is it terminal??? I know anything’s fixable but I have a limit…
The biggest pain is that it’s a late UK MK1 MX5 with only 64k on the clock and I have ALOT of history with it. its In very good condition mechanically. Has new discs and pads all round, I’ve just put two new front callipers on it, has a stainless manifold and exhaust, gas gold pro’s and minilites wrapped in Nankang NS2R tyres.
To be “perfect” it would need 2 new front wings, the rear arches doing and a full respray, but my pockets aren’t that deep.
I think this is the same MK1 you were discussing on the forum 2 years ago and it does sound like the same issue.
How did you get it through previous MOTs without ‘proper’ repair?
This corrosion as far as I can see requires welding and fabrication. If you were to pay for professional repair, the cost would be high but if you have access to or own a mig welder and do the work yourself, the cost would be minimal.
Original MK1/Eunos front wings in good order are very hard to find as typically, the lower section that joins the sill rots out. If these need replacement I would recommend new wings resprayed.
I didn’t realised I’d posted that before! (Just been and re-read it). The car hasn’t actually been for an MOT since then, so been 12 months without one.
A mate of mine restored his VW Camper and he’s said he’d help me. I’ve just been and cut the old sill off and found the previous patch, which strangely is directly beneath the door crease. I reckon someone must have put a jack through it, it’s a pretty naff repair.
So hopefully it be an easy enough fix? I was mainly posting to see if anyone would respond with “skip food” comments.
Since found out MX5 City have moved even closer to me now so I might get towed down there for them to assess it, although I know there prices are in the high side.
i mainly just want to get it MOT’d as I need to sell it now. I’m coming off a company car scheme and can’t have 2 cars anymore… I just think with an MOT it will make it a whole lot more valuable, I’ll still be totally honest with the new owner.
To be honest if you get the repairs done at a garage and the cars looks quite rough overal. It may well be that the cost of the repair will be near what you get for the car.
I find that mates will help for a few hours but that car needs many hours work and then needs sprayed.
If you cannot do it on your own, I would give up and move on by getting it to a scrap yard.
You said it yourself…aluding to limited resources as I was/am.
Been there, done it twice ( including our Nk2.5 Sport). Still run them both.
I’d wager it’ll take circa 3k/3.5k plus all in on a job you may get anywhere from 3/5 years out of it if you send it in.
If the quotes sound a bit cheap eg 2k…walk off.
I had to rebuild my chassis as well…you dont. The body work in my case was not as bad as yours…but still it was £1.600 odds…without the need for new panels.
I’d had the car 14 years though…and it’s a “bit famous”
I won’t subject you to the Mk2.5 resto. You’d give up the will to live.
Just take this on the chin…if you do get it fixed…do it for you and not for resale value. You’ll not see worthe while R.O.I for a long while…if it lasts.
Like I say…got the Tshirt. I’m comfortable with what I did. Now have a rot-free Mk1 with a lovely chassis & brakes for less than 4k.