Another Newbie

ManiacLachy · Postby **ManiacLachy** » Tue Jan 14, 2014 10:01 am

Hello all!

I've been a roadster fan for ages, sadly from afar. MX-5s have long been on my radar, and I now have my heart set on an NB-SE later this year.

The potential of the car, and the endless options to personalise it are staggering! I'm not looking to create a track monster, just a sporty, stylish, fun daily driver to liven up the the commute, and to play with on the weekends.

I really liked Lokiel's mods, gives me lots of inspiration (need to get my hands on one of those double-bubble tourneaus!). I reallly had my heart set on replacing the steering wheel with a Prototipo, and was crushed to find out that we can't replace airbag steering wheels with non-airbag wheels. I mean crushed! Considered going for an NA just to get that wheel, but I think the SE is for me.

Loving this forum, looking forward to learning from you all and joining the community out on the road soon!

fastfreddygassit · Postby **fastfreddygassit** » Tue Jan 14, 2014 12:26 pm

Welcome to the obsession! :mrgreen:

The SE is a great choice and Lokiel's mods are well thought out and are a good template to use if you are that way inclined.
(Just don't mention 17" wheels)

I feel your pain re: steering wheel restrictions, but the SE wheel grows on you.

If you are serious about getting a SE later this year, may I suggest you start keep a "scrap book" of all the SE ads now (carsales, gumtree, ebay, etc).
That way, when you are ready to buy, you can follow trends on pricing versus kms/condition versus modifications.
It also helps to find the cars that have been for sale for a long time (read: seller may be more inclined to be flexible on sale price).
And don't be afraid to buy from interstate.
Best of luck, and once again, welcome! :BROADY:

davekmoore · Postby **davekmoore** » Tue Jan 14, 2014 1:21 pm

Welcome.

Freddy's scrapbook idea is a good one.

Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Tue Jan 14, 2014 1:36 pm

ManiacLachy wrote::
I reallly had my heart set on replacing the steering wheel with a Prototipo, and was crushed to find out that we can't replace airbag steering wheels with non-airbag wheels. I mean crushed! Considered going for an NA just to get that wheel, but I think the SE is for me.
:

I sympathise completely. I'd love a flat-bottomed steering wheel to make entry/exit easier and am currently driving a 1.6L NA with Momo steering wheel that feels fantastic (not flat-bottomed though).

The SEs are coming up more often than they used to so take your time and choose wisely.

Also, I think I read a whisper about 17" rims

If the car comes with them, you can use that as a negotiating point to get a cheaper price on the car since you'll want to upgrade then to 15" or 16" rims in future (sorry, couldn't help myself).

ManiacLachy · Postby **ManiacLachy** » Tue Jan 14, 2014 3:04 pm

Thanks for the warm welcome guys. I have definitely caught the obession, a few things to sort out in other areas of life, then it's on to the SE!

I've saved several cars through Carsales, but recording them would be a good idea to keep a history. I think I should also start a mods scrap book, so many great possibilities. I'm hearing you on the 15"/16" wheels too.

Are there any aftermarket steering wheel options that carry an airbag?

Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Tue Jan 14, 2014 3:21 pm

ManiacLachy wrote::Are there any aftermarket steering wheel options that carry an airbag?

When I was looking initially I didn't find any options. The problem is that the airbag itself is expensive (and dangerous) and would need to be certified to ADR standards for each car type - way too much mulah for any aftermarket manufacturers to concern themselves with and way too costly for most consumers to even consider purchasing.

ManiacLachy · Postby **ManiacLachy** » Tue Jan 14, 2014 3:40 pm

Good point. Oh well, plenty other things to keep me occupied, when I get there

CaptainNate · Postby **CaptainNate** » Wed Jan 15, 2014 8:36 am

Welcome!

As it is inevitable it will be said, I should add it quickly - NA + Choo Choo + Flat bottomed wheel = Happy :wink:

Do-able for around the price of a good SE

ManiacLachy · Postby **ManiacLachy** » Sat Jan 18, 2014 3:03 pm

Well I started my scrap book, it very quickly became many pages long, with lots of pictures and links! Sort of a wish list of parts and mods. I have quite a clear picture in my head of how I'd like the car to evolve already. Of course, I have no doubts my wants and expectation will change with time and experience with the car.

Just a few months and I think I'll be ready to get my car!

I have considered going the NA route, there are some spectacular versions out there, but I think the SE is the one for me, in Titanium or Black, please

maxgus · Postby **maxgus** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 3:19 pm

I know of some one who swapped their Nb steering wheel a porche one from Germany and it cost around $1000! Not sure if he is on this forum.

Crapweasel · Postby **Crapweasel** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 6:09 pm

ManiacLachy wrote:Well I started my scrap book, it very quickly became many pages long, with lots of pictures and links! Sort of a wish list of parts and mods. I have quite a clear picture in my head of how I'd like the car to evolve already. Of course, I have no doubts my wants and expectation will change with time and experience with the car.

Just a few months and I think I'll be ready to get my car!

I have considered going the NA route, there are some spectacular versions out there, but I think the SE is the one for me, in Titanium or Black, please

Welcome!

Titanium is a great colour, and black looks spectacular but getting a hold of one of the 13 that Australia got could be a long wait!

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Sun Jan 19, 2014 9:06 pm

Crapweasel wrote:Welcome!

Titanium is a great colour, and black looks spectacular but getting a hold of one of the 13 that Australia got could be a long wait!

Agreed, Titanium is by far the best colour..... But then I'm a bit biased there....... :oops:

As for getting a black one, well...... it just depends on how much you're willing to fork out, and how much time he want's to spend cleaning it! :wink:

http://www.carsales.com.au/dealer/detai ... =2&sdmvc=1
Although I'm pretty sure this one is already in Lachy's scrapbook... :mrgreen:

Good luck with the search there Lachy, speaking as a recent SE purchaser, I still have that goofy smile every time I take mine out of the garage.... for any reason.... I can come up with.... and ummmm..... I can be fairly creative on that front too..... :wink:

ManiacLachy · Postby **ManiacLachy** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 11:07 am

Thanks all. Yep, I've got that black one tagged, but for $21K, I'll keep on walking! There's a great Sunlight Silver up at Caboolture (about an hour from me) for a great price + hard top, but I don't think I want silver ... so picky!

Funny you should mention the porsche wheel, maxgus, I was thinking something like their Sport Design wheel would fit my looks desires (simple classic looks, unadorned spokes, nice thick rim) and the government requirements, don't think I have the bank for it though

Rocky · Postby **Rocky** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 12:46 pm

Hi Lachy, welcome and good luck with the future purchase.
I had a Momo on my 124 Sport in the late 70s - see vintage photo - they are certainly a nice touch for an enthusiast but the standard MX5 tiller is not the ugliest one I have ever seen and lets face it, when you're driving you are not looking at it.

ManiacLachy · Postby **ManiacLachy** » Mon Jan 20, 2014 1:40 pm

Thanks Rocky, great photo. You're right, the standard wheel really isn't a problem at all, and worrying about it now is putting the cart before the horse. First, get the car!