Vintage modifications - NA vs NB

[Coanbread751]

Hello everyone! I am on the brink of purchasing my first Miata and I couldn't be more excited! My first love are the "little British sports cars" of the 60's (MGB's, Triumphs, etc.) ...particularly the MGB.

So, my goal is to modify my miata to give it some of that classic British flavor. I have been tirelessly researching the look that I hope to achieve over the past couple of days and have an example for you....

http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n634/annamiata/00000.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n634/annamiata/0000.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n634/annamiata/100B56101.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n634/annamiata/100B5330.jpg
http://i1143.photobucket.com/albums/n634/annamiata/100B5560.jpg

Some ideas that I have for modding include changing the mirrors to chrome, installing a chrome luggage rack on the trunk changing the tail lights to reflect the example, adding the bar behind the seats (what is that thing called?)....minor things like this.

I am shameless. The only thing that I am concerned about is the style of the car. I want the thing to look how I want it to look. And this is where my problem has arisen. Right now I am looking at two different Miatas. A 1994 black with tan leather and tan soft top, or a 2000 silver with tan leather and tan soft top.

If you check out this thread...

http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/16-general-automotive-chat-sponsored-gomiata-com/45283-post-your-vintage-retro-style-miata.html

which is where my original inspiration came from, you will notice that most cars posted there are NA. I understand that the body style and headlights of the NA automatically give a more classic British look to the car. There are NB models sprinkled throughout that thread, but I have yet to come across a single image on the internet of a NB that is modded similarly to my example post.

So, what I am asking for are images of NB models that are modded similar to my example or that you think bring out that "MGB look" that I am going for.....bonus points if the cars are silver.

I am also asking for your opinion on modding the NB models. Would it be a lost cause to try and recreate this style with the swooped body style of the NB?

Thank you all for your time.

[Demon I Am]

http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?5488-post-your-Vintage-Retro-Classic-Style-Miata-MX5-Roadsters&highlight=RETRO

http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread.php?9385-Retro-Style-seats-anyone&highlight=RETRO&p=137365#post137365

[Coanbread751]

Thanks. I have already searched this forum and reviewed those threads. I still am not seeing examples of the NB.

[Phatmiata]

Welcome to our forum!!

:fp: please don't send us to that other forum :door:

Based on the info I am reading on here if you wanted to achieve a vintage look, you cannot go wrong with the NA, it has the older pop up headlights, its the 1st gen, and the 1st gen Miatas can generally pull off the vintage "look" you are going for much easier.

To me the NB is all about sexy, like 3rd gen RX7 sexy, very modern. However I have seen a few that have made the vintage look good.

If you want to see more vintage NB's you should pick up a copy of Road&Ster

If I was to try and make an NB retro or vintage looking the first thing I would do would be change the headlights like this

http://thumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp/@0_mall/autostyle/cabinet/product_1447/pcr40221190001.jpg

or how about this ..........

http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/yamamotosinya/imgs/d/6/d6de9ce6.jpg

http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/yamamotosinya/imgs/8/7/87bbf6cc-s.jpg


then maybe do some D-technique interior bits like this

http://cdn.mkimg.carview.co.jp/minkara/parts/000/004/571/361/4571361/p1.jpg?ct=d3f9f302ef23

[Phatmiata]

Maybe ask Adam from revlimiter to make some vintage toggle switches for the windows too.

[Andy]

Last I checked, Adam was already in the process of making vintage toggle switches of the nb.

[Phatmiata]

Last I checked, Adam was already in the process of making vintage toggle switches of the nb.

well there you go! :bow:

[Coanbread751]

Thank you for your response. I am starting to get that same feeling you are about the two different models. The reasonable side of me says I'm crazy to buy a 1994 over a 2000, but I really think I can make the 1994 look exactly how I want it to for around $500, and I'm not sure I could ever get that look with the 2000.

I like the headlights idea. Those look great.

[Phatmiata]

I WISH I could get mine to look the way I wanted it for $500 :blaugh2:

Once you start modding though it becomes addictive, enough is never enough.

[Willywongka]

Good luck getting your car to looking the way you want for $500 bucks =). $50 there... $100 there... $1000 there! I don't even wanna calculate how much has went into my car.

[speedypenguin]

I agree 10000000% with Phat. You cannot put a price on modding, especially if you want it to look EXACTLY how you want. To make a car truly personal, it's all about the little details. :)

[WASABI]

Welcome to our site Coanbread751. By it's very nature, the NA Miata is "vintage" out of the box. It's shape, size, and look, are all homages to classic roadsters that came before. So that's a great starting point.

These cars are also over engineered, and are quite reliable with basic maintenance. So the choice of a nice 1994 (NA) over a nice 2000 (NB) is a non issue in my book.

You may also find that $500.00 is a bit conservative when you suggest that is your total budget. I feel wheels can be one of the biggest modifications that influence the look and style of your car, however, they can and usually do cost more than $500.00 alone. The best thing to do is make small improvements when you can... in a couple years, you'll have your dream car!

-Jim

[Andy]

Just to inform you. In your calculation of $500 is rather off. The roll bar alone would be more than that shipped to you. You expressed interest in a roll bar and even linked to a photo of a miata with one. The only thing that would be in a price range of significantly less than $500 would be a style bar and I highly suggest against getting one. Either get a real roll bar or do not get one at all.

Since you seemed to want one, my suggestion is to reassess how much you want to spend and get good quality parts.

Also chrome mirrors are not cheap. I paid a pretty penny for mine, not one of those hideously ugly oxidized pennies. Not even an ass penny. This was the kind of penny that came straight from the mint and was sealed for a very long time.

[Andy]

I agree 10000000% with Phat. You cannot put a price on modding, especially if you want it to look EXACTLY how you want. To make a car truly personal, it's all about the little details. :)

You can put a price on modding, but you wont like the number.

I have easily spent $6000 on my car not including purchase price of my car.

[Coanbread751]

First off, thanks for all of your responses. It is very refreshing to be a noob posting in a enthusiast's forum and not getting blasted for your plans/opinion of style. I appreciate all of your insight and concerns with the modding prices. You have all given me a lot to think about but I feel say more confident in buying a 94 now knowing that it is not really a step down from the 2000.

I'm going to look at this M edition tonight. What are your thoughts. I'm going to offer $3500 if it checks out.

http://lexington.craigslist.org/cto/4481781605.html

[Phatmiata]

Just get the Miata you want and enjoy it, they are wonderful cars, tons of fun to drive right outta the box. The mods will come, as times goes on, a little here, a little there. Great builds do not happen overnight. It took me 10 years to get my last Miata the way I wanted it, and I swapped out tons of parts on it, some looked great in my head, but once installed they did not flow with the build, so I would sell them off and try something else. I am rather fickle about parts though. :fab:

[Andy]

First off, thanks for all of your responses. It is very refreshing to be a noob posting in a enthusiast's forum and not getting blasted for your plans/opinion of style. I appreciate all of your insight and concerns with the modding prices. You have all given me a lot to think about but I feel say more confident in buying a 94 now knowing that it is not really a step down from the 2000.

I'm going to look at this M edition tonight. What are your thoughts. I'm going to offer $3500 if it checks out.

http://lexington.craigslist.org/cto/4481781605.html

If you want my absolute honest input I would say pass. That price seems ok for a car given that age and mileage, but it should not have any bodywork needed like that. Keep searching around. Me personally I don't mind doing any and everything mechanical related, but bodywork is an entire other ball park.

I would look for one that doesnt need so much body work.

What is your zip code or the zip code of the next town over (If you dont feel comfortable divulging your zip code to us) and I will do some investigative searching to find a miata out that way. How far would you be willing to travel for the right car? What is the right price to you? Any particular reason you favor the 1.8 over the 1.6? If retro is what you are after the 1.6 has a simpler interior.

Happen to have a color or combo preference, such as power steering, power windows, abs, tan interior....

[WASABI]

^^ Andy makes a few good points. You should buy the best car you can afford. Body work is not something you want to deal with, if possible. Better to use those funds to make the car what you want it to be.

Here is one in excellent condition, and would be great to enjoy while you save up for modifications.

http://louisville.craigslist.org/cto/4506145264.html

http://images.craigslist.org/01616_iM5So6gJCfp_600x450.jpg

[riefdaddy]

I'm not sure I'd believe them on all the fluids being replaced. The brake master cylinder and clutch reservoir in the pictures have old fluid. I have a 94 and wouldn't regret getting another. The only issues I have with the 94 is it is unique with regards to the SRS system. Other than that, I really like it.

[Coanbread751]

Well...that car was a total piece of junk. The owner flat out lied about the condition of the car. I have doubts if it was even a real M edition. Anyway.....thanks to everyone who offered their opinion. Wasabi, that is a pretty car. I will definitely look into that.

Here is the 2000 model that I was looking at http://lexington.craigslist.org/cto/4500802245.html It's priced right, and looks to be in fantastic condition. It is an automatic however (not a deal breaker for me)...but there is just something about that body style that doesn't do it for me. But I keep finding myself pulling up that listing and looking at the photos...it's a pretty car.

Someone asked for my preferences. Dark green or black with tan leather interior and tan soft top is my ideal look. The problem with cars that are very far from me (Frankfort, KY) is that my current car is a real POS and driving it back and forth to Ohio and Southern KY looking at cars repeatedly just isn't going to happen.

Thanks!

[Golden Stallion]

NA>NB vintage wise. You can do soon many things to a NA while, sadly, NBs don't always get the vintage aftermarket. Either way, they are basically the same car except they get a little more electronics and more safety over the years. NBs can look vintage and look real good when pulled off right but if you want vintage out the box and just add your touch, NA is the way to go. Welcome to MR and enjoy the miata

[Phatmiata]

plenty of Vintage options for NB (if you live in Japan) :whistle:

I would stay away from an automatic Miata, thats like buying a state of the art TREK Moutain bike and putting training wheels on it. :fp:

Shifting through the gears on the miata with those short throws of the gear box and hearing the exhaust note is like music to my ears. :burnout:

[Coanbread751]

Phatmiata...I hear you about the automatic, but refer to my original post... I'm shameless. I'm in it for the style, simple as that.

What do you guys think about this 94? I have already talked the guy down to $3000 even. I love the looks. I'm just nervous about a trip to Ohio for nothing.

http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/4505047246.html

Again....I just wanted to say thanks. You guys have been more than helpful and have made me crave a Miata even more!

[imperfekt]

go for it and gives/sell me the luggage rackkkkkkkkkkk!!! lol


Phatmiata...I hear you about the automatic, but refer to my original post... I'm shameless. I'm in it for the style, simple as that.

What do you guys think about this 94? I have already talked the guy down to $3000 even. I love the looks. I'm just nervous about a trip to Ohio for nothing.

http://dayton.craigslist.org/cto/4505047246.html

Again....I just wanted to say thanks. You guys have been more than helpful and have made me crave a Miata even more!

[Phatmiata]

I think you will regret having an automatic later on. They are much slower than a standard Miata.

My first stick shift was the Miata. I could never go back to an automatic again. Even if you have never driven a stick shift before, the Miata has to be the easiest gearbox to learn.

Just say no to auto ! :p

[Rogue]

Just say no to auto ! :p

:applause:

[Coanbread751]

11933119321193411935

Some more photos that he sent me.

[Andy]

That automatic also has abs. If it were me I would avoid any automatic. They really are that bad. I drove a 94 and it was redibly slow with the automatic. This is coming from the person who has a smaller 1.6 motor with less power and much less torque.