This and That

I've been slacking on updating this and have been meaning to make a Bullshittin' In The Backyard 3 post... I'll get to it eventually. In the mean-time here's a quick random collection of photos from the last 6 months or so. Hover over the images for descriptions. 

Miata Cage Timeline 1

I've been slowly chipping away at caging the new Miata chassis; working a few hours at a time after work maybe once or twice month. I'm fitting the cage and tacking it in but having Dale burn it in because I don't trust my welds enough and because his will look better.  I'm extremely grateful that Dale has gave me full access to the shop and his tools; I can't thank him enough. Working around my free time and Dales has been challenging to say the least, but he's okay with it sitting in the shop, and I still have the other Miata for seat time. 

The interior has been stitch welded in all the important areas, the driver side floor and the Destroy or Die brackets have been modified/massaged to fit the bucket seat. I recommend buying a flat bottom seat if you want a plug and play bucket with these brackets, but I'm still glad I went with the seat I did. Most of the front half of the caged is fit and tacked in, just need to finish the driver side door bars and get the anti-intrusion bars mocked up. Hoping to get the cage completely fitted and welded in by the end of June. After that I will be painting the interior and engine bay, then trailering the car home wo start Engine stuff. KMiata swap stuff should be arriving later this month.

I didn't take photos of every step, but you'll get the idea. Hover over the images for descriptions. I've referenced Tom Hamptons blog (LINK) a bunch as it's been the best resource for photos of the installation process of the Advanced Autosports Spec Miata cage. Not a fan of some of the things he decided to do, but either way it's a solid resource and a fun read.

K power!

 Pulled the trigger on a K24Z3. This complicated the new build, but I think it's a better route than turbo-ing. Pretty excited to have 200ish WHP NA and Honda reliability. Got some new seats too. Driver bucket is bolted to a set of modified Destroy or Die brackets. Passenger is a stock black miata seat.

Miata Dump

 Some photos sent to me from a FullLock MacPark event earlier this year when the miatas front sub frame and frame rails were still straight and it didn't look like a rolling piece of shit.

 

 Another couple photos from the last event of 2020, Fulllock at OMC. Obviously this is after my wreck with the 350z I posted about earlier. Looks terrible...the sub frame is tweaked and the hood latch is off by about 2 inches which is why it's  hood-less, but its good enough and still rips. 

Slowly working on the new miata... I'll update when its worth while.

Miata: Tires, Brakes, Wheel Bearings, Hubs, Federals

Rear driver-side is done. Remembered I had a wheel bearing puller from forever ago, so it made quick work of removing and installing the wheel bearings and hubs. The biggest issue was getting the C-clip out and back in. Coated everything in some high temp grease and re-installed. Had to refurbish the caliper, but it wasn't a big deal. Some rust remover, solvent, and a plastic wire brush made it easy. Cleaned, re-painted, and re-greased everything before putting it all back together. Noticed one of the infamous anti-rattle "M" springs fell out, so I'll probably order a replacement set before finishing the other side, even though I know they aren't necessary. The Supermiata braided SS brake line is installed and good to go. I rounded the compression fitting nut taking the old line off because I didn't have a line wrench, but a small pipe wrench got it off and all back together. I can put off buying a flare tool...for now. While I was at it I cleaned the wheel arch and suspension components. My buddy, Alec, also got the  Federals mounted! Finishing up the passenger side brakes and then I'll swap wheel spacers up front (going 0.25" wider) and get this thing road worthy again. I think my battery shit the bed, so add that to the list of things I need to waste money on.

 

 

Miata: Rear Brake Disassembly

Started working on the rear brakes after my Supermiata braided stainless steel lines came in only to realize that my rear wheel bearings are toast. Ordered some replacements that should be here soon as well as some 205/50/15 Federal 595 RS-RR's.Found some deer jerky remnants from an incident a few months ago, but Otis made quick work of it. Cleaning and refurbishing the calipers before putting it all back together.