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Post by charlesdavis84 on Nov 25, 2022 15:37:55 GMT
Although not much is going on yet thought I'd start the thread with a before picture and what's going on so far    Aim is to get this little beauty running well and up to a good enough standard for some track days, sprints and hill climbs. Step one: MOT - surprisingly passed with only an advisory for a corroded seat belt mount. Step two: Rust - Currently booked in for the rusty sills and seatbelt mount to be repaired, as well as respraying the black skirt/sills and faded pealing bumpers. The car doesn't handle like an mx5 should, my Dad had previously faffed about with the suspension and fitted some cheap unbranded (from what I can see) coilovers and some 15" alloys, from what I've read I think this could be what's making it feel heavy and sluggish responsiveness wise. Something about cheap coilovers and too much unsprung weight. I've already bought some nice super lightweight uktraleggera alloys and meinsterR coilovers. Other bits on the immediate list... Cambelt, removing AC, brake fluid and ss braided lines, coolant flush and change, probably a new oem radiator as the old ones corroded, silicon coolant hoses, oil and filter, anti roll bar, roll cage. Will post again once I've actually done something! |
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Post by boggissimo on Nov 25, 2022 16:56:47 GMT
Welcome! Looks like a sensible job list, good luck getting all the rusty bits undone...
Whereabouts are you based?
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Post by charlesdavis84 on Nov 25, 2022 17:06:46 GMT
Bristol here 🤚
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Post by atlex on Nov 25, 2022 17:35:49 GMT
the meisters will really change the car :-)
welcome
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Post by charlesdavis84 on Dec 7, 2022 15:24:01 GMT
Just trying to fit a Davefab roll cage, managed to contort myself to be able to cut the metal work away, but I'm now stuck as there are wires coming up through the rear mount holes on both sides! Any idea how I can reroot these cables or what they're for?
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Post by charlesdavis84 on Dec 7, 2022 17:19:59 GMT
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Post by Zed. on Dec 7, 2022 20:35:01 GMT
I'm now stuck as there are wires coming up through the rear mount holes on both sides! Any idea how I can reroot these cables or what they're for? got abs? Rich. |
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Post by charlesdavis84 on Dec 7, 2022 21:45:11 GMT
Hi Zed,
I definitely dont have abs, too many beers 🤣. Honestly I'm not 100% sure, but I didn't think it has ABS as the wheels definitely lockup if you brake hard.
There are a few things which are weird, I also found what looks like a slim line cigarette connector tucked behind the carpet! I'll try and take more photos, I'll be spending Friday trying to reroute the wires, I may just drill another hole nearby for them, or test all the rear lights with the connectors disconnected and try and work out what the wires are for.
Can you see the pictures which have appeared as links above?
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Crumpets
Chats A Bit
Insert witty remark here...
Posts: 227 
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Post by Crumpets on Dec 11, 2022 9:21:10 GMT
Hi Charles,
Welcome to the forum.
I'm also Bristol based myself.
The wires look to me like they could be for a CD multi-changer. Are there 13 pins inside the round connector?
Looking forward to seeing your build progress.
Crumpets
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Post by charlesdavis84 on Dec 12, 2022 23:33:10 GMT
Small update, Managed to reroute the cables, they were abs cables, just drilled an extra hole for them. Was easier than I expected in the end. The bar is in, just need to refit it all back together now.  The wheels have just arrived too, should have time over the next few days to get it back together and get the new wheels/tyres on. Attachments:
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Post by charlesdavis84 on Dec 15, 2022 22:20:41 GMT
Well, the roll cage is in, reassembled and new wheels fitted, looking pretty ace, will get a chance to drive it again on Monday to take it for the sills to be seen to... Looks like the ride height is really high on the rear for some reason, guessing it's just a symptom of being jacked up for over a week with no wheels on, assuming it'll make some healthy creaking noises when I first reverse it out and it will sort itself out.   Attachments:
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Post by charlesdavis84 on Dec 16, 2022 8:12:15 GMT
Meant to add, I'm hopeful the handling will feel improved just with the wheel upgrade...
Old wheels and part worn tyres ~ 17kg a corner
New wheels and new tyres - 11kg a corner
More of a saving than I expected, and the really feel so much lighter.
Can't wait for a spin on Monday, just hoping for less ice so there isn't too much spin 🤣
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Post by boggissimo on Dec 16, 2022 11:40:35 GMT
Good work - have you checked that the roof still goes up over the roll bar?
And yes, it does look like a lot of rear ride height, hope you didn't leave an axle stand under it or something...
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Post by charlesdavis84 on Dec 17, 2022 9:12:43 GMT
Yes I checked several times it still goes up, perfect clearance thankfully!
I used the two jack/axle points that I found online which are some frame bolts just either side of the diff, I thought they look precariously close together but the car remained secure throughout.
I'm sure it'll settle back down once it's moved.
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Post by charlesdavis84 on Feb 3, 2023 18:07:10 GMT
Little update... Sills repaired and resprayed as well as front and rear bumpers. Cambelt, water pump, coolant change, coilovers, SS braided lines, 14 degree timing mod, wheel camber and alignment done. The car feels incredible now, what a complete change, it's fantastic!!!!   Few more little bits to go, oil, filter, spark plugs and ignition cables (mostly for cosmetic reasons!). The roll cage makes some squeaky creaky noises all the time, is this normal or should I be investigating and trying to illuminate?? Booked on to a few track days at castle Combe, 31st march and 2nd June. You guys here meet up much?? |
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le sigh