Then touch up paint on the edges I imagine?

 

Yep. Honda sells touch up paint in pens which makes it super easy, but I've also polished the edges (looks silly, don't do that) and painted them black.

 

The included cut template will take all the guesswork out of where to cut. Then it's just down to how to cut:

If you've done it before, you can finish the holes in a flash with a hole saw for the corners and an angle grinder with cut off wheel to connect between the corners.

I wouldn't recommend this to a first timer though. Both of those tools can get away from you in a heartbeat and cut or mar something beyond the area you want cut.

I do prefer an angle grinder for the straight sections, but a dremel with a small cutting wheel can do the same thing with less risk but will take more time. I usually cut the straight sections out first like this:



(the supplied cut template doesn't look like the one above, this was just when I was experimenting with the templates)

Once the straight cuts are done, you can smooth out any imperfections and work into the corners with a drum sander like this:



These work in air grinders, which is what I use, or the smaller ones fit in dremels. In the interest of making this easy to do on a budget, I made all of the radii on the holes no smaller than the ~0.8" diameter drum sanding bit for air grinders that they sell at Harbor Freight.

If you are able to achieve a nice, clean cut then painting the edge with a match to your hood's color can achieve a really clean install. This is what I did for the MSM in the original post.
For those worried about their cutting skills though, keep in mind that this kit includes rubber trim that can be fit over the cut edge and run the circumference of the hole, and this will give you a nice finished end result that hides any imperfections on the edge and you won't need to worry about painting.

One more side note, you can do this with the hood on or off the car - I did the full cutting and install on two cars without ever removing the hood just to make sure it could be done. The picture above is with the hood still on the car and a tarp just draped over the engine bay to keep debris out.

-Ryan

 

FWIW - I used a Dremel on a previous hood to put in some Subie bumper vents and it took FOREVER. I think I'll use the angle grinder for these.

Just another data point...

 

When will remainder of money be due?

 

Another email blast went out, but please have the remainder of your payment submitted no later than Monday, August 25th.

 

Out of curiosity, how do you locate the template on top of the hood? I used to mark and drill guide holes from the bottom on S2000s, and when doing this with a GT500 vent.


BTW, to anybody doing this a first time, there are several layers to the stock Miata hood, and doing a nice job takes several hours. Taking your time pays dividends in final product appearance, though.

 

Got it, thanks!

 

Yep, I did my first hood vent yeaaaars ago with a dremel and I remember the eons it took to complete. I just wouldn't recommend the angle grinder as the method for doing this to someone who is new to this tool. As with any hand tool, it is only as good as the user. I can do a dead straight cut for multiple feet with an angle grinder these days, but when I started out fabricating it was a different story. The dremel takes a long time, but a beginner can go into it with that and know they are likely to get a good end result with it.

That pic may be throwing you off because that isn't what the template that will be shipping out to you guys is going to look like.
The cut template has all 3 holes included in one piece, so their reltaionship to each other can't be messed up. All you do is center it on the hood and use a measuring tape to space the template X inches back from the front/center point of the hood and stick it on. Easy.

+1, take your time to do it right and you'll be happy long time.

-Ryan

 

Just wanted to say Ryan is a standup guy. He followed this post up with a PM explaining the situation and apologizing that I couldn't give him my money! Who even does that anymore? The vents look fantastic and I can't wait for the next batch so I can pick up a set.

 

Cover your blade with ATF... it won't pack up.

 

Sorry if you felt we(I) was pressuring you to get more developed, I merely meant that when the next run is made after the initial group buy, I'll be ready to burn the plastic off my credit card.

 

Crap on a stick, I wanted to get in on this. Put me down for Round 2 please for a full NA set!

 

Quit being pussies and really vent that hood!!

Mazda Talk Forums • View topic - NC Light

 

That won't fit with a LS1 engine :(

PS: i haven't received any payment requests..

 

An email blast went out to those in the group buy earlier this week, however, payment requests have been sent to those who haven't responded. :-)

 

You ice hoels send in money so they can make parts so I can get parts! I'm ready to cut up a Miata.

 

Just out of curiosity... is you packaging, shall we say, Genesplicer inspired?

 

It had better be. I expect to find pink glitter in vehicles that I haven't even bought yet.

 

nope still nothing.. no email no payment request.