Hi there, I have just joined MX5 NC ownership, purchased a lovely NC example 59 plate with the retracting hard top. I am now looking for options with what to do with it, benefiting from the experience of this group!
First, I live in Glossop so Derbyshire/manchester area - I’m hoping to find a recommended garage that is familiar with MX5’s? I’m looking for tips on:
Rust management - the MOT has advisories on rust on the sub frame, generally the body work is really good but there is a little rust on one arch and the inside of the boot lid. I’d ideally like the underside to be treated then wax oiled or something similar (did this on my RX8 10 years ago…)
I want an exhaust fitting, I’m thinking the Cobra Road given YouTube reviews, I don’t want it too drony for motorway driving. Any other options recommended - where could fit them?
I want the drivers seat lowered as a 6ft driver not sure I’ll get a helmet on for track days! I’ve read about a lowering bracket kit - anyone done these? Are they easy to do for a novice?
I want an Apple CarPlay head unit fitting - I’ve read about the Pioneer system with a front plate - has anyone done this?
Finally, possibly looking at Coilovers - I just want a more positive turn in on corners without making the ride bone shaking - mainly for track day usage…
Ideally, I’d love a single garage to manage all the above for me - but if a couple are needed then fine. I used to take my RX8 to MX5 Motors and Rotors in Doncaster, but Steve is a big YouTuber now with Yorkshire Restorations so doubt he’s in the business of maintaining cars like mine anymore…
All tips, tricks and adivice most welcome!
Thanks, Simon
Howdy and welcome to the club, a wealth of knowledge and helpful members.
Rust
yep our favourite topic…
If it’s visible on one arch it’s lurking on the other.
Rear arches …remove the liners and have a good look around the area where liners meet sill.
Subframe is hopefully just surface.
These areas could be tackled DIY if your up for it.
Boot lid… Around the interior lights ?
On my NC soft top (2006) the lid is aluminium and it’s just the paint flaking not rust…it’s common.
However I’m not sure if PRHT boot lid is steel ?
I’ve a Cobra race back box, great quality but louder than road
Multitude of other brands available at reasonable cost.
Coilovers, again a multitude of choice from cheap to deep pocket options.
I opted for HSD monopro, ride height and 16 way adjustable damping.
They are low and speed humps need careful consideration.
Spring ratings are 7kg / 5kg, …damping allows for reasonable road comfort then wind them up for track.
These are described as a track orientated set-up.
I’ve fitted a pioneer head unit, it’s superb however as I’m not tech savvy and old school I use disc and MP3 options / memory usb …not sure if it does apple carplay 
Many of us have fitted an aftermarket head unit to get more features and a modern look.
This is my 2006 NC1 with an Eonon Q04pro head unit fitted.
Pretty easy to do DIY.
The 1" lowering is very easy to do with the brackets.
The 2.5" is a little more involved but still doable DIY
If you can - pop to the Spring Rally next week ( 11th May ) at Harewood House
Have a chat with owners that have the seat lowering brackets fitted ( and potentially sit in their cars )
This is what I’m looking at on my boot lid, it’s the worst bit by far. The arches are only just starting but will get them repaired soon…
I drove in my friends modified MX5 at the weekend with the race back box - sounds great but was a little loud for motorway cruising… so thinking the cobra road might be the one.
How easy was the pioneer head unit to fit? Any wiring needed or plug and play?
I have my first track day booked at Anglesey on the 26th May - can’t wait, just need to try get the modifications done in the meantime…
Thanks for sharing, was there any wiring to do - I’m completely inept in this area?! I’m trying to find something where I can plug in wires and fit. Simple.
I think a 1inch is enough, which brackets did you use?
I can’t make it this weekend, my daughter has a gymnastics competition I need to take her to. Gutted, will keep my eye out for the next one.
Yeah , common area around lights.
They pop out , buff the area and treat with your preffered products.
Head unit was fairly simple, lots of videos online explaining where bolts are to remove.
There is one 10mm bolt hidden up under dash that’s a pain. You will need to be upside down in footwell with a torch to locate
.
You will need a surround plate for the head unit (online sites) if you want to carry on using steering wheel audio functions you will need to purchase an extra wiring loom to connect it up to wheel loop.
I then ran a usb cable from head unit through centre console to the rear cubby hole …for usb drive connection.
I also flush mounted the head unit microphone into the dash.
All do-able with basic tools and a couple of hours tops.
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It is reasonably plug and play.
You can get a kit that is a new facia panel and the correct wiring loom to connect the head unit to the car loom.
It’s a couple of hours of a job - strip/ wire/rebuild.
JASS Performance do the seat lowering brackets.
You just need to work out if your seat is height adjustable or not ( the brackets are different )
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