

Brad

Yellow or grey?

Simpson89

14th November 2012, 17:37

Got my new wheels on Monday! I'm very satisfied with them, and the number of compliments she gets have gone way up

dfitz

14th November 2012, 18:26

Joined a bunch of folks who have put the Miata away for the winter.

Ah well, I won't have Miata withdrawal for long, we go to Florida in December and I can liberate the '99 which has been sleeping since mid-April!

spif

15th November 2012, 01:13

i took a picture next to my co workers mini cooperS!

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-11-14_12-49-22_832.jpg

96Formula6spd

15th November 2012, 02:02

Found out that the gas gauge that is way under e takes 11.1 gallons of gas. Been autocrossing with way to much gas in the car. Should start with 1/8th tank. Used to be at 1/4 tank.

miagra

15th November 2012, 04:05

Got my new wheels on Monday! I'm very satisfied with them, and the number of compliments she gets have gone way up

Good for you. Go out of your way to enjoy it-drive drive drive!

miagra

15th November 2012, 04:16

[QUOTE=Letit*now;6054284] , tennis ball for the exhaust. *sigh*

May I suggest so you don't forget it there come spring that you drop another ball on your front seat to remind you that you have one plugging you exhaust:eek:

Letit*now

15th November 2012, 13:21

May I suggest so you don't forget it there come spring that you drop another ball on your front seat to remind you that you have one plugging you exhaust:eek:
Actually, I have forgotten it both times, and the thing just popped out of there when I started it; I found it laying there when I got home. :D I cut a slot in the ball so it's not an outrageously tight fit, and it still doesn't go in as far as halfway.

ApexAnimal95

15th November 2012, 14:12

Putting some bends and pipes together for my DIY midpipe and testing out more mufflers to get the perfect sound now. And still way under buying a pre fabbed mid pipe and muffler :)

I want details when you're done.

Sent from my VTAB1008 using Tapatalk 2

stoves

15th November 2012, 16:33

Finally finished swapping from the crap 99-00 iron log exhaust manifold to the 01+ tubular exhaust manifold.

after 4 days(mostly nights after work), broken exhaust flange studs, busted knuckles and 30degree weather, it is done, and it doesn't leak.

I have a new muffler to put on, but i want none of that right now and I might try it sunday. i'll wash it tonight.

nate0123

15th November 2012, 16:37

Finally finished swapping from the crap 99-00 iron log exhaust manifold to the 01+ tubular exhaust manifold.
Any noticable difference?

JoeTheZoe

15th November 2012, 18:01

Actually, I have forgotten it both times, and the thing just popped out of there when I started it; I found it laying there when I got home. :D I cut a slot in the ball so it's not an outrageously tight fit, and it still doesn't go in as far as halfway.

Ya, I think they tested the "fruit in the tailpipe" myth on myth busters and busted it. On a well-sealed exhaust, the EXPLOSIONS upstream will generate enough pressure to (usually) blast out any smashed-in foreign objects.

boomercarguy

15th November 2012, 18:07

I got run off the road AGAIN by an oncoming truck which had crossed over the line into my lane on a two-lane road. I'm beginning to think that my Miata is a truck magnet. This doesn't happen in my other cars. Today it was an 18-wheeler with a flatbed trailer instead of the usual Bubba Pick-em-up. Thank God for headlights and quick handling! No time to blow the horn on a curvy road -- they just appear in a curve!

96Formula6spd

15th November 2012, 23:58

Think it was time for some new belts. Squealing noise now gone.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x231/supra681/DSC_0129.jpg

spif

16th November 2012, 02:59

i took pictures. and rolled home topless.

http://i189.photobucket.com/albums/z303/sevwen7/Miata/2012-11-15_12-45-01_162.jpg

shoult

16th November 2012, 09:31

Think it was time for some new belts. Squealing noise now gone.

The squeal will be back again in less than 500 miles. Just tighten the belts again and you should be good to go until they look like that again.

Triple88A

16th November 2012, 14:23

Drove it, almost got hit :( Dumb broad decided to make a left turn into my lane (2 lanes that can turn left her being on the inside lane, me being on the outside).

I must admit I'm glad I have the power to get my self out of situations like that. If i hadn't floored it she would have driven into my lane and side swiped me.

shoult

16th November 2012, 15:50

Put the top down and drove it around. Looks like even warmer weather for the weekend so making plans for longer road trip. Nom.... nom.... nom....

J3cubrc

16th November 2012, 16:01

Okay, technically haven't "done it today" but my new top came in from Tops on Line. Canvas, looks really nice and the quality looks impeccable to my untrained eye. Very excited. Probably put it on over the Thanksgiving weekend. I was shocked, I used cheapo ground shipping and it arrived in 5-1/2 days. (Ordered it Sunday morning.) :thumbs:

bartborchardt

16th November 2012, 17:04

Put a roll bar in '99.

Posted from Miata.net App for Android

nate0123

16th November 2012, 17:27

J3cubrc

16th November 2012, 17:45

It's a ez brand. Tops on line had it for 475, 500.67 shipped. That was the best price on canvas I found. I think it is very nice quality and I'm glad I chose canvas after all.

torranosaurus

16th November 2012, 21:40

Replaced the stupid tinted dome light cover with the clear Mitsubishi one, and replaced one of my Bose speakers that wasn't sounding right. Turns out previous owner replaced it with a regular speaker.

dAw

17th November 2012, 13:21

Changed the front brake pads, and switched the 126mm pulley for a 130mm.
Gained 1psi, some more noise and some little powa'. :D

PatrickWilmot

17th November 2012, 13:30

For some reason I can't upload the picture, but I laid down some felt in my console so that loose change would stop bothering me. No more noise!

GoldfishRT

17th November 2012, 15:20

So, getting around to cleaning/regreasing the window rails, and cleaning the rear rain-drains...

Can't find the driver's side one though. Got the passenger one all clean at least. The drivers side must be completely clogged because feeling around the carpet and taking a flashlight to it, it's wet and mildewy. Looked under and there's just the beginning signs of rust. >.<

...but I seriously can't find this thing!

DurhamCFI

17th November 2012, 15:59

Hunting down oil leaks.

sloopercat

17th November 2012, 17:09

Installed the R-speed lip on my white '99. Left it black, may paint the lower rocker line to match, but not sure yet till I get it out and have a look at it. Winter project #1 done.

tomldavies

17th November 2012, 19:09

Beautiful late fall day in Chester County, southeastern PA. Went for the first real drive in my just-purchased 01 BRG SE. Picked up a long-time friend from my Navy days, cranked up Beethoven's Ninth, lowered the top, and found a great collection of twisties by finding likely squiggles on the GPS. Stopped for an outstanding lunch at the Four Dogs Tavern outside of West Chester and headed home as the sun was setting. It was a good, good day.

nate0123

17th November 2012, 21:44

It's a ez brand. Tops on line had it for 475, 500.67 shipped. That was the best price on canvas I found. I think it is very nice quality and I'm glad I chose canvas after all.
Including rain rail or not?

J3cubrc

17th November 2012, 22:15

Not including rain rail, but with heated glass (no zipper). I replaced the rain rail last summer with the Duetto PVC model. I just looked at the reciept for the rain rail when I put the packing slip for the top away. I paid $160 ea for two of these. I don't recall how much a rain rail adds to the EZ on top, sorry.

rgrega

18th November 2012, 12:12

Had a good run yesterday. Tn 290 is a lot of fun. Purchased an mp3/cassette adapter for $4.64 at Walmart. Plan on listening to The Grateful Dead today. US 70 from Lebanon to Liberty. Hwy 53 to Woodbury. Hwy 145 to Auburntown. Hwy 96 to Hwy 267. End in Watertown. Lot's of twisties.

eagle42101

18th November 2012, 13:26

My son in law and daughter live in Lebanon and I have ridden a lot of those roads with him on motorcycles. Great roads! You are lucky to have so many nice, twisty roads so close by.

Bob H

flyingmachine

18th November 2012, 13:53

Finally took the car to some twisties yesterday. What started as a quick drive to determine some drivetrain noise turned into 140 miles of driving with a friend of mine. Took a few spirited runs on GMR and carbon canyon. After driving the miata, my buddy who owns a G35 is now considering getting rid of it for a miata or a S2K. As far as what I did to the car, put on some huge "remove before flight" tags for the new keys so hopefully I won't lose them again.

Kingb

18th November 2012, 19:33

changed the oil today, made some "drift" stitch repairs anddddd sewed this guy up and put it in some checker board print
http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii487/kingnb99/004-2.jpg
http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii487/kingnb99/005-2.jpg
http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii487/kingnb99/007-2.jpg

lesebre

18th November 2012, 19:37

I went out and pulled the cover off and thought how lucky you guys are in warmer climates who don't put their cars to bed for the winter...

Racing_Green

18th November 2012, 21:36

Ah the famous plastic frankenstein stitch. Had to do that to an undershroud on my old GLC. Finally cleaned the throttle and came off with some carbon spots on the rag. Seems to start better even cold. Going to drive to Lake Ontario for Turkey Day. Think I can get by on my summers as forecast looks good. Have to be careful in lake effect areas.

boomercarguy

18th November 2012, 23:11

Took my buddy, whom I hadn't seen for 13 years, for a ride in my NB. He has been living on the opposite side of the country and I found out he has an NB also! Small world. Good taste in cars.

matt001122

18th November 2012, 23:44

Changed my clutch slave cylinder, and decided to keep the car out for 2 more weeks before I put it away for the winter.

toekneechin

19th November 2012, 01:11

tightened my throttle cable and flushed my radiator. it's like driving a new car.

miagra

19th November 2012, 02:04

So, getting around to cleaning/regreasing the window rails, and cleaning the rear rain-drains...

...but I seriously can't find this thing!

I hope this helps and we are talking about the same rain drain holes. I just took a picture of mine on the driver's side. You can see the hole where the top of the drain is.

With the top down, I opened the driver door, stood facing the rear, raised the roof halway up, and when the rubber arm brace of the top started to come up (in the top center of the picture) I could see the hole that was hiding underneath it(there was no piece of carpet over the hole). To help you to orient yourself, in the center of the picture on each side of the hole are the braces of the soft top where they join and hook up to the car, and the shiny part in the center left of the picture is where the top of the seat belt hooks up to the bolt.Good luck.
http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=1914&pictureid=10117

JoeTheZoe

19th November 2012, 11:25

1. Tightened the throttle cable. Realized it had a bit of slack, looked up the spec as 1-3 MILLIMETERS and mine was more like 1-3 CENTIMETERS :eek: So that has been a nice improvement.

2. Took a bit of tension off the accessory belts. Have not heard them squeal at all in about 400 miles of break-in, so I may have set them too tight from the start...Ill keep adjusting them until I hear some squeal and have a better gauge.

*Has anyone SUCCESSFULLY adjusted tension on accessory belts WHILE the car was running? I know it would be a bit warm in spots, but would definitely allow you to hear when they start to squeal and know exactly how tight to set them. From my perspective, there would not be major risks involved, correct? I mean, you just loosen the bolts a bit and loosen the tensioner until you barely hear squeal and then tighten it back until you don't. This seem reasonable? Assuming the pivot bolt behind the power steering pulley is NOT BACKED OUT too far (which would be pretty exciting for a second or 2).

3. Had 4 new 205/50/15 DZ101 mounted on the stock NB 15x6. I know they aren't star specs by any means, and a 195/50 would be more appropriate for that wheel, but they were cheap and all I need for my driving style. :) BTW, watching the 3 guys at tire kingdom try to get my lowered miata on a lift was priceless.

This weekend:
Repainting the factory wheels (PO did an OK job painting them black but some paint was chipped off when mounting, as expected). Thinking about going with a more gunmetal or dark grey than black, or if I stick with black, go for high gloss (piano/darth-vader black)...OR may even go for silver, but something much more metallic and a bit darker shade than factory, just so they contrast the body; wheel color on a silver car is a pain. :confused:

Putting some Walker exhaust gaskets between the flanges of the header, Enthuza midpipe, and Enthuza muffler, starting to hear some more exhaust leak rattles/buzzes. A local friend may buy the exhaust off of me and I want to make sure it sounds perfect when he hears it. :cool:

*Need an alignment now, too.

chemwarrior

19th November 2012, 14:52

Changed my original convertible top to the Robbins 2961 (parchment, vinyl, heated glass, no-zipper w/rain rail). The inside smells like vinyl now, but I know that will subside with time. The car looks great with a new top.

KYWalker

19th November 2012, 15:19

Another attempt at removing a stupid buzz/vibration on the driver door panel when the bass goes boom.

chemwarrior

19th November 2012, 15:44

Another attempt at removing a stupid buzz/vibration on the driver door panel when the bass goes boom.

I have the same issue, but I know it's just a lose plastic weather/wind sheet that has pulled away from the gasket material.

MaxDoubt

19th November 2012, 15:54

Had 4 new 205/50/15 DZ101 mounted on the stock NB 15x6.[/B] I know they aren't star specs by any means, and a 195/50 would be more appropriate for that wheel, but they were cheap and all I need for my driving style. :) BTW, watching the 3 guys at tire kingdom try to get my lowered miata on a lift was priceless.
.

I had these tires, they were fun in the dry 'cause I could break traction whenever I wanted in the corners, but BE CAREFULL IN THE RAIN!
I have BFGoodrich G-Force Comp2, now. They are hard to break traction with and an ENORMOUS improvement in the wet.

stoves

19th November 2012, 17:47

Any noticable difference?

I think so... it was hard to tell since it took me a few days to finish it. I think it goes through the mid and upper revs a bit quicker now, so theres a little more torque and hp to be had. not anything major though.

nate0123

19th November 2012, 20:55

Thanks for the reply, any audible difference?

imjello

21st November 2012, 19:24

new wheels, then a quick wash
Ordering new headlights...
http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=2213&pictureid=10157

nmorgan

21st November 2012, 19:58

You would be suprised how much of a difference those headlight restore kits makes. Is try that before I spend $400 on New assemblies. Only $10-$20 and goes a loooooong way.

leakyfaucet

21st November 2012, 20:07

^How long do they last? I can get amazing results with metal polish, but it only lasts for a month or so.

imjello

21st November 2012, 21:14

You can use headlight restore kits or other methods to remove the oxidation, but the trick to help prevent it from coming back is finding a sealant. Some headlight kits say they have them built in, if I remember correctly

good2go

21st November 2012, 21:25

Bingo, if you don't get some kind of a clear in them, or at least a layer of good wax, the oxidation will return. But even if they do, it's so easy to restore them again, that IMHO it really makes little economical sense to outright replace them. :dunno:

amptramp

22nd November 2012, 09:52

Oxidation is part of the problem but UV resistance (or lack of it) is most of the reason the original lamp assemblies age slowly over a few years but sanded and polished assemblies need work after a few months. You might want to try this:

http://www.krylon.com/products/uvresistant_clear/

as an overcoat after you finish. Blocking UV is a big part of keeping plastic in new condition.

nate0123

22nd November 2012, 09:58

Interesting look with the Mini wheels... pics from any other angles? Would have thought the offset would be too high.

Gun Bunny

22nd November 2012, 19:46

Celebrated our anniversary!

One year of Miata ownership, 27k miles, and a metric tons of smiles!

Took her up into the mountains north of Santa Fe for a drive. 152828
First taste of snow! 152829
Rio Grande Gorge bridge west of Taos, 650 straight down! 152830152831

imjello

22nd November 2012, 21:12

nate0123 Interesting look with the Mini wheels... pics from any other angles? Would have thought the offset would be too high.

I really like them, here are some pics..Not the best quality, plus it was hazy outside.

http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=2213&pictureid=10163
http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=2213&pictureid=10162

Mooper50

23rd November 2012, 03:27

PHOTOSHOOT! :thumbs:

Went for a drive and before it got dark, took some shots infront of the beach...missed the sunset cause my drive was longer than i thought...oh well, I couldnt stop driving this thing! too fun!

This is my first miata and I'm loving it. Working in Japan and picked one up. First manual, first sports car ive owned, and lets say i'm glad it was a roadster :jump:

J3cubrc

23rd November 2012, 08:04

^^^i've said before Mooper, that is one sweet car, nice find.:thumbs:

Mooper50

23rd November 2012, 10:24

^^^i've said before Mooper, that is one sweet car, nice find.:thumbs:

Thanks J3! :wave:
You seem to have a few miatas, so if I have any problems ill have to ask you some questions! haha ;)

Mooper50

23rd November 2012, 10:25

I really like them, here are some pics..Not the best quality, plus it was hazy outside.

http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=2213&pictureid=10163
http://forum.miata.net/vb/picture.php?albumid=2213&pictureid=10162

Lovin the all black ^_^
Looks great with the white wheels!

It's Mama's MX-5

23rd November 2012, 10:50

Not today but Monday of the week, had the four studded snow tires re-installed onto Mama's 2000 SE. She drives it year-round.

imjello

23rd November 2012, 13:01

Thanks mooper50!
it's the best kinda black, twilight blue metallic. If your more then 5 feet away its too dark to tell. The top is black

SDKorona

23rd November 2012, 14:22

I drive my wife to Walmart for a couple things then end up getting more than the car can carry in the trunk; we make the rest of stuff fit in her passenger side or the rear space behind the seats. Driving this car is just too much fun for us. we laugh when people look at us pack up in the 2K Miata, this is becoming a routine and more fun everytime.

nate0123

23rd November 2012, 14:22

Took advantage of the R-speed black friday special and ordered the NB1 lip

sloopercat

23rd November 2012, 14:31

LSD installed, full sport clone+ now completed.

ny2001miata

23rd November 2012, 18:26

Put my NB away for the winter, a very sad day. :sad:

CharlestonMX5

23rd November 2012, 18:43

Finished installing the Bilstein HD's

CrazyBlue85

23rd November 2012, 20:39

I finally drove Sunspot Highway all the way to the end. And when I say the end, I mean the end where it T's off at Sacramento Avenue in Timberon! It was quite a nice drive. I had only two or three perceptible misfires; they occurred during the first 4-ish minutes after startup. Two bumps in my neighborhood, then one a few hundred yards east of the caution light at Florida Avenue and Highway 82. Aside from that, it ran more-or-less flawlessly the whole day. Of course, I wasn't datalogging then, so I can't submit a report about it, but ya know.

The important part was that it was a glorious, if chilly, day. I drove it with the top down all day except after I had a nice macchiato and blueberry pie up in Cloudcroft. It was just a bit too chilly then for my liking, so the top stayed up for a slow-n-easy ride home behind a Chrysler 200 who was fond of riding his brakes most of the way down.

Toadster88

25th November 2012, 20:10

beautiful day today in NorCal - my son and I installed the OEM spoiler on my wife's car

http://i49.tinypic.com/1zzgk5t.jpg

J3cubrc

25th November 2012, 20:43

^^^^Hope you were doing that instead of watching the Steeler bloodbath. 8 turnovers... Like the license plate frame though. Oh, and the spoiler looks good.

FlyinMiata9

25th November 2012, 21:06

hey hey hey, lets not talk football right now. Jets fan here..

Toadster88

25th November 2012, 22:32

^^^^Hope you were doing that instead of watching the Steeler bloodbath. 8 turnovers... Like the license plate frame though. Oh, and the spoiler looks good.

yes, well fortunately we didn't get the game out here in Cali, or I would have been going crazy... :( :ohno:

thanks for the compliments - my son and I had a good time doing the install, and the templates we used were perfect!

tomldavies

25th November 2012, 23:00

Hooked up the Battery Tender. It's getting cold hereabouts.

What did you do to your NB today? [Archive] - Page 44 (2024)