Building My First SM

This video has the part number for the heat shield: 

Bias it toward the driver's side as much as you possibly can.

I have my trans & engine out, so I was able to get a decent shot of where I located mine.   

https://flic.kr/ps/3UAk6f

This is the same stuff mentioned earlier from DEI and it's a 10" x 10" sheet.   This is probably more coverage than needed, but this sure cooled down my hot foot.

I ran my similar insulation further forward on the drivers side where the header comes down. More forward on the tunnel and wrapped around on the firewall. 

Almost done with the ESR pan install. I ran into an issue after getting the pan itself into place. The support that connects the cut frame member has a gap where it mounts to the outside of the frame. The gap is about 1/4" in the front and 3/8" in the rear. I was thinking of shortening the height of the runner from the front to the rear of the pan to raise it so it touches the frame. Any advice on this would be great. Thanks!

See photos from links below.

https://flic.kr/p/2jZ9nsW

https://flic.kr/p/2jZ8xSE

I read that the aluminum ones don't last long, what's your opinion on this?

We have a set that we have used for five years and they have held up very well. The surface that pinch welds of the car rest on has been worn a bit, but nothing of concern to the stands operational capabilities. I just bought two more sets so I can now have a set for all five of our cars under the tent.

Another option for heat shielding for the drivers compartment/feet are the KOOLMATs that Advanced Autosports sells, which is a mat that goes on the inside of the car. I have these installed in all of our cars and I nor any of my drivers have ever said they have had hot feet. IMO when its done right is looks cleaner aesthetically than the heat shielding tape on the underside of the car (even though only you should really see this) and also the KOOLMAT has good floor grip for your feet inside the car.

Link to the KOOLMAT is here: https://www.advanced...2aa50b271&_ss=r

 But you need to start with a really clean surface. 

Yep.  I found that POR15's Cleaner Degreaser to be the best to clean up oily parts and the underside of the car.  Works much better than the purple stuff, simple green etc.  Also doesn't discolor aluminum bits like the purple stuff and leaves no residue.

https://www.por15.co...eaner-Degreaser

Update:

Took a break from the car to deal with life. Back on it for this week and then I'm off to do some military stuff for several months.

Drop Floor Pan: Install has been simple, I plan to finish welding the pan this week and then take the car off the floor jacks.

Hard Top: It came in! I ordered through Mazda Motorsports. Fit is perfect and came with all new latches, new seals, mounting hardware, B pillar Trim, and a defrost rear window with pigtail. Color is black. Minor issue, small crack in the front of it from shipping. I have been trying to get a hold of the guys at Mazda Motorsports but they are still off for the holidays. Hopefully they will let me take it some a body shop to have the repair done. I will then have a clear coat sprayed on it to help protect the paint. I'll post some pics later.

Seat: I still need to source a seat for the car. I have been looking at Ultra Shield but I figured I should at least to sit in a seat to see how it feels, not many options in my area that I have located in order to do this. Once I find a seat I will order the roll cage as well.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Slows

Update:

 

Took a break from the car to deal with life. Back on it for this week and then I'm off to do some military stuff for several months.

 

Drop Floor Pan: Install has been simple, I plan to finish welding the pan this week and then take the car off the floor jacks.

 

Hard Top: It came in! I ordered through Mazda Motorsports. Fit is perfect and came with all new latches, new seals, mounting hardware, B pillar Trim, and a defrost rear window with pigtail. Color is black. Minor issue, small crack in the front of it from shipping. I have been trying to get a hold of the guys at Mazda Motorsports but they are still off for the holidays. Hopefully they will let me take it some a body shop to have the repair done. I will then have a clear coat sprayed on it to help protect the paint. I'll post some pics later.

 

Seat: I still need to source a seat for the car. I have been looking at Ultra Shield but I figured I should at least to sit in a seat to see how it feels, not many options in my area that I have located in order to do this. Once I find a seat I will order the roll cage as well.

 

 

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

 

Slows

We've used this seat since building ours and really like it. Just depends on if you want a full containment or not. https://www.ultrashi...pec-miata-seat/

I'll bet the side mount bracket for a Kirkey 71 series can be made to work. Summit sells them for around $46, part number KIR-99214.

I don't know how much you paid for the Ultrashield, but a 16in Kirkey 71 series is under $400 from Summit too.

I have not purchased the seat yet. I do want the Halo seat as well.

Thanks!

What are you guys using to mount the seat? Do I need to fabricate something or can I purchase something for the ultra shield? I ask because ultra shield doesn’t sell mounting kits.
Thanks!

Callumhay,

Do you have any pictures of those brackets installed on your car?