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Right... let's try this for the third time. I have previously owned 2 SE's, both sold in moments of weakness, which were a blast. To avoid repeating history I had to go further back in history - right to where it all started with this Sep 1989 NA6.

I'm a sucker for classic stock cars. This wasn't always the case - I've had my fair share of slightly to highly modified ones. Lately though I've come to appreciate the nostalgia of old cars. I don't need them to be fast anymore. I get my kicks from working on them, solving little problems, marveling at the engineering even in the smallest of components, restoring where I can, replacing as little as possible and growing in experience.

I am working on restoring another car to strict OEM specs so I've decided to let whatever-is-left-of-my-hair down with the NA6. This means I can have a bit of fun with the suspension and wheels, maybe intake and exhaust but nothing irreversible. I would still like to be able to bring the car back to original spec with the turn of a few spanners and screwdrivers.

I bought this car because it was very close to original spec and with a change of wheels and airbox it’s pretty much as it was sold. I am the third owner and it appears to have been lovingly cared for and used for its 128,000 km’s. It’s by no means perfect with many small dings in the body but it’s evident care has been taken to protect and preserve it as much as possible while enjoying it. Perfect for my needs as this will be the car I drive and enjoy while I complete my other one.

As silly as it may sound, I all but purchased this car over the phone prior to seeing it. I caught a flight down to Melbourne on Saturday morning and drove home that day. I had been searching for some months and this just seemed like the car.

The drive home highlighted just how smooth the drive train is but also how tired the suspension is. At highway speed with a shake of the wheel the car sways lazily back and forth like a boat and does not instill confidence. I have since noticed the front wheels have a visible toe out but am unsure if this is the main cause. I have not yet had time to inspect the suspension components. A quick bounce test on all corners suggests the shocks are OK but that might not be the case. Time will tell.

I don't have many photos yet but for now here are some phone pics.

It's good to be back in the seat of a 5.

and he is back!

I was going to message you soon Regie. After the alignment I want you to drive it to see what you think of the suspension. An alignment might correct it but I'm sceptical.

I'm just looking for an excuse to do the suspension sooner.

Sometimes you just have to start with the small things...

I noticed the drivers side interior light wasn't working so a quick disassemble and clean with contact cleaner spray did the trick. It's so bright now that I have to keep it turned off...

These lights are such a token effort. I've seen people swap them out for bright LED's which looks usable. Has anyone done it and is pleased with the conversion?

Did you know that filling a window washer bottle takes most of the night?

Popped the cap last night and a tasty smell smacked me in the face. The water had grown fungus which was black and clinging for dear life to the plastic. I doubt the previous owner had ever used the washer. At least it was topped up though right?

After a nice bath the bottle smelled lemony and looked the business.

I found some clear hose which was 1mm too wide although it fit well within most of the clips and it had a nice tight fit for the plastic joints so I used it.

The 90 degree joint that clips on to the bonnet was broken so I'll need to source it. It's part number 56-775A.

A quick clean around the area and we're ready to wash windows!

Very Nice.

I noticed you still have an original Momo wheel. If you need the cover for it. I have 2. They are not in immaculate condition. They've been sitting under the house. I know each has spent a total of 5 min each on the steering wheel.But there are some minor dents in them from other parts pressing on them while sitting there for the last 17 & 20 years. Another replacement Momo wheel I bought in around 2001. cant tell which is which. One is the original from 1989. The other is off the replacement.

The offer is very much appreciated.

If the dents are noticeable I might leave them with you under your house instead of under mine... My OCD nature will most likely not allow me to use it.

But yes! I am looking for a crash pad.

Looks tidy overall & welcome back!

two40 wrote:looking for a crash pad.

Seemingly scarce here these days, but do come up on UK ebay & UK MX5 used part websites from time to time.

Upgraded the interior light bulbs to leds in my NA6. Could read by the light now. Do it.


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Chuppa wrote:Upgraded the interior light bulbs to leds in my NA6. Could read by the light now. Do it.

+1

Welcome back George.

Cheers

I must have been kidding myself thinking I could stay away.

Finding parts for an early NA is a dream compared to my other restoration!

Picked up an air box and related piping which will go in once I receive the bolts. Prior to that though while the air plumbing is not in the way a good engine detail is in order. I've got a week off work so my little fingers will be busy scrubbing.

Also got some Daisy wheels. Now, I know they're not strictly correct as the centre caps are JDM style but I got them for a fair price and I don't mind using them for general daily duties. I am on the lookout for Aus style ones in good condition.

Are the centre caps the only difference between JDM and Aus ones? Or are there differences in stamping or something?

They came with Pirelli P6's. Are they any good? I'm not expecting fantastic sticky rubber, just wondering what they're like amongst the poor choice of 14" rubber...?

I'm pretty certain the AUDM cent-re caps had Mazda written on them. I dont recall if the word was sunken or raised. Someone posted an image of the Sydney motor show in 1989 of the red Mx5 recently......might be time to find that.

I have this very faint memory of the word mazda being painted black. I couldn't be too sure though.