Qs re painting, hoods and tyres

oldmgs · Post by **oldmgs** » Thu Apr 21, 2011 2:54 pm

Hi MX5 listers

I belonged to this list 6 or 7 years ago, but dropped off when it went private and never got round to rejoining. Anyway back now. We actually bought the car through the list, quite a rare 1992 Eunos – automatic,4W discs, ABS and dinky wooden bits. Has been a reliable car and still only has 117,000km on it. But it is in need of a refresh. A few scratches, but no rust or panel damage, however paint has crazed in some areas and is dull. Also hood needs replaced. So a few questions.

How much should a good paint job cost in the original BRG. I had an off the cuff quote of $2,500. Is this about right? Any recommendations for paint shops from people who have had their MX5 repainted.

We are thinking of a beige hood to replace the black one. There is a chap on trademe who offers a selection from about $500 to $1,450 for a heated glass window one. Any comments on the quality of these, or alternative recommendations. I am definitely sick of the unzipping thing so would prefer one of the those where the window stays in place. I am considering to heated window – I understand the wiring is in place – is the switch easy to install? Also how hard is it to install the hood – any step by step instructions on the web?

We will probably replace the tyres at the same time. Again any recommendations – mostly used around town and driven fairy gently by my wife.

Thanks

Douglas

WideOpenThrottle · Post by **WideOpenThrottle** » Thu Apr 21, 2011 7:48 pm

Hi & welcome

I did our NB hood not so long ago and whilen it was a long & frustrating job first time round i certainly wouldn't hesitate to do it again if it ever needs it!
And maybe next time i would leave it on the car as it was a pain doing it on the lounge carpet!

They usually come with instructions or its available on-line.

sprsta · Post by **sprsta** » Thu Apr 21, 2011 8:57 pm

hi
welcome back
2500 is pretty cheap
what part of the country are you in?
if your in auckland swing by and we can have a look
http://www.mx5forum.co.nz/ads_item.php?id=99

cheers

cole

oldmgs · Post by **oldmgs** » Fri Apr 22, 2011 3:35 pm

sprsta wrote:hi
welcome back
2500 is pretty cheap
what part of the country are you in?
if your in auckland swing by and we can have a look

cheers

cole

I work in Grafton so will pop in next week. Thnaks Douglas

Mr. Shine · Post by **Mr. Shine** » Sat Apr 23, 2011 9:21 pm

Would also highly recommend GT Refinishers for paint and panel work. He does a fair bit of show work as I understand it and is very popular with the NZHondas crowd.

Ian · Post by **Ian** » Sun Apr 24, 2011 11:17 am

Welcome...

There is nothing rare about a Eunos/MX5 having 4 wheel disc brakes...they all do.

Cheers

dynofiend · Post by **dynofiend** » Sat Apr 30, 2011 1:47 pm

Paint jobs are pretty much all labour costs, so the longer you pay for someone to work on the car, generally the better the result will be. To help reduce costs you could do some of the prep yourself, like trim removal etc as this is all included in your spray price.

Other than that, a good idea is to find your local custom car club (old 40's and 50's cars) and ask them who they recommend, as those guys wont stand for crap paint jobs.

mazdad · Post by **mazdad** » Tue May 03, 2011 3:45 pm

My OEM vinyl top (NB 2.5 2002)was finally too far gone to repair. Didn't want another vinyl top, too prone to UV and didn't look hal as good as those on the new MX5's or top line Audi's etc...
Searched the web and spoke to literally heaps of folk before deciding on www.dandycars.com heated rear window, Twilfast and DVD showing detailed fitting for less that NZ$900 shipped in GST.
Took a whole weekend to fit, but boy what a difference!

I can seriously recommend them and their product - take a look at http://www.mazda-mx5-shop.com/index.php ... cts_id=199

Eric

Kieran · Post by **Kieran** » Wed May 04, 2011 10:44 am

I replaced my hood when i bought the car because the it was rotten from its long boat ride over from japan i can tell you now replacing it is the most frustrating thing you could probably do on the mx5 took me a day but now its so much better and no more holes to deal with
You don't really need instructions on it just take it slow and use common sense
also don't lose the bolts haha

Kieran · Post by **Kieran** » Wed May 04, 2011 11:06 am

As far as tires go you can't go wrong with a set of toyo t1r

Mr. Shine · Post by **Mr. Shine** » Thu May 05, 2011 7:19 pm

Kieran wrote:As far as tires go you can't go wrong with a set of toyo t1r

For driving around town and gentle driving by his wife? T1Rs don't seem to be available in factory 185/60R14 but if you have slightly wider wheels the T1R 195/55R14 will fit happily. Might bulge a bit on factory 5.5" wide wheels though?

Honestly though for driving around town T1Rs are a waste of money. If you want some sportiness I'd say something like Dunlop Direzza DZ101s at most. If you want to go sporty though I'd recommend Bridgestone Adrenalin RE001 over T1R from the comparisons I've read.

Qs re painting, hoods and tyres

Qs re painting, hoods and tyres

New Twilfast Hood

Who is online