I felt the strong urge to buy a new hardtop...

Saturday night I fired up the garage heater so the next day I could start the engine and comfortably inspect my hardtop. Sunday I started up the EcotecMiata engine and took it to the quarter car wash in 29 degree weather. (No snow or salt my way) I sprayed off all the surface dirt from the car while kind-of testing the hardtop seals.

The hardtop is in very good condition with just a few chips and no leaks detected.
However, I did notice my crystal white Miata body is full of chips, dents, and scratches making it a only a 20 footer. If I did get a new hardtop it would place high pressure on me to have the car stripped and repainted due to the potential crystal white paint defect. That would detract from getting the drive-train sorted out.

So I convinced myself to work on the drive-train first so I can either be satisfied with the results or initiate another drive-train project. If I go with the latter I will need the funds.