Planning for the future: a miata journal

[Jarrett]

Likely from the drain tubes on the battery not installed......I see it often.
Make sure to neutralize the acid behind the seam sealer at the fender joint.
I take the seam sealer out, neutralize, then replace it.
On rust...I use the green rust eater I get at Ace Hdw.
I do it several times, don't rush.....make sure you get it all, or it will come back.

100% correct guess! the battery did not have vents. I just got a super start replacement. Thank you for all of the information and steps. What is the general opinion of 3M Dynatron seam sealer? That seems like it would fit the job.

[Jarrett]

I also picked up this kit to use the metal prep and POR15.


Friday is the big day!!

[Jarrett]

Question... Should i keep the hard top or sell it? Would anyone pursue fixing it?
I have had this hard top for a little over a year now. I picked it up because we all need a hard top! Right? It has some damage, but the defrost works and it keeps the weather out. I got it for a decent deal at $700. I am much more drawn to the soft top though and just get don't find myself using it as much. There aren't really any local events or things that it is needed for specifically, so I just can't decide on bird in hand or bird in bush. Sell now and just look later if one is needed? Keep now even though it goes mostly unused just in case i need it someday.

Apologies as I suck at explaining anything. Hopefully some of you can understand the point I'm not sure if I'm making.

This is the hard top.







As always thanks for any help, suggestions, or criticism.

[Demon I Am]

As damaged as it was, I regret selling mine. If it fits and seals properly, you can make it look pretty

[Jarrett]

As damaged as it was, I regret selling mine. If it fits and seals properly, you can make it look pretty

Thank you. That is my exact fear.

[— kung fu jesus —]

I’ve seen a lot worse. I would fix it and keep it.

[MaRcOp01o]

Found this yesterday. Battery had died and needed a change.


Anyone have suggestion on finding this leak? and does anyone have a preferred sealant. undercoating? Flex Seal?

I had the same problem on my NB. i poked a couple holes in the bottom and painted it with a really thick rubber coating. i painted the inside and under the car wear i painted the holes.

[HarryB]

Problem with plain holes is that the battery tray is located right behind the wheel well, so all the upwash from the wheel will essentially be sprayed through the holes into the battery tray and eventually into your trunk.

[Jarrett]

Agreed. I don't want to just have drain holes. There are some already there. Getting started tonight.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Jarrett]

Got All of the POR15 and undercoat applied. That can be found here -->http://mazdaroadster.net/showthread....806#post223806
Feels solid and seems ok for now.

Went on a drive when all was reassembled. Halfway through I head a crazy clank from the front. Pulled into a gas station and found this.



I thought this was fun, caught the drip.


Pretty sure its the water pump. Figure I will go ahead and order a full timing set. Suggestions are totally welcome.

Tune in next time!