G's Garage
- Thread starter HMP
- Start date
- Replies 259
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Awesome work my friend. Sounds like she's really coming together!
OP
First, thank you for posting lol
It's just me up in here and gets boring.
But, yes, slowly but surely. I dont have a ton of money, so it's taking time.
Next, I am still waiting to get up with a member here to finish the stereo.
And then Ill work MORE on the stereo, upgrading some speakers.
I need to do suspension - like much of the car, it's almost 30 years old. This is a place where I have almost NO experience at all.
I might go the vinyl wrap direction instead of paint, due to it's low cost. Just because I really want to get it looking better, currently looks terrible
The wrap can be an economical alternative to a nice paint job in the short term. There is good wrap and cheap wrap. Just like paint. I would try and prep as much as you could and then have a reputable person spray the car. It will take longer, I know budget money etc. I think you will like it better in the long run. Plus you have the satisfaction of prepping it yourself. Moreover, the paint will outlast the wrap.
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OP
Updated to-do list
[ ] Paint, 1200
[x] Solder iron, 20
[x] Jack stands, dad
[ ] Put together a tool kit under seat
[ ] Screwdriver with various tips
[ ] Electrical tape
[ ] Duct tape
[ ] Pliers
[ ] 3/8 ratchet
[ ] Extension
[ ] 3/8 sockets 10-19
[ ] Flashlight
[ ] Sharpie
[ ] First aid kit
[ ] Zip ties
[x] Jack, dad
[x] Oil drain pan, 5
[x] Transmission fluid, 65
[x] Transmission plug washers, 6
[x] Mount X Brace, PO did
[ ] Mount boost controller
[x] Radio (double DIN, touchscreen, ipod)
[ ] Fix tachometer
[ ] Trunk carpet
[x] 93+ shifter, 35
[x] Shift knob, 50
[x] Shift boot
[x] 93+ wheels, 150
[x] Install SS brake lines
[x] Brake fluid, 30
[ ] Ipod for car, 100
[ ] Ipod cable, 10
[ ] GPS for car, 150
[ ] Engine lid rain deflector
[ ] Adjust Ebrake
[ ] Rock blocker on fogs
[ ] Fix intake
[x] Shifter surround ($31 new/Toyota)
[ ] Paint interior bits gloss black or all new pieces
[ ] Clean seats
[ ] Clean carpets
[ ] Change subwoofer, 75
[ ] Clean dash and doors
[x] Fix mirrors
[ ] LED gauge lights, 10
[ ] LED HVAC lights, 10
[ ] LED dome lights, 20
[ ] H4 headlight conversion, 150
[ ] 93+ lip, 125
[ ] Downpipe
[ ] New struts and springs
[ ] 94+ taillights, 700
[ ] Reupholster seats
[ ] Tint windows, 180
[x] Brake pads, 100
[x] Ashtray
[x] Battery Tender cable
[x] Brake rotors, 80
[x] Interior clips
[ ] Key blank cut ($10 new/Toyota)
[ ] Tires, 450
[x] Rain guard screws, 90159-45007
[ ] Switch blank covers
[ ] Switch blank coin holders
[ ] Install stereo
[ ] Replace tweeters (50)
[ ] Replace door speakers (100)
[ ] Steering wheel (150)
[x] Battery (100)
[x] Install rotors
[x] Install brake pads
[ ] Fix drivers mirror
[ ] Midship Runabout badges, 40 each
[ ] Rear brake pads, 40
[ ] Rear brake tool
[ ] Paint, 1200
[x] Solder iron, 20
[x] Jack stands, dad
[ ] Put together a tool kit under seat
[ ] Screwdriver with various tips
[ ] Electrical tape
[ ] Duct tape
[ ] Pliers
[ ] 3/8 ratchet
[ ] Extension
[ ] 3/8 sockets 10-19
[ ] Flashlight
[ ] Sharpie
[ ] First aid kit
[ ] Zip ties
[x] Jack, dad
[x] Oil drain pan, 5
[x] Transmission fluid, 65
[x] Transmission plug washers, 6
[x] Mount X Brace, PO did
[ ] Mount boost controller
[x] Radio (double DIN, touchscreen, ipod)
[ ] Fix tachometer
[ ] Trunk carpet
[x] 93+ shifter, 35
[x] Shift knob, 50
[x] Shift boot
[x] 93+ wheels, 150
[x] Install SS brake lines
[x] Brake fluid, 30
[ ] Ipod for car, 100
[ ] Ipod cable, 10
[ ] GPS for car, 150
[ ] Engine lid rain deflector
[ ] Adjust Ebrake
[ ] Rock blocker on fogs
[ ] Fix intake
[x] Shifter surround ($31 new/Toyota)
[ ] Paint interior bits gloss black or all new pieces
[ ] Clean seats
[ ] Clean carpets
[ ] Change subwoofer, 75
[ ] Clean dash and doors
[x] Fix mirrors
[ ] LED gauge lights, 10
[ ] LED HVAC lights, 10
[ ] LED dome lights, 20
[ ] H4 headlight conversion, 150
[ ] 93+ lip, 125
[ ] Downpipe
[ ] New struts and springs
[ ] 94+ taillights, 700
[ ] Reupholster seats
[ ] Tint windows, 180
[x] Brake pads, 100
[x] Ashtray
[x] Battery Tender cable
[x] Brake rotors, 80
[x] Interior clips
[ ] Key blank cut ($10 new/Toyota)
[ ] Tires, 450
[x] Rain guard screws, 90159-45007
[ ] Switch blank covers
[ ] Switch blank coin holders
[ ] Install stereo
[ ] Replace tweeters (50)
[ ] Replace door speakers (100)
[ ] Steering wheel (150)
[x] Battery (100)
[x] Install rotors
[x] Install brake pads
[ ] Fix drivers mirror
[ ] Midship Runabout badges, 40 each
[ ] Rear brake pads, 40
[ ] Rear brake tool
OP
Nothing exciting, but I bought new wipers for it yesterday, my rear pads are in, but it'll be next week till I get to them
And I just ordered some HELLA H4 headlight housings, then I can swap in some nicer, and brighter, bulbs.
These are supposed to reflect light very well and help improve visibility.
I'll have those in before Saturday - going to a Christmas party in Summerfield, nice country road drive, but dark, so the brighter lights will be a great thing!
And I just ordered some HELLA H4 headlight housings, then I can swap in some nicer, and brighter, bulbs.
These are supposed to reflect light very well and help improve visibility.
I'll have those in before Saturday - going to a Christmas party in Summerfield, nice country road drive, but dark, so the brighter lights will be a great thing!
OP
Put the headlights on today, using the high wattage H4 bulbs, checked the oil (I know, foolish I havent before, took the previous owners word - he's an enthusiast too, and my father followed me home over an hour and said no burning of oil was visible or could smell it).
Well, oil was fine. These H4 Hellas are a very popular upgrade in the MR2 community. No wiring changes, just plug and play, it's supposed to be the best option without rewiring anything
Then I cleaned the T-Top glass and am excited to drive out to Summerfield tonight with the improved lighting and clearer glass to see the sky.
Well, oil was fine. These H4 Hellas are a very popular upgrade in the MR2 community. No wiring changes, just plug and play, it's supposed to be the best option without rewiring anything
Then I cleaned the T-Top glass and am excited to drive out to Summerfield tonight with the improved lighting and clearer glass to see the sky.
Mad Dawg
Bourbon Swigler
While I appreciate all the work you have done...............no matter how minor, post up some pics so we can see what you're working on. As it has been said, a pic is worth a thousand words. One of my bucket list items is to get back into SCCA solo racing and the MR2 is one of the cars I was considering building for that purpose. So seeing what you are doing will help me decide, in part, if I want to do that.
OP
Not much of an update, but my dad sent me a link to an ad on facebook for a local guy parting out a MR2, turns out it was an old acquaintance of mine.
Anyway, I went today and spent 80 bucks on a variety of things that I need and dont need lol
And, while there, and talking about MR2s, I mentioned a certain kind of wheel I wanted, and he told me about a set for sale for cheap. So we'll see what happens next, price is right, but they're in RI!
Anyway, I went today and spent 80 bucks on a variety of things that I need and dont need lol
And, while there, and talking about MR2s, I mentioned a certain kind of wheel I wanted, and he told me about a set for sale for cheap. So we'll see what happens next, price is right, but they're in RI!
OP
Been driving this more lately, it's been nice.
Ill post up tomorrow (probably) with my stereo stuff, but this post is about tonights little project.
As Ive been driving this car more I realize how much I love a cupholder. Ever try to drive a straight drive on a curvy road with a cup of coffee? If freaking sucks.
When I was 20 I didnt care about freaking cup holders, I cared about the speed, the styling... Now Im 37. I care about a cupholder.
So I had an idea a while back, tonight I got to it.
I had ordered from ebay or amazon a cheap little flip up cupholder. It comes with adhesive strips and two screws. Well Im not keen on drilling holes in my carpet or any part of the body for a dang cupholder.
So I took some kydex and made a bracket for the cupholder.
With all/most projects - everything starts with cardboard, a sharpie, and something to cut the cardboard. Tonight some good shears.
Then to trace onto kydex. Cutting with my scroll saw. Used heatgun to form the kydex to fix everything, lots of trial and error.
Busted out the dremel to clean certain parts of it up.
Ill post up tomorrow (probably) with my stereo stuff, but this post is about tonights little project.
As Ive been driving this car more I realize how much I love a cupholder. Ever try to drive a straight drive on a curvy road with a cup of coffee? If freaking sucks.
When I was 20 I didnt care about freaking cup holders, I cared about the speed, the styling... Now Im 37. I care about a cupholder.
So I had an idea a while back, tonight I got to it.
I had ordered from ebay or amazon a cheap little flip up cupholder. It comes with adhesive strips and two screws. Well Im not keen on drilling holes in my carpet or any part of the body for a dang cupholder.
So I took some kydex and made a bracket for the cupholder.
With all/most projects - everything starts with cardboard, a sharpie, and something to cut the cardboard. Tonight some good shears.
Then to trace onto kydex. Cutting with my scroll saw. Used heatgun to form the kydex to fix everything, lots of trial and error.
Busted out the dremel to clean certain parts of it up.
OP
Mail day yesterday!
The drivers side mirror was broken in half when I got it, and when I went to fix the pivoting mechanism I broke it further.
BAD NEWS - it didnt fit. It's the perfect shape...but about 1mm too much on all sides. They are refunding my money now
The other item is a cruise control module.
When I got the car the CC worked intermittently, now it doesnt work at all. Ive read that the capacitors go out in them and that causes it to fail, so I picked one up for 12 shipped to put in and see if that's the problem or not
The drivers side mirror was broken in half when I got it, and when I went to fix the pivoting mechanism I broke it further.
BAD NEWS - it didnt fit. It's the perfect shape...but about 1mm too much on all sides. They are refunding my money now
The other item is a cruise control module.
When I got the car the CC worked intermittently, now it doesnt work at all. Ive read that the capacitors go out in them and that causes it to fail, so I picked one up for 12 shipped to put in and see if that's the problem or not
OP
I picked up a hydraulic prop rod for the car a few months ago from a local guy, decided to put it on tonight.
No longer will I use an arrow to keep my engine lid open! lol
Also, buttoned up the dash pieces from doing the stereo. So here is the stereo I put in, a Pioneer unit with bluetooth, cd/dvd, a USB on the back, aux on the back, microphone included etc
And while Im putting it all back together I 'installed' my ashtray. A non-broken one!
No longer will I use an arrow to keep my engine lid open! lol
Also, buttoned up the dash pieces from doing the stereo. So here is the stereo I put in, a Pioneer unit with bluetooth, cd/dvd, a USB on the back, aux on the back, microphone included etc
And while Im putting it all back together I 'installed' my ashtray. A non-broken one!
OP
Refund done this morning on the glass, and they told me to keep it...though, it's of little use to me.
But Ive already ordered a different one off ebay and we'll see how it goes.
I noticed the SKU for mine was used in description for a lot on ebay, so instead of trying that again Im trying another vendor.
Fingers crossed!
But Ive already ordered a different one off ebay and we'll see how it goes.
I noticed the SKU for mine was used in description for a lot on ebay, so instead of trying that again Im trying another vendor.
Fingers crossed!
OP
Just a meh picture from today. I liked the background though - the Arts for Arts Sake park
Not great, I know, but why not take a pic of your toy from time to time
Not great, I know, but why not take a pic of your toy from time to time
OP
Nothing big:
Yesterday I added a factory coat hook where there was a blank.
Got two toyota keys cut
Took out the factory subwoofer - confirmed the stock unit had been replaced, it's a cheap no-name, but at 5.25 I doubt it matters much.
Also discovered that we had a friend in the car at one point - TONS of acorns in that factory sub area. Vacuumed those out.
Just now:
ordered door speaker adapter rings to put 6.5" speakers where there would be 5.25"
Ordered a pair of Pioneer 6.5" speakers, they also come with a pair of earbuds. Thats a cool bonus
But with the COVID stuff - it'll be end of the month before it arrives (Ive gotten things sooner,we shall see!)
Yesterday I added a factory coat hook where there was a blank.
Got two toyota keys cut
Took out the factory subwoofer - confirmed the stock unit had been replaced, it's a cheap no-name, but at 5.25 I doubt it matters much.
Also discovered that we had a friend in the car at one point - TONS of acorns in that factory sub area. Vacuumed those out.
Just now:
ordered door speaker adapter rings to put 6.5" speakers where there would be 5.25"
Ordered a pair of Pioneer 6.5" speakers, they also come with a pair of earbuds. Thats a cool bonus
But with the COVID stuff - it'll be end of the month before it arrives (Ive gotten things sooner,we shall see!)
OP
Speakers came MUCH earlier than Amazon said - speakers arrived today.
Now waiting on the adapter rings to arrive, as these are over an inch larger than the stock units
Now waiting on the adapter rings to arrive, as these are over an inch larger than the stock units
OP
Last night I ordered some REAL exciting parts...a cigarette lighter and front radiator panel lol
Again, trying to get this thing back to it's stock glory plus some
Fixing the broken stuff, upgrading when I can (if reasonable, like, I could have ordered an aluminum radiator plate, but why? It's not like there are cooling issues on this thing. With about 14 FEET of coolant piping, it's pretty hard to get these things to overheat, you have to have air in the system to do that)
Here is my updated 'to do' list
It's nice to see the 'completed' section getting longer and longer!
[ ] Paint, 3000
[x] Solder iron, 20
[x] Jack stands, dad
[ ] Put together a tool kit under seat
[x] Screwdriver with various tips
[x] Electrical tape
[x] Duct tape
[x] Pliers
[x] 3/8 ratchet
[x] Extension
[ ] 3/8 sockets 10-19
[ ] Flashlight
[ ] Sharpie
[ ] First aid kit
[ ] Zip ties
[ ] 1/2 breaker bar
[x] Jack, dad
[x] Oil drain pan, 5
[x] Transmission fluid, 65
[x] Transmission plug washers, 6
[x] Mount X Brace, PO did
[ ] Mount boost controller
[x] Radio (double DIN, touchscreen, ipod)
[ ] Fix tachometer
[ ] Windshield wipers
[ ] Trunk carpet
[x] 93+ shifter, 35
[x] Shift knob, 50
[x] Shift boot
[x] 93+ wheels, 150
[x] Install SS brake lines
[x] Brake fluid, 30
[ ] Ipod for car, 100
[ ] Ipod cable, 10
[ ] GPS for car, 150
[ ] Engine lid rain deflector
[ ] Adjust Ebrake
[ ] Rock blocker on fogs
[ ] Fix intake
[x] Shifter surround ($31 new/Toyota)
[ ] Paint interior bits gloss black or all new pieces
[ ] Clean seats
[ ] Clean carpets
[x] Change subwoofer, 75 (PO replaced already)
[ ] Clean dash and doors
[x] Fix mirrors
[ ] LED gauge lights, 10
[ ] LED HVAC lights, 10
[ ] LED dome lights, 20
[x] H4 headlight conversion, 150
[ ] 93+ lip, 125
[ ] Downpipe
[ ] New struts, 800
[ ] New springs, 250
[ ] 94+ taillights, 700
[ ] Reupholster seats
[ ] Tint windows, 180
[x] Brake pads, 100
[x] Ashtray
[x] Battery Tender cable
[x] Brake rotors, 80
[x] Interior clips
[x] Key blank cut ($10 new/Toyota)
[ ] Tires, 450
[x] Rain guard screws, 90159-45007
[x] Switch blank covers
[ ] Switch blank coin holders
[x] Install stereo
[ ] Replace tweeters (50)
[x] Replace door speakers (100)
[ ] Steering wheel (150)
[x] Battery (100)
[x] Install rotors
[x] Install brake pads
[x] Fix drivers mirror
[x] Midship Runabout badges, 40 each. 75314-17020
[x] Rear brake pads, 40
[ ] Rear brake tool
[ ] Mount rear pads
[x] Radiator panel
[x] Wilhelm rainguard eliminator
[ ] Prothane bushings, 100
[ ] Clear corners, 100
[ ] Mount front speakers
Again, trying to get this thing back to it's stock glory plus some
Fixing the broken stuff, upgrading when I can (if reasonable, like, I could have ordered an aluminum radiator plate, but why? It's not like there are cooling issues on this thing. With about 14 FEET of coolant piping, it's pretty hard to get these things to overheat, you have to have air in the system to do that)
Here is my updated 'to do' list
It's nice to see the 'completed' section getting longer and longer!
[ ] Paint, 3000
[x] Solder iron, 20
[x] Jack stands, dad
[ ] Put together a tool kit under seat
[x] Screwdriver with various tips
[x] Electrical tape
[x] Duct tape
[x] Pliers
[x] 3/8 ratchet
[x] Extension
[ ] 3/8 sockets 10-19
[ ] Flashlight
[ ] Sharpie
[ ] First aid kit
[ ] Zip ties
[ ] 1/2 breaker bar
[x] Jack, dad
[x] Oil drain pan, 5
[x] Transmission fluid, 65
[x] Transmission plug washers, 6
[x] Mount X Brace, PO did
[ ] Mount boost controller
[x] Radio (double DIN, touchscreen, ipod)
[ ] Fix tachometer
[ ] Windshield wipers
[ ] Trunk carpet
[x] 93+ shifter, 35
[x] Shift knob, 50
[x] Shift boot
[x] 93+ wheels, 150
[x] Install SS brake lines
[x] Brake fluid, 30
[ ] Ipod for car, 100
[ ] Ipod cable, 10
[ ] GPS for car, 150
[ ] Engine lid rain deflector
[ ] Adjust Ebrake
[ ] Rock blocker on fogs
[ ] Fix intake
[x] Shifter surround ($31 new/Toyota)
[ ] Paint interior bits gloss black or all new pieces
[ ] Clean seats
[ ] Clean carpets
[x] Change subwoofer, 75 (PO replaced already)
[ ] Clean dash and doors
[x] Fix mirrors
[ ] LED gauge lights, 10
[ ] LED HVAC lights, 10
[ ] LED dome lights, 20
[x] H4 headlight conversion, 150
[ ] 93+ lip, 125
[ ] Downpipe
[ ] New struts, 800
[ ] New springs, 250
[ ] 94+ taillights, 700
[ ] Reupholster seats
[ ] Tint windows, 180
[x] Brake pads, 100
[x] Ashtray
[x] Battery Tender cable
[x] Brake rotors, 80
[x] Interior clips
[x] Key blank cut ($10 new/Toyota)
[ ] Tires, 450
[x] Rain guard screws, 90159-45007
[x] Switch blank covers
[ ] Switch blank coin holders
[x] Install stereo
[ ] Replace tweeters (50)
[x] Replace door speakers (100)
[ ] Steering wheel (150)
[x] Battery (100)
[x] Install rotors
[x] Install brake pads
[x] Fix drivers mirror
[x] Midship Runabout badges, 40 each. 75314-17020
[x] Rear brake pads, 40
[ ] Rear brake tool
[ ] Mount rear pads
[x] Radiator panel
[x] Wilhelm rainguard eliminator
[ ] Prothane bushings, 100
[ ] Clear corners, 100
[ ] Mount front speakers
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I LOVE this thread....love it I tell ya!!!!
OP
...why?
Like, I wouldnt think an older person would be into a mild fixing up of a japanese car
But if you like it - wonderful!
Come on up, we can go for a ride to the range.
Let an Old Boomer find his humor wherever he finds it...….I always get a laugh when I check over here.
Stay on it . I particularly like the lists!!!
That's now my Official new Name. I love it. Keep up those informative Lists!!
OP
Adapter rings came in the mail yesterday evening
Now the speakers are in and everything is buttoned back up.
I know this isnt exactly scientific, but I used a decibel meter on my phone to check before and after.
Same song, same volume level on the stereo, same location in the car (right behind the shift lever on the center console)
Now the speakers are in and everything is buttoned back up.
I know this isnt exactly scientific, but I used a decibel meter on my phone to check before and after.
Same song, same volume level on the stereo, same location in the car (right behind the shift lever on the center console)
OP
Well I just got the deal of the year, at least when it comes to MR2 stuff.
Today I ordered a set of 1994+ taillights and a 1994-1997 trunk lid and spoiler.
I didnt plan to buy these things etc, and I'll still get to the suspension soon, but I couldnt pass up a deal.
Im guessing they'll ship out tomorrow, hopefully have them first of next week??
Here is a picture of the rear end of a 94/95.
Today I ordered a set of 1994+ taillights and a 1994-1997 trunk lid and spoiler.
I didnt plan to buy these things etc, and I'll still get to the suspension soon, but I couldnt pass up a deal.
Im guessing they'll ship out tomorrow, hopefully have them first of next week??
Here is a picture of the rear end of a 94/95.
ChickenHawk
I'm a chicken hawk
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Member
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Life Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
This got recommended to me on YouTube today and it made me think of this thread.
OP
So, unfortunately the MR2 deal of the decade didnt pan out, they had the car logged in as the wrong year - a 93 not 94. Bummer.
Anyway, I was looking in the engine bay the other day and noticed a bunch of holes in the valve cover, threaded holes.
Asked around and it turns out that the Gen3 engine had this little cover that bolted in there for the spark plug wires, interesting. So I found one on ebay and it wasnt too expensive, so I just ordered that
I'll keep hunting tail lights like above, one day...
And the spoiler, I'd like to get it, we'll see if I ever do. It'll have to be a good deal because not only will the paint need to be done (which, Im hoping to go get a quote later this week on that), some welding will have to be done to seal up a couple holes in the rear 1/4 panels. So it wont be an inexpensive, or easy, swap.
Anyway, I was looking in the engine bay the other day and noticed a bunch of holes in the valve cover, threaded holes.
Asked around and it turns out that the Gen3 engine had this little cover that bolted in there for the spark plug wires, interesting. So I found one on ebay and it wasnt too expensive, so I just ordered that
I'll keep hunting tail lights like above, one day...
And the spoiler, I'd like to get it, we'll see if I ever do. It'll have to be a good deal because not only will the paint need to be done (which, Im hoping to go get a quote later this week on that), some welding will have to be done to seal up a couple holes in the rear 1/4 panels. So it wont be an inexpensive, or easy, swap.