Here's What $300 Worth of '91 Miata Looks Like

"That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms" (thatbastardkurtis5) 08/23/2017 at 13:11 • Filed to: None

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This morning I dropped off my Yukon at the mechanic where my soon-to-be second Miata resides, so I thought I’d grab a few more pictures of it and kinda put my plan on paper. Er, internet.

It’s all there, is basically how I’d describe it. There’s nothing glaring missing from it, it’s relatively straight, and it allegedly runs and drives. That said, the top end of the engine is supposed to be making some noise and they say it’ll need a clutch, but it feels more like a master/slave cylinder to me just from the pedal.

But it’s not all just sunshine and farts.

There’s the real reason the car is so cheap, not the clutch and the motor but the rotted rockers. Honestly...I’m not bothered, and I’ll tell you why.

Absolute worst case with this car, I buy it for $300, sell the top frame for $200, the latches for $90, and the top itself for $50-100 (it’s actually very good) and I’ve got my money back before I scrap it.

Best case, I sell all that stuff and then I continue selling stuff. The interior is decent and I can see another $200 from stuff in there. Good carpets, door panels, the seats are good. I end up with a stripped out car that becomes the base for me to learn all the stuff I don’t know how to do that I should do on junk before ever trying it on a good car.

So I cut out the rockers and weld in new ones. I take the body down, prime it and paint it...or maybe wrap it, but I prefer paint. And the really great part is that I don’t have to rush because I’ve got the black Miata I can drive while I work on this sack of shit.

Does it become a LeMons car? Do I do a v8 swap? Do I take the unhealthy 226k mile 1.6 and slap on a gigantic turbo? Who even cares, it’s $300.

Anyway, I’m going to hear it run today. My wife already signed off on it (because she’s a saint), so it’s coming home next week unless something really stupid happens. Gonna Miata the shit out of my driveway.

Ilike_cougars > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 13:16

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Or you know.. Shed all the body weight and make it onto an utterly beautiful Bauer Catfish

Party-vi > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 13:19

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“But it’s not all just sunshine and farts.”

Thank you for this. 

Chariotoflove > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 13:19

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Or sell it to me for $350, whereupon I drive it until it dies one day and call AAA to give me a lift home.

Oh wait, manual. Never mind.

BREADwagon > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 13:23

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That’s a steal. I vote for new rocker panels and a repaint. It’s definitely been painted before (the bottom doesn’t have that OEM black strip), but from the pictures, it doesn’t look half bad!

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Chariotoflove 08/23/2017 at 13:23

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It’s worth learning to drive a stick for. Although if you’ve got a weird commute I can see wanting an automatic, I don’t want to drive a stick every day.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Ilike_cougars 08/23/2017 at 13:24

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Ooh that’s neat.

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 13:27

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B O N D O

Chariotoflove > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 13:28

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I’d totally drive it with a stick if I could, especially as my fun weekend car. I’m just physically unable because paralysis.

AestheticsInMotion > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 13:28

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https://www.flyinmiata.com/lift-kit.html

Under $200 for a lift... Perfect for a running, beater Miata

AestheticsInMotion > Chariotoflove 08/23/2017 at 13:30

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On the plus side, if you ever do get one you’ll get an insane deal since autos are so undesirable. No clue if it would offset the cost of the custom work you’d need done to make it work, but it’s something!

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 13:33

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Clean up the daisy wheels and they’re worth another $100...

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 13:33

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Ehh Ive seen far rustier Miatas go for more than that. The only concerning part is it looks like the rockers are patched over so its likely far worse than it looks. My rocker panels in general are about as bad, those things just dont last on Miatas in the Northeast. Doesnt effect how the car drives though so its all good.

benjrblant > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 13:34

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Does it become a LeMons car? Do I do a v8 swap? Do I take the unhealthy 226k mile 1.6 and slap on a gigantic turbo? Who even cares, it’s $300.

Yes. $300 is well within the “I dunno, F- it.” category of drive it until something asplodes and then donate it for a tax write off to almost break even. There’s definitely more than $300 in parts on it too. Good call!

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion 08/23/2017 at 13:35

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Oh, I could throw my portable hand controls on it and be on the road, or blow $600 to put permanent ones on. I’m planning something like this being in my future. My wife’s on board with it too, which makes it actually possible.

B/Xmrrmvr > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 13:36

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Jesus look at that orange peel paint job

nerd_racing > Chariotoflove 08/23/2017 at 13:36

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buy my automatic NA ;) I’ll cut you an oppo discount.   https://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/6276719947.html

Chariotoflove > nerd_racing 08/23/2017 at 13:41

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Oh my, it’s in my favorite colors too. I’ll have to talk to the wife about this tonight. I don’t know about logistics, but I’ll see what The Voice Of Reason says when I tell her.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Chariotoflove 08/23/2017 at 13:42

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Ohhh I gotcha. Automatic ones are dirt cheap.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 08/23/2017 at 13:43

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I’ve got another set of those off my ‘93 that I should sell, too.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > benjrblant 08/23/2017 at 13:44

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I really can’t lose on it for this money. In a way I wish I found this one before I bought the black one, but I think for the red one to make sense for me I need the black one to drive.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > AestheticsInMotion 08/23/2017 at 13:44

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That’s an EXCELLENT idea.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > B/Xmrrmvr 08/23/2017 at 13:45

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That seems to be basically all of them, they got a textured paint on the lower body...my black ‘93 is the same way. It’s weird.

Decay buys too many beaters > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 13:45

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God damnit.

I knew I should have splurged and spent the extra $100.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) 08/23/2017 at 13:45

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Ha. I’ll pick up a 5 gallon bucket off Amazon.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Decay buys too many beaters 08/23/2017 at 13:46

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Hey that’s a good looking $200 Miata! I’d totally buy that for $200.

Decay buys too many beaters > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 13:54

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She was a woods car

Chariotoflove > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 14:03

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And that’s what keeps my dream alive.

sony1492 > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 14:07

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Sell everything off of it, buy a set of used tires, weld the diff, profit

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Decay buys too many beaters 08/23/2017 at 14:08

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Before I got one, I had no idea how many Opponauts had Miatas...though I’m not surprised to learn a ton of Oppos own a ton of Miatas.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > sony1492 08/23/2017 at 14:09

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I like this idea. A guy near me was selling a ‘96 in pieces, but it had a 1.8 and a Torsen and I regret not throwing him $400.

Decay buys too many beaters > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 14:12

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It spreads like a disease. I have convinced 4 people in my FR-S/BRZ inner circle to pick up cheap Miatas... this year so far.

sony1492 > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 14:13

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1uz swap?

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Decay buys too many beaters 08/23/2017 at 14:15

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I’ve got two of my buddies looking for them. I’m not sure you can have more fun for the money than an NA Miata. I’ll have $300 worth of fun with this junk the day I get it, and I feel like I’ve already gotten $1750 worth from my ‘93 in the last week and a half.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > sony1492 08/23/2017 at 14:15

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I was thinking LS or 5.0.

someassemblyrequired > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 14:16

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Torsens, even garbage ones, sell for big cash. Like way more than $400 if it’s still available.

Decay buys too many beaters > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 14:16

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Mine paid for itself after like one autocross run on 10 year old tires!

someassemblyrequired > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 14:19

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FWIW, front fenders are bolt on. Rears, not so much. Miatas have semi-lousy slave cylinders, they tend to need bled fairly frequently and occasional replacement. I’d start there before throwing a clutch at it. Might be a $0 fix.

sony1492 > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 14:21

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I can see into the future

AestheticsInMotion > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 14:27

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This, $200 on a set of cheap winter tires and possibly some rally pod lights aimed out towards the sides is my current winter plans.

Join the offroadster life

thejustache > Decay buys too many beaters 08/23/2017 at 14:31

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I’m in as well if I ever find one for “who cares” money. I do occasionally see sub $500 ones here, but I need more wrenching space before any of those would become viable options. Every time I see a beater NA in the wild it catches my eye and I can’t deny the tiny things look fun to thrash

someassemblyrequired > Chariotoflove 08/23/2017 at 14:34

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NA/NB automatics aren’t great, but the NC’s are pretty decent for their time and getting down into the magic price zone. If a third pedal is out, an NC or later Miata with paddle shifters is 80+% of the fun of a manual - and they’re around for $5-6K. Apparently the ND automatics are miles ahead, but I’ve not driven one.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > someassemblyrequired 08/23/2017 at 14:35

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Yeah, I was definitely going to look at that before getting all up inside the transmission. The pedal feels super soft and I don’t really want to do a clutch yet, so that’ll be job one right after I sell the top and shit off it. It’s getting stripped whether I keep it or not.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > sony1492 08/23/2017 at 14:36

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It’s a really loud, fun way to break parts though.

someassemblyrequired > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 14:41

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Yeah with a soft pedal I’d start with bleeding the slave, I wouldn’t be surprised if that fixes the issue. There’s pretty easy access to the bleed screw - I might try that once you get it home and see how it drives before you strip it for parts. Probably 10 minutes to see if it works.

Chariotoflove > someassemblyrequired 08/23/2017 at 14:43

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I like the face on the NA or NB better, but your point is well taken. My impression is the NCs are still holding their value pretty well. I will say the ND auto I tested was good enough for me to have a blast in it.

nerd_racing > Chariotoflove 08/23/2017 at 15:01

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Sounds good to me. If desired I can drive/haul it part way too.

nerd_racing > someassemblyrequired 08/23/2017 at 15:02

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I don’t mind the NA auto I have. It’s still way more fun than most cars and the push button OD is a great feature.

someassemblyrequired > nerd_racing 08/23/2017 at 15:18

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An auto Miata is still better than an awful lot of other cars. Especially considering the discount vs. a manual.

someassemblyrequired > Chariotoflove 08/23/2017 at 15:20

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I’d agree on the NA and NB looking better. I also find access to the NC is not as good as the NB or NA. Also no pop-ups. The early NCs are starting to drop hard, especially the autos. But you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Once you are in Miata land, all distinctions are academic.

sony1492 > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 15:33

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This is a good plan, just get that AAA premium plan and your good to go. Spent like $180? To get my AAA and so far have cost the company at least $2000 in towing expenses.

Chariotoflove > someassemblyrequired 08/23/2017 at 15:40

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I tend to agree. If you like them, then you like them all to some extent.

Decay buys too many beaters > thejustache 08/23/2017 at 15:40

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Was a perfect storm for me, I’d been looking for a project, I had space, a mild interest in the NA, and one popped up in impulse buy territory.

They are super fun to thrash, the way I describe to people that know bikes “it’s as close as a car has ever come to feeling like a motorcycle”

thejustache > Decay buys too many beaters 08/23/2017 at 15:47

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Yeah I was somewhat looking while at my last job where motorcycles weren’t allowed in the company parking lot (yeah that was a thing). No such issue at my current job, but I’d still like to get one eventually to mess around with if I found one for the right price

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > sony1492 08/23/2017 at 16:28

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Oh I’m all about the gold card life. I get my money’s worth by buying really bad cars.

Die-Trying > Chariotoflove 08/23/2017 at 17:24

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i wouldnt outright give up on a manual ....... gone but not forgotten, i got to meet/hang out/ visit with an old guy every so often. was a professional auto body guy. he also raced an old camaro in the 1/4 mile. 477 bbc, with a muncie 4 speed manual transmission. it would run the quarter in the mid 9s.......... the car had handi controls....... guy was diabetic, blind in one eye, and missing both legs,one just above the knee, and one just below................ if there is something that you want to do, with enough determination, you can make it happen. good ol’ Jim Chin, gone but not forgotten.........

Chariotoflove > Die-Trying 08/23/2017 at 17:35

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That’s very cool.

I’ve seen ways to adapt manual cars to hand operation. But, what I’ve seen so far seems overly complex and not much fun. However, I’m always open to new experiences and ideas.

Die-Trying > Chariotoflove 08/23/2017 at 17:51

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yeah, Jim, and most of the other old geezers i get to hang out with, have come through a whole lot. they are TRULY inspirational. makes a guy feel like they are standing still by comparison....... and being able bodied, i have NO excuses.......

daender > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/23/2017 at 18:35

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You should try making one set of daisies look retro!

Delete the cap, paint it, and maybe put small cover over the axle nuts!

Chariotoflove > Die-Trying 08/23/2017 at 18:37

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No one ever has an excuse. We all need to get out there and live life as best we can and help each other do it. Although I have met plenty of people who didn’t get that memo...

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > daender 08/23/2017 at 18:40

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I like that a lot actually. Totally doable.

Andrew Grey > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 08/30/2017 at 11:09

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This deal reminds me when i made a purchase a 91 Miata from this insurance auction https://sca.auction Sold everything off of it, bought used tires and made a good rally car

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > Andrew Grey 08/30/2017 at 13:56

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That’s my plan almost exactly, except track instead of rally.

CaptDale - is secretly British > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 09/06/2017 at 19:22

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Damn, that is a great car for $300