Interesting new service announced by AK Automotive in North East England.
I have never used the company and therefore I cannot comment on their work. AK prepare the cars that GoodwoodSportsCars import from Japan and also prepare track cars for customers.
A number of enthusiasts with MK1 cars remove both front and rear sub frames to strip down the suspension, powder coat the sub frames and suspension arms and then rebush the arms, clean the underside and undercoat with all the areas being accessible. They also remove and inspect the fuel tank. Then replace with new suspension.
Now it appears that the cars in Japan are going for more at auctions and the trade of importing the Mk1's may well fall due to the cost of bringing in a car in from Japan.
Therefore AK Automotive are now offering this is part of their refurbishment programme for the early cars.
The main problem here is where do you stop i.e. new brake lines, new suspension bolts, repair rust of course, well why not put in a new fuel tank then the cost is say £6,000. We have not even got a new hood yet and while you are at it rebuild the engine.
I'm afraid that I would rather go for a newish Mk3 or a Mk4 probably but of course others will have other views.
In saying that as always Mazda basically tells you when you PCP a Mk4 that it will drop 50% of value in three years.
No doubt others will comment.
http://www.akautomotive-mx5.co.uk/asnew-refurbishent/