My wheels - NC 2007 2.0 Sport Soft Top
I said hello to you all in New Members a few days ago and promised an update and full project brief following my first run. Well yesterday I drove up to Ribblehead viaduct as a shakedown test and I am still smiling this morning, 
I am new to MX5 motoring, but took the plunge after entering in to enforced semi-retirement following cancer treatment. Life really is too short not to, so here I am.
My plan is to have an all year round daily driver that will last me until I can’t get in to it. Hopefully at least 15 years. Get the work done now and then only need servicing and upkeep. I can’t keep on crawling around underneath cars…
In September last year I came across my NC. It is a 2007 2.0 Sport, 38,000 miles and a really good MOT history. The paintwork was really good with a couple of small corrosion bubbles on two wheel arch returns and nothing else wrong on top apart from usual age related marks. Underneath the body surface corrosion was starting to take hold in the usual places and the sub-frames/braces/steel suspension components were also pretty crusty but not rotten.
I drove the car for three weeks to get an idea of what I had. Engine, drive train and brakes all worked well apart from feeling their age. The front suspension seemed to “float” a little on power up and power over run. Other than that performance and handing was generally good and smiley.
To get the car I wanted I carried out the following over the winter:
Renovation Activity
Front and Rear Sub-Frames and steel chassis braces media blasted, finished with 2 coats of epoxy steel renovation paint and internal cavities waxoiled.
Under body corrosion removed as far as possible, any remaining corrosion converted. Two repairs carried out to rotten sill closing returns at the front lower of the rear arches. No other rot found. All areas finished with 2 coats of epoxy steel renovation paint, seams sealed with Tiger seal (including seams not sealed from factory -why not??). Gravitex stone guard applied, finished with body colour. All cavities and external surfaces waxoiled.
All Steel suspension components media blasted and finished in two coats of epoxy paint.
Service Activities - Replacements
Engine coolant header tank and coolant
Engine oil and Filter
Gearbox oil and prop shaft seal
Differential oil and half shaft seals
Rear suspension arm ball joint dust covers
Brake and Clutch fluid
Rear light cluster seals
Anti Roll Bar Drop Links
Hankook V12 tyres
Upgrades
Powerflex Road Series Polyurethane suspension and diff carrier bushes
Eibach 30mm Lowering springs
Brembo discs and pads
Stainless steel braided flexible brake hoses
The result of the work is that I now have a “new” 2007 2.0 NC that drives superbly and should last me. The road feel and handling has been transformed, no more “floating” and, although I can feel every nuance of the road, it is not harsh at all. Just tight and controlled. The Powerflex bushes and Eibach springs are highly recommended. I am on rails and the car seems to turn in when I just think about the corner. I am nowhere near any driving limits yet, the brakes are still bedding in, but it feels like I would need to be teenager daft to get in to any real trouble.
All in all, for ÂŁ7.5k all in, I am now getting more smiles per pound and more smiles per gallon than I have ever achieved before. (my 3.0 capri may have come close though!)
I carried out the work on axle stands in a single width double length garage. At my age I don’t think I’ll be doing it again!
Apologies for the long diatribe but I am actually really proud/pleased with what I have achieved. Life feels good…
