Liam's NA Miata - Finally back on the road!!!

[Slash]

But you still need to seal it since it is still an entry point for moisture and possibly small animals.

And just wait until it starts rusting

This.

Rust will start appearing fast.

 

[Aquarelle]

I can't get over the idea of drilling holes in your car to save getting a locksmith over...

 

[Slash]

I just hope he does the repair right so he doesn't have to buy an entire body panel.

 

[Harry6784]

I just hope he does the repair right so he doesn't have to buy an entire body panel.

That's the thing with working on your own cars. If you're gunna do it, do it right. No point in doing the labor yourself if you botch it up and end up taking it to the shop anyway...

 

[Slash]

A trunk lid isn't that hard to replace anyways but still. I agree.

 

[Aquarelle]

That's the thing with working on your own cars. If you're gunna do it, do it right. No point in doing the labor yourself if you botch it up and end up taking it to the shop anyway...

Only one way to learn man.. but this was a pretty bad lack of forethought.

Sorry, Liam. We're not trying to tease you or anything, it must be frustrating because you've had nothing but negativity from day one - but we're trying our best to help you.

You have fantastic resources surrounding you, we're all here willing to help you out with advice. But to take advantage of that you need to talk things over. I can't see anyone supporting the idea of drilling a hole.. because to save hiring a locksmith, you're now going to get a welder - which even if you have your own and know/know someone who knows how to use it you're still going to have to pay for the materials and the gas.

Then you have the sanding and the painting on top of all that.. it's going to be about the same as just hiring a locksmith before you even consider labour.

 

[JrDarknes]

Did you at least paint the hole? put some tape over it to keep moisture out? =/

Do this.

Second go to a body shop and see how much it cost to get it fixed.

On my first 240 I had a hole from taking the antenna off, it only cost 50 dollars to get it fixed and painted but I don't know how big your hole is. Mine was probably 2 inches big.

 

[LeadFootLiam]

Just got back from work. I'll do what I can to patch the hole. @UrieHusky Negativity from day one? Like from when I joined GTP or when I got my Miata?

BTW A locksmith wouldnt even help, I stuck a paper clip in the lock to open it and it broke inside, there was nothing a locksmith could do, so drilling the hole in my car was the last resort. I have to take the lock out some how and get rid of the paper clip, if that doesn't work, I'll need a new lock.

@JrDarknes The hole is a 1/2 inch small.

Idk why the photo is turned sideways.

 

[Aquarelle]

@UrieHusky Negativity from day one? Like from when I joined GTP or when I got my Miata?

I mean from your first thread asking whether you should get a WRX which resulted in a dog pile

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Just got back from work. I'll do what I can to patch the hole. @UrieHusky Negativity from day one? Like from when I joined GTP or when I got my Miata?

BTW A locksmith wouldnt even help, I stuck a paper clip in the lock to open it and it broke inside, there was nothing a locksmith could do, so drilling the hole in my car was the last resort. I have to take the lock out some how and get rid of the paper clip, if that doesn't work, I'll need a new lock.

@JrDarknes The hole is a 1/2 inch small.View attachment 159302

Idk why the photo is turned sideways.

This hole needs to be repaired ASAP!

Since you probably wont have access to a welder this is your easiest / best option for now. This Bondoglass is waterproof unlike regular bondo. Any automotive store will have this or Walmart or Meijer. Just about anywhere carries this stuff in the automotive section. It is only about $14.00.

1. Sand around hole inside and outside of trunk with 120-150 grit sandpaper. Only just around the hole!!!!
2. Apply the fiberglass. You wont need much and it might take a couple coats to cover the hole inside and out. It will be green fiberglass with an included red hardener.
3. Let dry. This only takes about 5-10 minutes.
4. Sand until smooth inside and out of trunk. This will require various grits.
5. Primer inside and out.
6. Use the left over Plastidip so it matches your back panel. Spray inside and out. You can also substitute this for black paint or whatever color you want.
Or have a local repair shop fix the hole for you.


If you leave that hole open, not only will it rust around the hole, it will get bugs, dirt, water, and moisture inside your trunk. At that point it will start rusting everything inside your trunk including your trunk floor pan. Which would be VERY bad news.

Also one last thing. You really should listen to the advice in this thread. Many of us have been working on cars for most of our lives. Some of use have 20+ years experience. We gave you suggestions on how to get your keys out, yet you drilled the back panel anyway.

 

[Clark]

As much as I know you'll hate us saying because you've already done it now.

Never ever do anything like that until you know live exhausted every other option.

Drastic measures should only be use last or in absolute emergency (like if somebody was trapped and suffocating etc.)

 

[JrDarknes]

@JrDarknes The hole is a 1/2 inch small.

Yea, go to a body shop and see how much it costs. I would think it wouldn't be more than fifty dollars and they will paint it also. Then after that just but new interior trim.

I completely understand why you drilled your hole loll. I remember locking my keys in my car at work. I was sooo close to wrapping my hand with a sweater and punching my sunroof to get in. Luckily after a hour we unlocked it with a hanger.

You just want to get your car back as soon as possible =P

 

[CodeRedR51]

BTW A locksmith wouldnt even help, I stuck a paper clip in the lock to open it and it broke inside, there was nothing a locksmith could do, so drilling the hole in my car was the last resort.

Now it wasn't. What @CAMAROBOY69 and I said before, take the carpet and panel out from behind the seats, then reach into the trunk from the passenger side with a long magnet (can be found at tool stores) and bingo, key recovery.

 

[LeadFootLiam]

Okay so who's direction do I follow here? @JrDarknes is telling me to get the hole welded, and @CAMAROBOY69 is telling me to use bondo glass.

I like the idea of bondo glass, but how long will it hold? Getting a body shop to repair it seems far more worthwhile.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Okay so who's direction do I follow here? @JrDarknes is telling me to get the hole welded, and @CAMAROBOY69 is telling me to use bondo glass.

I like the idea of bondo glass, but how long will it hold? Getting a body shop to repair it seems far more worthwhile.

To do it right the hole needs to be welded shut. In that case I would take it to a professional body shop. Estimated $50.00-$100.00.

If you cant afford or don't want it welded by a shop, then use the bondo glass $14.00. The bondo glass will likely outlast your car if you do it properly because the bondo glass if fiberglass which is waterproof.

 

[LeadFootLiam]

To do it right the hole needs to be welded shut. In that case I would take it to a professional body shop. Estimated $50.00-$100.00.

If you cant afford or don't want it welded by a shop, then use the bondo glass $14.00. The bondo glass will likely outlast your car if you do it properly because the bondo glass if fiberglass which is waterproof.

Cool, I'll pick up bondo glass either today or tomorrow, and get cracking.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

Cool, I'll pick up bondo glass either today or tomorrow, and get cracking.

If you go that route, get some pictures of your progress. The optimistic way to look at this is you will now have your first try at body work repair. If you like how it turns out, you can repair other small holes on your car.

 

[LeadFootLiam]

If you go that route, get some pictures of your progress. The optimistic way to look at this is you will now have your first try at body work repair. If you like how it turns out, you can repair other small holes on your car.

This will be good practice then! And there is one problem, I still have to find a way to get that paper clip out of my lock mechanism, before I spend a wack of money on a new one. For know I'll tape it over and try and get the lock fixed.

 

[Harry6784]

This will be good practice then! And there is one problem, I still have to find a way to get that paper clip out of my lock mechanism, before I spend a wack of money on a new one. For know I'll tape it over and try and get the lock fixed.

Can you actually see the paperclip stuck in the lock?

 

[LeadFootLiam]

Yes I can @Harry6784

UPDATE TIME!

Purchased a pair of smoked turn signals, they where brand spankin new, and I also saved on shipping since I was going to order these online. I think they look so good, they look much better in person!

They guy I bought it off of is a "Miata Specialist". He sells parts on the weekends and has been an enthusiast for 20+ years, definitely going to be a great resource in the future.

I also changed my valve cover gasket and spark plugs, didn't really take any photos of that. This is what the old spark plugs looked like:

When I took the Valve cover off I could see that the camshafts and everything seemed to be in good condition, didn't notice any sludge.

This was how much oil there was in one of the spark plug tubes.

With a pump, and some paper towel, I managed to get a lot of the oil out.

It was a good oppurtunity to paint the valve cover, so I did. Here is what it looked like before...

And after I painted it...

Definitely freshens up the engine bay! The car also seems to run smoother too when fully warmed up. 👍

And today, one of my interior mods came in!!!!!

I was stoked! So I unscrewed the 4 screws holding the center consul on and took it off.

Unscrewed the four screws holding the shift boot thingy on.

The shift boot is held on by clips, so I unclipped it. You can see 24 years of human slime on edges.

I then clipped the new boot on, and put the center consul back together.

I then started on the e brake boot, I unscrewed the screw that was holding the original cover on, and popped off. I then slid the new cover on, this is the finished product!!!

I only paid 30 bucks for both, and the shipping was FREE! It's real leather and very high quality, I am impressed. I'm also waiting for a shift knob to complete the look, so I'll post some photos when that comes in.

What do you guys think of what I have done to the Miata?

 

[Harry6784]

lol I ordered a new shift boot and e-brake cover for my car in the exact same color as the ones you got down to the red stitching. Redlinegoods.com? Car looks 100x better. Glad you are focusing on small things instead of going straight to performance mods as most people do.

As for the paper clip, there are some things you can try to get it out yourself.

 

[LeadFootLiam]

lol I ordered a new shift boot and e-brake cover for my car in the exact same color as the ones you got down to the red stitching. Redlinegoods.com? Car looks 100x better. Glad you are focusing on small things instead of going straight to performance mods as most people do.

As for the paper clip, there are some things you can try to get it out yourself.

No it wasn't redlinegoods, I got it from topgaiters, or gaiters boots on eBay. Ya right now I'm just focusing on getting the car to run as good as I can make it, and right now, only mods I will be doing are small mods to the interior.

Next to do on the interior, is: new door cards, new steering wheel, new vent rings, and maybe some nice seats, all with the black and red stitching theme.

Thanks for the link I'll check it out now.

 

[Slash]

Looking wicked man. The next thing I would do is smoke the taillights like the front turn signals so they match. Then I would sell the original housings to make some of that money back.

That engine bay looks way better with the valve covers painted but I hope you bought high temp paint. You should consider painting up other sections of the bay as well to clean it up even further. I do hope hat when reinstalling the valve cover that you tightened the bolts in the proper order and to correct torque specs. If not it shouldn't be a big deal but I'm fussy with stupid things like that.


And is it just me or does that plug look white? That would mean its burning lean which isn't good for it. Is it possible to get a better picture of the diode (top part were the little curved thingy is)?



Furthermore, I am impressed that your taking action on the issues and making the car much better as well as taking responsibility for other thing. You've done a great job so far and this is really fun to watch. 👍


That being said, you are, without realizing it, kind of getting into the restoration business. Slowly, but its a start


I like that you aren't afraid to ask questions. Asking questions is what leads to being a good mechanic. Have you ever considered going into the business? You seem to be thoroughly enjoying your work here and who knows, maybe working on cars like me could be a good thing for you. There's definitely money to be made and if its something you enjoy doing, why not pursue it? Something to think about.

 

[CAMAROBOY69]

@Slash covered everything I was going to say. Every little detail is truly making a big improvement on your car. I really like the stitching detail in the boots. Thanks for posting all the step by step detailed pics too. Its always fun seeing the before and after progress pics. 👍

Next I would paint that bare sheet metal block under your radio.

Also let us know how it goes over the weekend with your trunk hole repair.

 

[LeadFootLiam]

Looking wicked man. The next thing I would do is smoke the taillights like the front turn signals so they match. Then I would sell the original housings to make some of that money back.

That engine bay looks way better with the valve covers painted but I hope you bought high temp paint. You should consider painting up other sections of the bay as well to clean it up even further. I do hope hat when reinstalling the valve cover that you tightened the bolts in the proper order and to correct torque specs. If not it shouldn't be a big deal but I'm fussy with stupid things like that.


And is it just me or does that plug look white? That would mean its burning lean which isn't good for it. Is it possible to get a better picture of the diode (top part were the little curved thingy is)?



Furthermore, I am impressed that your taking action on the issues and making the car much better as well as taking responsibility for other thing. You've done a great job so far and this is really fun to watch. 👍


That being said, you are, without realizing it, kind of getting into the restoration business. Slowly, but its a start


I like that you aren't afraid to ask questions. Asking questions is what leads to being a good mechanic. Have you ever considered going into the business? You seem to be thoroughly enjoying your work here and who knows, maybe working on cars like me could be a good thing for you. There's definitely money to be made and if its something you enjoy doing, why not pursue it? Something to think about.

Thanks man! Yup I bought I temp paint. Right now I don't have a torque wrench but I will be getting one next paycheck, my Haynes manual usues it a lot. And yes the spark plugs where white, how do I fix that? I will get a better photo of them.

Glad you are enjoying my project, I am too! I have not given much thought about being a mechanic, probably too late now anyway, already have a decent recession proof job I'm happy with.

@Slash covered everything I was going to say. Every little detail is truly making a big improvement on your car. I really like the stitching detail in the boots. Thanks for posting all the step by step detailed pics too. Its always fun seeing the before and after progress pics. 👍

Next I would paint that bare sheet metal block under your radio.

Also let us know how it goes over the weekend with your trunk hole repair.

Thanks! I'm going to try and tackle the trunk tonight after work, and try and get the paperclip out of the lock. I still have some left over dip so I'll spray that sheet metal as well.

 

[FordMKIVJ5]

And yes the spark plugs where white, how do I fix that? I will get a better photo of them.

It's a sign that the combustion temperature is too hot which could be caused by a multitude of things, from running too lean like Slash said, overly advanced ignition timing or even cooling system not working as effectively as it should.

It could just be that the spark plug being used isn't of the correct heat rating.

A better photo would be helpful, and angled more from the top if possible. 👍

 

[CodeRedR51]

It could just be that the spark plug being used isn't of the correct heat rating.

Bingo. A stock Miata doesn't need anything special. Just some standard NGK's is the best you can do.

 

[Ronald6]

I think this would match your shift boot and E-brake boot well:

Ebay, 12$.

 

[Aquarelle]

They feel so gross though

 

[CodeRedR51]

They look so gross though

Fixed.