Are you a fixer or a replacer?
#1
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Are you a fixer or a replacer?
Doesn't anyone at least try to fix things before just going out and buying OEM or NOS parts anymore?
For example, gauge hoods. The things get old and brittle, and the tabs break off. It's a common question, and the most oft posted answer on m.net is to buy a new one. Sheesh, anyone ever hear of JB Weld? Steering wheels is another one. Sure, the leather is worn. But rather than attempt to fix it, they all recommend wheelskins. Cover it up, but don't address the problem. Must be nice to be able to just throw money at it, I guess.
I find it comforting that this forum tends to be more about the DIY aspect of Miatas than the "just buy a part" crowd. I guess my background of helping dad restore cars where parts just aren't available colors my attitude. We rewound starter motors (a huge pain in the ***), replaced bushings in alternators and generally rebuilt what we had.
Hell, I could afford to go out and buy a new (or newer) Miata and just drive it. But I like working on the car, bringing it back from neglect. Maybe I'm just an old fart. Must everything be disposable?
For example, gauge hoods. The things get old and brittle, and the tabs break off. It's a common question, and the most oft posted answer on m.net is to buy a new one. Sheesh, anyone ever hear of JB Weld? Steering wheels is another one. Sure, the leather is worn. But rather than attempt to fix it, they all recommend wheelskins. Cover it up, but don't address the problem. Must be nice to be able to just throw money at it, I guess.
I find it comforting that this forum tends to be more about the DIY aspect of Miatas than the "just buy a part" crowd. I guess my background of helping dad restore cars where parts just aren't available colors my attitude. We rewound starter motors (a huge pain in the ***), replaced bushings in alternators and generally rebuilt what we had.
Hell, I could afford to go out and buy a new (or newer) Miata and just drive it. But I like working on the car, bringing it back from neglect. Maybe I'm just an old fart. Must everything be disposable?
#3
I am Russian, I come from a culture where you couldn't just go out and buy things. They were just never available or you had to grease a lot of wheels to get what you needed. So I was raised under the mentality that you should always try to fix first, replace if needed.
But I rather like living in a culture of replacers. You cant imagine how many things I have dragged out of other peoples garbage, fixed, and used and still continue to use.
But I rather like living in a culture of replacers. You cant imagine how many things I have dragged out of other peoples garbage, fixed, and used and still continue to use.
#10
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Certain stuff simply can't be fixed, or at least not by my limited skills. Had to change out an O2 sensor in the wife's Buick, and decided to open up the old one to see what was inside (rather disappointing).
If I can take it apart, I will. Luckily, I rarely have parts left over after reassembly.
If I can take it apart, I will. Luckily, I rarely have parts left over after reassembly.
#14
I am a fixer. A few years ago I bought 2 broken home theater tuner/amps on ebay for a total of $40 shipped. I spent nearly a week with a multimeter running down the problems with each and then found a way to steal parts from one unit to make the other work. At the time that model was worth several hundred bucks, I got it for under $50.
I'm also restoring an old kitchen table and chairs (1950s era) right now that was donated by my wife's great aunt. I bought several black stained lamb skins to recover the vinyl seats with and will be replacing the original formica top with black ceramic of some kind. I'm also going to send out all of the frame work for re-chroming and/or powder coating. If I even finish I'll post before and after shots.
I'm also restoring an old kitchen table and chairs (1950s era) right now that was donated by my wife's great aunt. I bought several black stained lamb skins to recover the vinyl seats with and will be replacing the original formica top with black ceramic of some kind. I'm also going to send out all of the frame work for re-chroming and/or powder coating. If I even finish I'll post before and after shots.
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