Droopy boot remedy ?

GEEMCB · Post by **GEEMCB** » Thu Jun 30, 2005 9:55 pm

Hi, all

After being clonked on the head for the umpty-squillionth time today, I took
a look at the boot torsion spring position on my 1990 V Special. Hmmm -
looks to be adjusted to the maximum tension possible (though I don't see the
three setting positions described on miata.net - I seem to have a mere two).

Anyway - with a spoiler on the boot & a boot storage mesh bag on the way
from Paul, I need to lift the lift (so to speak).

Do I pack out the torsion springs or find a suitable gas strut or what ?

Thoughts & solutions welcome !

Regards,
Greg
1990 V Special

DBM58 · Post by **DBM58** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 8:22 am

Hi Greg

Don McClean fitted pneumatic gas struts on his boot. I can send pictures if you like.

Thank you for your help

Best regards

David Moughtin

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 8:40 am

I fitted a gas strut to my boot and also fitted a remote release operated by
the remote for the car alarm. Very useful. My NA car didn't have a boot
spoiler so I removed both original springs. My NB car has a small spoiler so
had to leave one of the springs to aid the gas strut.

Grant.

KSCRIM · Post by **KSCRIM** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 12:16 pm

I also have an NB with the small "bump" spoiler. the springs are ok to open
the lid about 150mm and hold the lid up ok. I dont need any extra support. I
have the remote release fitted also.

Kevin (98NB)

[...]

Ken McNoe · Post by **Ken McNoe** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 12:21 pm

Where can I get the remote release fitted!!! That sounds great!!! I have
an alarm that unlocks the doors.
Any idea of price?

Ken McNoe

Phone: 09 483 8237
Mobile: 021 536 911

KSCRIM · Post by **KSCRIM** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 4:52 pm

Ken, I had the remote boot release wiring from the alarm fitted when the
alarm was fitted. It was no problem for the alarm installers as they had to
run the alarm sensor to the boot anyway.
I got a solenoid from the wreckers and managed to mount it by the key lock
bolts, and connected it to the lock release mechanisim with a small wire.
There has to be an interface relay fitted also as the alarm can't supply
enough current to operate the solenoid. The solenoid cost $15 and I had the
relay already. Other wiring and a fuse holder I also had.

Alarm installers can do the job also of course, I don't know how much
though.

Kevin.

[...]

Ken McNoe · Post by **Ken McNoe** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 5:07 pm

Hi, thanks Kevin,

I think I will go check out the alarm installers, emergency medicine I
can do; anything technical/electrical/Mechanical totally baffles me!!!

Ken McNoe

Phone: 09 483 8237
Mobile: 021 536 911

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 5:49 pm

I bought the release solenoid from Jaycar. Had to arrange a relay to drive
it though as the alarm output can't supply the required current. Had a
suitable relay in my junk box. Some alarms do have the relay interface
available as a plug in option.
The advantage of the gas lift is that it will raise the boot lid to full
height in a controlled manner. Very handy when your hands are full of all
that gear you can fit in the boot. The original springs would hold the lid
open but it would not be high enough to load without help.
Grant.

GEEMCB · Post by **GEEMCB** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 7:14 pm

Thanks, all

Seems that the gas lift is a viable option. As it happened I stopped at
"Ace of Parts" in Otahuhu who specialise in Mazda & Honda bits. Good people
! I got the smallest gas strut they had (off an Accord boot) very cheap.

The challenge now is how to fit it in such a way that it's not exerting full
force on the boot all the time - most mechanisms I've seen rely on the hinge
mechanism geometry to reduce the extending force on the boot (or whatever)
in the closed position.

Pictures or diagrams of installations would be most appreciated ! Send
direct to gregmcbain@woosh.co.nz

Dave - any pictures of Don's car would be great. Grant, hints on your
installation would be most helpful too.

Will let you know how I get on.

Regards,
Greg

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 8:09 pm

One of our club members here in Blenheim has a drawing of the bracket
required. You can make your own using simple hand tools (hacksaw, file,
drill etc.). Do a search on Google for 'miata trunk lift' and you will find
many results. One or two do have pictures attached. If you need more
information I can remove my strut and measure the bracket for you. Can take
photos as well.

Grant.

Dez · Post by **Dez** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 8:39 pm

Greg
I can supply you with working drawings, materials & procedure to make up the
appropriate brackets to assemble a properly working system if you like. I
have made two for our duo of 5's inn our household & they work very well.
Might save you a bit of legwork & a headache. Give me a day or so & I'll
send you them. Email me if you want them, ok? They are reasonably large files.
Regards
Dez

MX5PWR · Post by **MX5PWR** » Sat Jul 02, 2005 9:52 am

Hi Dez, would you like to send them to me as well for inclusion in topdown
mag as I'm sure there will be a lot of members interested.
You can send them direct to nigel.e@xtra.co.nz.

Thanks very much

Nigel (Topdown Ed)

GEEMCB · Post by **GEEMCB** » Mon Jul 11, 2005 6:35 pm

With sincere thanks to Grant, Dez, David & others, I'm delighted to report
that the droop is gone (so to speak ...)

Over the weekend I scrounged appropriate bits & pieces & fabricated the
required bracket. Got it installed & all is operational.

The only fly in the ointment is that the stroke of the gas strut I got is
slightly too short (which is what happens when fossicking for parts prior to
pulling things apart to see what exactly is required). No matter - just
means that the boot lid doesn't quite open fully - but man, when it opens,
it opens ! May go back & get another gas strut - an easy changeover now
the basic components are in place.

I'll put together the story with pictures & send off to Nigel for topDown.
If anyone is interested in the meantime, get in touch.

Regards,
Greg
1990 V Special sans droop

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