New Member

[michaelwylde]

Hi Folks,

My name is Michael, I'm a call center manager from South West Scotland and I've recently bought a 1.8 mk1 Merlot. I absolutely love the car and will be sharing some of the work that gets done to it too.



Don't worry, there is plenty of rust but that will all get sorted in time!

Thanks,

M

[drumtochty Eddie Cairns]

Welcome to the forum Michael

[OldSpice]

Merlots/Vin Rouge are always worth saving!
Rear arch/es dont look too bad so that's half the battle. Front wings thankfully bolt on/off. Look like RotaB alloys? Another plus as is the hardtop. Good luck with it all.
Not so sure about the level of slamming though...good luck with your work place road humps too!

[71NotOut Steven Hedley]

Looks like Rota RKR wheels, Garage Vary front lip, small racing (read useless for seeing anything ) mirrors - like the dark wheels with the wine coloured bodywork.

Enjoy the new car mate, sun's out just now so get the hardtop off for the last few days of "summer" and get out and drive.

Looking forward to progress reports.

Welcome to the forum.

[michaelwylde]

Hi guys, thanks for the welcome!





The wheels are actually Japanese Watanabe wheels, they look like either rotas or old mini wheels!

[michaelwylde]

off this morning to get my wheels aligned!

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[71NotOut Steven Hedley]

Proper Watanabes - quality wheels buddy and should be pretty light!

It's funny how people tend to assume nowadays that they are the replicas rather than the originals - such has been the popularity of the cheaper, homage option.

[michaelwylde]

they need a good clean, but there's a few other things that are more essential than that

- cam cover and gaskets need to be changed
- full service
- brake service (probably new calipers and pads, discs are fine)
- two new front wings
- rust removed from rear arches
- front bumper needs a respray
- dents removed from bonnet
- boot lid has riveted luggage rails on it so will need to get a new boot lid and painted

A lot of work to do but time and money I'm willing to spend



Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[drumtochty Eddie Cairns]

You have this upside down lets look at what is important and safety over bling,

- brake service (probably new calipers and pads, discs are fine) safety first replacing seals cheaper than new caliper but the rears are a bit harder to recon
The rear pads are not that thick when new so do not just change without measureing the thickness of the pads.
- full service
- cam cover, gasket needs to be changed if it is leaking then yes change the gasket at about £20 but the cover can wait as can the gasket if not leaking

- rust removed from rear arches complete waste of time in 95% of cases, it is rusting from the inside as the sills are usually.
Bad news up to £400 a side to do a proper job. Rust converter and blow over will last 4 months

These can wait until the above is done
- two new front wings maybe you can get rust free ones the same colour with a good bit of luck
- front bumper needs a respray
- dents removed from bonnet
- boot lid has riveted luggage rails on it so will need to get a new boot lid and painted.

-change the cam cover now if all the above bits are done

[michaelwylde]

Thanks for that, I didn't specifically put things in order of importance but it's good too see more details about what I plan on fixing.

Unfortunately the engine is leaking slightly and I have been given another a cam cover with the car, so I'll change that once I get the gasets in the post!

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[joeytalent]

If you're serious about doing the car up and keeping it, I'd get a quote for the rust repairs before throwing yourself into the other jobs. By all means do the brakes, but four calipers (reconned or new) is an expensive job in terms of time or money.

Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk

[OldSpice]

Michael, if it helps, after many years of 5 ownership these are my personal preferred contacts for bits.

AK Automotive nr Newcastle.
Much cheaper than many, but communication patchy as they are busy racing & prepping Mk1's for the 5 Cup seasons.

Junkyard Dog.
Look him up in Mx5Nutz

Autolink Portsmouth.
Sometimes a bit dear, but top drawer delivery & service.

Mx5Parts...if you are really stuck! 1st division next day delivery if you order prior to 3pm of a working day.
All new mint & boxed bits, but you will pay...

[michaelwylde]

Old Spice, you are awesome, these could come in very handy, ill be sure getting my wallet out for these guys soon! [SMILING FACE WITH OPEN MOUTH AND COLD SWEAT]

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[OldSpice]

No worries Michael.
I've been referred, doubtless, as a few things on this Forum .."awesome" is pleasant though!
Please note my "caring face" >

[michaelwylde]

hahah, emojis don't work too well on this do they haha!

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk