Hung's 95 Montego

[95montego]

Current list o' mods:

Engine:
-DIY Randall CAI

Suspension:
-KYB 8-way adjustable w/stock springs
-EGR roll bar
-99 OEM shock tower brace
-6UL 15x8 +36 on 205/50/15 DZ101

Interior:
-Neo Grinta 330mm wheel
-T3 50mm hub extender
-WB hub
-LED cluster
-wink 5-pane mirror
-DIY door pulls & O-shit loop
-Stainless "Miata" door sills
-Soft top delete
-Cobalt short shifter

Exterior:
-Hard top w/defroster & headliner
-Rennenmetal HT brackets
-Project-G HT spoiler
-Garagestar License plate relocator
-Bosch Ecodes w/Hella 55/100W H4 bulbs
-GReddy cat-back
-Runabout mirrors
-Runabout fuel lid

Wassup NCR,

So got my first miata in March 2012, 95 montego w/89k on the odo and bone stock. This is a DD and I'm a college student so I'm still debating whether to put a lot of money into it, ie rims, roll bar, suspension. So far, all I've done are things to keep the car running right. Changed the radiator because it was the OE, valve cover gasket cuz it was leaking, changed diff and tranny fluids. So I guess you wouldn't call this a build thread, more like an online album w/descriptions and comments from fellow enthusiasts. Coming up in the near future, I'm thinking of repainting the rims white, they're silver and rough looking and I think white would probably look good on the montego.

Some pics

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Mobile%20Uploads/100MEDIAIMAG0041.jpg

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Mobile%20Uploads/100MEDIAIMAG0042.jpg

[95montego]

Did the Randall intake. Car sounds awesome and less hesitation during acceleration, I'm happy.

Lots of trimming and cutting
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0083.jpg

Finished product
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0086.jpg

Also, the rain rail was leaking into the trunk. Instead of buying a new one and having to deal with rivets and all that junk, I did the Gonzorail instead. Works awesome, no more trunk aquarium!!

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0053.jpg

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0057.jpg

[95montego]

So been having a lot of heat at my leg and around the shifter area. Seems like the rubber boots by the shifters are notorious for ripping. So I ordered a set from Rosanthal Mazda.
Found out both boots ALL jacked up
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0070.jpg

Oil from the turret
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0073.jpg

All fixed
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0074.jpg

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0075.jpg

Drove around, so a lot less heat in the cockpit, the shifter boot is no longer hot to the touch. So awesome!!

[95montego]

Some updates:

Painted my wheels white with Krylon Satin Bright White since it's gonna be a while till I can afford some nice rims and tires. Turns out pretty good, the white is really bright!!

Before:
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0103.jpg

After:
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0115.jpg

You guys prolly see through the rear windows now, cuz I did this:

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0096.jpg

Not the prettiest thing/job in the world, but at least I can see through the rear window. Also I come to find out after several top less drive that the material leave little crescent kinks and scratches kinda easy. Not the best thing to use as a rear window, but summer's here and I plan to drive topless most of the time, besides, for $20, I'm not complaining.

Side by side comparison with the old material, this new material is 0.20"
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0093.jpg

[95montego]

Was gonna make new door cards, but my speaker cover is part of the old one and I dont feel like shelling >$100 for some LE speaker covers...so I made some door pulls instead. Got myself some extra knee space with the sacrifice of some old military gear handles/straps. Lame cell phone pics for now...I'm gonna make an 'oh-shit' handle/loop/lanyard thing for the pass side soon.

DS:
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0153.jpg

PS:
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0155.jpg

[95montego]

O-shit loop:

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0157.jpg

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0158.jpg

[95montego]

The LED is not as super bright as the picture depicted, ie the needles arent super glowing white. But they are a lot brighter and crispier than stock so I'm happy.

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0171.jpg

Relocated license plate

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0173.jpg

Works Bell short hub and 50mm extender, this set up sits a little bit farther away from the IP from stock, about an inch

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0174.jpg

Neo Grinta, 330mm and it's a fatass

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0175.jpg

[95montego]

Shout out to Eunos Garage for their awesome service and quick shipping on the WB hub, extender, and license bracket (schedule conflict, I couldnt drive 2+ hrs to go pick up the package). Also got some simple door sills, didnt care for the M editions since mine's not..

Before
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0167.jpg

After
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0170.jpg

Got an EGR roll bar, as many of you know, the company super lagged on shipping our the bars. I was one of the locals that picked up our bars instead of waiting for shipping. Turned out the whole back made for the group buy had fitment issues. To read more on that, click here http://www.norcalroadsters.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=14577

So anyways, finally finished installing the bar. I don't really like how the rear backing plates sit over some overlapping metal areas; this makes the backing plates bend some.

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0271.jpg

Also got a hardtop since my DIY back window crapped out on me. Was gonna get another soft top but couldn't pass up on a decent deal and I've always wanted a ht. I'm really glad how it really changes the car's appearance.

I've read up a little on ht brackets and anti theft methods. Turned out the ht brackets are an alternate to TopLoc. Pretty much the poor man's anti-theft, of course the brackets just made it longer to take the top off, not necessarily ANTI-theft. The hardtop came w/headliner and defroster, which also meant the front screws for the latches had thread lock. I've read how these are notorious for not coming out and was prepared. My brother had a butane soldering gun, which with the tip removed, became an awesome butane torch. This made the removal super fast and easy, however, the heat also made the screws softer, so you wanna go slow. Here are some pics:

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0276.jpg

Old vs New
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0280.jpg

I ended up ordering the brackets from Rennenmetal. I've read good reviews about them and IMO they seem sturdier than some other brackets out there. I contacted David since on their website, the brackets were out of order. He informed me they were on their way from the powdercoater. I wanted the bare metal ones and he said he had some on hand in bare metal and sent me a set. I was super happy with the customer service and fast response. I also got the bolt kit as pictured above. Serious, David Lee is an awesome guy. This is how the brackets came:

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0272.jpg

Hit them up w/some Plastidip:
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0286.jpg

The install of the brackets went great. However, I found that if the bigger bolts for the front were a little bit longer, it'd be easier to get started. After a while struggling trying to get them started and almost cross-threading them, I decided to run to the parts store to get some longer ones. They weren't that much longer, but were super to get started:

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0287.jpg

Decided to completely take out the old soft top since it was no longer of use and this could save some weight. Then I didn't like the bare look of the rear, so I put all the panels and carpet back in the rear. I like the look, it's clean.

Permanent toplessness:
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0281.jpg

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0284.jpg

Since the back window broke, I haven't washed my car, and she's filthy. So, after a well-deserved wash
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0295.jpg

Next are suspensions and wheels...The wheel gap and small, skinny tires are getting to me..
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0288.jpg

[95montego]

Slight update:

Got these as early Christmas present to myself:
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0457.jpg

Old vs New:
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0458.jpg

How she sits, waiting for a free car wash from mother nature.
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0461.jpg
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0460.jpg

[95montego]

Got these in the mail yesterday, wonder what they could be....

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0467-1.jpg

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0465.jpg

Yay!!

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0466-1-1.jpg

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0470-1.jpg

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0468-1.jpg

Old vs New:
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0471.jpg http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0472.jpg

Shitty cell phone pics, but the cut offs are very sharp
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0473.jpg

[95montego]

So some days ago, the AK v1.5 fiberglass trunk came, a quick test fit showed the trunk sitting too high with the driver side corner too sunken into the car and the px side was sitting higher, leaving a gap where I could see into the trunk. Also, without the springs, there was some play after the trunk is latched, this means rattling over bumps.

First, to take care of the driver side corner of the lid being too sunken in, I put a washer in that corner, on the foremost stud. That made the lid sit even all around. Then, I spent some time enlarging the mounting holes for the trunk latch, so it would sit lower. What this does is it allows for the trunk to close "lower" and remove that excess play. Here's a pic of how much I had to file, had to go get a round file, it helped tons.

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0505.jpg

After an hour of filing, fitting, taking things apart, file some more, fitting some more, this was the result:

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0508.jpg

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0509.jpg

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0506.jpg

As you can see, the px side is still sitting SLIGHTLY higher than the driver side, but there's nothing I can do now, except maybe shaving the lid where the studs mount with the arms for the hinge. Another thought is to wait till summer and on a hot day, leaving some heavy books on the lid, maybe this would slightly alter the shape of the fiberglass?? Just a thought.

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0507.jpg

[95montego]

Well...this winter break yielded a lot of quality time spent with the car. So, some updates:

Picked up a GReddy cat-back, great fitment, not overly obnoxious or flashy like eBay exhaust, and just a little louder than OEM.

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0555.jpg

http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0532.jpg

Then picked up these awesome things at the junkyard!
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0554.jpg

And my driver side mirror did this:
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0548.jpg

So I did this:
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0553.jpg

The package from Japan land also came with this
http://i580.photobucket.com/albums/ss245/gaccount86/Miata/100MEDIAIMAG0547.jpg

Also finally replaced the annoying speedo cable and got better speakers for the car...I really need new suspension..shocks and/or springs are starting to creak.. :banghead: :banghead:

[Heyitsryan]

Great build thread man, I always have loved that color.

The hardtop is awesome!

[95montego]

Thanks, I agree the Montego is a sweet color, I wonder how expensive it would be though for a respray?

[BoBo]

good build, I say a decent re-spray would be between $3500-4500. I have the same color as you, I too need a paint job.