MatosMiata's build, turning a booger into something worth looking at
06-30-2022, 04:42 PM
#221
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Feb 6 2018
I got a new window regulator from Amazon and put it in this past Friday.
PF225 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
With that complete, I was able to complete the sound deadening of this door and install my door panel. Of course, I couldn't stick with the same hardware, I had to switch it up. So, I went with all black door parts
PF219 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
I love the look of the alternating suede and vinyl. The differences in textures and tones of black is neat
PF220 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
I got a new window regulator from Amazon and put it in this past Friday.
PF225 by Jose Matos, on FlickrWith that complete, I was able to complete the sound deadening of this door and install my door panel. Of course, I couldn't stick with the same hardware, I had to switch it up. So, I went with all black door parts
PF219 by Jose Matos, on FlickrI love the look of the alternating suede and vinyl. The differences in textures and tones of black is neat
PF220 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
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06-30-2022, 04:43 PM
#222
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Feb 6 2018
Due to my driver's side window having some scratches, I left the driver's door partially uncovered. This will allow me access to change the window at a later date.
PF221 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
I then set about vacuuming the interior
PF222 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Here's another picture of my door panel. I love the minimalistic new look of the all black door!
PF223 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
My interior is finally going to be a pleasant place to be! The sound from the speakers is so clean now that the doors have sound deadening. A lot of the rattles are now gone and I hear pure, clean music. It's sweet to crank the volume up and not feel like the whole car is going to rattle apart.
PF224 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Due to my driver's side window having some scratches, I left the driver's door partially uncovered. This will allow me access to change the window at a later date.
PF221 by Jose Matos, on FlickrI then set about vacuuming the interior
PF222 by Jose Matos, on FlickrHere's another picture of my door panel. I love the minimalistic new look of the all black door!
PF223 by Jose Matos, on FlickrMy interior is finally going to be a pleasant place to be! The sound from the speakers is so clean now that the doors have sound deadening. A lot of the rattles are now gone and I hear pure, clean music. It's sweet to crank the volume up and not feel like the whole car is going to rattle apart.
PF224 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
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06-30-2022, 04:44 PM
#223
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Feb 6 2018
On the list for this weekend: Put the seats back in, possibly dye them.
Wrap center console lid in suede (if I have enough left)
Begin repairs on the soft top
Paint and sound deaden the new parcel shelf
Wash the car! Amazing how just sitting and the occasional drive can make a car dirty!
On the list for this weekend: Put the seats back in, possibly dye them.
Wrap center console lid in suede (if I have enough left)
Begin repairs on the soft top
Paint and sound deaden the new parcel shelf
Wash the car! Amazing how just sitting and the occasional drive can make a car dirty!
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06-30-2022, 04:45 PM
#224
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Feb 12 2018
Since I pulled a good condition parcel shelf from the junkyard, I removed the old one I had. I remember welding this together and painting it. It's held up really well!
PF226 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
PF227 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
The area underneath was in need of some love
PF228 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Remember that time a few weeks back when I sandblasted my trunk lol?
PF229 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
I vacuumed the entire area
PF230 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
I also removed this detestable fuzz from under the carpet. Mazda intended this as thermal/sound insulation. What it really does is hold moisture against the metal and cause it to rust. This is one reason the parcel shelf (which comes unpainted) was rusty in the first place.
PF231 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Here's a terrible picture of my all black floor pan
PF232 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Since I pulled a good condition parcel shelf from the junkyard, I removed the old one I had. I remember welding this together and painting it. It's held up really well!
PF226 by Jose Matos, on FlickrPF227 by Jose Matos, on FlickrThe area underneath was in need of some love
PF228 by Jose Matos, on FlickrRemember that time a few weeks back when I sandblasted my trunk lol?
PF229 by Jose Matos, on FlickrI vacuumed the entire area
PF230 by Jose Matos, on FlickrI also removed this detestable fuzz from under the carpet. Mazda intended this as thermal/sound insulation. What it really does is hold moisture against the metal and cause it to rust. This is one reason the parcel shelf (which comes unpainted) was rusty in the first place.
PF231 by Jose Matos, on FlickrHere's a terrible picture of my all black floor pan
PF232 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
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06-30-2022, 04:46 PM
#225
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Feb 12 2018
On another front, I started restoring my Miata seats. I am fortunate to have gotten a car with good condition seats. Their only issue was that they had faded from the sun and were sort of dirty. I washed the vinyl parts with dish soap and water last night and left them out to dry. Today, I restored the vinyl with good, old-fashioned shoe polish. It works great for this!
PF233 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
PF234 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
PF235 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
On another front, I started restoring my Miata seats. I am fortunate to have gotten a car with good condition seats. Their only issue was that they had faded from the sun and were sort of dirty. I washed the vinyl parts with dish soap and water last night and left them out to dry. Today, I restored the vinyl with good, old-fashioned shoe polish. It works great for this!
PF233 by Jose Matos, on FlickrPF234 by Jose Matos, on FlickrPF235 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
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06-30-2022, 04:46 PM
#226
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Feb 15 2018
For the next stage of my seat restoration, I mixed up some black dye. I saw a video where someone mixed up some RIT dye in a spray bottle and used it to dye the carpet in a car. I figured this method might work for the seats, so I tried it.
P236 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
For the next stage of my seat restoration, I mixed up some black dye. I saw a video where someone mixed up some RIT dye in a spray bottle and used it to dye the carpet in a car. I figured this method might work for the seats, so I tried it.
P236 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
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06-30-2022, 04:48 PM
#227
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Feb 15 2018
Unfortunately, I did this at night, so I have no way of knowing how good the results are until the sun comes up. I'll leave you with this picture of my motorcycle till then... It was nice outside this week, so she got taken for a spin
P237 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Unfortunately, I did this at night, so I have no way of knowing how good the results are until the sun comes up. I'll leave you with this picture of my motorcycle till then... It was nice outside this week, so she got taken for a spin
P237 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
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06-30-2022, 04:49 PM
#228
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Feb 20 2018
I was pretty happy with how the seats came out. They darkened a good deal. Word of advice, wear gloves or else your hands will also be dyed...for days.
Thus, the Miata parts pile grows
P238 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
I was pretty happy with how the seats came out. They darkened a good deal. Word of advice, wear gloves or else your hands will also be dyed...for days.
Thus, the Miata parts pile grows
P238 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
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06-30-2022, 04:50 PM
#229
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Feb 21 2018
Having returned from my long weekend travels, I got some work in on the Miata. The first order of business was to clean and paint my new parcel shelf:
PF239 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Followed by a hefty dose of plasti-dip to water proof the panel further (plus provide a little vibration dampening). Unfortunately, I bought two cans of dark purple plasti-dip as the lids look black smh. However, since I sprayed it over a black base, it came out dark enough that it is hard to tell
PF240 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Having returned from my long weekend travels, I got some work in on the Miata. The first order of business was to clean and paint my new parcel shelf:
PF239 by Jose Matos, on FlickrFollowed by a hefty dose of plasti-dip to water proof the panel further (plus provide a little vibration dampening). Unfortunately, I bought two cans of dark purple plasti-dip as the lids look black smh. However, since I sprayed it over a black base, it came out dark enough that it is hard to tell
PF240 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
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06-30-2022, 04:51 PM
#230
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Feb 21 2018
I left the parcel shelf out overnight and through the course of the day so it would dry out really well. Amusingly, the plasti dip looks completely black once dry, thanks to the black basecoat.
PF241 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
It was now time to really do some sound deadening on this panel, so I got my favorite stuff from Lowes!
PF242 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Here is the complete piece, ready to go on my Miata.
PF243 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
I was having a conversation whilst doing this, and I noticed that the sound deadener caused the panel to produce a weird effect on my voice. When I speak with it in front of me, my voice sounds louder to me and sort of echo-y, like when you use a microphone. I already knew this stuff worked, but it was an interesting effect to play with.
I left the parcel shelf out overnight and through the course of the day so it would dry out really well. Amusingly, the plasti dip looks completely black once dry, thanks to the black basecoat.
PF241 by Jose Matos, on FlickrIt was now time to really do some sound deadening on this panel, so I got my favorite stuff from Lowes!
PF242 by Jose Matos, on FlickrHere is the complete piece, ready to go on my Miata.
PF243 by Jose Matos, on FlickrI was having a conversation whilst doing this, and I noticed that the sound deadener caused the panel to produce a weird effect on my voice. When I speak with it in front of me, my voice sounds louder to me and sort of echo-y, like when you use a microphone. I already knew this stuff worked, but it was an interesting effect to play with.
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06-30-2022, 04:52 PM
#232
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Feb 22 2018
I got the parcel shelf installed today, starting with a full vacuum of the area below it and the entire car (it had been moved under the mango tree at some point and was full of flowers).
I got my black floors flower free
PF244 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Then, I tossed the panel on to the car. It's interesting how the purple color is only visible in daylight. It won't show under artificial lighting.
PF245 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Finally, I used the last of my golden bolts to fasten the panel
PF246 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
I am happy to report that the extra thickness did not require me to force or mod the panel to fit. It went on as stock. The main difference is that the panel is now more rigid and is really well dampened.
I got the parcel shelf installed today, starting with a full vacuum of the area below it and the entire car (it had been moved under the mango tree at some point and was full of flowers).
I got my black floors flower free
PF244 by Jose Matos, on FlickrThen, I tossed the panel on to the car. It's interesting how the purple color is only visible in daylight. It won't show under artificial lighting.
PF245 by Jose Matos, on FlickrFinally, I used the last of my golden bolts to fasten the panel
PF246 by Jose Matos, on FlickrI am happy to report that the extra thickness did not require me to force or mod the panel to fit. It went on as stock. The main difference is that the panel is now more rigid and is really well dampened.
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06-30-2022, 04:53 PM
#233
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Feb 24 2018In went a seat
PF247 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Since Miatas look for any excuse to convert into a rust bucket, I like to grease bolts before putting them back in. Especially ones that go into the floor! That's one way to rust a floor out that I won't be having!
PF248 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Here is the passenger's seat in the car
PF249 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
PF247 by Jose Matos, on FlickrSince Miatas look for any excuse to convert into a rust bucket, I like to grease bolts before putting them back in. Especially ones that go into the floor! That's one way to rust a floor out that I won't be having!
PF248 by Jose Matos, on FlickrHere is the passenger's seat in the car
PF249 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
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06-30-2022, 04:53 PM
#234
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Mar 9 2018
In order to install the driver's seat, I need a seat rail. To this end, I visited my local junkyard
PF250 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Where I had access to this little car
PF251 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Along with an NB. Neither had an acceptable seat rail, with the NA's having rusted right through the floor. This car must have spent time up north, around salted roads. That, or it was driven into the beach smh lol.
In order to install the driver's seat, I need a seat rail. To this end, I visited my local junkyard
PF250 by Jose Matos, on FlickrWhere I had access to this little car
PF251 by Jose Matos, on FlickrAlong with an NB. Neither had an acceptable seat rail, with the NA's having rusted right through the floor. This car must have spent time up north, around salted roads. That, or it was driven into the beach smh lol.
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06-30-2022, 04:54 PM
#235
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Mar 9 2018
Fortunately, it did have some odds and ends that I needed/wanted. The first and most important was this AC button, which was missing in my car
PF252 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
I also got a door switch (for the interior lights) and a new set of buttons for the pop up lights and hazard (mine probably had loose contacts and didn't work well, plus it was very faded and scratched). The aluminum bar runs from the trunk latch to the key cylinder, but was from the NB and didn't work on my NA.
PF253 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
It's interesting that the button for the hazards is black on the 1.8 cars, I like how it fits my new interior theme
PF254 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Fortunately, it did have some odds and ends that I needed/wanted. The first and most important was this AC button, which was missing in my car
PF252 by Jose Matos, on FlickrI also got a door switch (for the interior lights) and a new set of buttons for the pop up lights and hazard (mine probably had loose contacts and didn't work well, plus it was very faded and scratched). The aluminum bar runs from the trunk latch to the key cylinder, but was from the NB and didn't work on my NA.
PF253 by Jose Matos, on FlickrIt's interesting that the button for the hazards is black on the 1.8 cars, I like how it fits my new interior theme
PF254 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
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06-30-2022, 04:55 PM
#236
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Mar 9 2018
Besides that, I started working on restoring my stock steering wheel. I plan to fix all the faded black parts and replace the leather with suede.
PF255 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
I already got the leather off and removed the buttons. Making the wrap is next.
PF256 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
It will be nice to have a suede wheel in the Miata like the one I have in the Camaro. Maybe, one day, my Miata will be this dope
PF257 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Besides that, I started working on restoring my stock steering wheel. I plan to fix all the faded black parts and replace the leather with suede.
PF255 by Jose Matos, on FlickrI already got the leather off and removed the buttons. Making the wrap is next.
PF256 by Jose Matos, on FlickrIt will be nice to have a suede wheel in the Miata like the one I have in the Camaro. Maybe, one day, my Miata will be this dope
PF257 by Jose Matos, on Flickr
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06-30-2022, 04:57 PM
#237
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Mar 26 2018
So, my Miata is pending polishing and the re-installation of it's trim along with a new windshield and fluids (oil and brakes). Beyond that, I need rails to put the stock driver's seat back in and I want to finish the steering wheel. However, I've been going really slowly. Part of the reason is that I've been smitten by a whole new breed of car...
I took my SS 1LE for an oil change and while I waited in the showroom, I was in the company of this lovely ZL1 1LE. Needless to say, were it not for my plans to buy a house, that oil change would have quickly turned into a trade-in.
1 Front by Jose Matos, on Flickr
2 Side by Jose Matos, on Flickr
3 Back by Jose Matos, on Flickr
No picture can truly convey how awesome and how aggressive this car looks in person. It really made the Z06 next to it look tame by comparison.
So, my Miata is pending polishing and the re-installation of it's trim along with a new windshield and fluids (oil and brakes). Beyond that, I need rails to put the stock driver's seat back in and I want to finish the steering wheel. However, I've been going really slowly. Part of the reason is that I've been smitten by a whole new breed of car...
I took my SS 1LE for an oil change and while I waited in the showroom, I was in the company of this lovely ZL1 1LE. Needless to say, were it not for my plans to buy a house, that oil change would have quickly turned into a trade-in.
1 Front by Jose Matos, on Flickr2 Side by Jose Matos, on Flickr3 Back by Jose Matos, on FlickrNo picture can truly convey how awesome and how aggressive this car looks in person. It really made the Z06 next to it look tame by comparison.
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06-30-2022, 04:58 PM
#238
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Mar 26 2018
Seeing this color in person made me partially regret my color selection on my 1LE. As much as I love white, this grey is so stunning!
Flow tie
4 Flow Tie by Jose Matos, on Flickr
325 rear tires
5 Rear Wheel by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Mean fitment
6 Fitment by Jose Matos, on Flickr
7 Fenders by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Carbon fiber
8 Carbon by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Price tag
10 Cost by Jose Matos, on Flickr
Don't let that last part fool you though, it would be cake to talk it down to high sixties. I've bent these people's arm before lol. I would totally lose a bunch of money on that trade though and the resulting payments would make dreams of house, wife, and kids wait a few more years... decisions, decisions...
Seeing this color in person made me partially regret my color selection on my 1LE. As much as I love white, this grey is so stunning!
Flow tie
4 Flow Tie by Jose Matos, on Flickr325 rear tires
5 Rear Wheel by Jose Matos, on FlickrMean fitment
6 Fitment by Jose Matos, on Flickr7 Fenders by Jose Matos, on FlickrCarbon fiber
8 Carbon by Jose Matos, on FlickrPrice tag
10 Cost by Jose Matos, on FlickrDon't let that last part fool you though, it would be cake to talk it down to high sixties. I've bent these people's arm before lol. I would totally lose a bunch of money on that trade though and the resulting payments would make dreams of house, wife, and kids wait a few more years... decisions, decisions...
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06-30-2022, 04:59 PM
#239
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Apr 1 2018Some PDR video of the first autocross I did in my Camaro. This was essentially a lesson in not turning in too early for the Camaro's front end (Miata driving habits lol)
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06-30-2022, 05:00 PM
#240
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Apr 9 2018
Here's the video of my 2nd autocross in the Camaro. On the Miata front, I am working on upholstering my stock steering wheel in suede. First attempt was a fail, but I found a guy on youtube that has some awesome lessons on this and I'm sure my next attempt will be a success. Enjoy!
Here's the video of my 2nd autocross in the Camaro. On the Miata front, I am working on upholstering my stock steering wheel in suede. First attempt was a fail, but I found a guy on youtube that has some awesome lessons on this and I'm sure my next attempt will be a success. Enjoy!
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