It seems like a year ago I rebuilt the rear end because soo
much has happened since then. But it’s
really only been parked under my bench for about 2 months. It's mostly ready go except for the little detail that there is no way to mount it in the car. ;-) Now I could have left it there and focused on
getting the engine running to make my
start up goal but I'd rather have the drive shaft in properly so I can have oil in the transmission when I do try and start it even if I miss the date.
So out comes the rear frame.
More
rust but thankfully it came out with no trouble.
A shot with the back mount on and the diff sitting on it. So far so good!
The front mount had about a 3/8”
gap to the frame that it should not have had IMO.
So I added some end plates with a couple of tabs and gussets
on the back to weld to. 
The front mount had about a 3/8”
gap to the frame that it should not have had IMO.
So I added some end plates with a couple of tabs and gussets
on the back to weld to. 
And of course while I had the welder out how could I
resist adding some support to the frame with braces too?
Now
I would like to pause here and post a quote from a fine welder in another buildthread: "Clearly the anti-corrosion dip or electroplate that Mazda does to
these cars inhibits the welding process. I cleaned the metal very well, but
it was still difficult to get a nice bead without burning through"
VALADATED!!!
I was hoping I wasn't such a klutz that I couldn't weld on this car! Thankfully the frame was normal metal so I got
some spanking good welds on these mounts where I really needed them. So good
I'll zoom for you this time!!
Still not going to be in any text book but I'm really happy with them! So I have it welded up and ready for paint. It sure dosn't seem like there is much holding that big differential in the car...
So far all the work has been done off the car on the
subframe and Jenna seemed to be cooperating.
But there was no time like now with the wheel wells wide open to roll
the fenders so I had to risk her fury and give it a try.
Interesting just as I getting ready to start the Top Gear guys were
talking about the perception that Miatas are girls cars that no real men
would own. I have a hunch that had
something to do with the fenders rolling like a dream! I’ve
done a lot of fender rolling in my time but never one that went so smooth, fast
and easy as this one. Turns out it pays to have Netflix in the garage! No problem fitting
manly size tires on her now...
It
cracked the paint as I expected it would do but no problem with a little black
Rustoleum.
Also with the subframe out it was easy to drop the gas
tank down a little and run the fuel lines through.
Oh yeah I would have needed to do the fuel lines to start it too
right? LOL!
11 days and counting till my start up goal, Yikesl!!
Have a GREAT week everyone!
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