Planning for the future: a miata journal

[Jarrett]

Hi all!!
WOW, it has been an insane amount of time since I updated this beast. While I'm not as far as one would like. I am content with the direction it's progressing.
As of now I am making a complete list of goals and necessities, continuing to strip the car as far down as i can get comfortably to paint, and trying my best to clean and polish what is staying.
Finally got the van loaded and the last of my tools over to get started.



Then took it on a final drive around for a while... good times.

utterly irresponsible


I decided I would start by tearing it all apart. 1) to paint anything and get the closest to decent i can with my overall paint job. 2) to really look closely and tweak/fix anything i possibly can.


I also tried the damaged area in aqua to see what it would look like... not a fan.



looking into the depth and extent of body work. This was so THICK!



I do still have the dash and carpet to get out of the interior.

Storing all of this at a separate location so i can get it cleaned and keep it that way.

Got bored and tried some charcoal metallic on the wheels.

I enjoy the color on the wheels and thought... would you like the whole car charcoal? NOPE!!


Well there is my lackluster update on what i have done in the last 5 months. Next on the plan is to continue to strip the car, remove any and all body filler found, and stack as many things as I can to make the car I would like to have.
Thank you for the look.

[—tsingson—]

I actually like that charcoal on the car but it's completely up to you. Can't wait to see where this is heading.

[Jarrett]

I do like the color but the metallic feels off. I think a solid plain charcoal would look better. I don't really have an idea of a color yet. I just don't want red.

[—tsingson—]

A couple of buddies and I are going to be in TN on the 7th of Nov. We are doing some backroad driving on Highway 421. If you are available and any others in the area, it would be cool to meet up.

[Jarrett]

Yeah that would be great. I will chime in on the thread you all have for it and see

[Jarrett]

Ground out all the filler found.


not thick at all


even got the girlfriend to suit up and help out!

[Greasemonkey2000]

Geez i cringe every time i see rust. Hope you get it all sorted out. I second the charcoal color but rather like the metallic, personally.

[Jarrett]

Cleaned the current daily.
Finally put some filler on it.

[—tsingson—]

Love the daily!

[Jarrett]

Thanks! scooters are a special kind of fun.

[Jarrett]

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?

[Demon I Am]

I think these trunks (NA and NB) have always had some leak issue. My NBs always had some dampness after heavy rain. I think the drain channels are not sufficient for heavy weather. That is a lot of rust to mitigate. without having metalwork done, I'd scour off what you , use some Naval Jelly, and then seal with something good like POR15

[HarryB]

Holy. Found out mine had accumulated some rust over the years a few days back, but looks way better than this

[Jarrett]

I think these trunks (NA and NB) have always had some leak issue. My NBs always had some dampness after heavy rain. I think the drain channels are not sufficient for heavy weather. That is a lot of rust to mitigate. without having metalwork done, I'd scour off what you , use some Naval Jelly, and then seal with something good like POR15

Thanks, I had not heard of Naval Jelley Before. I ordered some to test and see what metal is even left.

[Rogue]

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.