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lokirx706
05-27-2013, 10:19 PM
Yes, you read that correctly. And no, it was not a ploy to drag you in here... Well maybe it was a little bit... Before we get into anything regarding how a panda could be an accident, lets start at the beginning. No not my parents bedroom, a little after that...

I do have another build thread, it is about my '94, a car I consider a toy. I love that car, I really do. But I didnt build it, I cant take credit for most of what it is. And somehow, the car you are about to see, has also become somewhat of a toy. Regardless, we have been through alot together, a 1,000 mile a week commute can do that. Anyway, on to the story!!

The '94 was my first foray into the Miata world, I traded my first, and last Rx-7 for it. And I also traded my then daily driver a 1982 Corolla wagon. This left me with my 1990 240sx POS drift missile. Not really the ideal candidate for a daily driver. So I posted it the day I got the '94 for trade. After two days I was offered a 1991 Miata, no pics, I said what the hell! bring it up here!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1516.jpg

Well the top was down for a reason... It was more duct tape than top...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1514.jpg

Yep, not sponsored by mommy and daddy!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1515.jpg

I LOL'd

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1518.jpg

I CANT FIND ONE WITH A D@MNED TOMBSTONE!!!!!!!!!11!1!!1!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1517.jpg

Oooooh glossy black fenders... Those would work on the '94! Unfortunately he did not have a title. It took him nearly two weeks, but he came back with a legit title!

It also had poly bushings throughout, KYB AGX paired to Eibach Pro-kit springs... And my favorite part? A torsen swap!!! I was pumped! Perfect car to daily, just need to paint the front end white!! At least that was the plan...

First things first, the black top HAD to go. First time it rained, it leaked like CRAZY! So I washed the car, took off all the stickers, and popped the tan top from the '94 onto it.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1569.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1570.jpg

Fender swap!!!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1571.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1574.jpg

Sooo the flat black nose was driving me NUTS! So I painted the fenders and bumper white. Unfortunately it made the rest of the car look like crap. I was planning on painting the hood and headlight covers, but I quickly lost focus of that.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1617.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1620.jpg

Clear coated the nose! Also one of the manual mirrors fell off, so I bought the first thing I found on CL which was a set of black power mirrors.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1627.jpg

And then I got a free can of Key lime Rustoleum...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1664_zps5bbbfc5a.jpg

Also around this time the top blew open on the interstate, it blew what was left of the vinyl back window out. But nothing else was damaged. I ended up epoxying in a piece of lexan into the opening. This didnt last long as the top wouldnt go down properly with that window in place. It was replaced with a piece of transparent vinyl sheeting.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1672_zps2a7dfa6f.jpg

I also sprayed the wheels bronze, I cant remember why... But it happened...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1670_zpsba3dbb3b.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1675_zps7832d7d1.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1685_zps55253b5a.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1683_zpscc2f1a05.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1679_zps28978c70.jpg

More to come shortly...

lokirx706
05-27-2013, 10:28 PM
Hanging out with a buddy...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1723_zps6102bd37.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1751_zps653b153c.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1777_zps6eb7ff29.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1840.jpg

Got a sweet HKS intake, only using the elbow as the filter was destroyed.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1842.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1853.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF1986_zps3d9afdf4.jpg

Around this time winter happened nothing much interesting was going on, but I got some cheap 15's and a great deal on tires.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF2149_zpsfce627f4.jpg

So since its the daily, and I needed to do it anyway, I got my 60K on!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF2182_zps7aa9e820.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF2183_zpsd4be6dc7.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF2184_zps359d9c49.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF2188_zpsc36cacae.jpg

Well the rear finish panel was about to fall apart, so I swapped on the '94's original piece. And the trunk had been at some point been sanded on ALOT and looked pretty bad. So I 'temporarily' swapped on the '94's original trunk. This led to me never getting around to fixing/painting anything.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF2193_zps7a736cf2.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF2200_zpsc67015ce.jpg

Did a before and after at this point...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/BeforeAfter_zpsf02d9330.jpg

lokirx706
05-27-2013, 10:45 PM
So now you are thinking, I still dont know what this accidental panda has to do with anything!!!! Well... We are on the home stretch, so hang on...

This is where it started to come together, I finally said enough is enough, the tan top needs to go. And I installed a one piece black top

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/394092_4721653762653_469592027_n_zps9e6b05f1.jpg

Playing around with an FR-S, my job has its perks! Anyway, due to my not replacing/painting many of the black components on the car, and the black top... It began to look like I was doing all this on purpose... You know, because it looks... Panda-ish...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF4068_zps3f88ee58.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF4128_zps15b24cf9.jpg

Put the '94's hardtop on for the hell of it... Bad decision... Must have another hardtop!!!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF4104_zps333bf080.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P5070004_zpsa6dd8a81.jpg

Found cheap hardtop...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P5160003_zps424585c3.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P5160004_zpsc8338c7a.jpg

So I have the '94 next to a Towncar... Why not park the '91 next to something equally huge?? The truck I drive for work, a 24 foot Refrigerated Freightliner!!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF6011_zpsd2f45cf1.jpg

Scored a Mercury Capri valve cover at Pick and Pull... Best $6 I ever spent!!!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P5220002_zps99071aeb.jpg

Had my decal guy make a lazy panda... Why? I dont know, but I have somehow come to embrace the whole 'panda' thing... It works in its own quirky way.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P5220030_zps6271c34a.jpg

Then me and the g/f went to Ikea and there was a damned plush panda sitting on a couch. She loves pandas so she grabbed it, he was the only one in the whole store. I am sure we ruined some poor childs dreams by buying the last one. But it did kinda seem like he was waiting on us lol (Please excuse the fish eye effect lol)

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P5220012_zpsf46ca67c.jpg

And then I painted the hardtop....

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P5240036_zps9bfa1dd3.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P5240053_zpsa0fa73d0.jpg

Washed the car!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P5250078_zpsbeb0801f.jpg

Made some uber cheap easy to remove hardtop side brackets! Will add security hardware later...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P5250065_zpsc0d31a7f.jpg

And then BANG! No idea how this happened...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P5250067_zpsfc2e1163.jpg

Well that about brings you up to speed with what boring crap I am doing... Its my daily, nothing super exciting, but its looking a hell of alot better than when I first got the car. Its been fun, and there is more in the works, so look for more pictures in the next few days!!

maharaj
05-27-2013, 11:03 PM
That hood is freakin' awesome!

afc2112
05-27-2013, 11:41 PM
So...How does the Miata's clutch feel after driving the Freightliner?

lokirx706
05-27-2013, 11:48 PM
That hood is freakin' awesome!

Thanks! It was alot of fun to paint it!



So...How does the Miata's clutch feel after driving the Freightliner?

The Freightliner is an automatic.... A giant POS automatic, I wish it was a manual... The thing tries to detect if you are decelerating and downshifts to engine brake. Unfortunately this means that at a 5-10 mph creep in traffic it will unexpectedly downshift and violently engine brake... Even if I anticipate it the thing bucks like an angry bull, and makes me look like an idiot lol But yeah I tell people, you dont need boost. Drive a box truck, or any big rig for your day job. When you get off work a Yugo would feel fast! Seriously though, that little 1.6 feels like a Ferrari after driving the Freightliner all day long... Dont even get me started on the 8 foot wide steering wheel lol

theothersawyer
05-28-2013, 12:09 AM
I actually kinda like the panda thing on this car. It does kinda work!!

lokirx706
05-30-2013, 09:48 PM
Header, and full exhaust. Unfortunately my engine mounts are trash, so the header would hit the steering shaft at WOT. Luckily I had a Torque Damper laying around, its doing a good job, and should work well until I get some new mounts. Also need to build a heat shield for the air filter.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P5300004_zps183ec8a6.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P5300021_zpsf61fb4f9.jpg

I like the rising sun more than I thought I would, need to clean it up, get rid of the overspray, and sharpen up the edges.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P5300003_zpsece5eef8.jpg

Dandy
05-30-2013, 10:09 PM
I like the Rising Sun too. Great build thread.

lokirx706
12-15-2013, 08:39 PM
Long time no updates, notice my last post I had some rust in the rocker on the drivers side. Gutted all the rust, and installed some side skirts.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/1017282_10200089125814277_1309429078_n_zps50bfa505 .jpg

Bought a $10 radio bezel

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P7280124_zpse88b68c2.jpg

Got some nicer scuff plates

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P7290133_zps3f3941f7.jpg

Bought some silverstars

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P8080228_zps3d6b6dca.jpg

Painted the Capri cover Brilliant Blue!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P8080225_zps493c5cf2.jpg

Then I painted the whole car with a fresh coat of white!!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF8065_zpsc0748432.jpg


http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF8045_zpsc5b468cc.jpg


http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF8055_zpsf8fc5f78.jpg

And a new before and after!!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/PandaBA_zps42511cee.jpg

Room mate bought a Miata

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF8379_zps57c85384.jpg

Well fast forward a WHOLE lot and it started snowing.... So I scored some studded snows with brand new tread on daisies for $100!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF8476_zpsd5c15951.jpg

Let it SNOW!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF8479_zpse20a834b.jpg

revlimiter
12-15-2013, 11:43 PM
Great thread! I really dig the panda. It works awesome.

lokirx706
12-16-2013, 01:00 AM
Great thread! I really dig the panda. It works awesome.

I really appreciate that coming from you! Ive followed your build thread for awhile, and always drool over the products on your site! Here soon I may have a new daily and the Panda will be retired to 'toy' status next to my Rx-7. Then I might just be ordering some things from you!

lokirx706
05-09-2014, 12:37 AM
So now that I got that out of the way, I haven't properly introduced the car club I started about a month or so after I got into Miatas. Ohio Miata Owners.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF8597-1_zpscedba9cc.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF8630_zpsba4aac4e.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF8619_zps274e08d9.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF8609_zps28eae8d0.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF8622-1_zpsdc77bf03.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF8632_zpsf77402b4.jpg

So those are the pics that are missing from this thread. Throughout the cars evolution Ive built a car club from 2 lowly members into a 600 member strong organization that meets up several times a year and all over the state. I don't think we are doing half bad. Oh, and here are some videos we put together!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_lWhB4viC4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rl8iFMes0k

lokirx706
05-09-2014, 12:38 AM
Ohio Miata Owners at Mid-Ohio!

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1.0-9/10245448_10201960281311995_4750617014147243833_n.j pg

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https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10259066_10201960287352146_9150517057554269510_n.j pg

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/10329134_10201960288072164_2203512862232623232_n.j pg

https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/10312023_10201960288552176_7616804548597052049_n.j pg

atank
05-09-2014, 05:54 AM
Your Panda is looking good, and congratulations on the CC!

WASABI
05-09-2014, 07:00 AM
It was nice re-reading your build thread. I'm glad you saved the Panda.

lokirx706
10-21-2014, 07:45 PM
Well I havent posted in awhile because Ive been busy with other project cars. But the Panda has made me pretty proud. If you have read this thread from the beginning then you would know I traded to get this car. What you might not know is that I traded a car worth $700 to get the Panda. And I had to wait over two weeks for the previous owner to find the title for it. So the Panda almost didnt even happen. Earlier this year a good friend talked me into a crazy idea.

"Lets go to Miatas at MRLS!"

He formerly lived in the state of California, and his first track day was at Laguna Seca a few years ago in a borrowed Miata. Its what got him into the Miata lifestyle. He also talked me into my first track day at Mid-Ohio. And I had a good time, so without much thought other than TRACK DAY, BRO! I signed up.

This led to me completely forgetting about MRLS throughout the year, to occasionally becoming slightly panicked at the thought of driving what was essentially a $700 car from Ohio to California. The trip almost didnt happen, due to worrying, and financial disaster. At the last minute I was ready to pull the plug and sell my spot. Thats when my girlfriend stepped in. She wanted to roadtrip across the country, she wanted to see California. And she loved the idea of taking the Miata, I just had to let her drive the parade laps at Laguna Seca... Fine by me!

I had already been prepping the car, fixing minor oil leaks, new tires (205/50-15 DZ102s) new wheels, tie rods, Hawk brakes. So we were good to go. Six other cars would join us, with a total of ten people. Five cars would leave from Columbus and I being the lone car from Dayton would join somewhere along the way. We ended up forming a caravan less than a mile from the Ohio border, I had gotten a lead, and pulled over just before I left Ohio. Not many pictures were taken as it was early in the trip, but we made short work of Indiana and didnt stop until a rest stop in Illinois just before entering Missouri.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/P8310205_zpse7de8e5d.jpg

The restrooms will never be the same there again...

We stopped in St. Louis and tried to visit the arch, but there were at least fifty different sports games occurring simultaneously, or at least it seemed that way. One of our caravan members was also experiencing a loud alternator belt squeal that he decided to investigate later.

Our destination for the evening was Springfield, MO and we awoke to lots of not so great news...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/P9010206_zpse5659448.jpg

One it was pouring rain, and my passenger window was down.... But that wasnt the worst of it, Dan would be unable to complete the roadtrip. His water pump housing had split, his alternator tensioner bracket was completely separated from the engine. His car is the one with the huge wing and the polished hood. It was a big let down for everyone, we all wanted to make it together.

For some reason very few pics were taken on the way out, but I assure you, this was not the case on the return journey.

We spent the morning driving through Missouri and made our first pit stop in Oklahoma.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/P9010209_zps2dc46f9c.jpg

We also stopped at Lucilles Service Station along Route 66 in Oklahoma... It was a really cool out of business vintage fuel station. The exterior is kept nice, but the inside looks like it hasnt been touched in decades. Pretty cool photo-op.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/P9010222_zpse2619d7d.jpg

Somewhere near the Oklahoma/Texas border we stopped, and helped the gentleman in the black pickup truck do something... Cant remember what, but he was really grateful!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/P9010213_zpsfe9573ce.jpg

Then we made our second really cool stop. Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, TX

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/P9010240_zps1764ab6c.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/P9010235_zpsdf144e04.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/P9010248_zps7edcb051.jpg

Joe Podelco captured this picture of us leaving Amarillo

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/10647243_10101859833096438_36390488659411710_n_zps 309ae984.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/10626841_10101862433510188_6278918521182106869_n_z ps7c71a5bd.jpg

We then drove through the night before bedding down in Santa Rosa, NM

lokirx706
10-21-2014, 07:46 PM
The next morning we played with Joes coolant mixture in a bid to help keep his car a little cooler before we drove closer and closer to the desert.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/10632045_307349542781215_1330017805_n_zpsae7f1dc1. jpg

And we also found Tow Mater, admittedly the Panda dominated this photo lol

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/10632675_10202659115422411_8589572674417232406_n_z psd1ba1f88.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/10626841_10101862433510188_6278918521182106869_n_z ps7c71a5bd.jpg

Our next destination was Winslow, AZ!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCN0214_zpsbc0f924b.jpg

Standin' on a corner in Winslow Arizona with.... The stig??

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCN0206_zps7d8d4462.jpg

After this we headed to Flagstaff to get to the Grand Canyon... This was where the Panda had its first issue. Its spark plug wires were older than father time, and began shorting out on the valve cover. Thankfully O'Reillys in Flagstaff had some crappy off brand wires in stock, and I was ready to head to the Grand Canyon!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF2015_zpsdb551317.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCN9472_zps8ef2e3d7.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/10613038_10204102550820190_4592987461207965302_n_z ps9e186c48.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/1375305_10101862433545118_1308459342433327794_n_zp s384c2840.jpg

lokirx706
10-21-2014, 07:46 PM
We drove on to Kingman, AZ where we would spend the night before waking to head into Oatman, AZ along old route 66. Along the way we would stop at Cool Springs, and enjoy the scenic road into Oatman... At speed of course...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCN9539_zpsda3b4004.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCN9559_zpsa27c3890.jpg

The morning prior, Amanda (My co-pilot) found that Oatman had a website. On that website it mentioned the Oatman gunfighters. They would perform faux tour bus robberies. I called and asked if they would be willing to stop a caravan of Ohio Miata Owners. They replied,

“Sure! We'll stop your wagon train!”

We decided not to tell any of the other folks in our caravan. As we entered Oatman a man would step in front of the lead car and fire a shotgun. We had a father and son in our caravan, they happened to be the folks that operate Midwest Miata Parts. The gunfighters would ask for “The Fimple Gang” as if there were a ransom out for them, that the gunfighters wanted to collect.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/Screenshotfrom2014-10-21113903_zps3e27634a.png

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/Screenshotfrom2014-10-21113958_zps3dcb3d3a.png

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/Screenshotfrom2014-10-21114326_zps4dcee48f.png

After our run in with the gunfighters, we drove into downtown Oatman.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCN9582_zps72bc1e08.jpg

We stayed in Oatman for a few hours, and would cross into California shortly after, driving to L.A. for the evening.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF4064_zps3d40d971.jpg

We would visit Project-G, thanks to those guys for being AWESOME hosts! And the next day we would split up, some of us visiting 949 racing, others doing the tourist thing.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/983770_10101865102850808_6854306541561018585_n_zps 1342bb29.jpg

(Above photo, taken by Joe Podelco)

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCN9695_zps3f32ccff.jpg

I participated in the latter, Id never been to the west coast before. (Sorry 949 :( )

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCN9648_zpseed19b0f.jpg

lokirx706
10-21-2014, 07:47 PM
The next morning part of our group would join the KINOD caravan out of L.A. Some of us would stay in Morrow Bay, joining up at Morrow Rock with the KINOD crew. Afterwards we headed up Highway 1 to Monterey.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCN9746_zpsbdea542a.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCN9740_zps3ad63d94.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCN9743_zpsed7b1f0d.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF4271_zpse8355f39.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF4285_zps6011f359.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF4264_zps56338a5f.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF4227_zpsdecf7f95.jpg


We drove to the Monterey Home Depot to wait for our call to participate in the world record attempt. Thanks to KINOD for being great hosts! While there a good friend delivered my hood decal, that matched my door numbers! When our call came, we headed out to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. My first time stepping on the hallowed grounds of the track.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF4302_zps33b9421e.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF4318_zpsbddac487.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF4317_zpseb32214c.jpg

lokirx706
10-21-2014, 07:47 PM
Then like everyone else we were herded into a dusty field. We participated in the world record (And none of the Ohio folks left early!!!) And I walked to the track to see it in person the day before our hot lap sessions.

The Panda is circled in Yellow in this pic, sorry to anyone who I covered with yellow in the pic! Lol

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/wolf_hill_full_zps3bbec1f7.jpg

I did record the ND reveal, but seeing as its posted -everywhere- and you have all seen it, Ill leave it out for now.

The following day we would arrive ready to lap Laguna Seca. We arrived early to get into the paddock!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF4346_zps5410069e.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF4444_zps56bf0e26.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF4443_zpsf5f422a2.jpg

I didnt do great my first few sessions, being nervous, plus not wanting to be hard on the car led to many mistakes. Sorry to anyone I may have frustrated in C group. Later in the day I worked the kinks out and stopped thinking about the possibility of breaking the car and drove it like you are supposed too on track.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF4430_zps7660bd4e.jpg

At the end of the day we all had a blast, there were no mechanical failures. Some of us got to try out a new spoiler, the rides in A and B group were great, and the event as a whole was really epic! On the way out, I had to take every opportunity I could to get pics.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF4452_zpsf46c7505.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF4455_zpsa5016a7d.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF4460_zps32a828bf.jpg

The group split up, and myself and my co-pilot made our own way home. The great thing about this trip, was the drive there, Miatas at MRLS, and the drive home were all equally entertaining. Maybe because I have never seen this part of the country, but it was worth it.

So then we headed home, aiming the Panda towards Vegas.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF4473_zps0d31b03a.jpg

lokirx706
10-21-2014, 07:48 PM
http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF4481_zpsbf27d6a3.jpg

As we headed north on I-15 towards Vegas... We saw something a little odd...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF4531_zps1597fc63.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF4551_zpsf8a21ed3.jpg

A very severe thunderstorm in the desert. We would get stuck in traffic south of Vegas, but it would clear and we spent the night walking the strip, people watching... The next morning.... We stopped at some famous places, including the Vegas sign!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCN9767_zps6e43846e.jpg

After Vegas I would try to drive north on I-15 to get to I-70. This would be thwarted as a massive storm washed out the north and south bound lanes of I-15. The interstate was gone. So being incredibly bored in traffic for hours on end, I got out and did what any bored car enthusiast would do, cleaned my wheels!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCN0079_zps80c57fe4.jpg

The Panda would become world famous (J/K lol) by crashing a news report!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-UMdnL_xTs

And after being forced to turn around on a dirt road I would drive angrily sideways the entire length of the road blasting my car with grime, after this it was the dirtiest it has ever been. Also my mother was convinced we were getting married on this trip, so we posted a photo with no description of the Panda at a drive through wedding chapel in Vegas...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCN0097_zps984f2042.jpg


We had to spend the night again in Vegas and head south towards I-40 in the morning. The decision had been made to stop at the Hoover dam on the way.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCN9833_zps50298a77.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCN9847_zps29d45eb4.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCN9930_zps36af3dad.jpg

lokirx706
10-21-2014, 07:48 PM
Then we hopped on I-40 to Flagstaff and headed north on 89, taking back roads all the way up to I-70.

Sunset crater volcano park in Arizona.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7010_zps4f8d41cd.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7009_zps1d05a2dc.jpg

Then driving through the Navajo Nation, and the painted desert.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7003_zps0dcd2119.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7040_zps0f1a986b.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7030_zpsa9c6889f.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7029_zps968ee496.jpg

Then onto Monument Valley in Utah.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7052_zps1f2c24fd.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7045_zpsf1989d7b.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7043_zps70f81ae8.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7044_zps8b17e7fd.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7053_zps57fb367c.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7057_zps1454bcbf.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7059_zps1feb7d8b.jpg

lokirx706
10-21-2014, 07:49 PM
We would drive on to Moab, I-70, and Colorado in the dark. We would stop outside Grand Junction, CO and spend the night in the Miata. Terrible, terrible idea... We awoke to the Rocky Mountains.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7083_zps55e955cd.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7098_zpsb97ccbe8.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7103_zps84c73a02.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7110_zps7d651aa2.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7108_zpsa0af6337.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7105_zps429f63c9.jpg

After which we would pass through Kansas and the Great Plains.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/CaliTrip/DSCF7120_zpsef2be28b.jpg

After this we headed into Missouri, stopping for the evening and continued on home. The trip was amazing, beyond what I had even hoped for. I got to see the country, top down from Ohio to California. Yes, even in the desert! The Miata ran like a top other than some minor issues with the exhaust getting loose, which was remedied in California. I cruised Hollywood Boulevard, the Sunset strip, and Beverly Hills. Getting stuck at lights beside Ferraris and Bentleys while passersby snapped photos of the 'racecar' in downtown L.A. Then being part of the launch of the new Miata, a Miata world record, and lapping a track I had raced a thousand miles on virtually. My Miata drove in the heat of the desert, climbed mountains, raced with many other fellow roadsters, and kept chugging along. Seeing the country in such a simple fun little car with no roof, was the best decision I could have made. Driving there in a pack of Miatas felt like a rag-tag Top Gear beater car challenge, it was a blast. Id love to do it again someday!

tsingson
10-22-2014, 06:21 AM
That flyby on camera was hilarious.

lokirx706
10-22-2014, 07:25 AM
I forgot to narrate that moment,

Me- "Look! A news report, Im gonna haul ass past them!"

Amanda - "They'll just edit it out!"

Me "Not if its live!!!" *Drops into second gear*

tsingson
10-22-2014, 07:29 AM
It sure was live.

atank
10-22-2014, 08:16 AM
What a great East to West then back again adventure, I know you had a blast!!!!!!

Martin
10-22-2014, 08:25 AM
Looks and sounds like you had an awesome trip - congrats!

reiernumans
10-22-2014, 10:05 AM
That trip sounds amazing!

WASABI
10-22-2014, 10:57 AM
Bravo! Thanks for sharing your story and all the great pictures!

lokirx706
10-23-2014, 12:56 PM
Thanks guys!

I have owned nearly thirty cars, and I am not thirty years old lol This car isnt going anywhere, Ive had it for two years (I was averaging six months or less before.) But yeah, it is one of three cars I cannot sell....

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P8270158_zps364891ab.jpg

This includes my first car (Albeit now -very- modified) a 1981 Mazda Rx-7

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF8665_zps4874f53c.jpg

And a recent addition, from the original owner. A super early build date, all original, spark yellow, (Dug out of a barn after years of sitting) 1979 Mazda Rx-7.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P8060070_zps3524148d.jpg

I kinda need a beater car for a daily...

atank
10-23-2014, 01:18 PM
I really like the Targa RX7, and the Yellow Spark!!!!!!!!

Doward
10-23-2014, 09:18 PM
WOW the Panda has come a long way. The first time I saw it, it was somewhere in the middle so I had no idea how rough it started.

Thanks for posting all your M@MRLS story! I haven't touched my build thread here in a loooong time, maybe now is a good time.

lokirx706
10-24-2014, 11:36 PM
WOW the Panda has come a long way. The first time I saw it, it was somewhere in the middle so I had no idea how rough it started.

Thanks for posting all your M@MRLS story! I haven't touched my build thread here in a loooong time, maybe now is a good time.

Thanks man! And you definitely should, because now Im gonna go read your build thread! :)

fwdtamiya
10-25-2014, 07:24 PM
Nice SA/FB's!

lokirx706
11-01-2014, 11:45 PM
Small update, did a mild wire tuck, and deleted some things out of the bay. Next on the list is a cold side intake setup, need to get that filter away from the header.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/PA140001_zpsba841d00.jpg

Never took a pic when I first got the car, but the bay was completely unmodified, nothing was painted or altered. I just never got a good before pic to showcase how dirty it was when I got it.

lokirx706
01-14-2015, 01:20 AM
Got some new kicks, needed some wheels to run high tread wear all-seasons so I can get lower tread wear fun season tires.

Worry not! It is only plasti-dip, I was promised they look fairly pristine underneath.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF4171_zps85427788.jpg

But everyone said I wouldnt put them on the car, while pink...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/Miatarims2_zps6c1c7bb5.jpg

So that same day I began the arduous task of stripping the dip off of them.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/Miatarims_zps3f23e415.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/Miatarims1_zps097139e3.jpg

Then not two weeks later we get hit with a winter storm and wind chills of -30. On goes the old studded Winterforces on re-sprayed dark silver daisies.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF4247_zps9c9ccea6.jpg

So a friend with some new Yokohama IceGuards wanted to compare and contrast our two types of snow tires.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF4257_zpsc410c1cf.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/DSCF4262_zps17970e37.jpg

Suffice it to say the tires are very similar in the snow and ice. Dry and wet performance goes to the Iceguards, if I cant afford Blizzacks for next winter, Ill be getting a set of the Iceguards. Not much else going on, the Panda has some battle damage from the rough weather, but otherwise I havent really needed to touch it mechanically. Such a good little car! I am starting to look seriously at a beater car to replace it as my daily driver. If that happens the Panda will become totally track focused.

Agent☣Orange
01-14-2015, 01:40 AM
That is soooo badass hahaha.




This thread is 100% full of win. I just don't know what else can top this.

atank
01-14-2015, 06:07 AM
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS2WTPDnEOeeJc7jQCWlP4I8gozm7Ete pp3n_iXQf6FkA3Aaq3nSg

lokirx706
01-26-2015, 06:38 PM
It has recently come to my attention that Action news 13 removed my video trolling their reporter while passing through Nevada... Thankfully I saved the video!

Some narration before you watch,

Me - "Look they are doing a news report! Im gonna do a fly-by!"
Amanda - "They will just edit it out!"
Me - *downshift* "NOT IF ITS LIVE!!!!!"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klYqNHzbny4

Also, I have almost finished planning out my 2015 livery. The car will look a LOT different this spring.

kung fu jesus
01-26-2015, 07:26 PM
13334

Lol!

JamieH
01-26-2015, 10:04 PM
"People were getting out of their vehicles, walking around, chatting with one another. Let's ah..."

*BBRRRRAAAAAGGHH*

"... let's turn around, we're going to take a look at the other side of the freeway."

Ha!

lokirx706
03-25-2015, 07:57 PM
So I decided I wanted a new suspension, the Eibachs and AGX's werent cutting it anymore.

Hmmmm.... Ironic choice of words, as I had to cut three of them out lol Both front lower shock bolts were locked to the bushing sleeves. One rear tophat stud started spinning and I had to cut that out as well.

So what did I replace them with?

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/MSMBilstein_zpsssay545k.jpg

Picked up some MSM billies!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/BilsteinCoilover_zpslbutu1ki.jpg

Then added some ebay coilover sleeves, using the springs until my 550 fronts come in from Summit. Also added some ISC racing tophats since this photo was taken, prior to installation.

This combo work great, especially with the rear bar temporarily deleted because of the 450/325 setup. Really light understeer, which I dont care for. But I dont plan on using these springs for long. Turn in is really crisp compared to what it was before, the car stays nice and flat, and the ride is much more plush.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P1010052_zpsgw0rspqq.jpg

Time to sand out the rock chips, and get the car nice looking for the new livery!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P1010053_zpskesaczva.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P1010071_zpshjykkr4n.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P1010074_zpsm2vrhmsv.jpg

Man I am falling in love with the car all over again! Already signed up for a track day at Mid-Ohio, and we are having a Triple Nickel rally for OMO soon! Just need to decide on some new tires. Now that I have three sets of wheels, I can buy something more track focused... And I am really excited about it!

Demon I Am
03-26-2015, 08:39 AM
MSM Billies seem to be the "new thing" in this forum

tsingson
03-26-2015, 08:49 AM
Yeah. Did you remove the perches or were they already removed?

lokirx706
03-26-2015, 10:15 AM
I received them completely assembled. Had to remove the perches and grind off the locating tabs.

Blueiii
03-30-2015, 06:54 PM
Good to see another member of OMO on MR.Net!

lokirx706
04-15-2015, 11:32 PM
So the new coilovers are working out great. With the short springs and long shocks I was limited to about 5 inches pinch weld to ground. This was nearly and inch higher than I had been on the Eibachs. Something needed to be done.... Enter the free tender springs and couplers...

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P1010085_zps5wt48xqm.jpg

I also ordered some 205/50-15 Nitto NT-05's

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/tires_zpsz4my1zlj.jpg

This pic is with the new livery applied, and is pre-tender springs.

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P1010120_zpsathz3obw.jpg

And after, with tender springs!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P1010097_zpshuwqljv1.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/panda_zpszji7d4rc.jpg

And the MOST needed decal was added at our recent Triple Nickel drive... (A build thread for Thomas may be added shortly...)

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/P1010118_zpsuu9evssz.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/11108213_852371338155299_661740095995229960_n_zpsa g7wuqgq.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/10338322_852371244821975_5865071918611620612_n_zps dqubnxi6.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/10155881_10205040160016820_3251110398925751921_n_z psl36hb3tw.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/11136730_852371221488644_3253114065066309671_n_zps pngtnwwh.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w89/lokirx7/11156274_852371068155326_3997495086971951933_n_zps oeeiyd58.jpg