Bedheadben's Build Thread/Life Story [Archive]

bedheadben

12-24-2011, 06:39 PM

I decided it's about time to write up my history with cars and the life changing events that led me to where I am now. I won't be including every car I've owned, just the ones I feel are related. I won't be posting my wheelers in here unless requested. Don't worry, it'll mostly be pictures.

I grew up living on a one way twisty road through the canyons called Tuna Canyon Rd in a small hippy town nestled between Santa Monica and Malibu named Topanga. This was the road that I had to drive to get anywhere, and thus this road inspired my choice in cars. Here's a shot of one of the corners.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6566239543_88fb3f57fc_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6566239543/)
Tuna (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6566239543/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

It all started with my 2002 WRX sedan. I loved that car. It was reliable, looked good, hauled my dirt bike around and got me up to the snow on a regular basis. She never left me stranded. I was boosting 21psi on the stock TD04 and it was just a really fun car to drive. Back then I had no idea what handling really meant.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2808209832_5c2c2f4ea4_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2808210356_6201a2885a_b.jpg

Then that got me pulled over too much so I switched over to something a little less flashy. Or maybe I just didn't know how to avoid cops yet? :confused: I got a 97 Miata that I built to the rules of the Miata Challenge and I competed in the very first event. The Miatas have always been the most fun to drive for me. I ended up selling this one to a good friend of mine who still has it. I still get to drive it every now and then.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs141.snc1/5240_127427828828_773723828_3137756_6765344_n.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3203612525_fa6a4593e9_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/2994062185_503999becd_b.jpg

Then came my second Suby, an 04 WRX wagon. It had a built motor, 18G, 1" lift and all the other usual mods along with some 15x7 Team Dynamics. I had blown my third trans and I just couldn't afford to keep fixing the car over and over and over. This one was just a lemon and has always had problems.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs476.snc3/26093_408489403828_773723828_5069130_4387713_n.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4442681822_452836cae3_o.jpg

And then there was the second Miata. It was a 96 M edition and treated me very well right until it sent me on a ride. This car was meant for street class Miata Challenge from the day I got it, unfortunately it didn't even finish our third event, which happened to be the last event of the same season that I started in my first Miata! She was definitely the best set up Miata to date. This is the accident that changed my life and if it weren't for my Hard Dog roll bar, Sparco Sprint V seats and G-Force harnesses I would not be here today. I didn't walk away unscathed though, I have a compressed disk which will be giving me pain for the rest of my life. My helmet made holes in the mud. Nevertheless, Hard Dog still made me pay full price for a new roll bar :(. I'm sure some of you are familiar with the video of her demise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMmjaaSQP08&list=UUhUbtsMe9iFdDAfsDcArUTg&index=10&feature=plcp
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs111.snc3/15856_209052968828_773723828_4071423_5396720_n.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4323393345_e3c959cf47_o.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4323393531_2635b9a073_o.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/20359_307698758828_773723828_4611671_1327784_n.jpg
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/31415_431054288828_773723828_5630949_574313_n.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6566311061_2fce9c437a_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6566311061/)
Way Back (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6566311061/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

Then there was the Focus, which was really fun but I couldn't stand FWD and it didn't last very long anyways.
http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4074/4905521809_c3421dcefb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/4905521809/)
Focus (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/4905521809/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

bedheadben

12-24-2011, 06:40 PM

Which brings me to my third Miata. I felt a strong desire to return to my roots. I've always kept the shift knob from the Miata I wrecked, it's the classic wood Nardi that came stock on the M. It brought tears to my eyes to install it in this car.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5197103244_531a889e87_z.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5147/5608456360_606524d5af_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5184/5607867739_182c90089b_b.jpg

Then I decided to buy my first new car, a 2011 WRX. I'm making payments, which sucks but it allows me to have a fun, reliable daily driver while I tinker with the Miata. All I did with this one was turbo back exhaust, front mount and I tuned it myself. Running 120hp and 160ft/lbs of torque more than stock on 23psi and as reliable as ever!
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3625/5798954408_37ee43d0fe_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/5798954408/)
_MG_2391 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/5798954408/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6090/6109645855_71a3f973a0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6109645855/)
_MG_3067 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6109645855/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

And here we are with my latest Miata. A long ways from being anywhere near the machine that my last one was, but she has a lot coming over the next year.
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6094/6402962981_1a3bf80e46_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6402962981/)
IMG_5094 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6402962981/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6050/6364607937_d1abd2c20c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6364607937/)
IMG_5019 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6364607937/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6477729671_5299afbe2c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6477729671/)
IMG_5295 Updated! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6477729671/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6536622315_a1a977a4c4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchbox3904/6536622315/)
DSC_4206 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/lunchbox3904/6536622315/) by LunchboX3904 (http://www.flickr.com/people/lunchbox3904/), on Flickr

iRoadster

12-24-2011, 06:45 PM

I really dig that low rolling shot.

revlimiter

12-24-2011, 07:44 PM

The snowy bridge shot does it for me.

As does the Bugeye. Droooooooool

bedheadben

12-24-2011, 08:05 PM

I really dig that low rolling shot.
I see that you're in Washington, you can get some of your own Miata!

The snowy bridge shot does it for me.

As does the Bugeye. Droooooooool
Thank you! The bugeye was one of the cleanest ones.

Agent☣Orange

12-24-2011, 11:40 PM

Love that bridge shot as well. I have something similar from Lookout Pass but there's something about a blue Miata with snow and ice that makes your picture perfect.

bedheadben

12-31-2011, 04:51 PM

Love that bridge shot as well. I have something similar from Lookout Pass but there's something about a blue Miata with snow and ice that makes your picture perfect.

Thanks!

Here are a couple shots of my new hubcentric 20mm spacers!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6605460139_f879d1d678_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6605460139/)
IMG_5764 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6605460139/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6605460187_50d619495b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6605460187/)
IMG_5765 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6605460187/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

friday

12-31-2011, 06:59 PM

Should look good with those. Custom RUCA's next?

ChrisJuliano

12-31-2011, 07:55 PM

You did the puppy and spacer shot:D Wooooooot! Now pics on car:D

bedheadben

12-31-2011, 08:49 PM

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6609922853_5e3abd3327_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6609922853/)
New Fit (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6609922853/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6609922909_d901bac095_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6609922909/)
Rainier (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6609922909/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

smaeda

12-31-2011, 09:10 PM

much better!

Neocataboi

12-31-2011, 10:02 PM

:-( i didn't know you moved up north. The car is looking good BTW.

bedheadben

12-31-2011, 10:18 PM

Should look good with those. Custom RUCA's next?
I have plans to correct the camber all around.

You did the puppy and spacer shot:D Wooooooot! Now pics on car:D
Just for you :stung:

much better!
Thanks!

:-( i didn't know you moved up north. The car is looking good BTW.
Yup, I've been up here since August. Do I know you?

atlnb

12-31-2011, 11:10 PM

bedheadben

01-01-2012, 05:14 AM

Oh man that puppy is awesome, what breed?

Car looks great, sorry to hear about the mx5 that rolled. Everytime I see that video, I'm so thankful I have one a rollbar. If that photo of the mountain isn't in the 2012 CR calendar, then it should be

Don't tell my neighbors but she's 50% Blue Pit, 25% Rottweiler and 25% Bull Mastiff. Pit bulls are illegal everywhere around here, no matter what percentage they are. Thanks friend!

D L M

01-02-2012, 04:10 PM

Thanks!

Here are a couple shots of my new hubcentric 20mm spacers!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6605460139_f879d1d678_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6605460139/)
IMG_5764 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6605460139/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6605460187_50d619495b_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6605460187/)
IMG_5765 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6605460187/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

Hmmm... Those spacers look familiar! Hope you enjoy them!

bedheadben

01-04-2012, 04:46 PM

Hmmm... Those spacers look familiar! Hope you enjoy them!
I love 'em, thanks!

A nicer day here in the PNW for this time of year. Here's what I see when I'm coming up the street if I'm not out in the Miata.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6637205329_296db60979_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6637205329/)
Road In (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6637205329/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

TheFrohn

01-04-2012, 05:08 PM

love it, sittin very nice sir

Rezist09

01-04-2012, 10:56 PM

Dig the build

psulja

01-05-2012, 01:15 AM

Love it! Looks much better with the spacers on there.

bedheadben

01-05-2012, 02:23 AM

Thank you all, and just in case any of you were wondering my hub to fender measurement is 8.75".
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6463333441_fb2978ec77_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6463333441/)
IMG_5248 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6463333441/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6513922119_b4b7f2302c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6513922119/)
Key Test (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6513922119/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

JDMPalace

01-05-2012, 02:38 AM

Now that's LOW !!

HellaRareYellow

01-09-2012, 11:54 AM

Whats good? i love reading all the build threads now. You dont have to read a million pages of comments before the next update. It makes it so much more enjoyable. I hope you can make the meet. looking foward to seein ya again.

smaeda

01-09-2012, 12:16 PM

Holy crap that is low.

Neocataboi

01-09-2012, 12:17 PM

I never got to meet you, but i went to a lot of track days, and saw your car many times. you where one of the only socal-ers i didn't really get to meet, but everyone else knew you. That is all. :-)

bedheadben

01-09-2012, 02:01 PM

Now that's LOW !!

Holy crap that is low.
Indeed haha

Whats good? i love reading all the build threads now. You dont have to read a million pages of comments before the next update. It makes it so much more enjoyable. I hope you can make the meet. looking foward to seein ya again.
Agreed, and I'll definitely be making the first MR meet!

I never got to meet you, but i went to a lot of track days, and saw your car many times. you where one of the only socal-ers i didn't really get to meet, but everyone else knew you. That is all. :-)
I did do a lot of Miata Challenge back there, I competed in the first event! Too bad we never got to meet! I knew most of the KINOD guys because of Woolery's tech days but I never went to their meets. I saw Sonny (VagaXT) more than I saw anyone else in the Miata scene down there because he lived 10 minutes from me.

HellaRareYellow

01-09-2012, 02:03 PM

Ben, would you be interested in making another track miata for the miata challenge? :) :) :)

bedheadben

01-09-2012, 02:08 PM

Ben, would you be interested in making another track miata for the miata challenge? :) :) :)

Yes, I would be very interested. I plan on making mine track oriented in a year or two. I just have some parts that I am in the middle of making and I need to wait until those start to get produced first before doing any major work on my Miata.

HellaRareYellow

01-09-2012, 02:54 PM

bedheadben

01-09-2012, 03:01 PM

Ok. I'm teaming up with you then. I'm stripping mine this next year. Most likely finish boosting it right before summer and either drive it all summer or until something breaks then strip everything and a full rebuild. Right now I'm thinking unlimited class, but there is no competition up here, so I'm thinking just open time attacks for now.

Works for me. I've gone through the process of turning a Miata into a track machine three times with my personal cars and I can tune so if you need help with getting it running after turboing. I highly recommend MegaSquirt too btw just in case you haven't decided on engine management yet. I will be going for unlimited class as well! My dream would be to have a twin turbo ls6 or ls1 in the Miata :o

HellaRareYellow

01-09-2012, 03:07 PM

bedheadben

01-09-2012, 03:09 PM

Are you my brother I never had? Lol. That's my overall goal down the road, but I feel as though if I didn't do a 1.6T first I would be dishonoring the miata community. Lol. Megasquirt is the plan so far. But I might go Hydra if my tax return is big. :)

I somewhat agree and was thinking of turboing mine until it blew up too. You could build a turbo kit yourself for really cheap if you got a chinese turbo (which AREN'T always bad despite what everyone says) and a manifold used. Then the biggest cost would be MS and fabbing all of the exhaust, intercooler piping and intercooler bracketry.

HellaRareYellow

01-09-2012, 03:17 PM

One step ahead of you. Lol. Already have everything except MS, IC piping, and exhaust. I'm going to go through the head while I'm there and do a coolant reroute as well. What kind of welder do you have?

bedheadben

01-09-2012, 03:20 PM

Just a garbage mig welder. It's enough to do exhaust, but it probably won't look pretty haha. For IC piping I would just buy a bunch of bends the right size you need on eBay. I never saw the need to buy a full kit if I could buy the pipes separate for cheaper.

HellaRareYellow

01-09-2012, 03:41 PM

Found it the same price/better quality to have Ray at Garage Autohero build a piping kit. Baller welding skills and super dope status looks after. I couldn't find a kit with enough of the right bends. Id be spending $300 in piping alone then would have to modify to fit anyways. :/

So what is your plan so far? Widebody LS1? Is stick with your 4 banger for now?

bedheadben

01-09-2012, 03:48 PM

I will be with the 4 banger as I slowly accumulate parts for the V8. I will probably turbo in the mean time though. My biggest issue I think I'm going to run into down the road is getting a wide enough tire in 14 or 15 so that the car will actually get traction.

HellaRareYellow

01-09-2012, 04:06 PM

Haha. There is 12"+/- between the factory, unflared quarter panel and the inside of the wheel well. The 15x10 6ul would fit, but with the camber of the 15x8 crowd. If you ran flares or overfenders, 10" wide wheels wouldn't be hard to fit functionally. Your going to have to run hoosier slicks though. Nothing is cheap over 265 wide. :/

bedheadben

01-09-2012, 04:07 PM

Ya and the street setup will have to be 225's because I can't find anything wider than that in 15's.

HellaRareYellow

01-09-2012, 04:10 PM

Yeah. Should be fun times though! I'm looking foward to these projects.

bedheadben

01-09-2012, 04:30 PM

Same here. I've been wanting to do a high horsepower, high grip Miata setup for a long time.

HellaRareYellow

01-09-2012, 05:07 PM

Its been a dirty fantasy ever since I've had mine.

bedheadben

01-09-2012, 05:25 PM

I've had this magazine page open on my wall forever, and although I plan on fabbing up all the motor mounts and such myself, it's still a good review of LS powered Miata's in general.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6669537099_b194606771_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6669537099/)
IMG_5808 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6669537099/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

HellaRareYellow

01-09-2012, 05:46 PM

Is that just out of the normal catalog? I think I read that. Where they beat their previous best time by like 2 seconds on the first try?

bedheadben

01-09-2012, 05:54 PM

Yup that's just out of the catalogue. I'm not a huge fan of the kit mostly because I think that one could make that themselves for way cheaper.

HellaRareYellow

01-09-2012, 05:58 PM

True but the ease of getting everything they need to bolt it in minus the engine, all in one place, is almost worth it.

bedheadben

01-09-2012, 05:59 PM

True. What are you going to do about the rear end? I should have my torsen in soon.

HellaRareYellow

01-09-2012, 06:08 PM

Nice! Gunna build a master piece.

1.8 pumpkin
3.636 gears
Probably a 1.5way like you said.

WASABI

01-09-2012, 06:28 PM

More pictures Ben. Again, love your photos. Great eye. I like the roll frame you stopped on. The fact that you caught that on film, will keep it fresh in your mind.

-Jim

HellaRareYellow

01-09-2012, 06:31 PM

I was going to ask you, besides the compressed disk, is there anything that haunts you about the rollover?

bedheadben

01-09-2012, 07:15 PM

Nice! Gunna build a master piece.

1.8 pumpkin
3.636 gears
Probably a 1.5way like you said.
Sounds good. The 1.5 way should suit the track well.

More pictures Ben. Again, love your photos. Great eye. I like the roll frame you stopped on. The fact that you caught that on film, will keep it fresh in your mind.

-Jim
Thank you! It's in my mind almost every time I drive the Miata in a spirited fashion, except on track.

I was going to ask you, besides the compressed disk, is there anything that haunts you about the rollover?
Well I definitely pay way more attention to the balance of the car now. At the Miata Challenge event that I rolled at, I was lapping with my friend in the passenger seat all day. As soon as he got out and I went to do some hot laps, the car's balance shifted drastically towards oversteer. I was very familiar with the car, but I was not expecting the handling to change as much as it did. I still feel thankful to be alive, like I said, there were imprints from my helmet in the mud and my helmet had all kinds of scratches on it and mud packed into it.

HellaRareYellow

01-09-2012, 08:13 PM

Have you tracked anything flat out since?

bedheadben

01-09-2012, 08:22 PM

Have you tracked anything flat out since?
That's my problem, when I'm on track for the most part I know no speed other than flat out or 5/10ths haha. I've had my red Miata on track a few times and I've competed in an Enduro Rally X race in my Suby since then. I'm crazy anxious to get back out there again, I think I'm going to the autocross in Bremerton next month.

HellaRareYellow

01-10-2012, 12:33 AM

That's good for you. I'm glad.

Meow

01-11-2012, 10:52 AM

dude i love your miata and Envy your Subie

I plan on getting a WRX for my first New "making payments" car

bedheadben

01-11-2012, 01:54 PM

Thank you! That's what the new Suby was for me, my first car making payments.

I greatly appreciate your service to our country.

Meow

01-11-2012, 02:14 PM

Thanks man, But thanks to you guys I get paid haha So Win/Win

btw i've seen some of your photog and im diggin that too

bedheadben

01-11-2012, 02:25 PM

Thanks! Here's a little preview of my work for those who have never clicked my sig.

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3152/2765673955_abf6ae9d52_b.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6233/6280948912_72e3ac3164_b.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6180/6206292993_d5220d2bed_b.jpg

http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4010/5080816242_b21e0f5c99_b.jpg

atank

01-12-2012, 07:25 AM

Man your photos are just sweet!!!!!!!!!!

WASABI

01-12-2012, 01:34 PM

Man your photos are just sweet!!!!!!!!!!

+1 Amazing stuff Ben!

bedheadben

01-14-2012, 10:30 PM

Man your photos are just sweet!!!!!!!!!!

+1 Amazing stuff Ben!
Thank you both! Here are a few more from our little storm this evening.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6698590683_1de2375811_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6698590683/)
IMG_5819 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6698590683/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6698590759_cd4d913e46_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6698590759/)
IMG_5822 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6698590759/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6698590809_234a4c5d7a_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6698590809/)
IMG_5823 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6698590809/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6698590907_32e2e3febd_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6698590907/)
IMG_5824 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6698590907/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

jaredef

01-15-2012, 02:34 AM

tell that white stuff to come a little farther south!

mosdefbee

01-15-2012, 02:57 AM

One of my top fav miatas :]

stormin'norman

01-15-2012, 03:05 AM

Hmm snow. I'm too tired to go check if its started here yet. I'm certainly high enough up that's for sure.

psulja

01-19-2012, 11:42 PM

Really like the second to last shot of all three of your cars.

HellaRareYellow

01-20-2012, 12:38 AM

Any more pictures of the buried miata?

bedheadben

01-20-2012, 09:00 PM

tell that white stuff to come a little farther south!
Will do!

One of my top fav miatas :]
Thank you, it really means a lot.

Hmm snow. I'm too tired to go check if its started here yet. I'm certainly high enough up that's for sure.
I'm sure you guys got quite a bit of it haha

Really like the second to last shot of all three of your cars.
Thanks! It's not often that the Suby is out of the garage so I decided it was a good time for a group photo haha.

Any more pictures of the buried miata?
Your wish is my command!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6733702981_171d8ffec3_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6733702981/)
IMG_5900 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6733702981/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6733703101_87e39ec95d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6733703101/)
IMG_5901 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6733703101/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6733703209_1ce52f1140_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6733703209/)
IMG_5910 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6733703209/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6733703437_3414d67d08_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6733703437/)
IMG_5916 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6733703437/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

And one of the Suby because it had the best teeth.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6733702495_d8339e1dcd_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6733702495/)
IMG_5888 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6733702495/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

Check out my Flickr for the rest.

ChrisJuliano

01-20-2012, 09:04 PM

Wow hahah, I am so glad I park mine in my garage! I never have to deal with that :P We got about the same amount and got more snow coming tonight and tomorrow, I want the snow to go away I want to put my summer wheels on:[

bedheadben

01-21-2012, 12:13 AM

I want the snow to go away so I can drive my car! I haven't been able to drive the Miata since last Friday and its normally my daily. Just to make things worse, I usually put my nice cover over it and last Thursday night for the first time in a while I forgot! She's been without her cover for so long!

bedheadben

02-03-2012, 07:29 PM

Here's a few pics. Expect some updates in the following weeks.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6814428481_b818d05d11_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6814428481/)
IMG_5997 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6814428481/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6814428357_9debec02aa_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6814428357/)
IMG_5994 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6814428357/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6814428417_0543dfe5d1_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6814428417/)
IMG_5996 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6814428417/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

And here's one for you puppy lovers haha
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6814428301_016eee0f69_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6814428301/)
IMG_5981 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6814428301/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

stormin'norman

02-03-2012, 07:39 PM

New direction for the car? :p

bedheadben

02-03-2012, 07:46 PM

I've had the helmet and Hans since right after my roll, but the gloves are new.

The plan was to build the car for the track all along, but I decided I'd rather waste $300 on crap coilovers so that I'm more happy driving it around until I get everything together for the track setup. I used to be known as "The Kind of Slam" in my old group of friends haha. I had the lowest known static Focus in the US for a while.
http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4111/5024642331_69d3b34b1b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/5024642331/)
FOTB (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/5024642331/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

I'll be posting pics of my roll bar, diff, and hid projector install as soon as I can get the car in the garage.

bedheadben

02-15-2012, 06:57 PM

So I got the car in the garage today after 45 minutes of using my Suby as a tow vehicle to literally drag it from the street into the driveway. The bumper/lip got super twisted up in the process but it ended up straightening itself back out.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6883609687_6e64ea4c3e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6883609687/)
Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6883609687/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

simpl

02-15-2012, 07:09 PM

Damn, PNW has the most beautiful backdrops! I wanna live there so bad!

Love the car too!

bedheadben

02-15-2012, 07:48 PM

Damn, PNW has the most beautiful backdrops! I wanna live there so bad!

Love the car too!

I'd like to think we do! I just moved up here from Inglewood last year and I would never move back.

HellaRareYellow

02-15-2012, 09:49 PM

I'd like to think we do! I just moved up here from Inglewood last year and I would never move back.

Damn skippy.

stormin'norman

02-15-2012, 10:08 PM

You mentioned something about a diff? What's the story and where are you headed with the car? :D

bedheadben

02-15-2012, 10:11 PM

I unfortunately can't track the car this Sunday as I planned because I don't have harnesses yet but I will be at the track to take rides in yours! The car is moving in a track direction, but I'm trying to keep it somewhat good looking at the same time. I have an NB torsen, driveshaft and axles that I'm about to bolt in. Major upgrades coming in the next few months/year.

The Platypus

02-15-2012, 10:11 PM

I hope you got a video of towing your car into the street. That would have been awesome to watch haha

bedheadben

02-15-2012, 10:13 PM

Nope, but I'll make a video when I pull it back out just so you all can see how much the whole front bumper/lip distorts. I'm amazed that thing hasn't cracked, the whole front end was literally deflected a good 6".

The Platypus

02-15-2012, 10:13 PM

Haha damn. How do you get up the driveway into the garage?

bedheadben

02-15-2012, 10:16 PM

The miata would get stuck every 5' in my driveway where it gets progressively steeper and steeper so I towed it with the Suby until it was most of the way up the driveway, then put the e-brake on the Miata, then shortened the tow strap, then towed up a little more, then shortened the tow strap then towed up a little more, then backed the Suby out of the driveway so I could park the Miata in the garage haha.

The Platypus

02-15-2012, 10:18 PM

Ha that's amazing. Do you do it to just work on the car or because of all the snow up there?

bedheadben

02-15-2012, 10:19 PM

The only time I do that is to work on the car. 99% of the time it parks on the street under a car cover, which isn't even allowed in my neighborhood haha

The Platypus

02-15-2012, 10:59 PM

Car covers aren't allowed in your neighborhood? What's the reasoning behind that haha? Or is it just on the street?

bedheadben

02-15-2012, 11:01 PM

It's not that car covers aren't allowed on the street, it's that parking is not allowed on the street. I still weld and work on the car in the middle of the street anyways though haha.

The Platypus

02-15-2012, 11:13 PM

Oh hahaha that's dope. As long as there are no asses in your neighborhood that would call a tow service.

How do people have parties in your neighborhood if there is no parking?

bedheadben

02-15-2012, 11:22 PM

You can park on the street, but not overnight. Most of the neighbors keep to themselves, I've haven't had anyone try to enforce any of the many HOA rules I'm breaking yet.

The Platypus

02-15-2012, 11:45 PM

Oh. If they do, just slap em up a little bit.

stormin'norman

02-16-2012, 12:04 AM

bedheadben

02-16-2012, 12:07 AM

Would you trust these tires?

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6518533925_9766f2d67b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6518533925/)
IMG_5514 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6518533925/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

Bryan

02-16-2012, 12:14 AM

Nope.

stormin'norman

02-16-2012, 12:22 AM

Yeah that's a little iffy :p

bedheadben

02-16-2012, 12:26 AM

Nope.
Thank you.

Yeah that's a little iffy :p
Agreed.

Caoboy

02-16-2012, 01:18 AM

Track day.

adamvanxxx

02-18-2012, 10:25 AM

Wait, this is a long time ago but does the WRX have a side exit exhaust?

bedheadben

02-18-2012, 11:52 AM

My current WRX still has the side exit exhaust I made.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6097/6307232685_0a95e8a08c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6307232685/)
Follow? (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6307232685/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

HellaRareYellow

02-19-2012, 01:32 AM

Baller..... you ruined my dream for that car. Now I can't get it.

bedheadben

02-19-2012, 01:42 PM

Baller..... you ruined my dream for that car. Now I can't get it.

It makes the rear look like a diffuser too haha.
http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/163819_10150119487108829_773723828_7714506_915129_ n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/247141_10150268370528829_773723828_8935854_1294479 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/247890_10150267913468829_773723828_8930453_1064541 _n.jpg

bedheadben

02-22-2012, 02:12 PM

So as I was going to swap my diff today I see that the bolts are completely ground flat. I have no idea what I'm going to do to get the bolts out and once I do get them out I'm going to have to get another set of bolts somewhere.

The Platypus

02-22-2012, 04:20 PM

All two or three bolts connecting the coil pack to the valve cover were rounded off completely, so I took a grinder to the sides of each for a little bit until I could hammer in a size smaller socket. Is that what you mean? Or do you mean ground flat/flush with the mounting point? If it's that one, I would try to drill into the bolts or something.

bedheadben

02-22-2012, 05:02 PM

HellaRareYellow

02-22-2012, 07:04 PM

Have you heard of screw extractors? It would be difficult but I think that's your only option.

stormin'norman

02-22-2012, 08:31 PM

I mean ground near flush with the PPF, I have no idea how I'm going to get it off or where I'm going to source new bolts.

That oughta teach you slammed hoodlums. :blaugh2:

jk goodluck man.

bedheadben

02-22-2012, 08:39 PM

Have you heard of screw extractors? It would be difficult but I think that's your only option.
I think I'm going to grind the bolt head off completely and then just drop the diff, then use vice grips to spin the bolts out.

That oughta teach you slammed hoodlums. :blaugh2:

jk goodluck man.
:fab:

HellaRareYellow

02-22-2012, 10:42 PM

You could always drop the ppf and get a new one???

Ps: yeah, just drop the diff/ppf together. Then grind the bolt heads off and the bolts should punch through the top. Right?

The Platypus

02-22-2012, 11:09 PM

If there is any bit at all sticking out, maybe grind two sides, and vice grip it from there? Otherwise, I would grind the heads off and rip the PPF off. No idea where to get new bolts though. Would a dealership be able to order them?

bedheadben

02-22-2012, 11:29 PM

If there is any bit at all sticking out, maybe grind two sides, and vice grip it from there?

That's what I'm trying tonight. I'll call the dealership tomorrow and see if they carry the bolts. I hope this works!

The Platypus

02-22-2012, 11:41 PM

Haha good luck man.

urban

02-23-2012, 01:22 AM

2nd chance doesnt have any.?
also,ive had good luck using a dremmel to put a slot ,and use a large flathead screwdriver ,on stripped or ground out bolts.

WASABI

02-24-2012, 07:24 AM

You could always drop the ppf and get a new one???

Ps: yeah, just drop the diff/ppf together. Then grind the bolt heads off and the bolts should punch through the top. Right?

This works, but is a bitch. I snapped a rear PPF bolt when I was doing my clutch last fall. Had to remove, and drop the diff, with the PPF conected, then turn everything upside down, and bang the frig out of the bolt with a metal punch. The bolts are held into the PPF by a threaded receiver/nut thing, that is pressed into the PPF. You will be able to reuse the receiver/nut thing once you get it free from the bolt, all you need are new bolts. Good luck.

-Jim

revlimiter

02-24-2012, 02:45 PM

Weld some short, big bolts onto the ground down head stubs?

Those PPF bolts are a pain to remove.

revlimiter

02-24-2012, 02:47 PM

Weld some short, big bolts onto the ground down head stubs?

Those PPF bolts are a pain to remove.

bedheadben

02-25-2012, 11:56 AM

Haha good luck man.
Thanks, I'm going to need it!

2nd chance doesnt have any.?
also,ive had good luck using a dremmel to put a slot ,and use a large flathead screwdriver ,on stripped or ground out bolts.
I shot him a text and he's sending me some. I wonder if these are on there too hard to loosen with just a flathead.

This works, but is a bitch. I snapped a rear PPF bolt when I was doing my clutch last fall. Had to remove, and drop the diff, with the PPF conected, then turn everything upside down, and bang the frig out of the bolt with a metal punch. The bolts are held into the PPF by a threaded receiver/nut thing, that is pressed into the PPF. You will be able to reuse the receiver/nut thing once you get it free from the bolt, all you need are new bolts. Good luck.

-Jim
I'll give that a shot if I can't get it out without removing the PPF.

Weld some short, big bolts onto the ground down head stubs?

Those PPF bolts are a pain to remove.
That's what I was about to do next.

So the HOA I live in is now giving me problems for parking on the street. This is an issue for me because I can't get the car in the driveway with how low the car is. I might have to raise it up on my blown racelands so that I can actually park it in the driveway. Just when I got my tires ordered which I ordered specifically for being slammed haha. Time for new coilovers soon.

HellaRareYellow

02-25-2012, 01:23 PM

I can't remember if the bolt threads into the ppf and/or diff. Or if it just threads into that nut that presses into the top. You could try punching it all the way through?

psulja

02-25-2012, 01:27 PM

So the HOA I live in is now giving me problems for parking on the street. This is an issue for me because I can't get the car in the driveway with how low the car is. I might have to raise it up on my blown racelands so that I can actually park it in the driveway. Just when I got my tires ordered which I ordered specifically for being slammed haha. Time for new coilovers soon.

Is it possible to get the car in just the very end of your driveway or is that the part that's the problem?

bedheadben

02-25-2012, 01:51 PM

Is it possible to get the car in just the very end of your driveway or is that the part that's the problem?

The ENTIRE driveway is the problem. I can't even get 3 wheels in it. I really don't want to raise it though.

psulja

02-25-2012, 04:00 PM

Oh, that kind of sucks. I was thinking maybe just get up to ramming speed and try to get it in in one shot on an angle lol.

bedheadben

02-25-2012, 04:06 PM

Oh, that kind of sucks. I was thinking maybe just get up to ramming speed and try to get it in in one shot on an angle lol.

Ya, not a chance haha.

owm

02-25-2012, 08:56 PM

I have experience only with the rear front PPF bolt. It actually fell out while I was driving on the freeway one day! The nut can be punched out and no, it is not threaded into the PPF. Do note this is only for the REAR FRONT shoulder bolt.

I can't remember if the bolt threads into the ppf and/or diff. Or if it just threads into that nut that presses into the top. You could try punching it all the way through?

psulja

02-26-2012, 03:09 AM

Ya, not a chance haha.

Too bad lol, it was worth a shot

bedheadben

02-26-2012, 04:32 AM

I raised it 2.5" all around after installing my roll bar. I can now get in and out of the driveway and I'm still tucking tire. It's weird not to be scraping on reflectors or the road crown anymore.

HellaRareYellow

02-26-2012, 09:55 AM

You mean, I'm lower than blue miata ben? Lol

The Platypus

02-26-2012, 12:40 PM

I raised it 2.5" all around after installing my roll bar. I can now get in and out of the driveway and I'm still tucking tire. It's weird not to be scraping on reflectors or the road crown anymore.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

pics?

bedheadben

02-27-2012, 04:44 PM

You mean, I'm lower than blue miata ben? Lol
Yup! haha. I forgot how fun the car is to drive when I can take a corner without worrying about bottoming out halfway through and eating it.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

pics?

I'll post pics when I get the vinyl work finished.

friday

02-27-2012, 08:01 PM

Vinyl? Excite to see the car at a proper height!

bedheadben

02-28-2012, 07:09 PM

Vinyl? Excite to see the car at a proper height!

Indeed, pics will come when it's presentable. I'm excited to be driving the car at a proper height haha. It desperately needs swaybars though.

bedheadben

02-28-2012, 11:16 PM

Here's my 6k 55W plug and play HID low beams with projectors and H4 high beams which I will be upgrading to bi-xenon soon. I need to take pics with the hood open, it looks stock. I put the ballasts under the headlight lids.
In the second pic:
Top: Headlights off
Middle: Low beams on, underexposed so you can see the projectors
Bottom: Low beams on, exposed to what the human eye sees, or at least mine haha

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6794039152_0344eb5ea6_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6794039152/)
Projector HID (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6794039152/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6940153693_1547d0fe93_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6940153693/)
Lights Up (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6940153693/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

The Platypus

02-29-2012, 12:01 AM

Ooo nice. I like those.

bedheadben

03-02-2012, 07:26 PM

Ooo nice. I like those.

Thanks!

I'm looking for a new battery tie down, anyone have any links? The battery currently in the car is bigger than stock and held in by a bungee cable.

HellaRareYellow

03-02-2012, 07:33 PM

held in by a bungee cable.

lol lol lol lol

The Platypus

03-02-2012, 07:34 PM

Would this work? It's just a quick google, I didn't really research it, but since it's universal and adjustable, I'm thinking it could work.

edit : oops, didn't even post a link. here (http://www.jcwhitney.com/transdapt-universal-battery-hold-down/p3072180.jcwx?filterid=c927u0j1)

bedheadben

03-02-2012, 07:35 PM

lol lol lol lol
I know, I bought the car that way haha.

Would this work? It's just a quick google, I didn't really research it, but since it's universal and adjustable, I'm thinking it could work.
I see nothing?

The Platypus

03-02-2012, 07:43 PM

http://www.jcwhitney.com/transdapt-universal-battery-hold-down/p3072180.jcwx?filterid=c927u0j1

Bryan

03-02-2012, 09:25 PM

Indeed, pics will come when it's presentable. I'm excited to be driving the car at a proper height haha. It desperately needs proper springs and shocks though.Fixed :)

bedheadben

03-02-2012, 10:41 PM

http://www.jcwhitney.com/transdapt-universal-battery-hold-down/p3072180.jcwx?filterid=c927u0j1
Yes but I also need the strap to go across the top. Are there really no nice aftermarket battery tie downs?

Fixed :)
Yup, new coilovers are needed too. I'll probably go Tein Flex.

Bryan

03-02-2012, 10:44 PM

More making the point that you don't need huge sways if you have decent shocks and springs.

HellaRareYellow

03-02-2012, 11:04 PM

but good sways make it fun for high speed cornering. To feel the inside corner get sucked down the faster you go through the turn. I fell in love with that feeling one of the first times I drove my setup. :winky:

bedheadben

03-02-2012, 11:06 PM

More making the point that you don't need huge sways if you have decent shocks and springs.
Not necessarily huge sway bars, but still I will want bigger than stock.

but good sways make it fun for high speed cornering. To feel the inside corner get sucked down the faster you go through the turn. I fell in love with that feeling one of the first times I drove my setup. :winky:
I know what you mean.

Bryan

03-03-2012, 09:00 AM

revlimiter

03-03-2012, 10:29 AM

New headlights look incredible! If that technology had been around back when I had OEM sized lights, I might not have gone for the lowpros...

bedheadben

03-03-2012, 12:02 PM

And the proper springs and shocks don't?
Sway bars are an important part of the suspensions geometry, no matter how good your springs and shocks are. Yes, a car can go fast on expensive coilovers and stock sway bars, but that same car will go even faster with a properly set up sway bar setup.

New headlights look incredible! If that technology had been around back when I had OEM sized lights, I might not have gone for the lowpros...
Thank you! The cutoff isn't the best, but they weren't the most expensive either. They make much nicer versions of these lights.
Here is one of the proper kits:
http://www.dapperlighting.com/

Bryan

03-03-2012, 12:09 PM

Sway bars are an important part of the suspensions geometry, no matter how good your springs and shocks are. Yes, a car can go fast on expensive coilovers and stock sway bars, but that same car will go even faster with a properly set up sway bar setup.True. I just have a pet peeve about people recommending sways as the first thing people should buy (especially because only the front bar is really needed most of the time). I believe where that recommendation is that people don't like the look of body roll and seek to eliminate it rather than making the car handle better.

bedheadben

03-03-2012, 12:24 PM

True. I just have a pet peeve about people recommending sways as the first thing people should buy (especially because only the front bar is really needed most of the time). I believe where that recommendation is that people don't like the look of body roll and seek to eliminate it rather than making the car handle better.

Yup, I know what you mean and I hear it all the time. One enthusiast asks another what the first piece of suspension he should get for his car is and the other responds with sway bars. Proper shocks and springs are more important than a bent metal tube any day of the week, but that bent metal tube is still important. They are also very important for corner balancing with adjustable end links.

HellaRareYellow

03-03-2012, 12:42 PM

And the proper springs and shocks don't?

Well, I guess I've never driven a miata with only shocks and springs. But I don't see how they can? Explain?

New headlights look incredible! If that technology had been around back when I had OEM sized lights, I might not have gone for the lowpros...

Trade ya? Lol

bedheadben

03-03-2012, 12:49 PM

Well, I guess I've never driven a miata with only shocks and springs. But I don't see how they can? Explain?

By springs and shocks both he and I are referring to coilovers/shocks/whatever you've got going on in there. Or do you mean that you've never driven a Miata with stock sway bars?

HellaRareYellow

03-03-2012, 02:16 PM

I've never driven a miata with good suspension and stock sways. Is what I meant.

Bryan

03-03-2012, 02:37 PM

I've never driven a miata with good suspension and stock sways. Is what I meant.You can kind of see what I was getting at when you see this post (http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/showpost.php?p=1161988&postcount=1148). Also bear in mind the discussion Ben and I just had regarding my feelings about people recommending sways as an immediate suspension upgrade. It's not necessarily that I hate upgraded sway bars--I just wouldn't spend money on them first.

In short, a car on stock sways with decent shocks and springs handles much better than most people would expect. I think honestly that a lot of folks just don't like the sensation or look of body roll, and having the car corner a little more flat gives them more confidence. To an extent, I feel they're a bit of a crutch.

HellaRareYellow

03-03-2012, 04:29 PM

I understand where you are coming from, and I know you need body roll to corner better. I just love the flat feeling. :)

bedheadben

03-19-2012, 03:29 PM

Soooo I've been having this problem trying to get the axles off the car. The axle nut just won't break loose. Even with a 6 foot extension on my breaker bar it still won't crack, and my cheap electric impact won't do it either. The worst part is, I bet my Snap On 1/2" air impact would break it loose, but I don't have shop air in my garage. Anyone got any tricks?

RotorNutFD3S

03-19-2012, 03:47 PM

Soak in an acetone/atf mixture. 1 part acetone and 2 parts atf is usually recommended, I've seen half and half used successfully though. Then try that breaker bar & extension again.

bedheadben

03-19-2012, 03:56 PM

Soak in an acetone/atf mixture. 1 part acetone and 2 parts atf is usually recommended, I've seen half and half used successfully though. Then try that breaker bar & extension again.

Thanks for that! I haven't heard of mixing acetone and ATF together to break a stubborn bolt, but I'll head out and get some acetone and give it a shot!

WASABI

03-19-2012, 03:59 PM

With the acetone/atf mixture...will this take off paint? I'm pretty sure acetone will, as it's what is used in nail polish remover. Just be careful!

-Jim

RotorNutFD3S

03-19-2012, 04:00 PM

With the acetone/atf mixture...will this take off paint? I'm pretty sure acetone will, as it's what is used in nail polish remover. Just be careful!

-Jim

What's painted near the axle nut? It's all bare metals there as far as I can recall.

bedheadben

03-19-2012, 04:06 PM

With the acetone/atf mixture...will this take off paint? I'm pretty sure acetone will, as it's what is used in nail polish remover. Just be careful!

-Jim
Yes, I'm pretty sure it will damage any paint it touches, but not as badly as straight acetone will. I'm assuming this is just a physical mixture, not a chemical reaction right?

What's painted near the axle nut? It's all bare metals there as far as I can recall.

My wheels. I was trying to remove the axle nut with my wheels still on, I'll be sure to take them off before trying the ATF/acetone mixture.

RotorNutFD3S

03-19-2012, 04:31 PM

Oh got it. Yeah, definitely remove the wheels.

WASABI

03-19-2012, 09:31 PM

Oh got it. Yeah, definitely remove the wheels.

:eagerness:

bedheadben

04-03-2012, 03:59 AM

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/6895305168_ae96364a3d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6895305168/)
Boss Performance (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6895305168/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/6895305294_f6c81e3725_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6895305294/)
Boss Performance (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6895305294/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

WASABI

04-03-2012, 05:07 AM

http://youtu.be/NisCkxU544c

Like a BOSS!

psulja

04-03-2012, 09:14 AM

Looks so much different with the new ride height. Not sure if I missed it, are you still on your blown racelands or did you switch to something else now?

friday

04-03-2012, 12:41 PM

Raised car two inches, still really low. lol.

bedheadben

04-03-2012, 01:24 PM

Like a BOSS!
:lol:

Looks so much different with the new ride height. Not sure if I missed it, are you still on your blown racelands or did you switch to something else now?
I'm on my blown Racelands for now but I'll be upgrading soon. Most likely Ohlins DFV for the track.

Raised car two inches, still really low. lol.
And still tucking tire all the way around haha. The car drives WAY better now though, much more fun to drive.

morr

04-03-2012, 07:55 PM

The car looks good raised a bit. Any plans to raise it more or you just gonna wait til you put the new setup on?

bedheadben

04-03-2012, 08:47 PM

The car looks good raised a bit. Any plans to raise it more or you just gonna wait til you put the new setup on?

Thanks! It's funny because these wheels with the spacers on are almost flush in the rear at this height and when I was lower they were very sunk. Amazing how much a little camber can change the position of the tire. I'm not messing with the ride height until I get new coilovers+corner balance+alignment.

morr

04-03-2012, 09:22 PM

Ah ok, makes sense. Haha yeah it's amazing how much these cars push the wheels inward when low.

psulja

04-03-2012, 09:42 PM

So true, when I lowered my NA I kept getting asked if the rear was broken because of how much negative camber there was back there.

bedheadben

04-07-2012, 04:35 PM

I figured I'd give you guys an update since I've been neglecting this thread. I finished my seat and harness install today. I'm still waiting on the backing plates so I can install the 5th point on each harness. Psst, I'm surprised how good this car drifts despite an open diff and 1.6. I can't wait until the power and proper suspension comes.

Dog vs Deer faceoff haha
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5112/7054742227_8a2109212e_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7054742227/)
IMG_6519 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7054742227/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

The Suby
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7054742333_b23a3d79d6_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7054742333/)
IMG_6525 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7054742333/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

Putting the passenger side in.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7279/6908650394_f0cb8fcd82_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6908650394/)
IMG_6526 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6908650394/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

On one of the harnesses they stitched the patch on upside down haha.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7054742485_d3f9089191_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7054742485/)
IMG_6532 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7054742485/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/6908650532_3ba7da1d3a_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6908650532/)
IMG_6533 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6908650532/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5076/6908650594_e48f24caf7_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6908650594/)
IMG_6535 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6908650594/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

Clearance on the driver's side.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6908650636_4db018c9e8_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6908650636/)
IMG_6536 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6908650636/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

Clearance on the passenger's side.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6908650712_8b51008e1c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6908650712/)
IMG_6537 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6908650712/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5032/6908650800_86c41c4e83_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6908650800/)
IMG_6540 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6908650800/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

adamvanxxx

04-07-2012, 09:12 PM

Quick question, how tall are you?

bedheadben

04-07-2012, 10:29 PM

Quick question, how tall are you?

6' on a good day. There's 2-3" from my head to the broom stick.

friday

04-07-2012, 10:58 PM

How are the seats mounted?

Looks good man, just needs some righteous sticky tires.

adamvanxxx

04-07-2012, 11:16 PM

How are the seats mounted?

This. Those are the Sprint V correct?

psulja

04-07-2012, 11:40 PM

Looks good!

Your dog is getting so much bigger from the last time you posted a pic!

bedheadben

04-08-2012, 12:30 AM

How are the seats mounted?

Looks good man, just needs some righteous sticky tires.
Modified and lowered stock rails. There was a lot of hacking involved. I'm putting on the Federal 595's that are sitting in boxes next to the car as soon as I drift these tires off.

This. Those are the Sprint V correct?
Yup!

Looks good!

Your dog is getting so much bigger from the last time you posted a pic!
Well she is part Mastiff haha

Bryan

04-08-2012, 08:13 PM

I'm curious about the 595's. I dig my s.Drives, but I seem to recall the Feds are cheaper.

bedheadben

04-15-2012, 03:50 AM

I'm curious about the 595's. I dig my s.Drives, but I seem to recall the Feds are cheaper.

They were definitely cheap.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/6933160630_8f4c7fdb83_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6933160630/)
Boss Performance 1990 Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6933160630/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/6933030736_5e6347aede_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6933030736/)
Meet (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6933030736/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

Bryan

04-15-2012, 07:51 PM

They were definitely cheap.Not so awesome, huh?

bedheadben

04-15-2012, 08:59 PM

Not so awesome, huh?

I just meant that they were affordable. I'll give you a performance review when they're on the car, these all seasons still have a little more smoke to make before the cords.

Vegard

04-17-2012, 04:57 PM

Looks hella better like this. What's the boss deal?

bedheadben

04-17-2012, 08:34 PM

Looks hella better like this. What's the boss deal?
www.boss-performance.com

I finally decided I was to passionate about these cars to work any other job, so why not go all out and start my own business!

My banner ad and forum section should be up soon. I don't have a storefront yet, but I hope to turn it into a full shop within a couple years time.

stormin'norman

04-17-2012, 09:08 PM

www.boss-performance.com

I finally decided I was to passionate about these cars to work any other job, so why not go all out and start my own business!

My banner ad and forum section should be up soon. I don't have a storefront yet, but I hope to turn it into a full shop within a couple years time.

Whoa way cool! First off congrats and secondly good luck!

morr

04-17-2012, 09:53 PM

Dang, that's awesome! I might order some brake pads from you soon :)

bedheadben

04-18-2012, 12:08 AM

Whoa way cool! First off congrats and secondly good luck!

Thanks man! I'm definitely going to need the luck!

Dang, that's awesome! I might order some brake pads from you soon :)

I'd appreciate it! Let me drop those prices for you! :wink: Check back in a day or so.

You'll know I've become a sponsor when my name changes from green to purple.

friday

04-18-2012, 12:14 AM

Do you have an inventory or are you doing some kind of drop shipping arrangement?

bedheadben

04-18-2012, 12:25 AM

Do you have an inventory or are you doing some kind of drop shipping arrangement?

Currently only drop shipping but I will soon have an inventory as that's the only way I can sell Racing Beat or Ground Control products.

morr

04-18-2012, 05:08 PM

Thanks man! I'm definitely going to need the luck!

I'd appreciate it! Let me drop those prices for you! :wink: Check back in a day or so.

You'll know I've become a sponsor when my name changes from green to purple.

Awesome! :)

bedheadben

04-18-2012, 05:48 PM

Awesome! :)

Prices are updated for 1994-2005! I'm still working on 2001-2005 Sport, Mazdaspeed and NC prices.

morr

04-19-2012, 07:33 AM

Just ordered some HPS pads :) you happen to have any stickers yet?

WASABI

04-19-2012, 07:36 AM

OK Ben....less business....MORE BUILD! :blaugh2:

bedheadben

04-19-2012, 10:54 AM

Just ordered some HPS pads :) you happen to have any stickers yet?
I got your order! Unfortunately I just found out due to a miss communication that DDMWorks is only offering me DDMWorks and Prima brand products at wholesale, so I'm still completing your order as processed and eating the cost. In the mean time, I will be taking down a lot of products from my website while I try to find other sources. They were providing me with over half of my products, this has been a little bit of a nightmare to say the least.

I do not have any stickers yet, but I'll send you one in the mail when I get them!

OK Ben....less business....MORE BUILD! :blaugh2:
Read the above and you will understand why my business has slowly but surely been consuming my life haha.

morr

04-19-2012, 02:16 PM

You have PM :)

bedheadben

04-19-2012, 03:12 PM

PM replied!

bedheadben

04-19-2012, 04:48 PM

Be sure to check out Boss Performance's Facebook page! (https://www.facebook.com/bossperformancewashington)

So today it was raining all afternoon but being a good Washingtonian I didn't let that stand in my way. I got in the Miata with the top down and drove it 20 minutes up the mountain to take some pictures. It was raining the whole time, but it was light enough that it didn't show up in the pics. Here's a dump of photos!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7111/6948492688_9b5996d4d8_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948492688/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948492688/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7212/6948492742_f08cfc7466_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948492742/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948492742/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6948492776_4ed2ea7d22_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948492776/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948492776/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/7094562017_ff7cf5efaf_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7094562017/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7094562017/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6948492868_5cef4dde41_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948492868/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948492868/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6948492902_f2ffd13454_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948492902/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948492902/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/7094562137_f370dd4ce3_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7094562137/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7094562137/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7233/7094562175_3e41e3c1ea_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7094562175/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7094562175/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/7094562241_7abbd9c329_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7094562241/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7094562241/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7279/6948493220_b97eb3b751_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948493220/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948493220/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/6948493264_2a09de6523_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948493264/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948493264/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/6948493306_f9e2a36671_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948493306/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948493306/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/6948493388_c87e206708_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948493388/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948493388/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6948493352_4d49f95bd2_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948493352/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6948493352/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

psulja

04-19-2012, 04:53 PM

Looks so good at that height! Love the white on blue.

you can't really tell it was raining at all if it was; the car still looks dry lol

bedheadben

04-19-2012, 05:01 PM

Looks so good at that height! Love the white on blue.

you can't really tell it was raining at all if it was; the car still looks dry lol

Thanks! I can't wait to corner balance and get the camber sorted out. It may be a little longer till I'm on new coilovers now though.

You can thank a good wax and a microfiber for my car looking dry.

psulja

04-19-2012, 05:10 PM

Yea I guess waxing goes a long way (I wouldn't know; haven't done a proper job on my car in a REALLY long time lol, just when I quickly threw on some stuff that lasted a few weeks. I don't even wash my car anymore because I'm surrounded by construction zones :(

I just noticed; what's going on with your back bumper there right where it meets the finish panel? Looks super wavy

bedheadben

04-19-2012, 05:13 PM

psulja

04-19-2012, 05:18 PM

Yea, i used to park in the garage until my sister bought a new VW Beetle and kicked me out, and now they're building a new highway/parkway which goes from one end of the city to the other (also a new border crossing for the states), so if I want to go anywhere I have to go through the construction zones.. I pretty much gave up on washing it; too bad the project is supposed to go on for a number of years :(

Sucks about the accident, at least you can only really see if when looking straight at the back.. i didn't even notice it the first few times.

bedheadben

04-19-2012, 05:21 PM

Ya and I got the car for $2,000 with only 130,000 miles on it with the custom paint and paint matched valve cover.

psulja

04-19-2012, 05:22 PM

That's not so bad then lol.. Definitely a good deal even if it was in a bit of an accident.

bedheadben

04-19-2012, 05:29 PM

That's not so bad then lol.. Definitely a good deal even if it was in a bit of an accident.

And the accident's only cosmetic, if I got a new bumper and finish panel it would look normal again. Only problem is, I don't have a paint code for this paint so it might be a little hard to get new pieces color matched.

psulja

04-19-2012, 05:32 PM

Yea, that could be a problem.. But it doesn't look that bad that it sticks out and you would need to fix it. Especially if you're planning to race the car later anyways.

WASABI

04-20-2012, 05:52 AM

Good stuff Ben!!! That bridge is a great backdrop. Now if you can only get a couple with the car down in the dry river bed....

-Jim

bedheadben

04-20-2012, 10:37 AM

Good stuff Ben!!! That bridge is a great backdrop. Now if you can only get a couple with the car down in the dry river bed....

-Jim

Right, like I'm ever getting the Miata down there! haha I had a hard enough time getting my wheeler down there.

HellaRareYellow

04-22-2012, 10:11 AM

Hey man. Thanks for coming up to the show. I'll forward any pics I see.

bedheadben

04-22-2012, 12:41 PM

Hey man. Thanks for coming up to the show. I'll forward any pics I see.

Thanks, where are you looking? I'll post mine up when I get the chance.

HellaRareYellow

04-22-2012, 01:06 PM

On the import meet site.

bedheadben

04-26-2012, 01:14 AM

Here are a few pics of the work I did today.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8021/6968814366_a5c7ef3db9_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6968814366/)
Before (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6968814366/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6968814294_293f59ea76_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6968814294/)
Mild Tuck (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6968814294/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5031/6968814264_4db6e9f55c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6968814264/)
Driver's Side (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6968814264/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7114893511_b5c0628c30_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7114893511/)
Passenger's Side (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7114893511/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5468/6968814176_36d327732d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6968814176/)
Clutter (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6968814176/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6968814106_cc08586093_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6968814106/)
Teaser (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6968814106/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

morr

04-26-2012, 08:24 AM

The tuck and new tails look good! Any plans to colormatch the bay?

psulja

04-26-2012, 08:58 AM

Nice work on the tuck, looked so dirty before!

bedheadben

04-26-2012, 10:39 AM

The tuck and new tails look good! Any plans to colormatch the bay?
Thanks! The whole car will get painted eventually, but not any time soon. When that gets done I'll make sure it gets painted properly this time.

Nice work on the tuck, looked so dirty before!
I know! That's why I started on it, because I was tired of that ugly engine bay haha. There is still a lot of cleaning up left for me to do in there. I just wanted a "functional" tuck where the diagnostic box/fuse box/etc are still very easily accessible. I only put a few hours of work into it but it helped a lot! I'm using a Coke bottle hanging with zip ties as my overflow haha. I probably won't tuck much of the engine's wiring or anything like that just to keep the car easy to diagnose/work on.

adamvanxxx

04-26-2012, 07:28 PM

Is the lighting the same for all those pictures or was it really that dirty? :lol:

bedheadben

04-26-2012, 07:51 PM

Is the lighting the same for all those pictures or was it really that dirty? :lol:

The second shot's a little brighter but it was pretty dirty.

stormin'norman

04-26-2012, 07:55 PM

New avatar is sweeet!

bedheadben

04-26-2012, 08:02 PM

New avatar is sweeet!

Thanks! Shintaro did it for me!

bedheadben

04-30-2012, 07:49 PM

Here are a few shots of the recent work.

Pictured is the DDMWorks Radio Surround (http://boss-performance.com/DDMWorks-Miata-Radio-Surrounds-DDMRadio.htm). I personally don't like having gauges down there because I was never able to read them through the shift knob, hence my blank plate. It matches the interior perfectly in black too. Pretty soon I'll be installing a Grip Royal Woodie II to match the mahogany shift knob from my old M that I rolled. My sister and I always used to joke that "M Edition" stands for "Mahogany Edition" haha.

I also installed clear side markers and I tinted some altezza's and threw those on too. Oh, and my custom plates are finally here!

The last pic is for all you stalkers who have been following the growth of my now nearly 6 month old puppy Zelda.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/6983995582_1dd7cceb32_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6983995582/)
IMG_6957 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6983995582/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/6983995640_1ec3b8d8a9_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6983995640/)
IMG_7022 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6983995640/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/6983995724_5f15133fc8_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6983995724/)
IMG_7028 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6983995724/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7121/7130079731_a095a5d064_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7130079731/)
IMG_7044 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7130079731/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/6983995816_94f5576b55_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6983995816/)
IMG_7050 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6983995816/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

morr

04-30-2012, 07:54 PM

Haha, I'm diggin the custom plate :lol:

psulja

04-30-2012, 08:39 PM

puppy!

great custom plate too.

bedheadben

04-30-2012, 08:54 PM

Haha, I'm diggin the custom plate :lol:
:tranquillity:

puppy!

great custom plate too.
Thanks!

Any opinions on the tails and side markers?

morr

04-30-2012, 09:07 PM

Tails look good, and I think the clear markers compliment the wheels/graphics well. The fewer the colors, the better IMO. I'm debating whether to go clear or body matched with mine.

psulja

04-30-2012, 09:10 PM

the clear markers look great with the white wheels and BOSS vinyl. Also helps that your plate it white on the top half.

Red tails look great against the blue paint.

bedheadben

04-30-2012, 09:14 PM

Tails look good, and I think the clear markers compliment the wheels/graphics well. The fewer the colors, the better IMO. I'm debating whether to go clear or body matched with mine.

the clear markers look great with the white wheels and BOSS vinyl. Also helps that your plate it white on the top half.

Red tails look great against the blue paint.

Thanks guys! I'm glad with the way they turned out too. Next up is an aggressive rear bumper cut!

morr

04-30-2012, 09:22 PM

Nice! Doing anything wild or just gonna follow the contour of the bumper?

bedheadben

04-30-2012, 09:25 PM

Nice! Doing anything wild or just gonna follow the contour of the bumper?
Well, I wanted to do a straight cut all the way around the bumper but because of my mudflaps I can't really do that unless I shorten them. I can't take my mudflaps off because it's red underneath. So now I'm thinking that I'm going to cut up from the mudflap to the corner of the bumper and then just straight across. It's going to be a fairly high and large cut because I want it to be effective.

morr

04-30-2012, 09:32 PM

Ah ok, cool. I'm curious to see the results. I was gonna say I actually really like the mudflaps on there :lol:

Vegard

05-01-2012, 04:33 PM

The tails are pretty ugly to be honest. Stock = mucho better!

bedheadben

05-01-2012, 05:32 PM

The tails are pretty ugly to be honest. Stock = mucho better!

Some days I like them and some days I don't. I still have my stock tails so I'll probably swap back and forth every now and then.

etikoner

05-02-2012, 12:38 PM

bedheadben

05-02-2012, 12:57 PM

Love this build so far man. I was always on the fence with how slammed it was and how sunk the wheels looked, haha.

Now that you have it tucking tire and the wheels are flush it looks fucking great. Are those the +19's? I wanna order a set and paint them gold for my car.

I also love your shift knob, It would go perfect with my steering wheel, lol.

How does your site calculate shipping? I kinda wanna order the frame rails. :)

Thanks for the compliments!

They are the +19 hubcentric RP-F1's with a 20mm hubcentric spacer all around as well. They sell them in gold too!

That shift knob puts a smile on my face every time I see it not only because of how good it looks but also the memories I have with it.

I have flat rate shipping that is set up per item. Many of my items ship for free, but the Boss Frog frame rails have $25 shipping. You can check the shipping cost of any item by putting it in your cart, entering your shipping information, then going to check out. You do not have to put in any of your payment information to do that too, so you won't accidentally buy it.

Or you could just send me an e-mail, PM, or call me any time and I'll tell you the price of shipping for an individual product or answer any other questions you may have!

bedheadben

05-03-2012, 09:21 PM

I have a hard time taking a good photo of my current stance, but I think this one does a pretty good job of it.

Oh and does anyone know of a cheap place I can get an OEM sized battery? My current battery situation is unsafe to say the least.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6994601208_4ed5b35274_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6994601208/)
Boss Performance Miata (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6994601208/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

psulja

05-03-2012, 10:41 PM

That looks great!

As for the battery:
Taken from: http://revlimiter.net/blog/2012/01/batteries-not-included/

Thanks to a little internet research, I learned that O’Reilly’s Auto Parts stocks a gel cell replacement battery for Miatas. The part number is MIATA.

bedheadben

05-03-2012, 10:57 PM

That looks great!

As for the battery:
Taken from: http://revlimiter.net/blog/2012/01/batteries-not-included/

Thanks for the tip! I had already read that and just forgotten haha. I'll stop by there tomorrow.

greddygalant

05-04-2012, 11:43 AM

Dude, go to batteries plus and pick up a riding mower battery, works fantastic and it's only 30 bucks. Saves weight over the stocker too

bedheadben

05-04-2012, 11:47 AM

Dude, go to batteries plus and pick up a riding mower battery, works fantastic and it's only 30 bucks. Saves weight over the stocker too

lol! What's the CCA?

bedheadben

05-04-2012, 10:19 PM

So today I did a bumper cut and replaced the battery. The battery has been like this since I got the car and I just had never gotten around to fixing it. Well I'm going to be at the track pretty soon and I decided it was time to fix the sketchy battery set up. The duct tape on the battery terminals is for all you nit picky tech inspectors out there. :fab:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/6997741584_cd29753691_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6997741584/)
IMG_7105 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6997741584/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8007/6997741766_a42632f88c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6997741766/)
IMG_7106 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6997741766/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/6997741686_246c7c591e_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6997741686/)
IMG_7107 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6997741686/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

The cut is neither perfectly symmetrical nor straight but I don't really care that much. What bothers me is the paint that peeled off when I was removing my painter's tape, now a good bit of red is showing. :(

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5114/6997741518_fa709b5d49_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6997741518/)
IMG_7109 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6997741518/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/7143827829_c810d0366f_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7143827829/)
IMG_7113 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7143827829/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/6997741338_33046f152f_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6997741338/)
IMG_7116 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/6997741338/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

Bryan

05-04-2012, 10:38 PM

Long exhaust tip ftl :(

bedheadben

05-04-2012, 10:59 PM

I know, its worse now with the cut. I'm going to cut it and shorten it.

bedheadben

05-15-2012, 09:03 PM

Here are some recent pics from the local fly in/car show at the air port thats 1/4 mile from my house.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7232/7206887478_5da5f64f63_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206887478/)
IMG_7119 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206887478/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7206887740_0a10f3aacb_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206887740/)
IMG_7124 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206887740/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/7206888462_a26d0864c7_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206888462/)
IMG_7131 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206888462/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8141/7206888066_2c04dcd7c3_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206888066/)
IMG_7133 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206888066/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7206889272_c835cf37ef_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206889272/)
IMG_7135 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206889272/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7211/7206889026_f4494a60c4_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206889026/)
IMG_7136 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206889026/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7206890014_4bd671d9af_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206890014/)
IMG_7138 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206890014/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7206889706_aaf6f71f39_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206889706/)
IMG_7139 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206889706/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7206887290_3c36507e99_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206887290/)
IMG_7140 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7206887290/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

morr

05-17-2012, 07:35 AM

The cutout looks pretty good! It figures that of all things, the tape would be what peels the paint off :lol:

bedheadben

05-17-2012, 12:10 PM

The cutout looks pretty good! It figures that of all things, the tape would be what peels the paint off :lol:

That's what happens when the previous owner spends $2k at Maaco. I've been trying to take a good interior shot for a while, but still have yet to get the shot I want.

In the mean time I have installed a Grip Royal Woodie II and here are my first impressions.

When I first pulled the wheel out of the box, I thought the Royal sticker was a bit tacky. The wheel is very ergonomic. It fits well in my hand and there are finger grooves in the parts of the wheel that need them. My first thought when I gripped the wheel was how smooth it was and how polished the spokes were. As soon as I started driving the sticker no longer bothered me and now I actually think I like it and will keep it. It has the same mahogany texture as my old knob out of my rolled '96 M Edition. A small gripe is that I found the wheel to be less comfortable when I have my hands at 3 and 9 with my thumbs tucked. The cut area for your thumb is not as big as I would like. However, with my thumbs facing up on the wheel (not tucked) and my hands still at 3 and 9 (which is how I normally drive), I would argue that this is one of the most comfortable wheels I have ever used. It adds a level of class to the interior and I would be just as comfortable using it on the track as I would on my daily commute. In it's first day out it's already gotten compliments and no one ever said a word about my old Mod 78.

I know all this sounds generously in favor of the Grip Royal wheels but they genuinely make an AWESOME product, especially for the price. It's really hard to get a picture that shows how good this thing looks! I'll work on it more today.

http://boss-performance.com/Grip-Royal-Woodie-II-GRWoodieII.htm

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5039/7216495774_b01509a0db_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7216495774/)
Grip Royal Woodie II (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7216495774/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/7216495676_9f6ac3b7b1_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7216495676/)
Grip Royal Woodie II (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7216495676/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

bedheadben

06-02-2012, 10:45 PM

Haven't really been updating this thread, but I have been working on the car! Finally got the NB Torsen in, what a nightmare that was! The old axles were seized into the hubs and of course I had to somehow remove the flat, round mounting bolts. The forward bolt with the dowel/spacer had worn down all the way to that dowel so there was a lot of cutting involved. Luckily for me once I got the sides flattened they were loose enough that I could remove them with vise grips.

One of the axles I was able to remove with a punch centered in the hole and a lot of hammering. The other one I wasn't able to remove so I just pulled the whole knuckle off and threw one of my spare knuckles on in it's place. I'll remove the stuck axle later with a press but I needed the car ready for the open drift tomorrow.

I then bolted and welded on a trailer hitch on my Suby so that I would be able to use it to tow my Miata to the track tomorrow. Unfortunately I forgot that I never registered it up here in Washington when I moved, so I'll just be using AAA as my trailer tomorrow if needed haha.

The new diff is already great, I can't wait for tomorrow!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7232/7324644434_f5b65ef786_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7324644434/)
IMG_7164 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7324644434/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8155/7324645490_0154070326_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7324645490/)
IMG_7165 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7324645490/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7324644830_0f06aab895_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7324644830/)
IMG_7166 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7324644830/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7324643894_489b6a8bf4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7324643894/)
IMG_7169 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7324643894/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

bedheadben

06-03-2012, 03:08 PM

What a bummer! On the way to the track today as I was taking a ramp from one freeway to another (driving spiritedly) all of a sudden I hear a loud pop and the steering goes loose and the car was very hard to control. I made it off the freeway and called AAA, at least this happened on the way to the track instead of when I threw it into the first turn haha.

Oddly enough, I have almost never heard of someone breaking one of these upper ball joints on their Miata, just the boot. I believe what happened to mine is that it was severely weakened by how often I used to jump it when I was slammed and it just finally gave loose when it was unloaded in a high speed corner.

Has anyone replaced just the upper ball joint? Do they sell them separately from the control arm?

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7329829726_44680fd3c6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7329829726/)
Waiting for AAA (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7329829726/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

This was taken after I had re-tightened it just to make it off the freeway.
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8005/7329830818_ea87fea2f7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7329830818/)
Blown Ball Joint (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7329830818/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

I<3flippyheadlights

06-03-2012, 04:10 PM

bedheadben

06-03-2012, 04:38 PM

First off the wheel looks great. Only turn off is the lack of a horn button.

Second, that sucks about the ball joint. I would of freaked out. Now I don't think they sell them separately, but I know V8 roadsters make and excellent upper control arm thing.

Thanks! I'm looking for a horn button right now, I'm trying to get one from NRG.

It was definitely a scary moment, I was just hoping I wasn't going to go straight off because there wasn't a guard rail and it's a pretty big drop there.

I checked out those ball joints, they look pretty nice! Now just to remove the stock ones.

I<3flippyheadlights

06-03-2012, 04:40 PM

moerdogg

06-03-2012, 04:53 PM

That sucks! Just to clarify: did the ball joint unit pop out of the UCA? Before I saw the pic I assumed it was the usual failure where the ball comes out of the socket.

moerdogg

06-03-2012, 04:55 PM

Oh, and $75 for replaceable ball joints (http://www.v8roadsters.com/category-s/104.htm)

bedheadben

06-03-2012, 05:19 PM

Just get rid of the whole control arm. Gives you an opportunity to do some sand blasting and painting (if the wallet is deep enough and time permits)

And I'm sticking thinking on a grip royal wheel with quick release. But I love my Nardi so much.
Then do what I do and have a quick release on both wheels and throw on whatever one you're feeling. :cool:

That sucks! Just to clarify: did the ball joint unit pop out of the UCA? Before I saw the pic I assumed it was the usual failure where the ball comes out of the socket.
Nope! It remained in it's place and collapsed on itself but was spinning around and about to become dislodged, I had nearly zero steering control at times.

Oh, and $75 for replaceable ball joints (http://www.v8roadsters.com/category-s/104.htm)
I checked those out, thinking I may be doing those.

I<3flippyheadlights

06-03-2012, 05:30 PM

Then do what I do and have a quick release on both wheels and throw on whatever one you're feeling. :cool:

The Nardi would fund the grip royal, can't afford both

bedheadben

06-20-2012, 07:50 PM

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5467/7411210632_3f766997e0_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7411210632/)
Wall Ride (http://www.flickr.com/photos/benellett/7411210632/) by bedheadben (http://www.flickr.com/people/benellett/), on Flickr

psulja

06-20-2012, 11:42 PM

bedheadben

06-21-2012, 12:00 AM

That's a pretty awesome picture.

So have you been doing much to the Miata lately or just focusing your attention towards the business? Speaking of which, I might order some brake pads off your site in a few weeks.. Other sites probably can ship to Canada but I'd rather support your start-up and just have the parts shipped to a friend's place in Michigan.

Thanks! I haven't been working on the Miata too much but I'll be putting on my Stance coilovers and replacing my front upper control arms when I get back from LA.

Unfortunately I haven't been selling brake pads since shortly after the website went online, I lost my distributor for Hawk. I would be willing to ship to Canada for any order, just e-mail me and I will make it happen.

I have been focusing entirely on the business, especially now that I am starting to design my own parts that I am working to get made.