HMT's other project: MX3 V6

[HMT]

So I thought, I might as well show you my other cars, starting with my '96 MX3 that I bought last year.

This is how I got it:
https://driving-culture.blogspot.de/2018/05/fetching-new-v6.html

Since then, I've put a lot of work in it, mainly maintenance, cleaning up and rust removal. So far, the shell is still one of the better examples in my country with intact sills and arches.
As a short and probably incomplete overview:
I've straightened out the front end, blacked out the head lights and front lamps, added a '91 interiour including carpets, alloy sill plates, oil gauges, leather hand brake lever, JDM tail lights, deleted the rear wiper, installed 2 amps and new speakers and radio, stainless exhaust, Nardi steering wheel, Corksport shift knob, Azev wheels with new Dunlop tires, K&N CAI, MS oil cap, new ignition everything, flushed the cooling system about a hundred times, added Samco hoses, revived the aircon with new pipes and condenser, completely overhauled the brakes, installed braided brake lines, added sound deadening to the doors, modified the drivers seat for tall people, completed the central locking with parts from a RHD car, added a remote etc. Newest addition is a set of D2 coilovers to replace the worn out KAW units.
The car is still a piece of junk but it's slowly getting there.
Currently I'm waiting for a set of KAi rear camber plates and JDM power folding mirrors. Then it's a detailing session away from participating at this years Mazda Classics Meet near Salzburg in July.

Here's a selection of random pics to display some stations of the journey so far. Sorry that I can't do better at this point, future posts should be more fun to read :)
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[HMT]

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[LagBlu]

I really like the MX-3, especially the rear view of the Eunos Presso version with the small recess for the license plate and the lighting of the tail lights. The oem roof spoiler could be very nice, too.
Now and then I catch myself looking for a MX-3. :lol:

Keep up the good work.

[HMT]

Thanks, the obsession started out with a cheap daily for my wife in 2014 which unfortunately was totaled in 2018. Got replaced by another MX3 because they are pretty awesome.
Always wanted a car with a K-series V6, tried a Xedos 6 once but didnt suit me. Didnt want to swap my Lantis because Turbo plans so of course I had to get another MX3 :D

[atlex]

So beautiful.. Car design literally regressed after this point.

[HMT]

Well thanks, that sounds like something I would say :D
Recently replaced the worn out KAW coilovers with new D2 Streets with Uniball top mounts.
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The car pretty much looks the same but it now drives like it's supposed to and there are no more suspension squeaks and klonks while driving along :)

[HMT]

So, how was 2020? Mixed, really. Started of well, went downhill from there but ended up kind of okay :D

First up, some pictures from spring:
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That was all nice and well. Drove the car regularly which was nice until...
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Stupidity hit in a hight stress situation with an Amulance approaching from behind. That did suck quite a bit.

Put the car away for a few weeks until my frustration had worn off. Then pulled it apart...
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[HMT]

Assessed the damage:
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Still sucks, could be worse though.
Got a JDM and an additional USDM bumper for some donor parts to make one good bumper:
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Seems to work out
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Sported a two tone look for a while:
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Random details shots
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[HMT]

Ok, so the quarter panel was pushed back out and painted
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Also got the bumper painted. Unfortunately the color didnt match and the finish was pretty bad. This will have to be corrected in spring. Still, got the car back on the road just in time for a classic rally event
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As the gas springs for the heavy hatch were worn, I ordered a new set
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And just before winter break, I got a set of headers and high flow cat fitted, so the eshaust is now full stainless
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[HMT]

Finally, I caught the last few sunbeams to snap a few pictures
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And a soundcheck...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HssETvzOVA

Now it's in the garage awaiting spring.
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...well, when I say awaiting. I actually pulled the lateral arms to get them powder coated and fit Superpro bushes but it's just no fun to wrench when it's that cold. To be continued soon I hope :)