Fun with a Sawzall
#46
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It was a nice sunny day so of course the top was down. Car (my old 96, pretty much stock) was running fine, so I was shocked when they gave me a 'fail' sticker. I asked why and they said the top had to be up.
1. If that's true, then why didn't someone tell me before I drove through? I would have put it up.
2. They said it's a safety feature. All the top protects me from is rain, UV rays, and bird poop. Nevermind the BIG STEEL ROLLBAR ... ???
3. I put the top up to show the guy it works. They made me drive all the way through and have everything re-tested.
Another guy here in NJ failed because his shift **** didn't have the pattern on top. Nor does anyone else with an aftermarket **** (i.e. most of us), but only he failed for it.
#49
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Windshield and frame alone weighed about 60-70 lbs.
I am trying to think of a place locally that i could even weigh it at. All local dumps are pay for the size not weight adn there are not truck stops with cat scales anywhere near me. I need to start looking around.
I am trying to think of a place locally that i could even weigh it at. All local dumps are pay for the size not weight adn there are not truck stops with cat scales anywhere near me. I need to start looking around.
#53
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Bringing this one back from the dead.
Found this thread by way of a google search on "sawzall miata". I just bought an 06/89 miata last night that is barely crunched on both ends, but perfect for my project.
Are there any more of these out there now? Any more detailed pics and info. from the guys that have already done it? Any future plans, and/or regrets?
I've got to send some Konis back for rebuild and I'm sure I'll need a different spring rate for the Ground Controls. Has anyone put one of these on scales to see weight distribution?
I will autoX my car so I need to make sure my trimming doesn't bring me to the point of having a flexible car, but I will cage it also.
I did a LS6 Miata build a few years ago based on a miatacage.com kit that I extended through the firewall to the front shock towers; I will do a custom cage this time with only the main hoop above my head. Because I will cut the A-pillar off I'm only going to run the front hoop high enough to support the steering column and then I will again go through the firewall to the front shock towers.
For you guys that have really cut these cars, maybe some of you to the point of being able to put them in a dumpster, is there a way to remove more of the bulkiness around the firewall area and the area where those Boss Frog Fender Braces go?
Thanks in advance! I'm glad I found y'all.
Robert
Found this thread by way of a google search on "sawzall miata". I just bought an 06/89 miata last night that is barely crunched on both ends, but perfect for my project.
Are there any more of these out there now? Any more detailed pics and info. from the guys that have already done it? Any future plans, and/or regrets?
I've got to send some Konis back for rebuild and I'm sure I'll need a different spring rate for the Ground Controls. Has anyone put one of these on scales to see weight distribution?
I will autoX my car so I need to make sure my trimming doesn't bring me to the point of having a flexible car, but I will cage it also.
I did a LS6 Miata build a few years ago based on a miatacage.com kit that I extended through the firewall to the front shock towers; I will do a custom cage this time with only the main hoop above my head. Because I will cut the A-pillar off I'm only going to run the front hoop high enough to support the steering column and then I will again go through the firewall to the front shock towers.
For you guys that have really cut these cars, maybe some of you to the point of being able to put them in a dumpster, is there a way to remove more of the bulkiness around the firewall area and the area where those Boss Frog Fender Braces go?
Thanks in advance! I'm glad I found y'all.
Robert
#55
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Here's where I am so far. Yesterday a few friends came by to pull of what was marketable and then this afternoon I started cutting. I was hoping to get more done, but the neighbors kept coming by and then I ran out of daylight.
I'm not going to cut out anymore right now until after the cage so I don't fold the car up under it's own weight between now and then, but after I get it back...ITS ON!! errr off, depending on how you look at it.
I left a little bit more of the rear frame rails than RHarris and Old Guy, but I did that so a trailer hitch can be welded between those rear rails for rigidity and for a hitch hauler for out of town events.
After the dash and carpet come out I'll be at a stopping point until my cage appt. 4/28.
A few pics before (yesterday), then during (yesterday afternoon), and then from this afternoon.
The previous owner threw in the 8-ball shifter, huge bird mess splatters, and interior home paint all over the hood and front bumper for no charge.
I'm not going to cut out anymore right now until after the cage so I don't fold the car up under it's own weight between now and then, but after I get it back...ITS ON!! errr off, depending on how you look at it.
I left a little bit more of the rear frame rails than RHarris and Old Guy, but I did that so a trailer hitch can be welded between those rear rails for rigidity and for a hitch hauler for out of town events.
After the dash and carpet come out I'll be at a stopping point until my cage appt. 4/28.
A few pics before (yesterday), then during (yesterday afternoon), and then from this afternoon.
The previous owner threw in the 8-ball shifter, huge bird mess splatters, and interior home paint all over the hood and front bumper for no charge.
#58
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We strarted needing parts for the other 4 cars we have and before we knew it, most of the stuff had been taken off. The "body" is still sitting up, but I doubt it will ever get used. At this point I have little to no time for projects, but in the future it may get revisited.
I do have another car here that I could swap everything over to it from, but that takes time. Time I don't have. I really miss college.
I do have another car here that I could swap everything over to it from, but that takes time. Time I don't have. I really miss college.
#59
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Took it on a 40 mile drive to a friend's body shop today so he could stitch weld some areas and weld in some sf connectors before I cut anymore.
Today was the only day I had available within a few weeks to do this. So with the wife and kids in the other car to follow me, we took off into a severe thunderstorm. Me? No headlights, no windshield wipers, no defroster, I did have brake lights though! Every so often I would wipe the inside of the windshield off and I drove with the windows down.
Except for sliding a hardtop on before venturing out this morning. Here's what I drove.
You talk about getting the looks! LOL
Today was the only day I had available within a few weeks to do this. So with the wife and kids in the other car to follow me, we took off into a severe thunderstorm. Me? No headlights, no windshield wipers, no defroster, I did have brake lights though! Every so often I would wipe the inside of the windshield off and I drove with the windows down.
Except for sliding a hardtop on before venturing out this morning. Here's what I drove.
You talk about getting the looks! LOL