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Post by colin on May 14, 2015 5:42:39 GMT
Hi Guys! So I'm going all in. Just put down the deposit on a Race Chassis and picked up a donor. Let the games begin! The donor is a 1997 with about 130k on it. No signs of rust anywhere, good compression and it starts right up from cold. Other than some dents in the door and an interesting color choice its in pretty good shape. I plan on overhauling the engine with FM's rebuild kit so that should keep me busy until the chassis makes its way out here. Looking forward to getting this project started!    |
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Post by mawdo81 on May 14, 2015 5:58:23 GMT
You should be paid to take that colour mx5 out of circulation! Welcome and good luck!
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Post by Ken on May 14, 2015 15:15:54 GMT
I didn't know the army used Miatas. Welcome Colin! Where in CA are you?
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Post by colin on May 14, 2015 15:43:13 GMT
Hi Ken, We are thinking of spray painting a Generals insignia on the side and naming it General Lee Slow. I'm located in the Bay Area.
I'm starting this project with what I'm calling "Phase 0". Prepping the garage to be an actual usable workshop where I can drink beers and hang out with the guys work on cars. First order of business was removing all the random stuff that seems to inevitably clutter up a garage and get some shelving units for the stuff that does need to live out here. Next, building a solid workbench that can stand up to random car parts dropping on it. I looked online and found one that I liked the looks of. I used this concept, but did end up changing it pretty substantially to fit the space I have in my garage. Its now 144 inches long so it runs the entire length of one wall and a little higher for more comfortable standing use for us tall guys. (I did CAD it up so if anyone likes the look of the one I built PM me and I can send you the CAD and drawings) Lots of wood about to be turned into something useful! Beginning the lamination of the bench surface.  Glue and screws holding the surface together.  Attaching the legs and shelf framing.  Complete!!! I think it looks pretty good. Considering varnishing it, but I don't think its necessary.  |
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Post by gwnwar on May 14, 2015 22:37:16 GMT
Take the time to paint the walls with a high gloss paint makes cleanup easier.. I would coat the bench too so it won't get full of oil.. a couple of rubber door mats turned upside down make a good work surface..
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Post by colin on May 15, 2015 19:14:39 GMT
Deconstruction begins! I invited some friends over to begin taking things apart. It's going much quicker than I thought it would. I'm being very careful about labeling all the connectors as I unplug them.   Creating an access port to get at some tricky screws.  |
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Post by mawdo81 on May 15, 2015 19:38:34 GMT
Label connectors that you find not attached to anything. It'll save head scratching and "where did this go" later ;-)
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Post by gl21133 on May 15, 2015 20:29:55 GMT
Label connectors that you find not attached to anything. It'll save head scratching and "where did this go" later ;-) +1, The wiring harness is a whole lot more confusing when it's in a twisted heap on your floor  . |
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Post by colin on May 15, 2015 21:17:10 GMT
Thats a good point about labeling even the un-connected plugs. There are a surprising number of them that don't go anywhere.
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Post by steadfast on May 15, 2015 21:28:39 GMT
Silly question, but have we met? What part of the bay area are you in?
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Post by gwnwar on May 15, 2015 22:40:59 GMT
Check this out.. www.mellens.net/mazda/click on 1997 then wiring.. print off the wiring and put in clear plastic folders for later use.. There should be @ 9 ground spots red flag these.. |
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Post by colin on May 16, 2015 15:52:30 GMT
Steadfast, I don't think we've met before. I'm from mountain view. I did read through your build. Definitely glad to see someone get through the CA SB100 registration process. When I get closer to that step I may ask you for some advice.
Gwnwar, thanks for the link. I'll print these out for sure.
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Post by Luke Anker on May 21, 2015 17:53:36 GMT
Hey Colin, Im also a local exocet builder and if you'd like any help or need an extra hand to stand back and drink beer for you id be happy to help with that haha.  Funny story I actually looked at that exact miata as a possible donor awhile back, i remember the craigslist ad boasting about the army color. Also, steadfast is a great source for california registration he helped fill in a few of the blanks and concerns for me before i pulled the trigger on my donor and kit. Cheers, Luke |
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Post by steadfast on May 22, 2015 14:45:53 GMT
Happy to help, also happy to show and give rides if you like. I'm in Campbell.
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Post by colin on Jun 16, 2015 22:44:39 GMT
Made some good progress since the last post. Finished stripping out the wiring harness and disconnecting the last of the remaining items. The big lift went surprisingly quickly, I only missed disconnecting one small bracket holding one of the fuel lines. Now I get to start dissembling the subframes and the engine. I've ordered a rebuild kit from FM but they said the main bearings are backordered 3 months... I guess it's not really a problem since the frame its self is still many months away too.   |
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Funny story I actually looked at that exact miata as a possible donor awhile back, i remember the craigslist ad boasting about the army color. Also, steadfast is a great source for california registration he helped fill in a few of the blanks and concerns for me before i pulled the trigger on my donor and kit.