Thought I’d start a progress blog if anyone is interested?!
I was on the lookout for a cheap (sub £1k) MX5 when this popped up locally on Gumtree. It was the first 5 I viewed but I couldn’t see any reason not to buy it!
I don’t have massive plans for it, but I do want to get it lowered slightly (maybe Eibach springs) and get some 15" alloys. Other than that I just want to keep it clean.
Anyway, here’s a couple of pics after it’s first clean in my ownership:
Today I decided to paint the wheels black. I also fitted my Alpine headunit, put in some floor mats and removed the horrid front number plate plinth!
Thanks man! I went to view it expecting not to be bringing it home, but you know what it’s like! The only fault is the fact it needs a new soft top but I’m going to try and get a second hand one for around £100. Apart from that it needs nothing!
Does anyone have any info on the headlights for this? After some research it may have sealed Beam units (or was this just the imports? Mines uk). So does this mean I have to replace the units before fitting upgraded bulbs? Or can I whack some upgraded bulbs in there?
If you can find a mohair top with glass window complete with frame from MK2.5 probably but MK1 - MK2.5 you would be doing yourself a favour as better, longer life and easier to fit.
Late UK car should have H4 bulbs that can be upgraded. There is a plastic shroud around the headlamp that can be removed to inspect/replace bulbs. Turn on ignition, pop up headlamps, remove 30 amp headlamp fuse from inside main fusebox and turn ignition off.
Great, thanks for the advice. How can I identify a mohair one from a standard one? Or is it only the mohairs which come with a glass rear screen?
Ah ok, I might just look into a bulb upgrade then. I’m looking at either philips diamond vision or some LED ones. What’s the reason for removing the fuse prior to changing a bulb?
Just like to say “congratulations” on what on the surface appears to be a “solid” choice.
As one of the sadly more experienced Grim Reapers of Rust on this and other forums, may I suggest that your No1 objective should be dealing with whatever “minor” corrosion is apparent.
Often times, bubbles & “dirt-blast” on the arch rims can develop quickly given the steels are both thin and pretty bean-counted average quality.
As for the seat bolster…looks nice and saveable with the possible assistance of people like these:
As for mods…it’s yours to with what you wish, bearing in mind reversible is perhaps best given they are, in a glacial way for now, actually appreciating if absolutely the “Right Stuff”…like yours.
Fortunately where I work we have have welders and sprayers who may be able to help me out if I ask nicely (and I’ll hopefully be able to get involved too!) So I’m planning to get it on the ramps soon to identify the extent of any rot. The rear arches have previously been replaced but rust is coming through again on the lip, so I’d like to sort that. Also the colour match is slightly off.
Thanks for the liquid leather link - I will definitely look into that, as it would make the interior pretty much immaculate.
Yep, I’ve decided I am going to add a few mods, but nothing ridiculous and definitely reversible. As you can see I’m a little obsessed with cleanliness so I will be keeping it nice!
Here’s another photo just because. One of my faves :
Very nice find Mc_Bonio and in the best colour too !! Like Scottishfiver says , concentrate on the elimination and correction of as much corrosion as you can . Lots of issues are hidden and if you can invest in or borrow a Borescope to check inside the hidden cavities it will aid your project immensely . To give you and idea of a 30mm height reduction sitting on 15 inch wheels here’s my little green beastie today just back from it’s first proper run for the new Year .
