Finally got one!

[Rackattack]

At last i'm in the club! Purchased my first 5 yesterday. Its a P reg 1.8 standard uk spec car in black. Very clean and just had new cam belt and clutch as well as a full sevice so hopefully won't give me to many problems straight off the bat. My only concern is are small patches of rust just in front of the wheel arches, I was told this is where the drain holes had been blocked so causing the problem. Is this a minor problem that can be fixed easily? Can't get insured until monday so yet to take her out properly. I'm sure there will be many more uestions to come!!!

[Cafe Racer]

Glad to hear it.

I've had more than my share of 5s and wouldn't think twice about going back to a Mk1.

The sills rot from the inside out due, as you have rightly noted, to the position of the drain holes. If you can see rust from the outside, you're too late to save them.

Bite the bullit and get them seen to as soon as possible.

Enjoy it and get some snaps up when you can.

[Rackattack]

Bugger, didn't want to start spending money on things like that straight away. The person i bought it from said it was just cosmetic and easily sorted. Any idea how much it costs to sort out such a problem? I'll try and get some pics up in the next few days.

[Cafe Racer]

No idea as i've never had to do it.

Spend the money and get some peace of mind.

Other than the bodywork, they're pretty robust so you should be ok. The main thing is just to get out on the road and hoon the nuts off it.

[DennisTheMenace]

mx-5 heaven do patch panels for the rear arches
http://www.mx5heaven.co.uk/acatalog/Body_Panel.htm...

once you have replaced them , treat the inner sills etc to a dose of bilt hamber dynax s50

http://www.bilthamber.com/dynaxs50.html

[Rackattack]

Thanks for the advice. Just been to a garage down the road from mine that specialises in japanese drift cars and they are happy to do the work but suggested i wait until next year before its MOT when the weather is dryer, the can also seal all the arches etc again in the summer when there is no moisture to seal in. Been loving driving it round, its like a little go kart!