The Big Ted's Mazda 2 Sport Build

[thebigted]

Hey guys finally got around to making my build thread. Had my car just under a year and done a few bits and bobs but got lazy and never got round to blogging about it. Well its here now and I can also keep a track of stuff I am on with and intend to do. Currently my car has a 2, 1/2 year warranty so I wont be doing any performance mods yet Im afraid. Im just currently focused on making my car look how I want it too with OEM accessories and my own little add-ons.

Here are a few exterior mods I have done over the past 6 months.

Painted Red Brake Callipers

On The Car

Close Up

Stubby Aerial

Front Grille Badge

These few things are the cheap things I bought over the past few months while thinking about what I really want to do with my car. Now that I have finally decided on exactly what I am going to do I have made a list.

2012/13 (Done)
Brake Callipers
Aerial
Grille Badge
Interior Red Lights
Front Speakers

2013 (In the Process)
Rear Bumper Diffuser/Sports Trim Done
Door Scuff Plates Done

Audio Build Deciding on when to purchase equipment
8" TFT LCD 2 Din Digital DVD/GPS Player MAZDA 2 (800*400)
New Pioneer Front and Rear Speakers
Front 6.5 Component Speakers 350W
Rear 6.5 3Way Coaxial Speakers 250W (Currently in the front)
Boot - Pioneer GM-D8604 Class-D 4 Channel Amplifier 1200W
Power Capacitor Car Amplifier
Unsure about subwoofer currently Any suggestions let me know (Going Pioneer for everything by the way)


Last months mods

Scuff Plates

Rear Bumper

How she stands now

Hope you like my build and any suggestions/ideas let me know.

 

[PGTBrow]

Nice and clean!

 

[cosh68]

Nice mods....

Good to see another M2 over here tweaking & modding....

Shaun....

(what caliper paint did you use) I fancy some red chrome if they do it....

 

[BigBlueDart]

Nice mods....

Good to see another M2 over here tweaking & modding....

Shaun....

(what caliper paint did you use) I fancy some red chrome if they do it....

Duplicolor has a line of paints called "Metalcast". If you prep the surface so that it's shiny (or paint with chrome paint) then it's supposed to mimic a colored anodize. Rated up to 500 F it may not be as good as a caliper rated paint, but that probably depends on whether you prep properly, and I'm thinking maybe add a caliper rated clear coat. I intend to try out the blue version eventually.

If you really want a good paint for your calipers, you'll have to go with G2. They have some standard colors for about $50, but for $100 you can get just about any color you want.

 

[BigBlueDart]

Whenever people add a different bumper I always have trouble seeing the difference. A before and after side by side would help.

 

[thebigted]

On my brakes I used some plasti-kote heat resistance enamel. My dads used it for years on all his cars and its never had a problem. I see no need to buy expensive paint if what I have does the job. Obviously I prepped the surface first took about an hour to sand and smooth them. Did three coats and they look great. Going to re do them again this summer as a few chips have appeared. Plus I want to add some mazdaspeed decals to them.

 

[thebigted]

Whenever people add a different bumper I always have trouble seeing the difference. A before and after side by side would help.

Here is the before pic of my rear bumper. Sorry for awful quality its from my mates phone as he is the only one with a un modified bumper shot haha. WIll take do before and after shots from now on

Before

After

 

[BigBlueDart]

Thanks. Probably a silly request, but it helps me. Sometimes the differences are just subtle, though often still worth the change.

 

[thebigted]

Tiny update, cars in for its service tomorrow and having new tyres fitted all around. In other news I've just been offered a better job so when I get settled I am going to start on my audio build. Bigger and better now . Considering upgrading my engine dog bone mount as well. Anybody able to let me know if its worth it?

 

[Camshaft]

Car looks great. I really like the look of the UK bumpers & side skirts.

 

[thebigted]

Cars had a oil and oil filter change thanks to my service. Brakes have been sorted and the clutch feels much stiffer. Feels like my brothers mini to drive now, heavy pedals which is great. Off on holiday now for two weeks but when I get back plan of action.
No.1 - Audio build
No.2 Performance air filter
See ya in two weeks time =]

 

[thebigted]

Small update and back onto upgrading the car. Installed K&N Air Filter
Comparison of stock and the upgrade

All fitted

And stickers (Maybe a bit sad haha)

Also clay bared the car yesterday. First time ever using one and must say she looks better than new. (Dads MX5 behind and Bros Mini in the super shiny reflection)

Also bought my new dvd player/gps headunit - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280848805257?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Working on my boot build as well so my audio build is coming on good. Pics soon of it coming all together.

 

[scoobs]

looking good

 

[thebigted]

Made my false boot, cut out some wood to fit in. Tried the actual shape of the boot but was unable to get it fitted so have gone for the wood with foam around the edge idea.
Quick check to see if the wood fits. (notice one slit at the top)

Foam and fabric being fitted. (Notice two top slits now. I had an idiot moment where I put the foam on the wrong side.)

Last bit of protection for the spare tyre and all the fabric attached.

All fitted

 

[mykflo]

Keep it going! How are the scuff plates holding up?

 

[thebigted]

Keep it going! How are the scuff plates holding up?

Really good mate, I have kicked and knocked them enough times haha. They are more expensive than 3rd party plates but I prefer the official ones =]

 

[scoobs]

Made my false boot, cut out some wood to fit in. Tried the actual shape of the boot but was unable to get it fitted so have gone for the wood with foam around the edge idea.
Quick check to see if the wood fits. (notice one slit at the top)

Foam and fabric being fitted. (Notice two top slits now. I had an idiot moment where I put the foam on the wrong side.)

Last bit of protection for the spare tyre and all the fabric attached.

All fitted

Is this so that the trunk is flush with the folded down seats? So that it is all flat?

 

[thebigted]

Is this so that the trunk is flush with the folded down seats? So that it is all flat?

The boots now pretty much flat now mate. Its so I can attach an amp and sub to the wood instead some crappy fabric. Slowly coming along now. Next pay check and amp, front speakers are being bought.

 

[thebigted]

CD/DVD player has come through today. Waited so long and it is truly awesome. Bought the amp and wiring kit, just need two front speakers and a nice long weekend to fit everything. More updates and pics coming soon =D

 

[thebigted]

Finally the audio system is all sorted and fitted.
- Goodies the other week

New front speakers. 3 ways are now in the back, back panel took hours to take out (3 door)

My idea of fitting tweeters

Sexy Amp fitted

Stereo fitted

Very happy with my car now, unsure about any future mods. Maybe will do my engine bay with a few mods =]