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Mazda MX-5 Miata (2005 and earlier)

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What is this discussion about? Mazda, Toyota MR2 Spyder, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Convertible

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#2201 of 4340 Top by freddy_k Apr 10, 2002 (7:11 am)
My '99 tan top is stained from the previous owner. I don't know how to keep it from getting worse, I just wash it with the rest of the car and hope it doen't get any worse. Right now it's just in a few areas but they won't come out. Wear and tear I guess. I don't think about it either way when I'm driving, and I try to keep the top tucked away as often as possible anyway!   The problem I have with it is the rubber seals on the top tear off, and tend to stick out when it's up. So far it isn't leaking though, so I can't bring myself to spend money to fix it
#2202 of 4340 Other stuff by freddy_k Apr 10, 2002 (7:20 am)
Sunday I'm going to a Miata Club meeting. This summer I'm (finally) getting into Autox, although I've been told it's not a good idea since the car is my daily driver. I don't care thoughm this care was built for it! I can't wait.   I'm thinking of getting into the 'dirty work' of the car more, I've never really dealt with it mechanilcally, and would like to start. She is my (other) baby after all Is there any reasons I shouldn't attempt to do certain things to my car? RIght now I'm thinking fluid changes, sparkplugs and wires. removing the baby teeth. basic stuff to start, or so I think. I just don't want to dig a hole I cant' crawl out of.
#2203 of 4340 by dgraves1 Apr 10, 2002 (9:13 am)
freddy - Great idea. I totally support doing as much work as possible on your car. It is part of the total ownership experience to me. As you said, start with the small stuff and as you gain confidence, you'll be ready to tackle bigger stuff. Of course, if the Miata is a mandatory transportation asset, you'll want to proceed cautiously. Since we sold one of our cars, I have put off some projects on the MR2 because I can't afford to have it down for more than a few hours at a time. Once we add the new car to the fleet, there's going to be MR2 parts all over the garage . The best way to learn is from watching/helping other, more knowledgable people. See if some of the guys at the local Miata club will let you watch over their shoulder as they do stuff on their cars. Some clubs even have tune and repair days where a bunch of owners get together and do stuff on each others' cars.
#2204 of 4340 Shop Day Tips by ateixeira Apr 10, 2002 (9:34 am)
Yep - invite friends or other local Miata owners over to help out. Hard jobs become surprisingly easy when you have help, especially experienced help.   Also, work on a Saturday, so you have Sunday to correct any mistakes you made before needing the car for your commute.   Finally, make sure to get all the supplies in advance. I think you need about 4 quarts of gear oil (75w90, BTW) to do the tranny and rear diffy. And it doens't hurt if you have your significant other around to drive you to the shop to get any missing parts/tools.   -juice
#2205 of 4340 working on the car by freddy_k Apr 10, 2002 (9:46 am)
Thanks, I need all the help I can get!   This weekend, as long as it doesn't rain the wole time, I'm going to attack the tranny fluid. So far it seems I can do it with the fluid and a commonly available hand pump. I haven't started looking, but I imagine I should replace any rubber seals involved as well. Will typical automotive supply shops carry these?
#2206 of 4340 by ateixeira Apr 10, 2002 (10:00 am)
Seals? I just removed the two plugs, let it drain, replaced the lower plug, and pumped oil in until it spilled over, then replace the other plug. You can even skip the pump and lower the tube from above, in the engine bay, with a funnel.   I think Miata.net has diagrams. I used Hakuna's photos for guidance. The rear diffy is a lot easier than tranny because it's easier to reach.   -juice   PS The pump is stiff to operate if it's cold out. The oil is thick, and even thicker when it's cold.
#2207 of 4340 Doin' it yourself! by bjrich Apr 10, 2002 (3:03 pm)
Good luck and have fun. If I was physically able I would be doing much of this type of stuff. Just keeping it clean and shiny is about all that I can do. Got a big birthday coming up and can't believe that I am that old. Still loven my Crystal Blue. Do get a bunch of members together, have a Bud for me, and have fun. this is he greatest car in the world, bar none. Bob
#2208 of 4340 by ateixeira Apr 11, 2002 (5:54 am)
Yeah, a 6 pack and a pizza are your most important tools.   -juice
#2209 of 4340 Hole in top by knhill Apr 11, 2002 (6:50 am)
I thought about the speed too. When I lower, I move it back about even with the top of the seats and then just drop it. When I raise, I reach straight back with my right arm and tricep it up, fairly quickly, to the same point.
#2210 of 4340 knhill by lngtonge18 Apr 11, 2002 (7:43 pm)
Speed shouldn't cause problems with holes. My top has 140k on it (its a 92) and only has one small hole on the driver's side b-pillar area. I drop the top in the same way you do. Something must be catching the fabric.   As a side note, I have decided to hold off on replacing the top for another month or two. I'm about to move and won't have a job initially so I need to save up my money. When I do get it done, I will let you all know whether it's as bad as everyone says to do it yourself.

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