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GoufCustom's 1990 NA Miata Refurb Build

Discussion in 'Other Builds' started by goufcustom, Apr 25, 2012.

  1. Apr 25, 2012 at 8:54 PM
    #1
    goufcustom

    goufcustom [OP] 7.62x63mm

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    I have had the itch to get a manual car and something with a soft top. So I finally found something that the wife would give the green light to. A 1990 Mazda Miata with 106k miles on it, a 1.6L Manual Trans Rear wheel drive go cart.

    So some terrible pictures from the wholesaler place I got it:

    Now the work begins:

    The cam shaft gasket was completely hardened, like a rock, so that got replaced, hopefully no more oil leaking all over the place.

    Off to the junk yard for some parts

    Did an oil change, ran some Sea Foam through it, and installed a radio (it didn't have one at all...)


    To Be Done:
    Trans Flush
    Diff Flush
    Brakes - Rotors/Pads/Fluid
    Ball Joint Boots
    New Top
    Remove Driver Seat (bolts are rusted through...)
    Paint it
    Paint Wheels
    New Passenger Front Wheel Bearing
    New Spark Plugs and Wires

    OTHER
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2013
  2. Apr 25, 2012 at 9:03 PM
    #2
    Gorillazrus

    Gorillazrus To be continued...

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    5100 Bilistens set @ 1" in front, Wheelers 5 leaf in rear, Leer Topper, TRD Skid Plate, Dual Band Ham Radio
    Looks like its gona be a fun project. A friend of mine had one of these cars and it could be a blast to drive.
     
  3. Apr 25, 2012 at 9:08 PM
    #3
    goufcustom

    goufcustom [OP] 7.62x63mm

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    Yeah it should be a good project, only part I am not looking forward to is the paint, take a chance on a $700 Maaco job, spend $3000 on a professional job, or do it myself for $100, no matter what it will look better then it does now, I just don't want to invest in paint...
     
  4. Apr 25, 2012 at 9:16 PM
    #4
    Gorillazrus

    Gorillazrus To be continued...

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    5100 Bilistens set @ 1" in front, Wheelers 5 leaf in rear, Leer Topper, TRD Skid Plate, Dual Band Ham Radio
    Yeh paint can be one of those things that can turns out really good or look like crap, so decisions , decisions.
     
  5. Apr 25, 2012 at 9:28 PM
    #5
    rab89

    rab89 Well-Known Member

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    I'd try a deep cut polish, it might brighten right up....
     
  6. Apr 25, 2012 at 9:31 PM
    #6
    fuzz master

    fuzz master Well-Known Member

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    matte black ...never have to polish it after that
     
  7. Apr 25, 2012 at 9:38 PM
    #7
    Gorillazrus

    Gorillazrus To be continued...

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    Looking at the pics I would defiantly try this first, you just might be suprised.

    Course if that didn't work theres always plasti dip :D
     
  8. Apr 30, 2012 at 7:30 PM
    #8
    goufcustom

    goufcustom [OP] 7.62x63mm

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    Bad Wheel Hub Bearing - Removed

    Sitting Space Ship Style on Jack Stands

    Wheels Painted Black

    More Parts - Mmmmm Pickles

    Also started the install of my new top, it is looking real good...
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2013
  9. May 1, 2012 at 7:13 PM
    #9
    goufcustom

    goufcustom [OP] 7.62x63mm

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    Almost done installing the new top.

    Finally finished installing the new top.
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2013
  10. May 1, 2012 at 7:16 PM
    #10
    dexterdog

    dexterdog My pee parts itch

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    Looks like a perfect candidate for a 5.0 conversion.
     
  11. May 2, 2012 at 5:08 AM
    #11
    goufcustom

    goufcustom [OP] 7.62x63mm

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    Too bad I already blew my budget... :(
     
  12. May 2, 2012 at 5:29 AM
    #12
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    F-250 Land Yacht Mod
    I'd pick up a HVLP paint gun and teach myself to paint on a project car like that. Obviously give the polish a try first since it's cheap and might work out but that seems like a good vehicle to learn to paint on.
     
  13. May 2, 2012 at 5:49 AM
    #13
    A_Ninja_Racer

    A_Ninja_Racer Well-Known Member

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    Ok So I have looked at all of these photos. I love the car and hope you have a lot of fun with it. But from the photos I've seen it looks like you are doing this job in a very Cramped 1 car garage. I also think that I have seen all three walls of the garage so now I have to ask. Where the Heck is your Tool Chest:eek:
     
  14. May 2, 2012 at 12:51 PM
    #14
    goufcustom

    goufcustom [OP] 7.62x63mm

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    Lol, yep, I am in a townhouse, with a 1 car garage, and it is cramped, but the car is soooo small it doesnt much matter. The tool chest is up near the door into the house, I will try to get a picture of it next time I am taking some. I put the top on the frame in my living room. But it isnt as bad as you would think, I cant do work on my truck in this garage, I use a friends, but this car is really small. Also, my tool chest isnt huge, but I have managed to only need to buy a few things that I should have had, and then rented a few tools from the local store, things I only plan to use once.

    Wish I had a bigger air compressor too, I have a ~3 gallon pancake compressor, so no impact or air ratcher. And my finishing nailer is basically useless for this project... :cool:


    That is the plan, it is a perfect car to learn on, and, my neighbor just bought a large compressor and is actually planning to buy a paint gun soon, so I may just need to buy the paint and then turn my garage into a paint booth...
     
  15. Jun 4, 2012 at 6:48 AM
    #15
    goufcustom

    goufcustom [OP] 7.62x63mm

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    Toolbox!

    Last photo of it before I took it apart for the bushings.

    I bought the Energy Suspension Master Bushing Kit, and I almost have the entire thing installed.

    The Front - I had to cut the lower eccentric bolts out with a sawzall.

    New Bushings

    Catch Can Installed

    I am waiting on a new set of eccentric bolts (all 8) and then just need to put the new bushings in the Diff and put it all back together. At the same time change the fuel filter, and check the torque on everything... and a quick trip to get it aligned.

    Next project it new belts, timing, alternator, power steering, then new front crank seal, drill out the front seat driver side seat bolts, and replace the inner and outer shifter boots and change the turret oil. I also need to adjust the clutch and the hood latch.

    After all of that it will be time to paint.
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2013
  16. Jun 4, 2012 at 7:39 AM
    #16
    A_Ninja_Racer

    A_Ninja_Racer Well-Known Member

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    That looks like a lot of fun. There is something to be said about driving a car that you have put that kind of effort into.
     
  17. Jun 4, 2012 at 9:20 AM
    #17
    goufcustom

    goufcustom [OP] 7.62x63mm

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    Very true, it has been fun, the only part that sucks is knowing that I have more into this car than it will ever be worth, that has been a big sticking point for me, spent $2500 on the car, and have almost $2000 in parts, and most of it has been just replacing stuff that was worn or broken, nothing performance. But having done all the work myself I am saving money, doing it right, learning stuff (I have never done anything like this before), and having fun.

    I also started this because the car developed a clunk when turning in the front passenger suspension, or atleast that is where I think it was, and I think the bushings were bad and the eccentric bolts were worn/stretched out, so this should get rid of the clunk, and give me a much better ride. Just wish I had the money for some springs and shocks, the front ones need to be replaced, but I am out of money for this build for the summer.
     
  18. Jun 4, 2012 at 12:04 PM
    #18
    A_Ninja_Racer

    A_Ninja_Racer Well-Known Member

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    I am in the same boat as you I picked up a 2000 Celica for $3k and I have prolly dropped over 2k in parts and labor. I wasn't going to attempt repairing the AC myself. It is a fun car to drive. I know I have more money in it than it is worth but I can't stop. Now I want the windows tinted. I would also like to replace my struts all the way around.
     
  19. Jun 8, 2012 at 4:52 PM
    #19
    goufcustom

    goufcustom [OP] 7.62x63mm

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    I got a new fuel filter in it, all of the bushings are in, everything is torqued to spec, and it is back on the ground and drivable. It needs an alignment badly, but I did take it out for a drive and no clunk, so far so good. Once I get it aligned I will beat on it a little more and make sure all is good.

    Now to clean up the garage, have a beer, and enjoy the weekend. Oh and replace the shifter oil and boots, but that is easy compared to what I just did. Also might finally set the clock on the new radio...
     
  20. Jun 22, 2012 at 11:17 AM
    #20
    goufcustom

    goufcustom [OP] 7.62x63mm

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    Replacing the inner and outer shift boots and replacing the shifter oil:

    Very nasty color

    New, homemade shifter boot, I took the old one apart and had my mom sew me a new one.
     
    Last edited: Aug 4, 2013

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