Pit-alia bodywork thread

[Dynra Rockets]

After 6 years I am finally getting the finishing bodywork completed on the Pit-alia (Italia front and Pitcrew rear).

I have a schedule put together that will cover the next 6 weeks.

I bought the kit in 2004, assembled it in 2005, got busy with a new business and pre-teen kids so it sat for the last 5 years.

This is how it currently looks. Updated picks will be posted Monday after the first session with the body guy.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2185&d=1256313901

[blackmamba92]

damn dude your good. lookin good. cant wait to see the finished product. Gonna go run on those tires this weekend. wish me luck!

[nickt93]

Looking forward to seeing the final product!

[miata5620]

Nice to see that the project is going to get finished. Seems so many of us start them and never have the chance to finish them for one reason or another.

[oldgrayfrog]

I want to see a picture of the rear end, so I can see the difference between the Italia, and the Pitcrew. I've only seen a Pitcrew nose before (I came close to buying the last one imported, it was over at RSpeed a long time.).

[Stealth97]

I'm really looking forward to seeing how this one turns out. This is the one with your B/A NA motor, right?

[Dr.Drew]

This should be pretty cool. I've always hated the pitcrew nose but the rest was always cool.

[Dynra Rockets]

I want to see a picture of the rear end

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3394&stc=1&d=1277398983



(I came close to buying the last one imported, it was over at RSpeed a long time.).

I bought the rear, the one that was hanging inthe showroom for years. I believe Joe still has the front remaining for sale.

[Dynra Rockets]

This is the one with your B/A NA motor, right?

yes, for now. I have long range plans (in 2017) to install a SHO 3.4 V8. With its 60 degree banks it looks a lot like a 365 Daytona DOHC V-12 (which was also installed in the last year of the 275 in the GTB/4 Competizione Speciale.


Daytona DOHC V-12
http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3395&stc=1&d=1277400525

SHO V8
http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3396&stc=1&d=1277400537

Black wrinkle finish the valve covers with chrome acorn nuts, IRTBs, add two remote oil filters in the front and presto. A fake Ferrari engine for a fake Ferrari.

[oldgrayfrog]

That "Rear" is Gorgeous! It's going to make a really nice GTB clone. I have a copy of the British mag Octane with the original GTO on the cover, along side a Shelby Daytona, the rear of the GTO looks just like the Pitcrew rear end! I love the look of the SHO motor, even without crinkle finish, that's one sexy looking motor. I think with ITBs it will be too beautiful to close the hood.
I'm keeping the 1.6 for now, but I'd love to put in an LS1 with the Ingelese itbs. Same idea but a little more shove. Biggest issue being the Ingelese cost another $4000 on top of an LS1 swap.

[Dynra Rockets]

Day 1: Saturday 6/26

too hot. Ez-up tent saved the day. Dremeled out all the light and grill openings for the new replacement front clip. The new clip needed a lot of adjustment to get tight. It came off the car 26 times.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3398&stc=1&d=1277668605

added a skim coat to the doors. Lots of work getting the gaps just right with the front fenders.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3399&stc=1&d=1277673133

Epoxied on the rear trunk lid entension.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3400&stc=1&d=1277673133

installed the frog arms.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3401&stc=1&d=1277673134

more pics tomorrow. Hopefully finished sanding and get a spray of primer.

[Stealth97]

looking good

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

:hi5: good job man!

[Echonova]

Dayum!!!

[Beastinthebushes]

Wow, no wasting time, looking good!

[Dynra Rockets]

unfortunatly I didn't take a lot of pics but some of the car is now in primer. Three weeks off then session #2 starts in mid July.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3404&stc=1&d=1277781647

[RotorNutFD3S]

Very cool! Can't wait to see the finished project!

[Dynra Rockets]

Sorry for the lack of updates lately. Mostly due to I haven't been able to get much done. With the 3 day weekend some progress was made

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3579&stc=1&d=1283808033

With the complaints from the neighbors last time we did bodywork in the driveway we moved to the back yard. Actually turned out much nicer as it was nice and shady.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3584&stc=1&d=1283808145

Don't let anyone tell you this kit is bolt on and paint. We've easily got 200 hours in it so far. While the panels come out of the mold nicely and need little block sanding, all of the edges are poorly done. 50% of the time spent to date has been shaping edges to fit/look right. This is an example of what needs to be done, here I had to add 1/4"of glass to the door edge to get it to match the factory door edge.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3583&stc=1&d=1283808113

more sanding

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3582&stc=1&d=1283808087

and more sanding

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3581&d=1283808065

The hood is two pieces. An inner frame and an outer skin. It arrived epoxied together misaligned so the striker was now 3/4" too far back to make contact with the latch. Called Jim and he said there are two options. I can completely shave the entire front clip and hood back 3/4" to match the existing holes for the striker (?!?) or I can fabricate a backing plate and redrill the striker holes in the hood. I opted for neither and ripped an oem latch from an old dented hood I had and aluminum riveted it to the hood in the proper location instead. Reshaped it to fit the contours of the hood with a 4 lb hammer. Much quicker and actually looks just like a factory 275 hood latch. (the pic is right after I riveted it on, it is blended now and painted and looks much nicer than the photo indicates)

[Dynra Rockets]

Car is completely primered now. Next session will be color.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3585&stc=1&d=1283809068

One thing I was able to do since last session was to buy a dressed and complete SHO V8 engine. I have a bare long block but was missing several items to complete the engine and it was cheaper to buy a whole engine than source the individual parts. This one has 105k on it and I was able to drive it around the lot before the engine was pulled. Sitting tucked nicely in a corner of the garage just waiting for 2017.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3586&stc=1&d=1283809076

[Stealth97]

coming together nicely. the Italia nose with the pitcrew tail really, really looks sharp

[oldgrayfrog]

Wow, you are gettin close now. 2017? the 25 year mark when nobody cares what engine you are running? An LS1 with ITBs would look good in there without the wait:)

[jester911]

Looks good Randy.

[Dynra Rockets]

Wow, you are gettin close now. 2017? the 25 year mark when nobody cares what engine you are running? An LS1 with ITBs would look good in there without the wait:)

yes, 2017 is 25 year so no emission testing. I'm in no hurry though, the old race engine is in there now, only has about 2000 miles on it and runs great (and I've got a turbo kit in the garage if I decide I need more temporary power). 2017 is also when my oldest will be out of college.

I picked the SHO V8 for the look and not the power. It's actually a poor engine for a swap: camshaft issues, parts availability (headgaskets do not exists), no aftermarket support, and dimensionally large (as long as a 5.0).

[oldgrayfrog]

I've seen pictures of an LS1 running ITBs, had the period look you're after with 400whp. The SHO motor is gorgeous though, I give you that.

[sharkythesharkdogg]

I was going to ask if you were concerned about the pressed on cam gear issues. Does anyone even offer some sort of fix for that? An interference engine with gears that like to spin separate from the cams would make me stress. Go Yamaha!

You've made a lot of progress, and it looks good. You're oldest should be very grateful come 2017.

[Dynra Rockets]

I was going to ask if you were concerned about the pressed on cam gear issues. Does anyone even offer some sort of fix for that? An interference engine with gears that like to spin separate from the cams would make me stress. Go Yamaha!




The fix for the SHO V8 is to weld the gear to the cam. I've got a set of those ready to go in although I'd rather experiment with the XC90 cams as they have more spec.

[sharkythesharkdogg]

A ha. Interesting.

[Dynra Rockets]

I really wanted a set of Compagnolo wheels for my Italia. They were used on a few late 60's Ferrari's (206 Dino most notable) and Lamborghini's so would be a period correct wheel.

But they were last made 40 years ago, are cast magnesium, and only a handful were made in a 4x100 pattern (for the BMW 2002 Alpina) and only in a 14x7 size (could use knock-off adapters for the Ferrari/Lamborghini wheels). When they do show up they are usually $2-4k a set.

I have been looking for a replica manufacturer but can't find much. I did find one guy but so far only in a 13".
http://www.racecar.co.uk/campagnolo/ (http://www.racecar.co.uk/campagnolo/)

As used on the Dino and some Fiat's/Lancia's:
http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3619&stc=1&d=1284815082

As used on the Lamborghini Miura and Espada:
http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3620&stc=1&d=1284815102

What I'll probably end up doing is just getting a set of $5 decals for my RB Rota's :-)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=190443934195
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=8022265347

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3621&stc=1&d=1284815749
http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3622&stc=1&d=1284815756

Campagnolo hasn't made automobile wheel in several decades but still make wheels for bicycling.

[Dr.Drew]

From the site: "For those of you who race Abarth's with Campagnolo wheels, you may wish to consider the safety ramifications of running 30+ year old magnesium rims!"

[Dynra Rockets]

After further review I decided to do some more bodywork to get the seams and gaps improved a little more and to block one more coat of primer. My jouneyman cousin drove in and we used the 3 day weekend to finish all the remaining bodywork and put a final coat of primer on. The car is 100% ready for color now. Currently scheduled the paintbooth for the weekend of the 24th (this month, this year).

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4939&stc=1&d=1315231077

[theothersawyer]

Looks good! I can't wait to see it done! What color are you going to paint it?

[miata5620]

It really looks good man that is more body work than I would ever want to try to do.

[portabull]

i can see waiting until 2017. as fast as time is slipping away it'll be here pdq. i can't believe it's already september this year.

[Dynra Rockets]

I can't wait to see it done!

Are projects like this ever really done?

Since the rear clip is no longer in production getting crash repair parts would be impossible. I have an early MGB rear chrome bumper that I am thinking about adapting to protect against minor parking lot bumps. That will be my 2012 project.

What color are you going to paint it?

SU red

[theothersawyer]

Are projects like this ever really done?

Good point! :lol:

[Stealth97]

Have you considered the rota retros?

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l185/ek9revcivic/P1010337.jpg

[FE3tMX5]

Your cousin has an awesome little hat. Is that trade specific?

Man stealth- I think those rotas are perfect.

[Dynra Rockets]

I agree those wheels have the right look, and I thought about them, but apparently they are out of production now and did not come in 15x8 size.

For now I am going to stick with the RB's and after the car is driveable I may start looking for something else. When I was at the Mitty there were a couple of wheel manufacturers there making copies of vintage wheels so there may be hope for something "Italian" looking.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4940&stc=1&d=1315240369

Have you considered the rota retros?

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l185/ek9revcivic/P1010337.jpg

[Dynra Rockets]

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4985&stc=1&d=1316953558

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4984&stc=1&d=1316953558

[jester911]

Looking good Randy.

[Stealth97]

It's going to be sweet!

[miata5620]

It's really coming along nicely.

[ben91]

Awesome, I love garage paint booths. Can't wait to see the rest of it! :)

[theothersawyer]

Looking good!

[iamdallas]

This motivates me to try to paint my car SOOOOO bad.... ugh.

[Dynra Rockets]

This motivates me to try to paint my car SOOOOO bad.... ugh.


my paintbooth rental bailed on me so we had to improvise using the garage. it worked okay but still got a few pieces of dust in the panels.

We set up a "downdraft" system which really requires wet floors to capture all the paint dust and we didn't do that. Fortunatly the 2-3 pieces of dust per panel are in the clear coat (base coat dries instantly while clear takes 20 minutes to tack out even with hot cure added) so they can just be buffed out.

We did 3 coats color and 3 coats clear using urethane and painted each panel independantly. This week will be spent doing reassembly.

[Dynra Rockets]

Just out of the "paint booth". 7 years in the making....

chassis as it rolled out...
http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4987&stc=1&d=1317086127

bolted the doors on...
http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4988&stc=1&d=1317086127

rear clip...
http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4989&stc=1&d=1317086127

rear clip2...
http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4990&stc=1&d=1317086127

[Dynra Rockets]

bolted on some wheels for a few glamour pics.

Lots of work still to do. panel alignment, trim, interior, level the suspension, license... but I am so close now.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4991&stc=1&d=1317086351

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4992&stc=1&d=1317086351

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4993&stc=1&d=1317086351

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4994&stc=1&d=1317086351

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4995&stc=1&d=1317086351

[ben91]

iJealous

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

Amazing job man. Very very impressive.

[theothersawyer]

Wow! That looks like the paint came out great! I am going to bring my car over to your house so you can paint it! :D

On a serious note, I am really excited to see your car come together!!

[Beastinthebushes]

Wow, man. Mad props on such a project. That looks phenomenal! I never really liked this body kit, but I can really appreciate the work you've put in. I can already tell that this is gonna look "stock" when it's complete.

[eraser]

I have never liked this kit either till I saw it in red, the color fits it.

[tbone heller]

Looks great in red!!

[FE3tMX5]

I am a believer now. Didn't think the nose and tail fit together, but seeing them painted changes that. And that red is perfect.

[jester911]

Nice work. Can't wait to see it in person.

[Dynra Rockets]

I am a believer now. Didn't think the nose and tail fit together, but seeing them painted changes that. And that red is perfect.

I was concerned about the different styles of wheel lips from the two kits but seeing it all in one shiney color makes it all good.

I'm about 3 weeks away from driving it. Can't wait.

[CMP]

Can we get a side profile shot of that thing?

I'm not a big fan of the body conversions but that is very excellent body work, sir.

[Dynra Rockets]

Can we get a side profile shot of that thing?

I'm not a big fan of the body conversions but that is very excellent body work, sir.


I'll post more photos as I reassemble the trim, lights and interior. 200+ hours went into that bodywork. It was NOT bolt-on and spray.

[sharkythesharkdogg]

Nice work Randy. Some one who didn't know would think it was one complete kit. They really fit well together, and hats off to your body work skills.

[nickt93]

Looks fantastic Randy. I'm sure it feels really good to have all that hard work paid off. You are going to turn a lot of heads in that thing.

[FE3tMX5]

Any word on power to drive this thing?

[Dynra Rockets]

Any word on power to drive this thing?


I still have my old DP spec engine in there (+.5 mm overbore, 2001 10:1 pistons, 260 intake cam, headwork, shave, deck, knifeedge crank, YYY). Runs great. It will stay in there for a while. Page 2 has my eventual engine swap.

[RotorNutFD3S]

Looks great! Have you been keeping up with hours invested in just the body work?

[Dynra Rockets]

Looks great! Have you been keeping up with hours invested in just the body work?


200+

[FE3tMX5]

Oh, I figured you'd do something exciting in the interim like IRTBs or boost...

[oldgrayfrog]

Now I wish I never sold mine:( Looks awesome Randy!!!!

[Dynra Rockets]

What I'll probably end up doing is just getting a set of $5 decals for my RB Rota's :-)



http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=3622&stc=1&d=1284815756

Campagnolo hasn't made automobile wheel in several decades but still make wheels for bicycling.

I guess I am officially a poser now. I just bought these decals.

[FE3tMX5]

Get that logo laser etched into the wheels! That'll take your poser status to permanent! :D

[Dynra Rockets]

About $450 a wheel for the 15x8 but man-o-man do I like these...

http://www.group4wheels.com/wheels.html (http://www.group4wheels.com/wheels.html)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3443/3993658024_436a0c3aa5.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads9/campy_front1166153441.jpg
http://www.group4wheels.com/images/site/wheels_PAG_1590_300.jpg

[FE3tMX5]

Hard to believe there's not a replica of this replica (which is only sort of a replica, probably more like a reintroduction upsized).

[tbone heller]

Contact Compomotive & see if they will make you a set. They made my friend a set of Halibrand "knockoffs" in 17" for his Cobra.

[metalman]

Those would look good.
$450 each really doesnt seem that terrible considering the 'overpriced' body kit you are rocking. :lol: Honestly thats about Pana$port range etc
I wouldnt think custom made wheels would be cheaper.

[Dynra Rockets]

Pininfarina badging from a '58 250 GT California
http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=5115&stc=1&d=1321546450

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/57/222464380_c6935ea551_z.jpg
http://blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/1958%20250%20GT%20LWB%20California%20Spyder_09.jpg

[fastnfurious7]

More please! This ride is totally badass. Love the work you've done, Randy...can't wait to see the final product.

[Stealth97]

About $450 a wheel for the 15x8 but man-o-man do I like these...

http://www.group4wheels.com/wheels.html (http://www.group4wheels.com/wheels.html)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3443/3993658024_436a0c3aa5.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads9/campy_front1166153441.jpg
http://www.group4wheels.com/images/site/wheels_PAG_1590_300.jpg

those look very similar to hyashis.. which rota now makes a replica of.

[Dynra Rockets]

those look very similar to hyashis.. which rota now makes a replica of.

very aware of that but neither have the right offset I need and both are a little off in the design. The RB's will hold me for a while but since Group4wheels isn't interested in making the offset I need I'm still on the lookout for the perfect wheel.

[Dynra Rockets]

Not sure I like these for the Italia but I do like the fact that more and more wheel manufacturers are going "old school".

http://www.nlmotoring.com/XXR-532-wheels-15-inch-Flat-Gold-p/53258087.htm

http://a248.e.akamai.net/origin-cdn.volusion.com/5ehx2.gysj4/v/vspfiles/photos/53258082-2.jpg?1320088607

[Dynra Rockets]

http://www.koni-na.com/photogal.cfm

[fastnfurious7]

Hottest looking car on that page! Man, that thing looks good.

[nickt93]

Right on, Randy! That's really cool!

[oldgrayfrog]

Randy that looks fantastic! I think you need a set of Elise seats, or maybe that set of Porsche race buckets that I bought last year, but have them redone with Ferrari style upholstery! There's that place that does retro 911 seats, they sent me a sample pic last year. I also think a single Cobra style roll hoop would look fantastic. I need to buy an NB so I can build an Italia II and stop being so jealous of you with this car! What was I thinking selling mine, I'm such an idiot. Car looks sexy as HELL. !!

[phatmiata]

Wow this is looking great!!

[Dynra Rockets]

Note: The Italia NA is back in production!

Also, the NA 2.0 with a one piece tilt front end is coming!!!

http://www.simpsondesign.net/archive.asp?BID=1030 (http://www.simpsondesign.net/archive.asp?BID=1030)

http://www.simpsondesign.net/blogPics/italiaClassic2Nose.jpg


Also, the NB Italia 2 can now be ordered to look like the NA Italia I with horizontal side gills and original grill opening size.

Randy

[Spark!Plug]

i dont mean to threadjack.. but at WekFest in SA or SD.. but when i sww this car.. i thught about ths build.. check it out here http://www.stancenation.com/2012/03/08/wekfest-miata/ it looks GOOOOD! the front seems to be a garage vary nose but with a pitcrew rear...

CHECK OUT THE HARDTOP!! (best feature of the car imho

/threadkack

[metalman]

i dont mean to threadjack.. but at WekFest in SA or SD.. but when i swaw i thught about ths build.. check it out hrehttp://www.stancenation.com/2012/03/08/wekfest-miata/ it looks GOOOODi the front seems to be a garage vary nose but with a pitcrew rear...



Not a pitcrew rear. The pitcrew is on the front. The rear is stock, euro, and flush simpson type bumper with rice crap added.
Their tail light execution is hideous. Should have used simpson/gv tail combo for that look.

http://garagewoolery.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/image5.jpg?w=700&h=
http://garagewoolery.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/bikini-top1.jpg

[Dynra Rockets]

Those rear lights don't bother me. Not my style but I don't hate them.

I am very happy that the people who bought the pitcrew kits didn't like the rear treatment since that allowed me to buy my pitcrew rear for my project.

[metalman]

Those rear lights don't bother me. Not my style but I don't hate them.



They look like hacked and tacked on PepBoyz style crap to me. Hideous given the expense made on the rest of the car.
The interior is kinda tacky too. These kids should learn that less is more.

I actually prefer the Pitcrew rear kit when nose is used. But Woolery's GV/Simpson combo works too.

[oldgrayfrog]

Agreed, Randy got the last Pitcrew rear treatment in the States. When I got the offer to buy the last nose off a guy in Las Vegas, it was the comparisons to the green and yellow car above that stopped me. BTW, the over fenders and a lot else has been rendered in carbon fiber on that car. The curb weight is now UNDER 1800 lbs! I think I want to see about having Jim Simpson convert my red car into an Italia. That would be the best of both worlds!

[Spark!Plug]

i honestly, and in no way do i mean to offend.. but i've never like those conversions. i figured you guys would find it interesting, or even interesting to critique it. i havnt been able to find pics of the hard top.. to me thats all thats good on the car.. the camber is TOO much. i like camber, even non-functional camber less exttreme as seen from the rear angle of the car. i honestly feel that there should never be a "show ONLY car" im glad an MX-5 got a feature on numerous blogs of the wekfest miata, as most of them said it was the best, and in many cases their favorite unless they were into bagged golfs. i unno look at thunder, and look at this one.. thunder wins, first round, 2nd punch. K.O.

[metalman]

i honestly, and in no way do i mean to offend..

Aint gonna offend me....I am not into body kits that much either.
But, some really are well done and I can appreciate that.

[Beastinthebushes]

His name is JDMPalace on cr.net. Im pretty sure there is a whole thread on just his car, not a build thread, but just a pic thread.

[oldgrayfrog]

Yeah I know that guy and his car, he kept changing the number of foglights for a while he had six of those little suckers. I'm sorry but the whole stretch a 205 over a 15x9 or 15x10 is retarded looking in my humble opinion, and would fail the most preliminary tech inspection at a track day, so Thunder wins by default BEFORE the first round even starts.

[jester911]

Yeah I never have been able to figure out a good reason to have the wheel protrude out an inch or more beyond the tire.

[Dynra Rockets]

and now the NA GTB (coupe)....

http://www.simpsondesign.net/blog.asp

[Jack-MX5ATLanta.com]

The interiors are so over the top on a lot of these cars. Just because you can fit in more chrome, there's no need to!

[mazdakart]

The jdmpalace car is hideous imo

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk

[metalman]

and now the NA GTB (coupe)....

http://www.simpsondesign.net/blog.asp

That could look cool if slammed. I'd rock one....except for the $ involved. :)

To me both the Pitcrew and Italia conversions need to be quite low to look good.

[mazdakart]

Looks like a datsun, but I'm diggin it

[friday]

The jdmpalace car is hideous imo

Sent from my ADR6350 using Tapatalk


Yeah he took it a bit too far. Before and when he first converted the car it was in a much cleaner state. Then he got a little carried away with the custom body work, and that stuff is best left to professional designers.

[oldgrayfrog]

Now I'm screwed. I want both! Maybe I should have the red car done as a classic Italia convertible, and when that's done, I can put a supercharger or a V8 into the black car and have it done as a coupe...only $15000 for a turn key!!!

[jester911]

Dave you need to be totally sequestered. Otherwise you will never finish what you have started.:lol:

[oldgrayfrog]

True statement. I bought the Italia, what? Three years ago? it was beautiful, but it had been left too long parked, and I just couldn't see it getting the turbo engine, it could hardly handle the 1.6 at that point. Yet I always regretted selling it. Then Jim Simpson announced that the Italia I was going out of production...I was really bummed. Mind you there are only 72 Italias ever produced up to now...

Then Jim announced that the new Italia II, which is coming in coupe as well as vert', would be NB only, and again I was bummed out, because the post 1995 cars have OBD II, which makes passing smog with a replacement ecu a non-starter. So today I am thrilled to see that both the Italia I is back in production (mind you a turn key car is now $15k vice the $12k of three years ago!), and that Jim has also decided to make the damned sexy Italia II coupe available for the NA chassis as well, something I asked Jim and East Coast rep Peter Cameron-Nott (who now owns my old Italia) about when the Italia II was first announced.

Some guys would dream about buying an old 911, or a Viper, I think the Miata, when outfitted with either a FI motor, or a V8, becomes the best sports car in the world. With my 91, I have completely redone every aspect of the car, with the best components I can find. The interior no longer resembles anything Mazda imagined, the drivetrain is a mix of the best parts that Mazda ever put on a Miata, the suspension is the best I could find (with the exception of the stock A Arms which I intend to replace with the V8 Roadster tubular pieces). I think that fitting the Italia body, which in person is achingly beautiful, is the natural extension of this build. Yeah when I'm done I will have spent in excess of $40,000 on a car, but it will be my car in every sense, I will have literally handpicked every part on it.

[Dynra Rockets]

and that Jim has also decided to make the damned sexy Italia II coupe available for the NA chassis as well

A one piece tilt front in the Italia I style for the NA will also be available. As someone who spent days and days getting the hood latch and hood aligned I wish that was something I could have had.

[miata5620]

Yeah when I'm done I will have spent in excess of $40,000 on a car, but it will be ERIC'S car in every sense, I will have literally handpicked every part on it.

Fixed that for You. :) I do agree it would be a unique car with all the personal touches and worth the money.

[oldgrayfrog]

Without question Eric is the Benz to my Mercedes. Mercedes was the money guy, Benz the engineer. Ripley has put his blood a sweat and soul into my car. I wouldn't for a second discount his contributions to this project. Every problem I have had with the exception of the bearing spinning, could have been avoided by asking Ripley the right question before hand. I have these big ideas and Rip pulls me back to the reality of what is possible. Still if I take the car to Jim Simpson and have him put an Italia body onto the car, will that make it Jim's car? I know Ripley knows how much I value his work and our friendship, the car's name is the RS: that's Ripley Sport if you weren't paying attention.

[miata5620]

No man it is your car I was just playing around because we all know how much of himself he has put into it. You two together make a nice car that most of us wished we could have.

[oldgrayfrog]

Oh in a big way, it will always be Ripley's car....good thing I really like the guy:)