Progress, dirty car/cleanish car
 

So today I drove out to the Miata intending on putting the dash back together and then going out for drinks with friends.

Instead, I get into cleaning mode and end up ruining a shirt (work shirt, oh well) and getting beyond recognizable in filth.

Pics:

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_i...0032_large.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_i...0031_large.jpg

It doesn't look like much, but it was like this thick paste of dirt. Wouldn't just whipe off, really took elbow grease and a couple dozen rags to reach clean paint under all that.

Can anyone identify this paint color? It's like a dark blue metallic.

http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_i...0029_large.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/ride_i...0030_large.jpg

So before you waste your time telling me, yes I know they are shitty pics. I got to the car (20 minute drive) and realized I forgot my camera but after the epicness of reaching "clean status" on the driver's side of the car, I just had to snap a few pics w/ the old phone.

I also cleaned under the car. Couldn't identify but 2 bolts on the transmission, and could only spot 3 on the oil pan. Under the car seemed to have something resembling old used oil mixed with cat liter then pasted all over everything. It was a ridiculous pain in the ass to get off. Then it stuck to the storage unit floor in big globs that wouldn't clean off w/ degreaser. It was pretty ridiculous.


Identified the VIN tags on the engine and trans to match that of the car though. :giggle:

Good job. Keep at it, and hide some of those ugly electronics and wiring. It will look neat and tidy before too long.

Michael

Thanks!

I'm planning on hiding as much as I can, Cspence is my inspiration for that.

Surprisingly to me, there is actually a bit of room up under the fenders to hide a lot of stuff. Will just require some drilling of holes and use of those push-in locking tabs. I wish I knew more about what was essential and what I could remove. I know there are quite a few connectors wired into the harness that aren't used on my car... I'll just trace the wires back and snip them and yank 'em out.

Anyone have any write ups on wire tucking/hiding on the Miata?

There are a few threads with picture's of people who have done mild tucks, Cspence's car is the only full tuck I've seen, but I could be wrong

It's generally considered a waste of time/hassle, and obviously has no performance gain, does look slick once it's all done though.

Yeah, the plan is to just eliminate anything in the way. That's why I wanted to clean it.... that dirt and grime made doing anything, even checking a dipstick, a dirty job.

I'd like to get any wiring out of my sight that won't ever need to be altered or used (headlights being most obvious).

Aside from the intake and any open vacuum ports, how would one go about soaking the engine/engine bay in degreaser and pressure washing it.

Anything I should watch out for when aiming the pressure gun?

Bad idea?

...I just cannot stand looking at the grime and filth on the intake.... block has oil/mud/metal shavings glued to it. I want everything as clean as possible so when I start and drive the car if there are leaks I can find them easily.

Looks like Laguna blue to me...nice.

As for cleaning then engine, make sure to do it onece it's nice and cooled down (duh). Stay away from the valley of the valve cover with any water pressure. I would use a soap solution to clean the engine bay as degreaser oxidizes aluminum and the various mounting bolots/nuts. It'll be a pain in the ass, but the best way to get most of it done is by hand. Take the undertray off (unless it's already off the car) ad have fun spraying the engine/transmission!

Just don't point directly at spark plug ports and any electronics, but you will be fine. Pressure washed mine and then used compressed air to blow off water and let sit for a while. Started right up.
****Used Engine Brite to break up dirt.

Uhhhmmm... Undertray? I no haz.

I put about 4 hours into it yesterday and will likely put another 2 or 3 in this afternoon. I really want to pressure wash the intake and steering rack/crossmember and suspension and pull and paint the valve cover. I might just pull the valve cover off today if I get the passenge side cleaned up.

If there was such a thing as working your fingers to the bone, I think I nearly did it last night. Can't use much of my right hand, fingertips are all sore like I was using them as hammers. lol

I sorta want to pull the trans so I can get the crap off the top of it... but I realize that's a bit extreme for a salvage title bondo riddled DIY noob-failure 1-wheel peel oversprayed car. Yes. That's what this is.

Thanks for the kind words and help fellas.

Yes, I'm a bit long winded.

Oh... on the paint color. I did a search and found pics of Laguna Blue Miata's... that's gotta be it.

It's currently sprayed this *cute* shade of purple metallic. I'm thinking of getting a vinyl Barney w/ a turbo strapped to his back for all my "acquaintances" who call it the Barney-Mobile. I hate the P.O. with a passion.

I can't belive someone would paint over Laguna.. it's got to be one of the best colors Mazda ever put on a Miata. I vote to at least get a MACCO spray on there to cover up the purple....when you can. Blast away all you want with a pressure washer on the bottom of the engine/steering rack/suspension/transmission.

You'll want to get a undertray back on there, it helps with cooling...esp. in these hot areas (Atlanta isn't that far away).

He He.... yes, we know the sore fingertip syndrom. Just wait until you do the wire delete and tuck. ;)

I have a habit of cleaning engine bays. Did this to my daily Saturn 3 years ago and each time I put gas in the car while I wait I check the fluids and clean anything that has found a home onto my engine/bay. Makes working on things so much easier when you aren't fouling everything up w/ grease.

Not sure if I'll ever repaint the car. From what I can see, it's got bondo on nearly every panel. KY shares ATL's heat and humidity that's for sure, but we luck out when it comes to snow. The car apparently has some rusty history. For instance the bondo... and the heat shield for the trunk is laying in the storage unit in about 17 pieces of rust. I just noticed it and tugged on it and it fell apart/showered me.

A-arms front and rear all look like cancer riddled junk. I may be in for a pleasent surprise when I get it running on boost and the car falls apart. Yay.

Well, I have to admit that I've owned a few projects that I couldn't wash because the dirt was the only thing holding it together.