chiefmg

I have one of those JDM lower temp thermos waiting to go in, once I get some time to pull the car into the garage to remove the lower rad hose to get another one to clear the AWR header I'll install it.

J-Protege

Bought me some Wings West side+rear skirts

They look good, sitting in my garage like that, haha. Any tips on painting them? I've never painted urethane before, it's like giant rubber side skirts.

Liquid_Ag

my tip is get it professionally done.

amrit

hey liquid, don't you check your pms?

sumo_Bob

If you are painting them, then I would suggest getting them done professionally, but if you are intent on doing it yourself Just remember these simple things.

1. Sand/Scuff (make sure you knock off the imperfections. I usually use a scuff pad. You can find them at any paint supply place. Note: if you are working with fiberglass, wear long sleeves. You will itch like a mother@*#$% otherwise.)

2. Clean (Laquer thinner will make sure the surface is clean. Note: It's best to wear a mask but make sure that you DO NOT HUFF the laquer thinner. )

3. Promote (some plastics/etc... dont hold paint or primer very well. I always use an adhesion promoter when painting these parts.

4. Prime (NEVER skip this step EVER. Don't worry about one thick layer. Primer is plenty thick and prime with a 35 - 45% overlap to ensure uniformity. Usually 2 layers is good.)

5. Sand again ( wet sand with 400 - 800 grit sand paper and make sure to keep water on the paper. Then rinse with clean water and dry.

6. Paint ( Again thick coats are not the way to go. Spray with a 60 - 70% overlap, but if you miss a spot don't worry, you'll hit it with another coat. 2 - 3 coats are good here. Make sure not to go to slow with the paint or else you'll get runs in the paint.)

7. Clear ( Same principle as the paint step. 2-3 coats of clear)

Make sure to bake them after both the paint and clear steps. Make sure the temp you bake in is close to 90 - 100 degrees for best results.

silverpro5

I put the tranny back in yesterday. I still have reassembly to do, and I have to stop by the dealer to pick up the frame support bolt that I snapped off.

Much easier going up than down in my experience.

silverpro5

Shes back on the road! The new flywheel and clutch feel like frikin butter under my left food. No clutch chatter FTW

JoshP5

Wow, well done!

kargoboy

+1. Unless you know what you are doing, I wouldn't risk it. I just dropped off my new front lip and side skirts yesterday to be done professionally. $308.00

If you don't have the money, save it up! I got the front lip from Nik (njaremka) 6 months ago and the side skirts from Ken about two months ago. It's been a long time coming but it will be worth the wait when they are done.

sumo_Bob

I used to work in a body shop... Should I do a more detailed "Write up"?

kargoboy

I think that would be a great idea. There are always the DIYers who will try anything.

If I had more experience and access to the right equipment I'd do a lot more myself.

aMaff

drove her to work. She's been a little more understeery lately...noticed I need to put some air in the tires lol. Dee dee deeeeeeee.

sumo_Bob

Just a quick question for you aMaff... How tall are you? I was thinking about getting a 99-04 speed MX-5/miata. I know I can barely squeeze myself into my friends 94 miata, but it makes it impossible to drive it.

And There really is little difference between painting with a can (has to be auto motive paint) and a spray gun. Next time I get the unction to paint something, I'll take pics and write it up. Hell may even do a video if I'm feelin squirrelly.

njaremka

if you have trouble fitting in a 94, you'll have more difficulty squeezing into a 99-04

aMaff

6'0"