Mk1 MX5 Eunos auto - any known problems?

[oldbanger]

I am considering buying a Mk1 Mx5 Eunos as a project car.

The one I am looking at is a runner but has no tax and mot, which is going to be interesting as I will have to find somewhere to store it until it’s sorted. Plus a trailer to move it.

My one big reservation is that it’s an automatic. My experience with old autos is that they are a bit of a ball ache. However I have never owned an mx5 so wondered if anyone with an auto could comment on any known issues please.

[tr7v8]

Rust, Rust, Rust, Rust, Rust, Rust. Rust, Rust, Rust.Rust, Rust, Rust.Rust, Rust, Rust,Rust, Rust, Rust.Rust, Rust, Rust,Rust, Rust, Rustm , Rust, Rust, Rust, Rust, Rust, Rust

Spent £1800 on the wife's Eunos last year getting sills & seat belt mounts restored from what looked like wheetabix That included repainting from doors back. Guy did say mine was one of the worst he's seen..

[oldbanger]

Thanks I’d heard that the imports were better off in terms of rust. Where should I look? Sills and wheel arches?

[JeremyH5]

Yes. Also if you’re thinking about swapping to a manual box I understand the engine loom is different. And the engine has lower power.

[tr7v8]

oldbanger said:

Thanks I’d heard that the imports were better off in terms of rust. Where should I look? Sills and wheel arches?

Not sure about that. Ours is a 89 imported in 92. The rust was horrific, the NS seat belt mounting was non-existent.

[oldbanger]

I have taken the plunge. Other than the battery the Engine seems rather good. The wheel arches and sills looked lovely. Engine bay looks ok. Some surface rust around boot rim but it all looked quite good, given it’s age. The paintwork needs attention and the soft top is knackered, though, so I will need to keep it under cover.

I am getting it booked in for an mot so I can take it straight there once I collect it. Fingers crossed there are no horrors anywhere. The mot history is very good. No advisories other than brake pads since it was imported.

[wildoliver]

If you need a manual conversion kit drop me a message I should be able to put one together.

[scrw.]

auto boxes in the eunos' are bullet proof, bit slow off the mark, especially if a 1.6. later post 95 ones are slightly better with the electronic shift

[oldbanger]

I picked up the car last week. It failed the mot on brakes and windscreen wipers. Both were expected and are fairly easy fixed. There are no structural issues. I should have it road legal with days. Yay!

I also have to replace the roof fairly quickly but the frame is still good.

Other than that I will need to look at the wiper motor as it sticks, the horn probably needs replaced and the exhaust isn’t right. I may also need a new battery.

There is surface rust on the back end and various other places and the wishbones will need attention as some point. The paint job is pretty rough as the lacquer is peeling in a couple of places but I can live with it.

All in all I am very happy with it, so far

My aim is to use it for commuting a couple of times a week, once it’s back on the road. Unfortunately I was planning to rent someone else’s garage but that doesn’t look very likely at the moment. So it’s going to have to sit on my drive under a cover.

I am planning to sort the roof myself. I will also tackle the surface rust as much as I can. After the immediate need to get it through the mot, I will have to get the rest done as and when funds allow.

If anyone knows any short term fixes for the paintwork I would be all ears. A respray would be at the end of the list, possibly never.

[TVRees]

Be extra careful with that surface rust.

As far as know, these cars rust from the inside out, so whatever you do, make sure you do it properly to avoid having to make the same fix again a short time later

[oldbanger]

Thanks.

I just got it delivered home, with mot and tax done today. It needed complete new brakes,callipers, the works.

The new roof also arrived today, though I’ve not unpacked it yet.

In another stoke of luck, I have just managed to rent a council garage opposite the house, a mere 15 years since I first tried to get one. We pick up the keys next week.

So I think, I’ll take it for a spin, remind myself why I bought it. Unfortunately I set off the alarm and now the battery (already a bit weak) is completely flat. Arse!

The WestCo batteries look quite good. I’ll need one of these, I take it?

Would anyone recommend a good manual as well please?

[oldbanger]

Sorry to bounce this topic

Can anyone recommend a maintenance/repair manual for the Mk1 Eunos please?

I've also asked on the MX5OC but not had a response. It looks like the Miata manual is for right hand drive so not going to be as easy to follow. I need a proper idiots guide if possible

[JeremyH5]

Haynes do one ISBN 1 56392 289 4

[MX-5 Lazza]

Hope I’m not too late but don’t go for a Westco! They are rubbish!
I fitted a Bosch S5 063 and it’s 1000% better than the Westco.
Rod Graingers book is the best one. Left & right hand drive cars are pretty much the same in most places that matter.

[benharris]

MX-5 Lazza said:

Hope I’m not too late but don’t go for a Westco! They are rubbish!
I fitted a Bosch S5 063 and it’s 1000% better than the Westco.
Rod Graingers book is the best one. Left & right hand drive cars are pretty much the same in most places that matter.

I'll second that. I bought a Westco a while back and it didn't last particularly long - well, not as long as I expected for the price, anyway. Also, they're a pain to charge if they go flat as you can't use a regular battery charger. Check out some of the reviews on MX5Parts for the Wesco and you'll see lots of complaints. Just make sure that whatever you buy isn't open vented and has a connector so that it can be joined up to the tube that vents outside the car, rather than directly into the boot. Otherwise the fumes released while charging can cause the inside of the boot to rust quicker. The YUASA YBX5053 would be my choice, next time.