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Post by jon on Oct 31, 2015 22:34:22 GMT
Got the rear body work on. Really happy with the look. It was difficult to mark the holes in the fiberglass. Measure twice, cut once! I ended up tapping the exomotive mounts to 1/4 20 thread and using bolts to hold it on. I printed little knobs for the bolts to do them by hand. I used grommets in the fiberglass and rubber washers against the bolts.    Tomorrow i tackle the fuel filler. I have some ideas, will update if they work. Here is the filler holder I made:  |
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Post by einy on Nov 1, 2015 17:30:47 GMT
Filler looks great!
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Post by jon on Nov 2, 2015 1:10:45 GMT
Spent a lot of time and money today, much of it unnecessary. I was trying to figure out the fuel filler situation. I bought a bunch of exhaust pipe in 1 7/8"... I also spent $100 on a hydraulic pipe bender. All wasted - couldn't bend the tube without kinks, and it wouldn't fit anyway. My Dad, who's been helping me a lot lately, came over and had a good idea to combine his experience in home plumbing and electrical work. A few trips to home depot and we had a nice solution to the fuel filler problem. This piece is an exact fit for the 1 7/8" rubber hose that is meant for the fuel filler. it is 1.5" NPT. It is meant for electrical wiring.  I got a 90 degree elbow, a 3" pipe with threads, and a pipe cap. Then I used the rubber that came on the car to mount it to the tank. I will plug the vent hole, most likely.  It does fit under the rear body work with about 0.5" to spare against the back! I will drill the hole for the filler in the body work tomorrow and mount the door.  I am really happy with this solution! No need for my 3d printed part... |
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Post by jon on Nov 2, 2015 1:29:14 GMT
I also got the front hood mounted. That was actually very easy to mark- the rear was a lot harder. Minus some final details (fenders, sway bars, horn wiring, license plate light), the car is done!!!    I hope to have it driving on the street this week!! |
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Post by jmills on Nov 2, 2015 3:08:51 GMT
Jon,
How high does the rear bodywork sit relative to the big tube at the front of the bodywork and the shock towers? Did you get it flush or close to 1/4"? I just started trying to mount it up today.
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Post by jon on Nov 2, 2015 3:17:55 GMT
I have mine basically sitting on the tube and shock towers. It makes contact. Granted, I lined the edges with edging I bought, so that spaces it a bit.
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Post by zeitgeist on Nov 2, 2015 4:40:49 GMT
Wow it is looking really good Jon. I have a feeling there won't be any problems getting it registered..but that's just a feeling. Cool idea on the filler neck. Any chance of sparks with the materials? Do you plan on using a gas cap or the pipe cap in the final version?
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Post by jon on Nov 2, 2015 14:11:49 GMT
Thanks! Looking back at pictures it is hard to believe this was a miata a year ago. It is a satisfying feeling. Keep this in mind when you are taking the car apart and all hope seems gone to ever getting it reassembled  It does go back together! You mean sparks from static discharge? The stock filler is metal too, so I think this OK. I think i am going to use the pipe cap, it actually works pretty well. Unless there is a reason to make it plastic that I am unaware of. |
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Post by mawdo81 on Nov 3, 2015 21:28:34 GMT
Wouldn't hurt to earth it to the chassis...
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Post by einy on Nov 3, 2015 22:13:17 GMT
So, you will have to remove the rear bodywork to fill the fuel tank?
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Post by jon on Nov 4, 2015 3:37:17 GMT
So, you will have to remove the rear bodywork to fill the fuel tank? Nope. Put a 4" hole and trim around it. Plan on mounting my fuel door on it too at some point. Hard to get my hand in there to unscrew the cap, but it works. |
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Post by jon on Nov 4, 2015 12:27:03 GMT
This will work for the time being. Looks OK. I'll add a door later  I went for a drive at night in the neighborhood:  |
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Post by jon on Nov 6, 2015 17:54:10 GMT
Went to our SOS (DMV) yesterday to get registered. It was kind of an ordeal. They didn't believe me that the kit only cost me $8000, despite receipts and despite looking directly at the Exomotive website. They wanted me to pay sales tax on at least 30 grand... no way.
I eventually prevailed and left having "only" paid them $630 dollars.
I can drive on the street now. It was a good day.
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Post by jon on Nov 7, 2015 21:42:26 GMT
Took Mom for a ride.  I have driven the car about 2 hours now out on the road. Everything is going great, no squeaks or rattles. Observations: 1. The FM Vmaxx coilovers are perfect. Not too stiff at all. I think it is just right for the car. Granted, I do not have sway bars on yet, but it feels great. I was really worried about this. 2. Mazda comp engine mounts are also not a problem. A little more NVH than stock, but again, it is right for the car. 3. The small windshield I have does a good job of blocking the air to my face, even though my face sits above its line. You can feel the wind hit the top of my forehead, but not my face! 4. Rear visibility is poor from my mirrors. May get different side ones. 5. The car is noticeably faster than my old Miata, but still not a fast car in a straight line by any means. This is to be expected with a stock 1.6 under the hood. Still, it is plenty for me at the track. |
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Post by einy on Nov 7, 2015 21:55:31 GMT
I am envious (for obvious reasons) of your accomplishment at the DMV, Jon! Someday ..... :-)
EMGO universal cruiser mirrors in black are working great for me. Good visibility, subtle looks, affordable.
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It does go back together!
