Just moved from Brisbane to Melbourne

[Alonso]

Hi all,

Have just moved from Brisbane to Melbourne and after the initial expense of switching rego & buying new number plates (around $800 total), I'm now ready to get a few minor things done to the car.

In Brisbane I used Automotive Plus and was very happy. I also used the Mazda dealership in Newstead.

Wondering if anyone has any tips for non-dealership MX-5 expertise in Melbourne?

Also, any body shop recommendations?
(Just a couple of supermarket trolley dinks to remove and some scratches underneath the front number plate due to very steep driveway)

Looking to buy a few non-critical items:
- matching wheel, gear stick & handbreak (happy to buy the parts separately but would need someone to install, or happy to buy directly from the installer, whichever is more cost effective).
- 2 new floor mats

Any pointers for Melbourne much appreciated!

Cheers
Alonso

[stilletto_rebel]

Hi Alonso,

Welcome to Melbourne. I hope you like rain! What suburb are you in?

[Alonso]

Hi stilletto_rebel.......I'm in Malvern East. Have just returned to Melbourne after 3 years in Brisbane so knew what to expect weather-wise!!

[Lokiel]

Hi stilletto_rebel.......I'm in Malvern East. Have just returned to Melbourne after 3 years in Brisbane so knew what to expect weather-wise!!

And yet you still returned to Melbourne???

[Nevyn72]

Hi stilletto_rebel.......I'm in Malvern East. Have just returned to Melbourne after 3 years in Brisbane so knew what to expect weather-wise!!

And yet you still returned to Melbourne???

True, should have split the difference and moved to Sydney!

Not too hot and humid..... not too cold and wet..... Just right!

[Lokiel]

Hi stilletto_rebel.......I'm in Malvern East. Have just returned to Melbourne after 3 years in Brisbane so knew what to expect weather-wise!!

And yet you still returned to Melbourne???

True, should have split the difference and moved to Sydney!

Not too hot and humid..... not too cold and wet..... Just right!

Too much $$$, and rugby and not enough Aussie Rules though!
(I'm an ex-Croweater so to me, Rugby League and Union are just the same obscure sport that's boring to watch).

[Mr Morlock]

Melb is a good choice and East Malvern is a pretty classy suburb and close to where its all happening. Melb climate - easy to live with- much less humidity than both Sydney and Brisbane etc and its simply not true that we have a lot of rain.

As far as dents are concerned the dentless repairs is the way to go and there are plenty of guys doing it. For bigger body repairs and painting the MX5 Factory ( Oven Baked Enamels)- Ringwood in the East ) is a very competent painter. The MX5 Factory also do servicing and can supply some accessories etc. Easy access from your location.

[taminga16]

Welcome back, this link, viewtopic.php?f=64&t=17056 will be a great help.
Greg.

[Alonso]

It's funny but in Queensland everyone said "Why move to Melbourne.....the weather's terrible"......ignoring the 6-9 months of humidity, storm season and lack of daylight savings they have up there! I'm fond of both cities and already miss travelling to work on the CityCat!

My reason was simple....I moved from Melbourne to Brisbane for a 3 year work project and have just moved back once it finished. I bought the MX-5 up there in May as the winters are superb up there!

The car is a 2001 and in pretty good shape.....there are only 2 dinks but i can see them and file them under "annoying".....but if I can get them fixed for a reasonable price I'll go for it. The scuffs under the front of the number plate are the result of a very steep driveway in Brisbane and you can't seem them unless you look underneath.....but again, I know they're there so will fix if not too expensive.

The other bits and bobs are "nice to haves"....the floor mats have seen better days and I would like proper MX-5 replacements.......and would like to tastefully upgrade the interior with steering wheel, handbrake and gear stick. Also have a small crack in the windscreen. It hasn't changed in 8 months so maybe it can be sealed up.

Thanks for the tips, will check out the factory and read the other link.

I've seen a few mx-5s around my area already......though as you get closer to south Yarra they become porches and ferraris!!

[Hot Rodders]

Welcome back Alonso and don't forget that some forum members meet for either dinner or coffee or both at The Garage cafe in Carlton on a Thursday night. See the events/Melbourne area of the forum.
Cheers!
HR

[93_Clubman]

Wondering if anyone has any tips for non-dealership MX-5 expertise in Melbourne? Also, any body shop recommendations?

SE of Melb:
Dean @ Motorsports Essentials, 6 Macbeth St, Braeside, 9587 0079;
Allmaz, 492 Clayton Rd, Clayton, 9544 7044; or
&
Vu @ DT Panels, 12 Lightwood Rd, Springvale 9562 3633, also open on Saturdays; or
AAA Bodyworks, 44 Connell Rd, Oakleigh 9569 0451.

[Alonso]

Thanks Hot Rodders.....will keep that in mind, a bit busy in January with trying to get my other toy (Vespa) ready for sale and once that's done I'll be free.
Love January in Melbourne, with the light nights + Asian Cup + tennis about to start....I'll get a lot more done in February.

93_Clubman....cheers for the details, will check them all out. If I get my Vespa sold quickly, I'll reinvest in improvements on the MX-5!

[rhyde]

alonso
u cant go past the mx5 factory in ringwood
fanttttaaaasssstic mechanics and panel beaters as well
2 in one place.
ive had mechanical work done there and dick is a legend of a bloke and honest
ive seen his panel beating work and its insane
someone here had there car transformed into brg model. and it was insane'
ill post a link hang on

[rhyde]

here u go
third from top

viewtopic.php?f=18&t=56008&start=1335

[Alonso]

Thanks Rhyde, just saw this, have been offline for a couple of days.