Readmittance to the Game, 1991 MR2 Turbo

[Matt D.]

You sure do love wiring, don't you? :)

[niterydr]

Update from 4/5, didn't post it here as no pictures loaded, will add later.

Update:
Slow going, but found another reason why you should inspect vehicles 100% prior to buying them, (or just trailer them home and expect the worse like I did)

The vehicle was advertised in having "new" brakes. While the pads are new appearing, the job wasn't done correctly (big surprise). Found BOTH caliper slide bolts missing from the Driver's front caliper. Meaning on my sweet 5.8 mile test drive , if I would have had to panic stop, there is a good chance that caliper would have ejected itself from the rotor and braking would have been a null and void idea.
Good thing I decided to install the stainless brake and clutch lines while I have it apart. My thoughts were that a 20 year old vehicle should probably have them changed with a brake/clutch fluid flush...I didn't expect to find nearly disconnected brakes.

Things accomplished that I will show pictures (since last update):

-Engine bay cleaned up, valve cover gasket replaced
-Spark plugs replaced, 1 stage colder, gapped to .030" and indexed
-Valve clearances checked, all within spec except on exhaust valve that is to tight, I am chalking that up to carbon and letting it buck
-Multiple vacuum lines replaced that were torn/brittle
-Extensive cleaning of intercooler system sans intercooler itself
-SS brake lines
-SS Clutch line
-Aluminum radiator installed
-Clutch fluid flushed
-Brake fluid flushed
-Coolant flushed
-Fuel filter changed

On Deck:
-install 2 new caliper slide bolts
-fill coolant with custom distilled water+water wetter+ 50/50 coolant mix
-oil change, 10w30 valvoline synthetic and purolator filter
-trans fluid change, custom blend of Shockproof liteweight and syncromesh
-Install Aerocatch hood pins
-clean air filter/air intake
-clean up last intercooler pipe and reinstall piping
-install and route catch can
-Get new tires installed
-Install camber bolts
-Alignment

On the plus side, minus the ugly body the mechanical aspects of the car are coming together and it should be roadworthy this week pending any other “interesting” finds.

[niterydr]

Today's update:

I drove it to work.

Things left to do:

-rebleed brakes, spongy wouldn't begin to describe this mush. I will have to try it with the car running so the ABS pump works, I think I got air in there :(
-Install hood pins
-Figure out why that damn turbo timer isn't working. Think its a setting, just haven't looked at it.
-Install new wiper blades
-Detail this pink pig and see if I can get some of these dents pdr pulled
-get tires installed
-alignment

[niterydr]

Well the next item on the list, after getting the brakes bled and tires on (last weekend) was to start "de-pinking" the car. The paint was heavily oxidized.

I've snapped some before and current shots. No wax on the car yet, and all work done by hand, my rotary buffer or DA polisher haven't been touched. Before I chewed up pads and heavy buffing compound, I decided to see what can be done with the following:

Wash vehicle through Kwik Trip Car wash (best one without wax applied)
Mother's California Gold Claybar using Mother's Quick Detailer as lubricant
Meguiars Ultimate Compound, applied with 4.5" terry cloth hand pads
Meguiars Deep Crystal System Polish, applied with 4.5" microfiber hand pads


Still to come:
-2 Stage Wax with DA polisher (really helps "set" the was in to the Polish)

The area's I've "worked" have been the roof, rear engine cover and side covers, trunk lid, spoiler, and the A and C pillars. They are done through the above 4 steps
Still need to do:

Front Fenders
Doors
Rear panels
Front Bumper
Rear Bumper
Carbon Fiber Hood (this will be a learning experience as the clear is kind of nasty, I may use Mequiars Crystal System Paint Cleaner as it isn't as abrasive as the Ultimate I've found)
Mirrors (missing a lot of clear, may just buy red ones off a crashed mr2 and call it good)
windows cleaned


Keep in mind, this is 20 year old, factory paint that has been through a lot of neglect. The hail damage coupled with the missing paint made me not worry about getting it perfect to the naked eye. This car is about making improvements from previous, not perfect. Over time things will be sorted out.

Total time invested so far:
-6 hours
Best time savings:
-Running it through touchless car was instead of spending 1+ hours washing/drying car

Before shots after putting engine back together:
http://www.mitsustyle.com/photopost/data/654/medium/mr2_engine_complete_pre_detail1.JPG
(Notice the heavy heavy oxidation on the trunk lid, the roof and everything "up" is the same above photo left side, below photo right side)
http://www.mitsustyle.com/photopost/data/654/medium/mr2_engine_complete_pre_detail2.JPG
Before shots outside:
http://www.mitsustyle.com/photopost/data/654/medium/mr2_upload2.JPG
During shots:
Left side -After claybar + Ultimate Compound. Right side-After Claybar only
http://www.mitsustyle.com/photopost/data/654/medium/mr2_upload4.JPG
http://www.mitsustyle.com/photopost/data/654/medium/mr2_upload3.JPG
Current condition (done minus wax):
http://www.mitsustyle.com/photopost/data/654/medium/mr2_upload_post_stage_2_-2_.JPG
(Yes my ceiling is sheetrocked and mudded/taped but not painted)
http://www.mitsustyle.com/photopost/data/654/medium/mr2_upload_post_stage_2.JPG
http://www.mitsustyle.com/photopost/data/654/medium/mr2_upload6.JPG
(If you look closely you will see reflections of: Weed wacker, plywood, shelf, few buckets full of fishing gear)
http://www.mitsustyle.com/photopost/data/654/medium/mr2_upload5.JPG
(Notice the ladder, garage door opener)

Not perfect, but at least what paint is left is shining again! :banana:

[LingLing]

Looks good! It's amazing what some time and effort can do for a paint job. I can't wait to cut and buff my 1g.

Personally, I prefer 3M products to Meguirs. I highly recommend trying them out if you already haven't.

[Matt D.]

That is awesome. It gives me some hope with my car.

[scheides]

She shines up real nice!

[Goat Blower]

Nice work on the shine, but you really could've saved yourself a bunch of time by just buffing it with a high speed buffer, the end result is exactly the same. Looks good, should be fun for summer if it ever arrives.

[Kevin 1G Drummer]

I agree with Steve that it would have been a lot faster to just use a good heavy cut compound on a high speed buffer, then use a good swirl mark remover and add some polish and wax, good to go. You probably could have done the whole car in the same amount of time it took you to do that little bit.

[A//// Guy]

Looks good! X2 on electric buffer, thats all I ever use.