Quick question - Exocet

[couerdelion]

Hi

Been to look at a few MX5's today and am just about ready to buy one of them. My plan is to get everything stripped, tidied up and the rolling chassis built back up before I order the kit . I've read most of the build threads on here by this stage and have a good idea what needs to be done and what will be reused but is there any definitive list anywhere of what is to be reused in a "standard" build?

I realise that it differs slightly between builds but it would be good to know what I need to refurbish or renew as I'm going along.
Also is there anyway to get the build book in advance to read and make a few notes from so I can get my own idea?

[welshy1]

All suspension/engine/gearbox/diff/wiring loom chop out what is not needed if your good with electric/brake system/pedals/clocks/fuel tank/steering collum/seats/seat belts/ can't think of anything else you need from the donor everything else comes with the kit or can be ordered separately.

Some people powder coat suspension parts I would advise cleaning them with a wire brush and paint with a suitable tough paint can look as good as powder coating and lasts longer as soon as powder coat gets chipped the surface will be ruined in not a lot of time.

[couerdelion]

Thanks Welshy - I guess it's pretty much keep everything I aren't sure about and only sell the bits I know I won't need at later date.
Yeah, think I'm going to go with the hammerite option on the suspension parts - it looks fine in some of th build threads.

[welshy1]

Basicly the complete interior can be sold apart from the handbrake mechanism/clocks and pedals. All body panels, all lights and roof mx5 parts prices have dropped since the mev was first made so it's no longer possible to get the money for parts that stuart says.

Ive broke a few mx5 and the most popular parts seem to be roofs/electric window motors/electric arial/front wings/seats if leather/roll bar if fitted then next on the list are mechanical parts but as your keeping them you cant sell.

As I guide I paid £420 for my 0donor a 1.8 eunos jap import and over a period of 1 year made back around £650-700 but did have a load of good parts to sell so sometimes it does pay a bit more for a better car to get more money back.

[nitram]

The "build book" is in the Exocet section below under BUILD GALLERY CD. Treat it as a guide; there are many differences in the MX5 from year to year and mark to mark. Best to concentrate on the build threads where the donor is the same year of your donor.

[couerdelion]

welshy1 - Unfortunately it'll be difficult to make much on the parts as the absurd tax laws over here artificially inflate the prices of second hand cars so I'm paying more for my donor than most of you... It's looking likely I'm picking up a 2008 mk2 1.6i from Northern Ireland tomorrow. If I was wanting to drive/tax/insure that I would be looking at paying €732 in tax. The governement base this on it being worth €2192 even though I'm buying it for < €1000 (£800). It's totally illegal and against EU law but the fine from Brussels is less than income so the government keeps it going. Still I think it has a hardtop so that could be a nice chunk back!

nitram - Thanks - don't know how I missed that!

[couerdelion]

Picked up the donor today and was pretty much as expected - nice hardtop which should recoop money and updated shocks and springs to sell off (standards in boot).

Then the trip got interesting...

Locked the keys in the car. I thought the window would bend enough - it didn't. Shattered window and bleeding arms...and then the police pull up.

Then the car overheated - looks like the radiator rather than anything too serious...car in storage overnight till a garage opens to look at it.