Mechanically inclined but nervous to take the first leap

Okay, so I got my first full weekend to start evaluating my 91.

From the Introductions forum I followed what was recommended. My clutch slave cylinder was torn up so I replaced it and the master, bled the clutch. replaced the PVC valve and the O2 sensor (that was fun..not). Haven't done the brakes yet. I re-built the shift turret for my first project and am gradually getting familiar with the car.

I noticed while under the car this weekend that the front steering rack boots were all torn up. The car has 140k on it so I doubt anyone ever changed them. Would I be better off just buying a re-manufactured power steering rack or just replacing the boots? Just trying to get the common sense repairs done before I go crazy, but there is the learning curve and there are so many things I want to eventually do with the car.

I'm by no means a super competent mechanic...yet. Are their any classes or days when Miata owners get together and explain how to fix or modify things? I have the tools but I lack the initial confidence to rip something new apart that becomes beyond my means to put back together. I've been starting small.

If I buy the parts that I want I doubt my mechanic is going to let me hang out in the bay and watch/help with the work plus I'm the type that wants things done by the book, correctly as I'm sure most everyone here does as well. Any mechanic is just going to slap things back together as quickly as possible to improve his bottom line.

Any "Miata Consultants" or classes out there that willing to educate?

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Originally Posted by Grasshopper

Any mechanic is just going to slap things back together as quickly as possible to improve his bottom line.

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Oh really? :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Rogue

Oh really? :rolleyes:

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LOL!!!

If you are lacking mechanically, give Rogue a call. He does top notch work at a fair price, and can be trusted 100% to only fix what needs to be fixed.

http://www.miatasolutions.com/

^+1

He is the only one besides me and Titus on here that touches my car.

IIRC, I just replace my boots with no problems. Might as well replace the endlinks too, since you'll have to remove them.

I have actually already heard good things about Steven @ MiataSolutions. I meant simply to use the generalization of "any mechanic" based on some unfortunate previous occurrences with other cars.

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Originally Posted by Grasshopper

I have actually already heard good things about Steven @ MiataSolutions. I meant simply to use the generalization of "any mechanic" based on some unfortunate previous occurrences with other cars.

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Nice backpedaling! :clap:

Try and fix it! I've always gone into projects know the absolute worst thing that could happen would be the expense to tow my failed project to a mechanic. ;)

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

Nice backpedaling!

Try and fix it! I've always gone into projects know the absolute worst thing that could happen would be the expense to tow my failed project to a mechanic.

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+1 to that point of view. My current miata is the first time I have really torn into a car aside from average maintenance. They are surprisingly simple cars to work on. Theres plenty of "How to" threads/books out there to pretty much take the car apart and put it back together.

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Originally Posted by mtrx804

Theres plenty of "How to" threads/books out there to pretty much take the car apart and put it back together.

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:facepalm: If its on the interwebs it must be true……just spend some time on the MME/CR Facebook page to see exactly my point. ::fool::

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

Nice backpedaling! :clap:

Try and fix it! I've always gone into projects know the absolute worst thing that could happen would be the expense to tow my failed project to a mechanic. ;)

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Actually - knowing my ability to tear something apart, the cost of the tow to a mechanic would be the least of the expenses. I'll continue to focus on achievable projects and build up the comfort level. Something like a clutch replacement, at this stage, I would definitely take to a "reliable" mechanic.

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Originally Posted by Rogue

:facepalm: If its on the interwebs it must be true……just spend some time on the MME/CR Facebook page to see exactly my point. ::fool::

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Duh! They can't put anything on the internet that isn't true. ::hypno::

With experience comes wisdom Grasshopper.

http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/east_...886905_320.jpg

We Miata owners have a truely fantastic repair resource called "Miata Enthusiast's Shop Manual". It is available for the 1.6 and 1.8 models up to 1997. It is the most comprehensive step by step manual you'll ever find. It's my bible for working on my Miata. God knows I've worked on my Miata!

Makes the Haynes manual look like a coloring book for kids!

http://www.amazon.com/Mazda-Enthusia.../dp/1845840836

I can't imagine not having my Enthusiasts Workshop Manual.

Also, fill out your profile so we will know where you are located. Some of us will probably be close enough to come help when you need it.

The book that really helped me was: http://www.amazon.com/Mazda-Performa...mance+projects
But, anything big goes to Miata Solutions.

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Originally Posted by Mark52

We Miata owners have a truely fantastic repair resource called "Miata Enthusiast's Shop Manual". It is available for the 1.6 and 1.8 models up to 1997. It is the most comprehensive step by step manual you'll ever find. It's my bible for working on my Miata. God knows I've worked on my Miata!

Makes the Haynes manual look like a coloring book for kids!

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Well, you sold me on it. I just picked one up using cone-cerned's Amazon link.

Okay - Amazon sold another book. I had already bought the Haynes manual and the "Mazda Miata MX-5 Performance Projects" by Keith Tanner, the one that I used for the previous weekends. My goal is to bring this car back to what it deserves.

Being visually event driven - I decided to buy some front outer end links and rack boots tonight for this weekends project. I decided against buying a complete re-manufactured steering rack because the brakes might be an issue with turning noises. The boots are torn and should be replaced anyway plus links have to come off to replace the boots and it seemed like something I could accomplish. I'm looking for minor improvements to support the commitment of me doing it myself. No plug intended but Fort Worth Tire and Service is right down the road from my office so any mistakes I make this weekend should be manageable to fix the following Monday.

Bunch of A holes... Add me to the list of book owners.

Im illiterate. I can't not no none read more gooder. :D

I also have this book.

His miata has a lot of parts that most miatas don't have. But it should help you with suspension stuff,etc. Go through the build thread on Bert on the Flyin' Miata website, and call FM with any questions.

"Gator bait" bought "Bert", not "Grasshopper".

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Originally Posted by Rogue

"Gator bait" bought "Bert", not "Grasshopper".

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What? Huh? Someone say my name? ;) ...I still have 2 weeks before I get my new toy and starting my own "hold my hand" threads. Just enjoying others' until then. :)

As Miata owners we are blessed. The Miata is one of the most shadetree mechanic friendly autos you can buy. It's not much more complicated than the cars of the '60s and '70s outside of the ECU and you don't have to tune carbs.

You want to change your boots, do it. I'd seriously consider tie rod ends and ball joints at the same time though. Brakes? Brakes on a Miata, maybe the easiest of any car of all time.

You can find a lot of good how to articles at the pointy board aka miata.net. Those and any shop manual will have you performing almost any routine maintenance. If you get stuck outside of that ask for help. If your Miata is your daily driver, you may want to hire someone like Rogue to save yourself tons of time and headaches. Nothing worse than finding out you are in over your head on Sunday night at 8pm....

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Originally Posted by Rogue

"Gator bait" bought "Bert", not "Grasshopper".

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Whoops. Thanks Rogue.

Managed to replace the outer tie rods and boots last weekend. Ordered some MOOG boots online; they came with crappy zip tie like clamps but at least the boots aren't cracked anymore plus the new boots on the outer ties are nice. Learned what a pickle fork was. No difference in noise or handling, however... they are especially nice to look at ( if you are lying down on the garage floor). Looking around under the front of the car I can see the bushings are completely cracked up.

This weekend is brakes, Best Brakes brand from O'Reilly. Got pads and hardware kits. My parking brake is useless so I figured I'd so a side at a time to avoid the car rolling on me.

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Originally Posted by Grasshopper

This weekend is brakes, Best Brakes brand from O'Reilly. Got pads and hardware kits. My parking brake is useless so I figured I'd so a side at a time to avoid the car rolling on me.

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Great information on the parking brake - http://www.miata.net/garage/ebrake/ & http://www.miata.net/garage/brakepad.html

Doing one side at a time is always a good idea, at least for me. If you get in trouble with the side you're working on, you can go around the car and look at the unmolested side.

I will prob get hell for this but, Mike MiataKing on YouTube had some good easy to follow info.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvL...k4kEIgcsbi03YA

I too have been meaning to pick up that book by Rod Grainger, always see it as highly recommended. The Miata is a great car to learn basic maintenance on since it has the easiest chassis configuration, front engine and rear wheel drive. The community of Miata owners is one of, if not the best group of enthusiasts. :)

Last weekend was perfect for work in the garage. Car jacked up, tools and parts ready, weekend however; way to hot to hot in the garage! Working with Netflix indoors instead. Maybe next weekend for brakes. Thanks for the help, links and info!

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

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Try and fix it! I've always gone into projects know the absolute worst thing that could happen would be the expense to tow my failed project to a mechanic. ;)

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This ^^^^. You've got tools and the right frame of mind. Time to take the pebble, grasshopper.

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Originally Posted by POS Racing

Try and fix it! I've always gone into projects know the absolute worst thing that could happen would be the expense to tow my failed project to a mechanic. ;)

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http://militarylawyer.files.wordpres...1u49w60_35.jpg

Wow - Just changing out the brakes made a huge difference. Previous owner neglected to or opted not to use all the hardware. Front brakes were missing springs and shims - pad were worn unevenly but the rotors looked good. Since the tie rods and brake changes most of the turning and stopping noises have gone away and the car handles much better.

Buying a new clutch and flywheel this week. Was thinking about a Stage 1. Exedy has a full organic for about $300.00 but I also saw a full organic Bahnhof on Ebay for under $100.00. Seems to good to be true. Any recommendations? My budget it about $300.00 for clutch and $300.00 for flywheel.

A exedy replacement shouldn't run you anywhere near that much.
http://www.amazon.com/EXEDY-10036-OE.../dp/B001B592VQ

Unless you are planning on making more power a stock clutch should be fine. (And Still drive nice.)

Can I still use a lighter flywheel with the stock clutch?

Yes. Won't be a issue.