Figured I'd jump on here and see if anyone might have some input on a project I'm about to take on...



Long story short I ran across a photo of a ghettocet. This one specifically:






So after seeing that photo and a few others. Studying up on exocets and miatas in general I started looking for a cheap miata to hack up.

As a side note I work at a steel fabrication company. I have access to pretty much any steel fab tool you could think of. Definitely have everything I need to successfully complete this project. Tube bender, multiple tube notchers, plasma table, welders (mig, tig, smaw), paint booth, sand blast, etc.

So after a week or two of trolling craigslist I found my car while in Atlanta. Drove 1.5 hours to Columbus to buy the car. Paid $500. Ran ok during the test drive, but needed some love. Drove the car back to Atlanta...did a tune up. Air filter, oil and filter, plugs and wires, pcv valve, bled the brakes, generally checked suspension and PPF bolts. Oil change seemed to help with the valve clicking (lifters?). After a quick tune up I loaded it up and drove it about 6 hours home. It was raining, 80mph traffic, tires are dry rotted, and I basically felt like I was on top gear or something.

After the trek I know mechanically I'll still need to do a few things to it, but right now it's pretty fun to drive considering what I paid.

Here's what I left at the shop tonight.



So before I start hacking away I'm hoping someone may have some advice or places to look for information.

 

I don't know if you've checked out FM's site or not, but they have numerous renderings on there under their own exocet section that might get your design flowing in the right direction. http://flyinmiata.com/exocet

Or you could go here:Exomotive - US Manufacturer of Exocars & Kit Cars | Example Exomotive Builds and check out the example builds they have for more inspiration for what you're looking to get out of it. You might also take a look at this build thread https://www.miataturbo.net/build-thr...lly-car-80885/ and ask him some questions for guidance. There's also another thread on m.net where a guy is building an exocet that you can find here: Starting an Exocet build - Page 6 - MX-5 Miata Forum, but I didn't send you there

Good luck with the build. I can't wait to see how it comes along and welcome to the site.

Kody

 

Thanks for the links. I will definitely check them out.

So I'd like to track this build....what's a good place on the forum to document this build? I'm sure the meet and greet isn't the right place for an on-going build thread.

 

maybe the "Build Threads" section? I dunno...

 

See next.

 

Hah...okay yes that would be the place to start a build thread. Is there a way to move this thread to the build section?

 

Just create one

 

Worst part is that actually helped.

So I put the car on a lift today at the mechanic's shop next door. Car looks pretty solid...I don't see any collision damage on the car so that's a relief....

Cool part is that I worked out a deal with the mechanic to exchange a few quick weld repairs on his tow truck in exchange for storing my car in his "show room". Now that I have a place to store this thing when I'm not working on it this car is officially a go!

 

Oh if anyone needs some fenders, hood, trunk, doors, etc. Let me know...I won't be needing them : )

 

As a matter of fact I do.
It hurts my soul that you got a fairly clean car for so little, and I can't find a rusted out hunk of **** locally for three times that amount.
Next car purchase will be a fly and drive for sure.

 

Yeah I think I got a deal. I tried to get him to come down even more, but the seller didn't want to hear it. Oh well...

 

You should incorporate a fire escape into this build somehow.

That...would be awesome

 

Any idea what the finished weight of something like that comes out to?

 

I'm looking for weights searching for Salvagewon's Eliminator.

Christ...

 

I'm hoping the final weight will be less than 1,200 lbs. Not sure if that's achievable or not. Other than the doors, fenders, hood, trunk, and interior items where else can I try to save weight?

 

Considering that an Exocet is 1400-1500, I think 1200 is probably optimistic for something that's retaining half the unibody.

--Ian

 

Heres a link to a build video of one of these things, for inspiration.


You are on MT, will it have boost?

 

<p>Sub'd. This is on my bucket list if I can't afford an exocet or catfish down the road.&nbsp;</p>

 

Just buy a shitty NA, some sawsall blades, and a welder. Amiright?

 

Yes, turbo is definitely on the list.

So I got a little done tonight after work. Can tell it's a few pounds lighter...still have a "weighs" to go though. Oh, turns out a pallet jack and a couple of 2 x 4's makes a great lift for this car.

C4 vette almost happened instead of this car. Hadn't seen this video...it might be the next project depending on how this one goes. Biggest issue I have left is the trunk...key doesn't open the trunk and I'm not sure how to break into it. Anyone have any ideas? I'm trying to save the trunk so I can sell it...gonna see what I can do....may have to break out the torch.