New 93LE NA Owner!

[LEXi73]

Hey everyone!

Posted basically the same post on Miata.net but I thought I'd post here too since this is my "home forum". I know that there is not much Miata action on here, Where does everyone hang out to talk miata?

Anyhow,
Bought a 93LE earlier this week. Its in great condition and i've already fallen in love. It completely stock with 115k. Got her for 3400!

I've got big plans but I need to know where to start. First thing is it needs a head to toe wash. It's dirty now but shows lots of potential. I plan on replacing the fluids when I get a chance and doing the hoses at the same time. I know that it'll need a new TB soon, Plan on tackling that myself I hope.

Known Issues as of now:
1. Antenna does not retract - found the how-to to fix. I'll have to take a look to see where to start.
2. Door speakers need to be replaced, they rattle and crackle. Whats the size, any requirements for replacements. should I be upgrading other speakers at the same time?
3. CD player does not work over any size bump. Is this normal? Any fix?


Questions I have:
1. Any specific interior and leather cleaner to use?
2. Any known areas to be sure to clean.
3. How do I clean the engine? never done one.
4. Any way to hook up my iPod to the factory MSSS Radio? not through the radio either.

Future Upgrades will be:
New Hoses
FM 2.5 Suspension
Roll Bar
Set of 6UL's
and more....


Anything I'm missing that I should know or perform?

At any rate...here's the photos!

 

[Speedkid]

Looks good nice pics.

 

[aMaff]

Clean car, congrats. Even the leather seats are in good shape!

 

[kcbhiw]

Beautiful car and great price to boot! Congrats! Stock LE's typically fetch a premium.

Unfortunately, I can't offer much assistance to your questions.

3. CD player does not work over any size bump. Is this normal? Any fix?

It's just old. There's not much you can do about it. It's likely that the rubber bushings used as bumpers for the CD carrier have hardened/deteriorated over time.

Questions I have:
1. Any specific interior and leather cleaner to use?
2. Any known areas to be sure to clean.
3. How do I clean the engine? never done one.
4. Any way to hook up my iPod to the factory MSSS Radio? not through the radio either.

1. I'm not sure.
2. Nothing specific. Inspect the underside for rust since it's a northern car, especially the area above the rockers behind the doors
3. I've had pretty good success with simple green and good old elbow grease. Do not pressure wash or use Purple Power.
4. Doubtful. Most stock radios have been replaced by now and demand for an iPod hookup is likely low.

 

[LEXi73]

Thanks for the reply's everyone...Ive found a hack to fix the Skipping radio, A Hack to add a 1/8 plug to add a MP3 to the stock MSSS.

Also heard the simple green is a good way to clean the engine.

 

[Bntoples]

You didn't mention any Miata experience so check on M.net, there is a website that will give you the build number & date, I had #695 may she R.I.P.
+1 on the Simple Green. Also get a toilet brush because it has bristles all around the end, wet the cool engine after covering the intake snorkel & liberally spray the simple green around the engine & the bay. DO NOT MESS WITH THE SPARK PLUGS DURING THE CLEANING & HOSING, & JUST IN CASE GET A TURKEY BASTER & SUCK ANY WATER OUT OF THE SPARK PLUG WELLS when you finish. Using the toilet brush get down into the deep recesses & get all the gunk out of there. Hose it down & repeat as needed. Then get some engine detailer for the hoses & plastic.
Next with the top down look behind the door pillars down into the top cavity. Looking carefully you'll see a hole in the floor there. It's a drain hole for the top. The design lets water into that area to drain out thru the holes which are actually hoses. A very thin bottle brush will clean them out.
Next with the hood up in a shady spot, shine a light thru the radiator & look thru the mouth for the light. There may be some leaves & junk between the radiator & the AC condenser. If so loosen the top radiator bolts & get the junk out either by hand or with a brush being careful of the fins.
Ebay has the BBS center caps. But not cheap.
There's tons of other tips on M.net. Good luck & welcome to the family.

 

[WRCprotege]

i just bought one as well.. mine has 83k on it..