- My model of MX-5 is: NA
- I’m based near: NE London
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Guy on the video said to be careful and pulled toward the steering wheel…the cowl is super brittle and the clips and plastic were left behind. I had to laugh, then after 10 seconds I thought oh joy…jump to 2.40 in the vid and that’s when it all went wrong.
I’m sure I’m not the first and possibly not the last.What is the best solution and what have other owners done. I realise a new could be the £140 answer…but looking to see all other options. The cowl less three clips is in very good condition.
I’m not sure if you mean you’ve done this or about to?
My experience of removing Mk1/Mk2 cowls are good, no broken clips. I guess they go brittle over time, or more likely break easier in cold weather. Try removing when the car is warm inside could be one answer.
Tape, silicone sealant. But probably won’t work.
Be quick, buy used:
I have been lucky with the few removed but snapped clips very common.
Even if you manage to pull the binnacle straight, fatigued, brittle plastic will not be able to handle the trauma. They can usually be repaired. I would use gorilla superglue to fix and epoxy glue to body up and strengthen. Refitting is nothing like the drama of removal but to avoid any wobble and for the binnacle to be securely fitted, all three clips will be required. I notice that Autolink specify that their units are likely repaired as removing original binnacles after 30 years is very likely to produce your result or at least the same as the video.
I’ve sold a number of perfect binnacles but the idea really is to fit and then not touch again.
I suggest you just repair your own; better the devil you know and all that.
If that is not possible I’d probably pay the £40 - 70 for a perfect used replacement with all original clips intact and no repairs. I have an immaculate one on ebay as it happens:-)
I’ve broke all 3 bits of plastic on the cowl.
Ok understood…maybe, below from a reliable source…
Had another thought on repair of these clips, old skool hot glue.
I got my 30+ year old hot glue gun out of the cobwebs the other day; had forgotten how useful it is.
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Thank you all for the replies. I have ordered a second hand replacement 
Have a look at plastic staplers. I’ve got my eye on one what with the inevitable upcoming plastic trauma. Basically they heat up a stainless steel “staple” that you push into the plastic while it’s hot then cut the power and wait for it all to cool back down before trimming the legs off. Looks awesome. Could be hideously flawed…
Either way, best of luck with the fix/replacement.
Hiya Matt,
Just fitted the new cowl…pleased that is done now. Shame, the original was immaculate…saying that the new one is extremely good
Good luck with yours.
Theo
Getting Stuff Done is such a lovely feeling!
Thanks for the good wishes; at this point while I’m taking it all apart, it’s aalllll optimism and hope. Fingers crossed eh?
Enjoy the refreshed interior Theo 
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