hello there,
apologies if there is already a thread for this, i checked the first 5 pages but 149 is a few too many to check.
my mk1 recently written off (economically) is to become my project, and i am trying to find out if the front driver and passenger side bolt on side panels from the mk2/2.5 will fit my mk1. a small amount of adjustment i can work with, but mechanic i am not, so it would need to be quite simple.
thanks for any advice you can give.
Bryn
I assume you mean the front wings and bumper/bonnet. It can be done, has been done, but is a lot of work.
This company in Japan does a conversion kit enabling a Mk2 bumper to be bolted to a Mk1 (fiberglass wings):
http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~west-y/nbface.htm
Someone trying out Mk2 wings on a Mk1; note the panel gaps;
Polish car where basicallya Mk2 front was welded to a M1:
Down Under:
Note, for both cars, the owners added a crease to the Mk2 wings to match the Mk1.
Why not get Mk1 parts?
Brilliant thanks,
the picture showing the mk1 having mk 2 panels attatched is very helpful.
it is really a matter of styling preference, i have a mk1, and prefer most of the styling on the mk1, but the wings on the mk2/2.5 look more beefy and stylish i think.
woah, how pretty is that red one, lovely job 
Yep, but remember that’s two cars welded together. That makes it a cut-and-shut surely? Or maybe I’m just being overly cynical after looking at numerous clocked/welded/bodged cars over the past few days 
Anything can be done with enough time/money/bodyfiller… but…
The real question is why? The MK2 is an upgrade to the MK1. That’s why it’s the MK2. Mazda didn’t set out to build a less good car. Better engine, more modern interior, stiffer chassis, etc.
In fact I would own a MK2 if it were not for one thing. Pop Up Headlights! If the MK2 had popups I would own one. So you are talking about taking the worst bit of the MK2, the nose, and
putting it on the older model. Replacing one of the main characteristics that makes a MK1 a MK1.
You would in fact end up with a replica MK2 on a less well braced chassis with older running gear.
Er…? Why?
Honestly not trying to wee on your fried potatos or anything. It takes all sorts to make up the world and all that. I just can’t see an upside to this concept? If you like the MK2 then the best
way to get one is to buy one. Or am I missing something glaringly obvious here?
Only commenting that’s it’s pretty however it’s constructed 
Is it me or does it have larger rear wheels, they’re nice, which ones are they?
I only bought my mx5 because it had poppy up headlights. 
But the front wheel arches/wings on the newer mx5’s I see look much beefier. I’m just wondering if I get a pair from a breakers will I be able to fit them to my mk1
You could probably get a wider look from a set of arch extentions? Then of course you would need the right rims and rubber to go with it.
In fact you could just go with a better offset wheel and get a more aggresive stance. You might be surprised how much ‘beefier’ the MK1 can look with more offset.
But change the headlights to get wider wheel arches? Sorry, I don’t get it. I wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing what you come up with.
But…
I’m out.
Here’s one I’ve seen in the flesh, and it’s not a cut and shut, I saw the before and after. Belongs to a mate down in Brisbane
The tax sticker tells all
