Miata Mailing List: June 1993, Message #22
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   From: (none)
Subject: Re: Scratches
   Date: (none)


Jim (moore@email.ncsc.navy.mil) writes:

> Speaking of scratches (and covers), has anyone else noticed fine
> scratches on the left side of the trunk lock? I am always (ALWAYS!)
> quite careful when I use the keylock, as is my significant other, the
> only other driver of the car. Yet there are numerous fine scratches
> in the paint on the lip of the keyhole (not on the metal itself, but
> in the paint surrounding it) just exactly as if some hamfisted clown
> uses MY car daily! ...

> Any ideas?

This may not be the same thing, but I have noticed dullness and signs of
the paint wearing off on the edges of the hole for the trunk lock in the
plastic rear panel.  This surprises me, because the plastic panel is not
in contact with the lock, and if one keeps his fingers on the plastic
grip of the key, no part of hand/key comes anywhere near the lock.  I
have also noticed scratches on the trunk lid and around the area where
the convertible top boot fits, similar to those seen around other
cars' door handles and usually made by finger nails.  I admit that these
last scratches may be due to "user errors", but the ease with which the
can occur makes me believe that the paint job on the Miata is one place
where the bean counters got their licks in.  The color coat is too soft,
and in many places too thin.  There is hardly any paint around the edge
of the trunk lock, and also inside the trunk itself.  I autocross and
have big hands, so I have to remove the panel inside the trunk to adjust
the left rear shock.  This has resulted in multiple scratches down to
the primer around the attachment bolts.  Fortunately, the primer seems
to be holding on much better.  Still, there is no comparison between the
finish on almost any European car and that on the Miata.

                              Milton Horst
                              Seattle, WA