Restoration

Hi there, I have been the proud owner of the 1991 MX6 LE (leather edition).
I have been the only owner of this car and now it is time to make some hard choices.

I am debating wheather I should invest some $$$$ on restoring it to it' original shape or drive it to the ground.

The car has NEVER been in any accidents nor fender benders, but I has been through 13years of hard driving (250K miles) on a original engine and a new tranny.

I am looking for inexpensive places where I can get the inner linning and leather re-done in the so. cal area. (mainly the OC).

My goal is to make the car look like the day that I drove out of the lot and was wondering how the F@CK %@%@ I was going to pay for the $367 a month payment for 5 years!!

Based on all of these TV shows that I have been watching on discovery (monster garage) and TNT (hp tv), I am now really contemplating on maybe doing a restore on this great car on my own (I am not a hands on guy, but I am willing to give it a try)

If any one can give some great leads I truly will appreciate it!

D
Cypres, CA

[linoleum]

If you want to do the restoration yourself, make sure you have 4 things:

1) Garage space
2) Complete tool set
3) Mazda Shop Manual [not the haynes crap]
4) Lots of time [including another means of transportation if you start a project you can't complete in a weekend]

Even though you might not consider yourself a hands-on guy, it aint rocket science, its just turning bolts, plus there are plenty of people here to answer questions!

Good luck on whatever you decide.

Rich.

[johniebgoode]

Yeah, restore that "LE" !
It's done ya well so far. Any money and time put into it will be well spent. You win by not being locked into a car payment, plus you get the pleasure of owning a truly unique classic ride.

Prioritize what you really need done, then go for it. You must have patience and desire to accomplish restoring your "6". A logical starting point would be a service manual to learn the basic operating components.

Don't expect to do everything yourself and try not to be overwhelmed if inexperienced or unsure. That's why we are here........ to help walk you through any questions.

[fixxerup]

Ok this is a real simple problem.

1) Do you like the car?
If yes go to next question.

2) Do you or some very reliable friends now how to do this?
If yes go to next question

3) Do you want to continue driving it in the shape it is or when its all fixed up?
If yes go to next question

4) The final question. Would you rather wait until it isn’t worth trying to fix?
If you answered the questions above yes do it. If you answered most yes Do it

These are the basic questions I have always used when I start a project. It’s never been if I will make money or if anyone else will like it. I have a feeling about everyone that loves their Mazda will tell yah to fix it and the others? Well like we ever care what a guy/gal that would drive a HONDA ever though @-

I say Fix it up and yah make sure you have a way to work/school when your working on it even if its a POS you paid $50 for I have been there and done that.

It looks like I am doing it!

Based on my requirements list here is what I am facing.

Known Issues to be Resolved / Restored / Fixed
Front End Knocking
Sun Roof leaking
Sun Roof Slow Operation
Air Conditioning Not functioning
Driver Side Door Latch (Held by tie-wrapps inside)
Drivers Side Window Motor Sounds whe opening/closing window
ECM sensor needs to be changed (motor revs up and down on its own)
Antenna/Motor and Mast needs to be replaced
Light Bulb inside Cabin needs to be replaced
Lock Mechanism on center storage unit needs to be replaced
Door mechanism under radio needs to be fixed
1 Rim has a nick
Needs new tires
Needs to be re apolstered
Needs to be re painted
Dings need to be removed
Drivers Side Window Needs new tint
Needs new Head Liner
Need good steam clean or new carpeting
Shift Know needs to be upolstered
Rear Defrost Not Working

Other wise the car still can do 110mph!

D

[johniebgoode]

Originally posted by diegofernando
Known Issues:
>Front End Knocking
>Driver Side Door Latch (Held by tie-wrapps inside)
>ECM sensor needs to be changed (motor revs up and down on its own)

Hey Diegofernando;
A good decision with moving on towards restoring your "LE". Now you're ready to dig in and start !
The above issues listed would be the ones that require some immediate attention. The other items appear to be more cosmetic and not directly affecting the car's runability or safety, other than replacing the tires.

Apparently the car has been mechanically maintained pretty well up to this point. The big ticket items will be rejuvenating the interior/exterior to original condition. Most of the other stuff is routine odds & ends typically common to all "6"s as they age.

Probably everything you need to know will be available by researching past posts on the problem subject, or if in doubt.......just ask ! You should be able to do alot of the work yourself, other than the interior reupholstering and respraying the exterior paint.

[fixxerup]

Yah I would have to agree on what to fix first those would be my top three pick.But hell here in OH tiedowns and zip strips are door latches

And hey diegofernando GL on gettin started and yah it was a smart decision to save the car .