Brian's 'Finn' - A Regret to Reset Build
A.V.'s Finn - A Regret to Reset Build
Read the full write-up at A.V.'s Finn - A Regret to Reset Build ↗
Photo: A.V.'s Finn - A Regret to Reset BuildReviving a neglected second Miata, one maintenance item at a time
Brian describes rescuing his second Miata, "Finn," from years of neglect and a harsh lowered setup that made it unpleasant to drive. The thread covers suspension restoration, clutch hydraulics, leak chasing, interior upgrades, and an ongoing fight against subframe and rocker panel rust, told as a slow, learn-as-you-go project fit around a growing family.
Specs
As stated in the original write-up.
- Suspension
- Tein Flex Z coilovers (replaced an earlier stock-suspension stopgap)
- Exhaust
- Cobalt single-tip exhaust
- Steering wheel
- Momo Prototipo with quick release and Revlimiter Model 36 horn button
- Clutch hydraulics
- New master cylinder, slave cylinder, and steel braided line
Parts used
Parts named as used in the original write-up, grouped the way the Parts page groups them. Where one of the shops we index lists the same thing for this car, it is shown underneath with a link to the shop.
Fuel & Ignition 1
- Differential fluid and breather service
Changed diff fluid and unclogged the differential breather to stop a rear leak
In the shops
Differential Housing Breather / Vent ↗
MazSpec MX-5 Spares & Accessories· £10.83 GBP
Valve Differential Breather | Genuine Land Rover LR019450 ↗
Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $24.25 USD
Gearbox & Drivetrain 2
- Clutch master cylinder, slave cylinder and steel braided line
Full clutch hydraulics overhaul after the slave cylinder failed and leaked
In the shops
HEL Performance Braided Clutch Line – Mazda MX-5 NA/NB (CCK045) ↗MazSpec MX-5 Spares & Accessories· £34.95 GBPHEL Performance Braided Flexible Clutch Line – Mazda MX-5 NC (CCK059) ↗MazSpec MX-5 Spares & Accessories· £29.95 GBPHEL Performance Braided Flexible Clutch Line – Mazda MX-5 NA/NB (CCK034) ↗MazSpec MX-5 Spares & Accessories· £29.95 GBP - Rear wheel bearings
Replaced as part of maintenance catch-up
In the shops
Lucas Rear Wheel Bearing Kit (Sprite/Midget) ↗
bpnorthwest.com· $23.99 USD
Wheel Bearing Kit - Lucas Rear, Jaguar 1965-1987 ↗bpnorthwest.com· $42.27 USD
Suspension & Steering 1
- Tein Flex Z coiloversFab9
Replaced the stopgap stock suspension for a major ride quality improvement
In the shops
Coilover, flex-z, Tein ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £1,608.00 GBP
Coilover, flex-z, Tein ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £1,703.75 GBP
Coilover, flex-z, Tein ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £1,421.00 GBP
Body & Trim 2
- Cobalt single-tip exhaustCobalt
Replaced a failed aftermarket exhaust
In the shops
Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust with Single Tip Muffler by Cobalt ↗
Moss Miata· $613.75 USD
Cobalt Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust with Dual Tip Muffler ↗Moss Miata· $595.50 USD
Single Tip Muffler ↗Moss Miata· $333.00 USD - Rocker panel repair using panel adhesive
Used instead of welding to repair rust, chosen for rust prevention and lack of welding equipment
In the shops
Sill & Wheel-Arch Repair Panel ↗
MX5 City· $107.57 USD
D-Post Repair Panel, Right Hand ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $194.61 USD
Seat Pan Repair Panel, Right Rear ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $631.19 USD
Interior 5
- Momo Prototipo steering wheelMomo
Installed with a quick release for better steering position
In the shops
Prototipo Black Steering Wheel (Momo) ↗Moss Miata· $314.75 USD
Prototipo Heritage Steering Wheel (Momo) ↗Moss Miata· $314.75 USD
Prototipo Brushed Steering Wheel, 350mm (Momo) ↗Moss Miata· $314.75 USD - Project-G airbag defeatProject-G
Used to remove the airbag for the aftermarket wheel install
In the shops
Project Mu Type B-FORCE Front Brake Pads ↗
JDMuscle — Mazda MX-5· $180.00 USD
Project Mu Type NS Front Brake Pads - PMU-PSF914 ↗JDMuscle — Mazda MX-5· $140.00 USD
Project Mu Type NS Front Brake Pads (84-87 Corolla AE86) ↗JDMuscle — Mazda MX-5· $140.00 USD - Revlimiter Model 36 horn buttonRevlimiter
Completed the steering wheel setup, inspiring the car's interior theme
In the shops
Gauge Face, jnc, RevLimiter ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £150.25 GBP
Gauge Face, zen, RevLimiter ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £150.25 GBP
Gauge Face, jnc, RevLimiter ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £150.25 GBP - Used soft top
Installed, by the owner's own admission not perfectly
In the shops
Genuine Mazda Boot Lid Weatherstrip Seal (Soft Top) ↗MazSpec MX-5 Spares & Accessories· £46.98 GBP
Genuine Mazda Front Anti-Roll Bar D-Bush – MX-5 NC Soft Top • NE51-34-156 ↗MazSpec MX-5 Spares & Accessories· £12.53 GBP
Soft Top Handle ↗Betaset (France)· €17.16 EUR
- Headless audio system with Bluetooth controller
Paired with a DIY tombstone blanking plate for a cleaner dash
Photos
16 pictures collected from the write-up, in the order they were posted, shown from A.V.'s Finn - A Regret to Reset Build. A picture opens larger here, with the way through to the page it is on.
AgentVertigo · 2016-01-15T15:08:42-0500 1this post at A.V.'s Finn - A Regret to Reset Build ↗
AgentVertigo · 2018-08-22T14:48:46-0400 7this post at A.V.'s Finn - A Regret to Reset Build ↗
AgentVertigo · 2018-08-22T18:37:07-0400 1this post at A.V.'s Finn - A Regret to Reset Build ↗
AgentVertigo · 2018-09-22T18:10:48-0400 7this post at A.V.'s Finn - A Regret to Reset Build ↗
How it was done
Starting condition
Brian bought the Miata in 2014 but barely drove it due to exhaust fumes seeping in, a harsh lowered Raceland/XXR wheel setup, and a long list of neglected maintenance. After a life change, he decided to commit to fixing it up rather than selling it, aiming for a comfortable, well-sorted driver rather than an all-out build.
Suspension reset
He swapped the slammed Racelands for a used stock suspension from Treasure Coast Miata to restore ride quality and ground clearance, completing that swap over several months. He later found significant rust on the control arms and subframe while working on it, deciding to address the rust separately.
Mechanical catch-up
Brian overhauled the clutch hydraulics, replaced rear wheel bearings, fixed a leaking axle, changed differential fluid and unclogged its breather, and chased down persistent fluid leaks traced partly to a failed clutch slave cylinder and a prior CAS O-ring leak.
Interior and trim
He installed a Momo Prototipo steering wheel on a quick release with a Project-G airbag defeat, added a Revlimiter Model 36 horn button, re-skinned the passenger seat, fitted a used soft top, installed a DIY tombstone blanking plate with a hidden Bluetooth audio controller, and added interior pieces sourced from another member's car.
Rust repair
Brian tackled rocker panel rust using panel adhesive rather than welding, since he lacked welding equipment, describing the work as a learning process rather than a professional-quality repair. He completed the driver's side rocker and planned the passenger side for later.
Progress so far
By the latest update, suspension was upgraded to Tein Flex Zs, the exhaust replaced, and several interior projects finished, with rust repair and a proper set of wheels remaining as the final steps to close out what he calls the 'reset' phase.
A summary in our own words. The full account, with all its detail, is in the original write-up: read it at A.V.'s Finn - A Regret to Reset Build ↗
Worth knowing
- Panel adhesive was chosen over welding for rust repair since no welder was available and it may better prevent future rust
- An aftermarket steering wheel made a real difference to feel, not just looks, compared to a worn stock wheel
- Buying parts in bulk to repair all at once proved more practical than piecemeal fixes when time was limited