The Mazda Miata, especially the 1990 model, holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. Known for its lightweight design and engaging driving dynamics, the NA Miata is a true icon. Recently, I embarked on a journey to restore and modify a 1990 Miata, aiming to bring this classic roadster back to its former glory and beyond. This project started with acquiring a somewhat weathered, but promising, 1990 Miata. It was a stock model, showing its age with dents, rust, and faded paint, sitting on steel wheels. The perfect canvas for a full makeover. Interestingly, in the initial excitement, capturing its before state completely slipped my mind. These first photos were taken after the teardown had already begun, revealing the extent of work ahead.
The original paint was definitely showing its age and the elements, a common issue for cars of this era.
Engine Bay Transformation of the 1990 Miata
With the exterior disassembly underway, the next major step was removing the heart of this machine: the engine. Pulling the engine out was crucial for both cleaning up the engine bay and for any potential engine work or upgrades down the line. This stage provides better access for cleaning, painting, and addressing any underlying issues in the engine compartment of the 1990 Miata.
Interior Stripping for the 1990 Miata Restoration
Moving to the interior, the goal was to strip it down completely. Gutting the interior allows for thorough cleaning, restoration of the chassis, and preparation for new components. This is a necessary step in a comprehensive restoration, providing a blank slate to rebuild the interior of the 1990 Miata.
Fender Flare Installation and Body Modifications on the 1990 Miata
Now for some exciting modifications: AWR fender flares. These flares not only enhance the aggressive look of the 1990 Miata but also allow for wider wheels and tires, improving stance and handling. The installation wasn’t without its challenges. While the passenger side fit smoothly, the driver’s side required some persuasion. For the rear fenders, the existing metal was pulled and shaped to accommodate the new flares, creating clearance and the inner fender structure needed for the wider setup.
Before installing the rear flares permanently, some rust in the rocker panels needed attention. So, shifting focus back to the front, the bumper extensions were next. The original bumper extensions presented a challenge as they covered the turn signals. Instead of modifying the extensions extensively or shortening the lights, a more direct approach was taken.
The bumper, being urethane, is flexible. The solution was to trim the bumper extensions to clear the turn signals completely. By pulling the bumper outwards to align with the fender flares and bolting it in place, a clean integration was achieved. The flare was then riveted to the bumper, securing everything together.
The final look of the bumper and flares was a significant improvement, creating a more cohesive and aggressive front end for the 1990 Miata.
Bodywork, Rust Repair, and Primer Stage for the 1990 Miata
With the body modifications taking shape, it was time for serious bodywork. Months of picking and poking at imperfections culminated in dedicated sessions with friends to tackle the entire car. Rust spots, particularly on the rear quarter panels, were addressed. Fiberglass filler was used to patch a rear quarter rust spot, as the flares would provide complete coverage, negating the need for welding in this area.
Roll Cage Installation in the 1990 Miata
Amidst the bodywork, a Hard Dog full cage was installed. This cage adds significant safety and chassis rigidity to the 1990 Miata, crucial for performance driving and track days. Installing it solo was challenging, but the result is a robust safety upgrade. The cage features an extra support bar across the rear deck and provisions for a window net. It was securely bolted to the chassis, utilizing both original seat belt mounts and additional grade 8 hardware.
Primer Application and JDM Side Winkers for the 1990 Miata
After extensive sanding and bodywork, the 1990 Miata was ready for primer. Duplicolor primer was applied across the entire car, sealing the bodywork and providing a uniform base for paint. Additionally, cutouts were made in the fenders to accommodate JDM side winkers, adding a touch of Japanese Domestic Market flair to the build.
This marks the current stage of the 1990 Miata project. Parts have been accumulating, filling the garage, basement, and even a bedroom, all waiting to be installed. Future updates will detail these installations, focusing on visual progress as much as possible. This 1990 Miata restoration and modification is an ongoing journey, with much more to come, promising further exciting developments for this classic roadster.
