Breathing new life into my old Miata.

Posted by GreasyDesigner@reddit | projectcar | View on Reddit | 12 comments

How it started; how it’s going. Learned a lot about bodywork this past year. Tackled my first DIY paint job. While it’s not perfect it beats the flaky 31-year-old paint from before. Can’t wait to do more painting in the future. For anyone who’s curious about trying their hand at body work or painting, I think this is the perfect car to learn on.

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12 Comments

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boom256@reddit

A romantic evening by the fire. How nice!

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immortalsteve@reddit

any plans for more power? I love a miata with a v8 or a turbo lol

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GreasyDesigner@reddit (OP)

She’s too clean of a survivor that I think I’ll keep it stock or as close to stock for as long as I can. That way if the next owner wants to do a complete restoration on it they’ll be able to do it easily. I need to sort out an engine leak next and go over suspension, get new tires and most of the fluids changed. Maybe a supercharger some day down the road, but I’ve already got one V8 in my 4Runner. I think two of them would bankrupt me with fuel cost.

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immortalsteve@reddit

one thing I have learned in a couple decades of building stupid cars is that the next owner will just do something you hate anyway so might as well send it lol i am lucky I can basically ignore gas costs. I drive largely because I like to, my office is close to my house so leaving a car stock just doesn't make sense to me

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Recent-Ad9029@reddit

Man what a good Miata, I just want a fun little manual rwd as a first car, but Miata prices will never let me

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Cactus_Bob_99@reddit

It looks great, nice job.

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GreasyDesigner@reddit (OP)

Thank you!

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tyvanwie@reddit

Steelies look great on it.

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GreasyDesigner@reddit (OP)

Thank you! It was a travesty that those were covered up with cheap hub caps. First thing I did was remove them. Eventually I will repaint the steelies in two tone finish. Probably black inside bowl, with silver outer rim.

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Personal-Tomatillo98@reddit

I've always wondered if it's possible to create a hardtop by using the soft top as a frame and then with spray foam, some fiberglass and creativity make a mold for a DIY hardtop.

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GreasyDesigner@reddit (OP)

I bet Tofu Auto Works on YouTube would make it and it would look better than stock.

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GreasyDesigner@reddit (OP)

Up next I still have to do a final wet sanding to even out the clear coat and then buff her. Just bought my first buffer for Christmas (DeWalt DWP849X), real excited to give it a try. Also have a new Robbins convertible top ready to install in the coming year, along with new seat skins from MrMikes Upholstery.