Miata Mailing List: April 1995, Message #51
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From: "MIATA"
Subject: WEEKLY digest of "miata" mailing list (part 6 of 6)
Date: Mon, 3 Apr 1995 05:23:53 -0400
Subjects of messages in this digest:
====================================
Local/nearest Miata club
Speakers..speakers..speakers???
Re: stock tires: recommended pressure
Of octane, BRG MX5s, Z28s, and most likely a decision.
Re: News
Weird oil pressure stuff.
Re: News
Wood for Interior
Vent Whistle
Hard top stand
Yet another bloody air horn saga :)
Hippy Hippy Shakes
"Silly Rules"
Radios that will actually fit
Re: Delurking with a barrage
I've got the shakes.
Shipping your baby
Re: stock tires: recommended pressure
RE: Hippy Hippy Shakes
Miata magazine & wheels
Advice on NET $$
Re: Dissertation to follow...
High/low beam together
Re: response to dissertation (on speakers)
Re: Weird oil pressure stuff.
Re: Trailers (hitch options)
Re: Shipping your baby
Tiny Bubbles...
The Web, the Network, and Miata Enthusiasts
Re[2]: Birds and seat cleaning
TINY BUBBLES...
Miata vs. Z28 - update.
looking for 14x6 wheels
====================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 00:32:00 1995
From: TundraCoot@aol.com
Subject: Local/nearest Miata club
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 00:30:48 -0500
Is there a Miata club located in or near Kansas City, Mo?
Your assistance will be appreciated.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 00:33:05 1995
From: mbooth@cts.com (Mark Booth)
Subject: Speakers..speakers..speakers???
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 00:32:57 -0500
I'm in the process of doing an audio upgrade to my Miata and I need some advice
on speakers. I purchased the factory CD player today and will be installing it
later this evening. I was planning to purchase the Clearwater door speakers
and possibly the Clearwater headrest speakers but decided to research lower
priced alternatives.
My criteria, in order of importance are:
1. Absolutely, I want to leave everything looking stock. No door
tweeters, etc. In addition, I don't relish the idea of drilling any
new holes to mount the new speakers.
2. Next would be sound quality. I want a noticable improvement in
the low end (bass) vs. stock. I'm slightly less concerned about
an improvement in the midrange and highs but this is important as well.
My gut feeling is that just about ANY quality speaker would be an
improvement over stock in these areas.
3. My final concern is price. Granted, I would love to find speakers
that meet #1 & #2 above but sell for 1/2 the price of the Clearwaters
but if everyone agrees that Clearwaters are the ABSOLUTE way to go...
then I'll shell out the bucks.
Note: I have NO plans to add any additional amplification. If the speakers
can't cut it with the stock amp then I don't want 'em. The stock
radio/cassette puts out plenty of power to drive reasonbly sensitive speakers
at levels to make me happy. (What is the power output of the factory radio
anyway?)
I glanced through an old Crutchfield catalog and found some Sony speakers
(model XS-628) that are advertised as EXACT factory replacements. From the
picture, they certainly have the right bolt pattern (3 holes) and the price is
right ($80 per pair), but how do they sound? Does anyone have these speakers
installed in their Miata?
To give a better idea of what I'm looking for, on a scale of 1 to 10 (with 1
being poor and 10 being fantastic) if the stock speakers are a 3 and the
Clearwaters are a 9 then if I can find something in between...about a 6 or 7
(such as the Sonys?) that sells for 1/2 the price then that is probably how I'd
like to go.
Also...exactly what size are the Clearwater headrest speakers? They can't be 3
1/2 speakers??? Aren't they more like 2-3/4 or something?
Are there any good alternatives to the Clearwater headrest speakers (using the
same criteria as above)? I see very inexpensive 3 1/2 coaxial speakers in the
Crutchfield catalog for around $45 per pair. (BTW, I don't need the headrest
wiring harness.)
Sorry for the long post. I'm planning to make the speaker purchase within the
next 2-3 days. Any and all help would be GREATLY appreciated!
Oh..has anyone tried the new Clearwater "Junior" door speakers? Clearwater
reps told me on the phone yesterday that they are almost as good as their top
of the line models. In fact, he said that the "performance per dollar" gain
wasn't really worth the extra $$$ unless you were a fanatic.
Mark
'92 B Classic Red
Member: MCA
SOCALM
TEAM VOODOO
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 00:36:03 1995
From: jsimmons@ainet.com (Jim Simmons)
Subject: Re: stock tires: recommended pressure
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 00:35:38 -0500
>The owners manual says I should put in 26 psi into the stock tires. Does
>this sound right?
>
>Steve
>
Steve--
I found that on our Miata, after 25k miles, the tires were wearing on the
edges more than evenly, so I bumped the tires up to 30#. We are up to 45k
miles now, but will have to wait until the tires are replaced, probably this
summer, to find out how 30# effects the wear pattern.
There is an old drag racers trick to find the correct pressure for max.
traction by doing burn outs and examining the rubber pattern in the road.
Unfortunately, this is not enough pressure to keep the tires from rolling
while cornering, which is not a drag racing thing. This method doesn't work
very well on independent suspensions either.
____
Jim Simmons, R&D Director, Airship Remote Technologies
E-mail: jsimmons@ainet.com
Snail: 1050 North Carpenter Road, Ste E, Modesto, CA, USA
Phone: +1-209-578-9565 FAX: 549-8784
Building tomorrows airships for the business of today.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 00:40:12 1995
From: Blairs
Subject: Of octane, BRG MX5s, Z28s, and most likely a decision.
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 00:35:47 -0500
Well, I did it.
I went to my local Mazda dealer, and asked to drive a Miata. It was
busy, my drive was (Literally!) dealer drives off lot, up hill, Paul
drives down hill, into lot. First thoughts:
My GOD! Look at all this legroom! (I first got into the passenger's
side, and stretched my legs. Wow. Then I moved into the drivers side,
squeezed myself in [the dealer was short], and was thinking "Great.
Cramped. So much for the...[CLUNK, as I hit the seat adjuster and SHOOT
backwards]...Pedals!? I can't reach the pedals!" A bit of an
understatement, I COULD, but not depress them - and I'm 5'11.75". (179cm
or so) What a shifter! [CLICK] In first! [CLICK] In second! And I was
impressed with the Saturn's shifter. Thought IT was smooth. Never
thought I'd see a five-way switch for a shifter. ::Insert BIG grin::
UGH! Not EVER going to get a red one, though that Merlot color is
nice...wonder what my chances of finding a BRG are. Racing
Green...::Drool::
I haven't driven it enough to know, but if my impressions are correct,
I'll be owning one of these rather soon. A few months at most, and then
most likely for a good portion of my life. What a nice sounding
exhaust. It's not 300HP, but the addition of a turbocharger will help that.
Now what I really need to know are the following:
A. What are my chances of finding a British Racing Green Miata? I know
of only one in Portland (Yes, I know you're not selling it Karyl) but I
like the color enough that I'd be willing to have it shipped here if I
can find one anywhere. There wouldn't be someone that's looking at
buying a Merlot Mica M Edition and selling their BRG on this list, would
there be? A young couple would be quite grateful. 8)
B. I've heard of grand Miata trips - 30+ Miatas making everyone else
turn heads - but I know nothing of a Portland, Oregon Miata club.
Nearest club I've heard of is the Mount Hood club, but I only know of one
or two on this list enrolled. Should I enroll in Puget Sound and drive
up there? I'm sure I could be talked into an extra 3 hours each way
tacked onto my weekend. :) I can't stop smiling thinking about this car
- I guess the dark, Need-to-go-fast side of me loses on this one, but is
complacent as long as I keep mentioning the turbo. Question: What is
there in Portland, Miatawise?
C. I still need to drive on on the freeway. This is a longshot, but
I've looked all over Portland, and there's no dealer to be found that has
the time or willingness to let me drive one more than around the block if
I'm not going to drive it home. Would someone in the Portland area be
willing to show me a Miata on the freeway? I don't need to drive - I
just want to know how it accelerates from 65-80, if it's comfy at high
speeds, etc. I know around town this car is a little piece of heaven.
If not, please - SOMEONE email me this information - I'm dying to know.
Such a neat car.
D. Is there a new-Miata-owner FAQ? If not - there should be, and I'd be
willing to put it together, so long as I don't have to research all of
the information personally. ;) My goal would be to have a file that
contains as many answers as possible about things to expect, what you can
do to help maintain your car, answers to radar detector, air horn,
wash'n'wax questions, etc. Sort of like the mythical "How to raise your
child, Vols. 1-12" set, but for your Miata.
I've taken enough of your time, but WOW. This is for sure a great little
car.
I'll hold back my barrage of questions for now - Email me at
blair@teleport.com.
Paul Blair...regular .sig broken, mooching at:
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 00:40:43 1995
From: XINCLXMiata@learnlink.emory.edu (Miata Conference @ learnlink.emory.edu)
Subject: Re: News
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 00:36:24 -0500
> I just picked up a story on the AP wire (I happen to have rather
>immediate access). It could impact all of us.
Me too, funny thing, this didn't appear. Happy April 1!
--
/========/ LearnLink: Expanding Educational Horizons
!! !! !! Internet/Telnet: bbs.learnlink.emory.edu
!! !! !! For information, mail Info@learnlink.emory.edu
/========/ "Minds are like parachutes, they must be open to function."
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 00:44:48 1995
From: gt0648b@prism.gatech.edu
Subject: Weird oil pressure stuff.
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 00:40:38 -0500
I recently got my oil changed to my usual Syntec, but the pressure guage
is doing funny things. When the car is first started, it is maxed out,
~90psi, then it returns to normal (~30 @ idle, ~60 @ cruise) within about
five minutes, corresponding with the general warming of the car (doesn't
happen whenb started warm). There don't seem to be any odd performance
quirks, but anything funky about the pressure guage concerns me. The
weight, byt the way, is 5W50, so viscosity shouldn't be the cause.
:-???
Josh
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 00:44:59 1995
From: gt0648b@prism.gatech.edu
Subject: Re: News
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 00:40:49 -0500
That thing made me choke on my drink. Very bad indeed >=(
Josh j/k
> The preceding message was a complete fabrication.
> April fools! April fools! April fools! April fools! April fools! April fools!
>
>
>
>
>
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 00:49:02 1995
From: IO20017@MAINE.maine.edu
Subject: Wood for Interior
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 00:45:35 -0500
There was a recent thread about aftermarket wood accesories for
the Miata interior (shift knob, center console, etc.) and I thought
someone might find this interesting. Below are some of the prices
for factory wood accesories on '95 Porsche models:
For 911: Dash - $4356 (yes, no typo, it's thousand...)
Door Trim - $1445
Shift Knob - $360 or $423
Parking Brake - $535
Also listed: Pearl White Metallic Paint - $12,249
(Must be one hell of a paint job, should include
free repaints for life at that price! =)
The moral is: while I personally don't like wood trim, the price for the
Miata stuff available doesn't really seem that bad after
all!
(BTW A rough calculation show that ordering all the wood and leather
extras (ex. leather fuel tank pull knob, etc.) will raise the price
on a 911 almost $31,000 (50% over base price)...add the pearl white
paint and it's $43,000 (71% over base)!!! Ouch!!! How the hell is
Porsche going to make the Boxster affordable? Looks like the Miata,
even pushing $25,000,will still be the bargain of the litter.)
-Mike
(Still looing in New England...)
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 00:50:16 1995
From: mbooth@cts.com (Mark Booth)
Subject: Vent Whistle
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 00:49:47 -0500
While installing my new CD player this evening I think I stumbled across the
solution to a minor problem that has been mentioned 'round these parts before.
I'm speaking of the infamous high-pitched whistling sound that can be heard
(sometimes) when the AC/Heat fan is on high.
While I had the eyeball vents out I noticed that the inside end of the center
section is hollow! (I'm talking about the part you move around to direct the
air flow.) When the eyeballs are popped back in this little hollow end is
sitting there ready for the fan to blow air directly at it.
To test my theory I gently blew into the little hollow end and guess what?...
Yep, it whistled! Just like a soda pop bottle only smaller!
I searched around the workbench and found a couple of brass screws that were
just the right size to screw into and plug these little hollow ends. Upon
re-installing the vents and taking the car for a little test run with the fan
on high...NO MORE WHISTLE! YEAH!!
I am hoping that the little brass screws will also serve as small
counter-weights that will help to keep the vents from dropping down toward the
floor as they frequently like to do when I first turn on the AC.
I'll likely be taking a long drive (200+ miles) on Monday and I'll report my
findings re: if the whistle is gone for good.
Mark
'92 B Classic Red
Member: MCA
SOCALM
TEAM VOODOO
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 01:01:52 1995
From: dherr@extro.ucc.su.OZ.AU (Dennis J. HeRR)
Subject: Hard top stand
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 00:59:13 -0500
I just wondering how many hard top owners have the stand for it. I just
got mine and it's fantastic. With the cover, I can store it away except
the raining season. I think it's similar to those convertibles' top stand.
:)
Dennis (^_^;
/\_/\ "Truth and falsehood are both whatever, and
( - - ) simultaneously not so, rather than not."
==_Y_==
'-' Dennis J. HeRR
University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
_
________________/ \___________________________________________________
((XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) )_________________________________________________/
\_/ '92 Red with hardtop
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 01:01:54 1995
From: dherr@extro.ucc.su.OZ.AU (Dennis J. HeRR)
Subject: Yet another bloody air horn saga :)
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 00:59:48 -0500
I did it! I finally finished the installation of my air horn. :)
Contrast to others mine seems to be entirely different - its air compressor
is 4.5" diameter and 8.2"long and the horns are nice red clear coated alloy
things.
As there are few minor difference between USA spec and Aussie spec, I was
bit puzzled of tapping into the power source. I decided to use the empty
FOG slot inside the main fuse box. Although it's rated for 15A, with 25A -
the instruction diagram outside the box suggests the 20A though - inline
fuse the wiring seems to work without problem. Another challenge was how
to install the air compressor and air horns without removing front bumper.
I managed to put them in both side of hood latch mechanism. The relay
itself is attached into the latch mechanism.
The result is well worth the trouble. :) The horn is really LOUD but
quite pleasant with the top up. :) Also I checked the horn with the brake
lights on and it worked without a glitch. All thing took me six hours
including two trips - I'm living quite far away from any major shopping
area - to the hardware store for needed parts. Now I have the air horn,
I'll nail those idiots on the road...doh!
Dennis (^_^;
p.s. My air horn is FIAMM S.p.A MT/2GT I bought from my local store at
discounted price - some block bought but couldn't install himself so he
returned for refund. :)
/\_/\ "Truth and falsehood are both whatever, and
( - - ) simultaneously not so, rather than not."
==_Y_==
'-' Dennis J. HeRR
University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
_
________________/ \___________________________________________________
((XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX) )_________________________________________________/
\_/ '92 Red with hardtop
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 01:04:42 1995
From: a.mccombs3@genie.geis.com
Subject: Hippy Hippy Shakes
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 01:04:25 -0500
Jay Andriot notes the problems with out of round Dunlop D-60 A2s on BBS
wheels. This is sort of apples and oranges, since I have D-60 M2s on the
stock Miata alloys - but have had no shakes or out of round problems with
them. However, note my other post on this subject - I bought them locally.
I dunno why this should be, but I've had better luck quality wise buying
tires locally, than via mail order. Even if it came out the same, I'd still
buy locally, since it's so much easier to take care of a problem.
--Jack M. & KANSEI--
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 01:06:13 1995
From: a.mccombs3@genie.geis.com
Subject: "Silly Rules"
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 01:04:43 -0500
Joe Flanagan describes his purchase of a yellow '92A (Congrats, Joe!) and
notes that the front license plate frame had been removed by the previous
owner. I would with mine, if I thought I could get away with it, but I
doubt that I could.
Joe notes that "those of us that don't (go along with silly rules) are never
bothered because the govt. doesn't have time/manpower to inforce its silly
rules..." Well, they do in Cheverly, MD. Today (April 1st - how
appropriate) I received a letter from the town, stating that I was naughty
because we have a twelve foot wide concrete slab for parking our two cars
(no garage), and one of the cars was parked with two of its wheels OFF THE
CONCRETE!! Seems that there's an ordinance in this town, that cars parked
off street must be parked on a paved surface. (I guess the intent is to
keep people from parking several vehicles in their front yard, making it
look like a used car lot.)
Fergawdsake, how the hell else are you supposed to park two cars on a twelve
foot wide slab, and have room to open the doors between the cars? We've
lived here for six years, and never had this come up. It appears that our
neighbors (who are nice people, and I don't blame them for any of this) had
been parking one or more of their cars in their yard. They have a driveway
ramp across the sidewalk, but no driveway. (Yeah, I know, why a ramp and no
driveway? Seems to rather encourage the violation of this ordinance.) I
suspect they got nailed, since it was rather obvious, and the cop (having
this particular dastardly deed on his/her mind) noted the wheels on one side
of our non-daily driver, parked right up against the hedge and off the slab.
Bottom line: Yes, they can too enforce their "silly rules," any time they
feel like it. But the rest of you probably have little to worry about.
Jack M. seems to be the only one who gets hit with this s--t, and he's
really ticked about it, but there's not a damn thing he can do about it,
since he can't afford to fight it.
--jack M. & KANSEI--
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 01:08:34 1995
From: a.mccombs3@genie.geis.com
Subject: Radios that will actually fit
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 01:04:36 -0500
RE: ISO storage cubbys: I thought that the Miata radio installation sloped
downward toward the front of the car somewhat (to angle the face plate
upward slightly for better ergonomics), and the transmission tunnel slopes
upward toward the front of the car somewhat. - ? So, this space under the
radio is wedge shaped, and tapers to next to nothing several inches forward
of the face of the panel. So, would anything other than a Miata under-radio
storage cubby fit?
--Jack M. & KANSEi--
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 01:10:29 1995
From: a.mccombs3@genie.geis.com
Subject: Re: Delurking with a barrage
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 01:04:50 -0500
Hey, how about TWO Miatas? Insurance is unlikely to be any higher (and
probably not as high) as a new Camaro, and Miatas are about as reliable as a
car can get. Gas-wise, two Miatas wouldn't cost any more than one Camaro,
either.
That way, you'll have four seats and eight cylinders, just like that Camaro!
Seriously, this might be a path to consider. You could buy a couple of
nice, used Miatas for little more than that new Camaro, and as noted, they
are sufficiently reliable that it's unlikely you'd be out big bucks on
maintenance for either of them for quite a while. Case in point, we have a
'90A, purchased it with 77,000+ miles on it, and it now has 96,000+. The
famous 60K scheduled maintenance timing belt replacement had not been done,
but the only unscheduled maintenance has been the replacement of the idle
speed control valve a couple months ago - and if I weren't a perfectionist,
I could have lived without that replacement. As others have said/will say,
once you drive one (and try out the ease of operation of the top!), you'll
be hooked. If you're dead set on having a car with four seats, you'd best
not drive a Miata. Drive it, and you'll be hooked!
--jack M. & KANSEI--
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 01:14:50 1995
From: a.mccombs3@genie.geis.com
Subject: I've got the shakes.
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 01:04:55 -0500
Out of round tires are a common cause of shakes in cars - either because of
flat spotting during braking or because they came that way from the
supplier. I've had more problems with out of round tires purchased mail
order, than with tires purchased locally. I know there has been a lot of
stuff RE: Mail order tire sources, but I'd rather pay a bit more (if any,
actually) and buy locally. Yeah, they can sell out of round tires too, but
at least when you take it back, they can take care of it on the spot. A
reputable mail order firm would also take care of it, but I don't care for
running around on the dinky spare for a week while the tire goes back.
Plus, you still have to pay the locals to dismount the tire, remount the new
tire, and balance the new tire all over again if you bought mail order. If
you buy local, they should take care of the second time around for free.
YMMV--
--Jack M. & KANSEI--
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 01:15:02 1995
From: a.mccombs3@genie.geis.com
Subject: Shipping your baby
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 01:05:03 -0500
There's been a LOT of stuff on the net, RE: Removing the tiedowns from your
Miata so they can't be used to tie down the car, should it have to be moved
someplace (e. g., Bob Jones' move story). As I understand it, the cars are
secured using these points, when they come across on the boat. Why is it no
longer good form to use these points to tie the car down, when it gets to
the USA? (I can understand the business about towing the car using these
points, but that's different.)
--jack M. & KANSEI--
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 01:19:36 1995
From: kenw@netaxs.com (Ken Warren)
Subject: Re: stock tires: recommended pressure
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 01:19:22 -0500
At 03:16 AM 4/1/95 -0500, ARacer@aol.com wrote:
>4. For autocrossing on BF Goodrich T/A autocross tires, we used 29 to 31 psi
>all around, with moderate negative camber. These tire have sidewalls that
>feel as stiff as plywood (I wonder if they would "go flat" even if all the
>air was let out of them!).
Hmmm... I use much lower pressures all around on BFG 230 compound tires,
like 22-24 psi. Oh, and you can take the pressure down to about 5 psi before
the tires start looking low. I tried it with my previous worn-out set. Of
course you shouldn't do this with tires you're going to be driving on;
pressures that low can disturb the seating of the bead on the rim. I did it
at the place I got my new tires mounted, because the guys there were also
curious. We then took that rim off the car and mounted a new tire.
--
Ken
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Ken Warren E-Mail: kenw@netaxs.com
*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*
Philly region auto-x is over for the year. See you next spring.
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 13:41:56 1995
From: Jay Andriot
Subject: RE: Hippy Hippy Shakes
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 13:39:11 -0400
---------------Original Message---------------
Jay Andriot notes the problems with out of round Dunlop D-60 A2s on BBS
wheels. This is sort of apples and oranges, since I have D-60 M2s on the
stock Miata alloys - but have had no shakes or out of round problems with
them. However, note my other post on this subject - I bought them locally.
I dunno why this should be, but I've had better luck quality wise buying
tires locally, than via mail order. Even if it came out the same, I'd still
buy locally, since it's so much easier to take care of a problem.
--Jack M. & KANSEI--
----------End of Original Message----------
Jack,
The BBS's weren't out of round, they are very round.
The problem lie solely with the D60 A2's. I bought
the Dunlaps locally, in fact the batch of tires was
so bad that we went through 9 tires before we found
2 that were round and 2 that were close to round. It
was those two tires that caused the dreaded Miata skake.
The AVSi that are now on the BBS wheels are a delight.
My comfort level is up by 15 mph, the down side is
my chance of getting a speeding ticket is also up.
Jay Andriot
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 13:56:39 1995
From: GOLG1@aol.com
Subject: Miata magazine & wheels
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 13:56:17 -0400
Does anyone know when the spring edition of the MCA mag. usually arrives? My
first issue last year was summer and I want to see what's new on wheels and
tires before spending any $$.
Also, with apologies for being the one trillionth person to bring this up,
can anyone tell me exactly what to look for regarding wheel offset,etc so I
avoid a mistake on this. I seem to remember something from the MCA mag saying
(at that time ) there were only two wheel brands/types available with correct
dimensions - this is hard to believe.
Also I borrowed some past issues of the magazine last year and returned
them, so I no longer have the article which discussed this & have not been
able to reach FAQ from AOL to look for answers.
Thanks for your help,
Steve Maxey
Salem, VA
Black 94 R "DAYCRUZ"
ÿ
==============================================================================
>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 13:59:38 1995
From: GOLG1@aol.com
Subject: Advice on NET $$
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 13:59:30 -0400
Obviously I reach this list via AOL.
The problem is I have a teenager who is a *constant* user of the net for
everything from school research to several music BBS etc. Also our computer
is a Mac Performa.
With the heavy usage this is VERY expen$ive!
I've checked around and found that some of the more economical services do
not offer Mac software versions. At least AOL is a local call for us but the
online $ are getting out of control.
Any help/advice would be much appreciated!
Steve Maxey
Salem,VA
Black 94 R "DAYCRUZ"
ÿ
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>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 14:35:07 1995
From: GOLG1@aol.com
Subject: Re: Dissertation to follow...
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 14:34:49 -0400
Thank you John
Steve Maxey
Black 94 R "DAYCRUZ"
ÿ
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>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 15:12:01 1995
From: TAKAHARA@aol.com
Subject: High/low beam together
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 15:10:16 -0400
I want to make the highbeam and low beam turn on together. Right now, when I
pull the highbeam, low beam turns off. Does anyone know a way to make both
turn on at same time with highbeam? I've got a low profile headlight kit and
since the bulbs are two separate type, I want to make both of them come on at
same time.
Thanks for the help!
Jay TAKAHARA
94White with ACTIVE Bodykits+Low profile headlights (^_^)
ÿ
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>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 15:55:21 1995
From: Tim Markus
Subject: Re: response to dissertation (on speakers)
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 15:51:06 -0400
In my experience, power handling ratings tend to be pretty nebulous.
Driving high quality speakers with sufficient power (avoiding clipping)
should allow you to avoid problems. Power output ratings on amplifiers
(especially car-audio equipment) also tend to be somewhat relative,
depending on distortion levels, bandwidth, etc.
Tim Markus
Red 90
Olympia, WA
ÿ
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>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 16:37:13 1995
From: ARacer@aol.com
Subject: Re: Weird oil pressure stuff.
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 16:35:35 -0400
Josh wrote on April 1 (Pause and consider date. . . . Naw!).
<<<>>>
This sounds perfectly normal.
Ed Pitts
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
ÿ
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>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 16:37:27 1995
From: ARacer@aol.com
Subject: Re: Trailers (hitch options)
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 16:36:12 -0400
Lester Seal, Mass Miata, wrote April 1:
<<<>>>
We had one custom-welded that works out very well. It is made of square steel
tubing that is welded between the hold-down brackets under/behind the rear
bumper. The receiving "box" for the hitch is mounted vertically (so the hitch
slides into it from below rather than from the rear).
This allows the installation to be completely invisible when the pin is
pulled and the hitch removed. (That keeps the Miata "cute" for Marky's daily
commute.)
Also, the whole thing can be unbolted and removed if no longer needed or you
want to move it to a different Miata. The hold-down loops/brackets are not
supposed to be used for anything after the initial shipment of the car,
anyway, so they are expendable.
The welders (a recreational vehicle service company) cautioned that the
vertical construction of the hitch should not carry more than 150 lbs of
tongue weight, but I doubt that any trailer that's really comfortable for the
Miata would have much more than 50 lbs on the tongue, anyway. The cost was
about $150.
We've been happily using this for a little over two years.
Ed Pitts
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA
ÿ
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>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 17:02:22 1995
From: gt0648b@prism.gatech.edu
Subject: Re: Shipping your baby
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 17:02:00 -0400
As I understand it, the tiedowns are intended to prevent the car from
sliding into other cars while on the ship (assuming the main attachment on
the tires breaks loose). In other words, Mazda would rather have the
bumpers messed up on one car than have the bodywork trashed on several.
They really should be removewd by the dealer, to prevent their misuse, but
I guess that makes too much sense (A/C is dealer installed, right?)
Josh
> secured using these points, when they come across on the boat. Why is it no
> longer good form to use these points to tie the car down, when it gets to
> the USA? (I can understand the business about towing the car using these
> points, but that's different.)
> --jack M. & KANSEI--
>
>
>
ÿ
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>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 17:47:48 1995
From: burkhart@ionet.net (Greg Burkhart)
Subject: Tiny Bubbles...
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 17:47:34 -0400
I recently joined the local Miata club and the President of the local
chapter had many recommendations for general upkeep on my Miata. She
suggested using Meguire's products; including #10 and #17 for the rear
window. I found these at a local auto parts store and gave them a try. I'm
REALLY impressed with these! I tried to do it with the top up but the back
window unzipped but found it a lot easier to zip up the window and latch the
top. When I got done, it looked GREAT! Upon close inspection, I noticed tiny
air bubbles in the window near the top of the window. I have ALWAYS had the
top unlatched when zipping or unzipping the window so it shouldn't have been
caused by stress. Is this something I should be worried about? It's a '94 so
it should last me a couple more years, right?
Thanks,
Greg W. Burkhart
/The obligatory signature line: It has taken me all of my life so far to
reach my current age and it will take me the rest of my life until I die./
ÿ
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>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 19:01:51 1995
From: EMERSON@midd.middlebury.edu
Subject: The Web, the Network, and Miata Enthusiasts
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 18:58:11 -0400
I just had a chance to get into some of the Miata pages on the Web. They
are quite impressive! One can easily get to pages about: the Miata Club
of America, several local clubs, information about Miata and about finding
resources on the Web, Brian Dore's FAQ, text copy from 3 catalogs, several
color images of Miatas, calendars of Miata events, the Miata plates list,
info on how to use the Miata server, and all old files from
this Miata listserv going back to Spring 1992.
Brian Dore added my piece (which many of you contributed to) about the
several special editions and limited editions. Thanks Brian! One can
get to it using buttons in 3 places in the FAQ. It is great to see
it up and available. And it was fun "corresponding" with knowledgable
owners of the various special editions, including those in Australia and
Canada.
I'd like to urge everyone to add your Miata and plate # to the Miata
license plate list; yesterday's mail contained the current plate list and
information about how to add your name to the list. This sort of thing is
a valuable resource to many of us. For example, I can easily find members
of local clubs in Massachusetts, or people who own 1994 M editions (useful
in the recent research project).
I'll mention how much the e-mail communication has grown since
1992. I read through several posts in each month of 1992 (very easy to do
on the relevant Web page!). The contrast with what we've seen in recent
months is amazing.
On behalf of all of us who use the Miata resources on the net, thank
you to the several people who organize and maintain the material and make
it available to Miata enthusiasts. It is often a heap of work, and we do
appreciate it!
John Emerson, 92 Yellow A
Middlebury, Vermont
ÿ
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>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 22:02:43 1995
From: a.mccombs3@genie.geis.com
Subject: Re[2]: Birds and seat cleaning
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 22:00:50 -0400
This reminds me of last Labor Day weekend, when we hit three different
amusement areas over the three days, one being Wildwood, NJ. Practically
all driving was top down, of course. When we parked at Wildwood, the
attendant suggested putting the top up - not due to any concern over theft,
but due to the large number of seagulls. Point well taken, we put the top
up.
--Jack M. & KANSEI--
ÿ
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>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 22:09:33 1995
From: frank.potter@his.com
Subject: TINY BUBBLES...
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 22:08:03 -0400
Mike is worried about tiny bubbles in the top of his back window. I haven't
seen anything like that, and I must say that it sounds like something that
probably came with the car. I doubt that they have anything to do with stress.
My inclination would be to keep a semi-careful watch on them, and if it looks
as though it's getting worse, go back and qvetch to the dealer while the car is
still under warranty.
Frank
ÿ
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>From archive-owner Sun Apr 2 23:30:30 1995
From: Blairs
Subject: Miata vs. Z28 - update.
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 1995 23:27:35 -0400
Through the incredible generosity shown by another member of this list, I
was able to drive a '91 White A package Miata with a BBR Turbo, bigger
sway bars, better tires/wheels, and a rather impressive radar detection
setup.
Whoa. This car just SCREAMS. Driving on some roads that in my VW are
almost too much fun in this car rendered them almost tame. ('Course,
being stuck behind a Camaro over part of one of my favorite stretches was
rather uninteresting. How ironic!) The turbocharger (I'll be going with
one from Cartech - best price I've found so far is $3,230 + Install,
though I might be able to do it myself) is confirmed as my most-wanted
mod, and I've got some other ideas as well.
As for the female reaction, she was quite impressed with the sound of the
air horns (Hellas) and the fact that I was unstoppably grinning and
rambling about how I really need to scrape up that last $1500 and
tie-down hooks, and how turbos work (She understands!) and how much Aeryk
(the child factor) liked it - he's never taken to a car before - and....
You get the picture. Barring some disaster, I should be Miata-shod by
this fall. Looking for a BRG, and at Canadian options (And I'd go Silver,
if I had that $1,500 for the extra down payment right now - there's a '91
B with ABS and a Hardtop "Too many other options to list) with 24k miles
in the paper - $12,900 asking) among other things. Thanks very much for
all your input.
BTW: I've read the Miata FAQ, etc, but I still think it'd be nice to put
together a "Congratulations on your new MX-5" mailing, incl. the FAQ, and
owners advice. I know that I'll want one by the time I get mine, and I'm
still willing to put it together.
I'm excited, folks. Hands down, this is THE car for me - except for:
- The brakes are less powerful than I expected. Less "grippy" than I
had hoped, but they're no worse than my VW's. Quite adequate, still.
- The windshield frame is a little low when going downhill and looking
uphill. (THERE'S something to complain about. ;)
- There isn't one in my garage yet!
Thanks again, all!
Paul.
ÿ
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>From archive-owner Mon Apr 3 00:09:39 1995
From: Mike Warren
Subject: looking for 14x6 wheels
Date: Mon, 3 Apr 1995 00:09:14 -0400
I'm preparing for autocross season and would like to get an extra
set of stock 14x6 alloy wheels for my '94. Let me know if you have
some you'd like to get rid of.
Mike
ÿ
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