Bastian's P5 on a college budget

[Bastian]

Took this picture today after I washed the car, cleaned the glass, and shined the tires.

Then I restored my headlights tonight with the 3M kit, very happy with the results. When I got in my car tonight, I literally thought my high beams were on, which is amazing considering that they weren't that cloudy to begin with.

Before:

After:

Of course, with DST, the sun friggin sets at 4:00 so I couldn't get any good pics, those are to come tomorrow. Also, my girlfriend snagged this pic of me while I wasn't looking... loving the garage life

 

[31N007]

Dang man. Muy bueno! I tried sanding and buffing. Then gave up as im not driving her. Got the block off. She decided to eat some screws so yeah... All I wanna do is drive her!!! Bleh. At least you have a girlfriend who keeps ya company. I got my imaginary friends and yeah... But my mate helped me take her apart so i have him i gusssss.

Having a warm garage to work in for the win!!

 

[Bastian]

All I wanna do is drive her!!! Bleh.

In due time, my friend, in due time. (2thumbs) What's holding you up, anyways?

 

[31N007]

She swallowed a few VICS screws so I have the head off and I need to take that to a shop to compress the valves so they can put the new seals in and then I might see if they can clean the pistons off (one is mangled). So she's got no engine and my dads out of state so im driving his somewhat more reliable Altima and saving on insurance if you have the time, I have a build thread thingy. I dont know how to set up a sig though

Hopefully I'll get the head done by thanksgiving break and I can pit her together. I need to order an egr pipe too. Old one decided to turn to rubber -_-

 

[Bastian]

ouch, that sucks. I have looked at your build thread, I recalled there was something up with the car... I'm just too lazy to look for the answer myself hahaha

 

[31N007]

Haha, high school students. I kid of course but yeah

It sucks, yeah, but ill live as long as I dont smoke all the bugs in my vicinity when I start her up, I'll be okay

 

[Bastian]

Put some yellow overlays on my fog lights today, I luhv em

 

[JDM_Pro5]

Looks really good

 

[31N007]

^+1

 

[Bastian]

thanks guys! (2thumbs)

 

[Bastian]

 

[31N007]

That blue still looks like new! Puts my silver to shame. To shame I say! TBH, if I saw that in a parking lot, I'd say it was adult owned. That's not saying teens DONT take care of their rides but the mods are all tasteful on your ride.

 

[Bastian]

thanks bro (2thumbs) i try to keep her lookin pretty

 

[Bastian]

Couple of questions...

Now that I've got the yellow overlays, my driver's side fog light decided to go out. Anyone know what bulbs they take and/or how to replace them? I haven't even looked yet, I noticed it was out tonight while I was delivering.

Also, I scored some 17" Mazda3 wheels for the summer!! Planning on Plastdipping them either white or black when the time comes. What tire size should I go with for these? I'm riding on stock suspension.

This is the wheel type:

 

[31N007]

There are 3 bolts holding the ass'y to the bumper. I dont think you'll b able to reach em w/o taking the bumper off. Peel back one of your fender liners and gauge for yourself. If you cant do it w/o removing the bumper, I have a link in my thread.

http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?123782943-How-To-Bumper-Removal-for-Protege5-w-pics!!!

MIND THE TABS UNDER THE HEADLAMPS. but yeah, I took my bumper off, probably 10 mins. I sheared a few bolts underneath though. Stupid rust.

 

[azuelke]

Fog bulbs are H3, no need to remove the bumper to change. Get on the ground and get a wrench behind the fog housing. One nut holding it to the bracket.

 

[Bastian]

Thanks for the info guys (2thumbs) still thinking about tires for the 17" Mazda3 wheels... anyone have suggestions on size? I really have no idea what to go with

 

[31N007]

Thanks azuelke for clarifying. I dont wanna be the reason you messed up the car! :S

I wish I could help with size. I dont know diddly squat about that one.

I just realized that you are looking at a different nut than I am I took the whole assy out of the bumper but you dont have to. In short, listen to azuelke

After you take the light bit out, for me, there were two Phillips screws, i messed one up though :/ snapped a head clean off. As with everything I've done so far. :/ ohwell, they still work and are relatively tightly sealed

 

[gus5]

Thanks for the info guys (2thumbs) still thinking about tires for the 17" Mazda3 wheels... anyone have suggestions on size? I really have no idea what to go with

The size you'll want to go with is 205/40-17. That will get you closest to the stock wheel circumference. And I think those wheels stock tire width is 205. This will keep your speedometer pretty accurate.

 

[OGLaughtzalotzz]

When upsizing you don't want to change the circumference more than 3%. Here's a link that will tell help you. 1010tires.com