Discussion
Just the musings of a madman really but for minimal outlay the MX-5 really does give so much fun to the enthusiast doesn't it. A couple of weeks ago I changed the roof by myself and yesterday I had the grinder (tool rather than app) out and was chopping some bits out to make way for my rollover bar which I am also fitting myself, currently its in getting a gearbox rebuild ahead of a track day in a couple of weeks, previously I've had the brake setup improved and I'm slowly getting the car how I want it.
I'm currently planning on doing a welding course later in the year so I can stay ahead of any rust issues on the car (no sign yet but almost inevitable given what I read here) and time permitting I'll be doing more mechanical work myself in the future.
Yes I've probably already spent the cars value again in upgrades/improvements, but no more than I would have spent on any car and everything that gets done to it makes it better and better to drive.
And that's the best bit, when the sun comes out and you roll it out of the garage for a nice spin, or head off to the track to stretch its legs its a lovely feeling, the pride you have in the 'restoration' work you have done and the ideas for what would make it even better. The handling is sweet and never feels like it wants to spit you off into the scenery and its as nice to potter around in as it is to push through some sweeping bends.
Yes you can buy faster cars, I have, and yes you can buy more comfortable cars, I've done that too, but none have gotten under my skin the way this one has. I plan and hope to keep it forever, when I think of the fairly sorry state I found it in and the pittance I gave for it and the fun and memories I have with it and hopefully will create in it in the future, I don't see why I'd change.
Many of the items listed above would be a chore to most car owners, but for an enthusiast, getting to build that relationship with a car, to give to it and feel it giving back is a really pleasant thing. The fact that all this can be done within the means of the 'average' person just makes it all the better.
I'm currently planning on doing a welding course later in the year so I can stay ahead of any rust issues on the car (no sign yet but almost inevitable given what I read here) and time permitting I'll be doing more mechanical work myself in the future.
Yes I've probably already spent the cars value again in upgrades/improvements, but no more than I would have spent on any car and everything that gets done to it makes it better and better to drive.
And that's the best bit, when the sun comes out and you roll it out of the garage for a nice spin, or head off to the track to stretch its legs its a lovely feeling, the pride you have in the 'restoration' work you have done and the ideas for what would make it even better. The handling is sweet and never feels like it wants to spit you off into the scenery and its as nice to potter around in as it is to push through some sweeping bends.
Yes you can buy faster cars, I have, and yes you can buy more comfortable cars, I've done that too, but none have gotten under my skin the way this one has. I plan and hope to keep it forever, when I think of the fairly sorry state I found it in and the pittance I gave for it and the fun and memories I have with it and hopefully will create in it in the future, I don't see why I'd change.
Many of the items listed above would be a chore to most car owners, but for an enthusiast, getting to build that relationship with a car, to give to it and feel it giving back is a really pleasant thing. The fact that all this can be done within the means of the 'average' person just makes it all the better.
I fully agree. I've had my Eunos for 7 years (anniversary last week) and can't ever see myself selling it. I've been using it as my daily for the last 15 months and I love it. When I get my proper daily back, I'll then strip it down and do a few track days and when I've done all of the tracks I want to do I'll restore it back to its former glory. It even got me to Le Mans and back quite happily earlier this year.
Like you, I could do with a welding course for future maintenance reasons. Now that I have suitable garage at home, I should really be doing my own servicing and maintenance.
Like you, I could do with a welding course for future maintenance reasons. Now that I have suitable garage at home, I should really be doing my own servicing and maintenance.
Just make sure the welding course is exactly what you require.
SWMBO signed me up for one at the local agricultural college and whilst gas and arc welding were interesting, little time was given to MIG. The type of items farmers want to weld bear little relation to our needs.
Don't get me wrong it was interesting and I learnt a lot but maybe try to find one specifically for car body repair.
HTH.
Cheers, Pewe.
SWMBO signed me up for one at the local agricultural college and whilst gas and arc welding were interesting, little time was given to MIG. The type of items farmers want to weld bear little relation to our needs.
Don't get me wrong it was interesting and I learnt a lot but maybe try to find one specifically for car body repair.
HTH.
Cheers, Pewe.
pewe said:
Just make sure the welding course is exactly what you require.
SWMBO signed me up for one at the local agricultural college and whilst gas and arc welding were interesting, little time was given to MIG. The type of items farmers want to weld bear little relation to our needs.
Don't get me wrong it was interesting and I learnt a lot but maybe try to find one specifically for car body repair.
HTH.
Cheers, Pewe.
Thanks, will keep that in mind.SWMBO signed me up for one at the local agricultural college and whilst gas and arc welding were interesting, little time was given to MIG. The type of items farmers want to weld bear little relation to our needs.
Don't get me wrong it was interesting and I learnt a lot but maybe try to find one specifically for car body repair.
HTH.
Cheers, Pewe.
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