15 replies to this topic

[gtphillips72]

Hi Folks,

I'm tearing down a '97 to turn into a racecar and have run into two problems. 

 

The center dash piece that encloses the radio and center vents is detached at the sides but won't come loose at the top.  I don't want to break whatever is holding it on.

 

What kind of fastener is holding the center rearview mirror to the windshield?  I can't see it any way I look and i've tried every allen wrench I have.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Jeff Wasilko]

There are screws behind the eyeball vents, in the top of the vent tube, IIRC.

[Brandon]

And what's missing from Jeff's helpful note is how to remove the eyeballs.

 

Straighten a coat hanger, then about 6" from one end, bend it into a 1" radius "hook".  You can then feed the hook into the eyeball, twist the hanger 90* and then pull the hanger out.

That will give you two places to pull on the hanger and apply the force behind the eyeball.

 

It shouldn't take much force and the above is to not damage the visible portions of the balls (for reuse in street vehicles) but I've also seen Vice-Grips used to permit grabbing the vent edges and pulling too.

 

The black screws that are hidden behind the eyeballs are pointing downward about 80* from horizontal and closer to the center of the tombstone (vent/radio/climate trim panel) so they're not that easy to see but you can feel them with your fingers.

 

Hope that helps!

Brandon

[davew]

There are pix and descriptions in my book, but what was said is correct.

 

The mirror is spring loaded to the windshield tab. Insert an allan wrench into the hole to release the spring clip.

 

Dave

[Alberto]

Dave's book

aka

the Spec Miata Constructors Manual

[Bench Racer]

gtphillips, the following is said in an informative manner. Being your in the process of building a Miata race car one of the SCCA rules is that you own a Mazda Factory Shop Manual and have the manual at the events you enter. With the manual you will find answers to manny of the questions that will come about while your building your car. The manuals are a bit pricy if you buy from Mazda or other sources. A freind borrowed me his manual and IIRC it cost me $35.00 to have it copied both sides of each page.

Most of all, Have Fun

David Dewhurst

[Ron Alan]

Mr Rules(yes, Dave...you!), does a downloaded version on your phone count?

[Bench Racer]

Mr Rules(yes, Dave...you!), does a downloaded version on your phone count?

Do you disagree that the FSM is a great place to find answers? Seemed like a great way of introducing a new builder (new org member, new site member) on how to answer many questions that will pop-up and to a SCCA rule. But then if one knows it all, why do you ask if a downloaded version on the phone counts.

[Ron Alan]

Do you disagree that the FSM is a great place to find answers? Seemed like a great way of introducing a new builder (new org member, new site member) on how to answer many questions that will pop-up and to a SCCA rule. But then if one knows it all, why do you ask if a downloaded version on the phone counts.

My question was actually dead serious since as you pointed out getting a paper/book version can be pricey. With technology these days I would think a downloadable version of the FSM is available for a laptop/pad/phone. In the unlikely event one was asked by a scrutineer to produce their FSM...I assume this would be ok? Knicknames and teasing aside...you do know the rules better than most and i was being lazy. 

[Pat Ross]

Ron,

 

At a recent SCCA event we were required to produce the FSM for our '99.  Michael had it on his laptop.  That was considered adequate by the scrutineer.

[Ron Alan]

Ron,

 

At a recent SCCA event we were required to produce the FSM for our '99.  Michael had it on his laptop.  That was considered adequate by the scrutineer.

The simple answer I was looking for...thanks Pat!

 

I do have a hard copy but i better put it in the trailer and off the office shelf 

[MPR22]

The simple answer I was looking for...thanks Pat!

 

I do have a hard copy but i better put it in the trailer and off the office shelf 

My favorite part was the scrutineer was going to DQ all three of us.  I was able to produce the pdf version and that magically worked for all three of us, even though one of the cars was a 91' not a 99'  If we all had 99's and I was the only one with a restrictor plate would all three of us pass?   

[tLinder]

My question was actually dead serious since as you pointed out getting a paper/book version can be pricey. With technology these days I would think a downloadable version of the FSM is available for a laptop/pad/phone. In the unlikely event one was asked by a scrutineer to produce their FSM...I assume this would be ok? Knicknames and teasing aside...you do know the rules better than most and i was being lazy. 

July 2014 GRC - 717

 

9.1.7. SPEC MIATA CLASS

 

C. A Mazda factory shop manual for the specific make, model, and year

of automobile is required to be in the possession of each entrant. The

manual may be in the form of printed material, microfiche, CDs, DVDs,

and/or Internet access to manufacturer sponsored web-based databases.

[Johnny D]

 

July 2014 GRC - 717

 

9.1.7. SPEC MIATA CLASS

 

C. A Mazda factory shop manual for the specific make, model, and year

of automobile is required to be in the possession of each entrant. The

manual may be in the form of printed material, microfiche, CDs, DVDs,

and/or Internet access to manufacturer sponsored web-based databases.

 

 

Microfiche. 

J~

[Glenn Davis]

 

July 2014 GRC - 717

 

9.1.7. SPEC MIATA CLASS

 

C. A Mazda factory shop manual for the specific make, model, and year

of automobile is required to be in the possession of each entrant. The

manual may be in the form of printed material, microfiche, CDs, DVDs,

and/or Internet access to manufacturer sponsored web-based databases.

 

 

Dang.  Mine is stored on Hollerith Cards.

[Mark McCallister]

The PDF of the FSM for the 2014 Mazda3 is 10,229 pages.  Helpful 3-D renderings and hyperlinks FTW.  It won't be long before paper will not be an option...