Picked up a 1st gen... [Archive]

AODfan

09-01-2007, 01:19 AM

Well in the quest for a 2nd car, a beater, I found a 1990 Protege through a friend. Ended up only paying $300 for the thing. It needs some work as you can tell from the pics below.

I plan on fixing some of the body work, cleaning up the interior really well and who knows from there.

It stills runs well and gets great gas mileage

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1645.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1644.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1646.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1647.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1653.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1652.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1648.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1651.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1649.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1650.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1642.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1643.jpg

mannydingo

09-02-2007, 10:24 AM

Funny how beat up the interior looks yet the door panel looks so new. The old one was obviously replaced.

Antoine

09-03-2007, 06:59 AM

I can't even begin to imagine how the hell the interior/engine bay ended up so nasty...Unless someone used the inside as their dumpster and the engine bay as a toilet...Poor Pro!

Other than that...Great choice for a "beater"...Be sure to keep us updated on the clean up and post (pics)

MDCruiser

09-05-2007, 10:16 AM

mannydingo

09-06-2007, 06:05 PM

My 1994 looked about the same inside, I paid $300 for it too. It needs new brakes and rotors in front, a power steering pump, and the hold light flashes. The outside is dented here and here, but no rust.
$65 for my used and good non-leaking power steering pump. Shipping will be another 9 bucks. I also have a white rear bumper from my 94.

Protephile

09-06-2007, 06:14 PM

Damn, that needs some serious mclovin...
Poor engine bay.

AODfan

09-06-2007, 06:26 PM

Well, get a picked up a replacement door, grabbed it for $100

Have removed the fender and old door...just need to install and order more replacement body parts
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1657.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1658.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1659.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1660.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1661.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1662.jpg

BTW, has anyone every bought any of the ebay replacement fenders and such? How is the quality and fit?

turpro

09-07-2007, 11:34 PM

Looks like she's in good hands ;)

gybe

09-08-2007, 04:44 AM

Hi!

Nice to see someone picks up 1st gen 323. ;) Some may not believe but here in Slovenia these car sell for like 100-250 USD, mint condition, with power locks, windows, sunroof. I just couldn't believe it until I saw some of them without a single scratch. I was thinking about getting one of those for winter and put my baby in the garage, but before that we will have to do some cosmetics job. ;)

mannydingo

09-08-2007, 08:25 AM

Damn, that needs some serious mclovin...
Poor engine bay.

Why McLovin' ??? Are you saying only an employee for McDonalds is up to the task?(uhm)

tyusha

09-09-2007, 06:00 PM

^^^ Last name of a character in the movie superbad

MDCruiser

09-10-2007, 12:08 AM

$65 for my used and good non-leaking power steering pump. Shipping will be another 9 bucks. I also have a white rear bumper from my 94.

I got one from EBay for $40 shipped, 60 day warranty, but thanks for the offer. :)

The trans HOLD light flashes and the speedo doesn't work. Shop told me all the solenoids are bad in the trans, and it burned out the speed sensor on the trans too. I am going to get a 2nd opinion.

Also, the driver's power window is off the track. It moves, but doesn't roll up with the motor. I still haven't gotten to that one yet. I'm shocked the power windows, locks, and power sunroof even work.

This past Saturday, I replaced the front brakes pads and rotors ($70), wiper blades ($10), and battery ($50). Horn doesn't blow, probably a fuse. AC blows warm too, and the radio is gone. It needs a recharge, because the compressor kicks in. The radio, I am gonna get a CD player from Walmart for it more than likely. Also, right front wheel bearing is bad. I got a replacement, but couldn't get the axle nut off. I don't have access to an air gun, so I will prolly have to end up having a shop do this repair. (boom02)

The car looks beat down on the outside, but there's no rust and the engine runs strongly. I had it up to 5000rpm and it was smooth. The engine has 111k on it, doesn't leak or burn oil and starts on the first try every single time.

Just in case the trans is bad, I found a used trans with 75k on it and a 3 month warranty for $375 shipped. How long do you think this bitch'll run if I replace the tranny?

Pics below...

ALIEN3T

09-11-2007, 09:15 AM

for the wheel nut. put the car on the ground with the wheel on., remove center cap. tap put the pushed in tab for the groove.
I used a 1/2 inch breaker bar and the handle to my jack. it worked. the axle nuts are tq to like 200 ft/lbs. No need ot pay a shop unless its rusted beyond belief.

Looks good great beater.

Antoine

09-11-2007, 10:08 AM

She's lookin better already :D Did you check for any possible frame damage or major accident evidence...seems like the original panels were banged up a bit...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1657.jpg

Antoine

09-11-2007, 10:10 AM

exalted_one

09-12-2007, 04:19 PM

Looking good man. My dad had a 94' as his first mazda and it went to 240k miles. The only repairs that had to be done were radiator and alternator, other than that it was all just normal maintence.

AODfan

10-15-2007, 09:20 AM

Well, a little of an update. I picked up an interior swap, from that nasty tan/light gray to charcoal/dark gray. Only things that I miss is the headliner and carpet. Ill post some pics when the parts arrive.

mannydingo

10-15-2007, 11:27 AM

I got one from EBay for $40 shipped, 60 day warranty, but thanks for the offer. :)

The trans HOLD light flashes and the speedo doesn't work. Shop told me all the solenoids are bad in the trans, and it burned out the speed sensor on the trans too. I am going to get a 2nd opinion. Just in case the trans is bad, I found a used trans with 75k on it and a 3 month warranty for $375 shipped. How long do you think this bitch'll run if I replace the tranny?

Pics below...

Well, as far as the tranny goes, did you know the tranny had problems when you bought it? I would not have bought it for even 100 bucks with tranny problems. For $300 I got a 95. I paid $650 to get it fixed, bought a unkyard strut assembly it needed for $17 and then sold it for $1500 'cause it was clean inside and out. I would not have bought a 1990 for $300. I don't know your area but here, you either give that away or you call the tow truck to give you $100 to tow it away. They may only give $50 or $10 in the condition that one was in. I kid you not. The p/s pump I offered you is from my crashed 94. The junkyard would only give me $75. I got about $1700 by selling it part by part and it took over two years to get that money. I finally gave the remaining shell with the door panels and trunk lid for free to a tow truck driver. All the j/y gave him for it was $20. Now if you knew the value of the car and just wanted the project of fixing it up, then it's all good. That's an honorable thing to do with a Protege.

AODfan

10-22-2007, 09:32 PM

Purchased a whole interior swap. From the gross light gray to charcoal :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1685.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1686.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1687.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1688.jpg

Also going to purchase a manual seatbelt swap for the front.

mannydingo

10-23-2007, 12:52 AM

I've got to hear how putting those seat skins on the seats goes for you.

AODfan

10-23-2007, 09:15 AM

I've got to hear how putting those seat skins on the seats goes for you.

I bet it will be FUN, and involve alot of four letter words..lol

sanblaster

10-23-2007, 10:45 AM

Good luck on the interior build bro!

AODfan

10-25-2007, 10:54 PM

Time for a bit of an update, I have recently purchased an interior swap minus the carpet, headliner, and rear deck.

Here are some photos of my progress, here I have been gutting the interior to clean it up.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1689.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1690.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1691.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1692.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1693.jpg

Removed the Auto belts, as I have ordered some manuals from Canada.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1694.jpg

Old Parts
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1695.jpg

mannydingo

10-25-2007, 11:16 PM

Time for a bit of an update, I have recently purchased an interior swap minus the carpet, headliner, and rear deck.

I have been gutting the interior to clean it up.
Removed the Auto belts, as I have ordered some manuals from Canada.

Old Parts

I wouldn't have removed all of that without having the replacement carpet there already. After taking the interior apart, you want to put it back together again as soon as possible to avoid losing parts and forgetting where something goes, etc. I'm not saying you won't eventually remember but you also have seats lying around taking up space and what-not. I know you can always assemble it all and take it apart again when the carpet is purchased but it would just be easier. I guess the best thing to do is keep every last bolt and piece inside the cabin, itself. It's going to look good all cleaned up and finished.

AODfan

10-25-2007, 11:25 PM

On a side note, has anyone ever used the generic(aftermarket) carpet, thats available out there?

CX-7owner

11-03-2007, 05:34 PM

I really want to see the outcome of this!

AODfan

11-04-2007, 07:56 PM

Done vacuuming the carpet, now time to remove and wash!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1696.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1697.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1698.jpg
Scrubbing and scrubbing...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1701.jpg

I don't know if I should just leave it at what I get, or try dying it a darker color...?

AODfan

11-04-2007, 08:37 PM

On another note, I have already gathered some audio for the car.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1706.jpg
Boston Acoustics 6.5LF Woofers (missing tweeters and crossovers, they were given to me for FREE!)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1703.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1705.jpg
Kenwood KFC-T207 Tweeters
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1704.jpg
Panasonic CQ-C1333U (got it cheap)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1702.jpg
MB Quart REW 252/254 10"
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/MbQuartRWE-2543.jpg

MA Audio 489i (I had this amp just laying around, might as well use it)
http://12.41.28.254/maaudio/M489i.jpg

As far as the sub amp, I dont't know what to get

mannydingo

11-05-2007, 01:37 AM

I've done the carpet thing on many of the cars I've owned. I've even done the seats similar to that. The first thing to use is regular mechanic's goop soap before wetting. I use a combination of soaps and do the final soaping for the entire carpet with dishwashing soap. In the end, there are many stains that only lighten up and will just not leave. Things like merthiolate will remain and remain. Baked on grease or oil will lighten but not go away. Rust stains will also lighten but are forever.

My 1999 Mercury Tracer came out the best but some spilled Berry drink stains would not come out with anything. A hole would develop before it would disappear. Keep hosing down and hosing down the carpet up against a fence until every last drop of soap is out and let it hang there. Put it out in the sun for a day or two, depending on how much sun is out. After it's completely dry, if the staining is just too ugly, it's time to pay for a new one. Don't worry about those rust stains where the console, and such, covers it up.

AODfan

11-05-2007, 09:53 PM

I definitely know that it is much cleaner than it was before, thanks for the tips, I dont know if taking another shot at it would make much of a difference?

mazda03maniac

11-05-2007, 10:32 PM

Man this thread kind of makes me miss my first car. a 91 dx. the interior was almost perfect but the paint was horrible. But i went from that to my 2003.5 MSP. should have never sold the 91 though cause the person i sold it to totaled it 2 months later. oh well (shrug)

mannydingo

11-06-2007, 02:06 AM

I definitely know that it is much cleaner than it was before, thanks for the tips, I dont know if taking another shot at it would make much of a difference?

If you didn't do the Goop thing, you may want to take a second shot at it. The only problem is the carpet would have to be fully dry again and use the bathroom tile scrubbing brush to really get the soap in on those tough stains. Once again, if the first cleansing wasn't going to do loads for it, after having wet it already(even after letting it dry), the Goop is now going to have less effect. It will, however, still lighten it up some.

Either way, it will always look, in general, a lot cleaner as you noticed with yours. If after a full drying, you're still not satisfied with your results, a new carpet is in order. I would only do that if you're going to make it end up real nice in all aspects and not just as far as seats and carpets go. If you're just trying to get it as nice as you can for a daily beater then just leave carpet as-is.

If you decide on doing the seats, it's the same thing. There's only one risk with the seats: If any of the metal strands have cut through the foam under the covers/skin, they will be rusted and the wetness will now make the rust rub off the metal and will seep through to the outside surface of the seat covers. You will never be able to get rid of those. If the seats are dirty as crap, it's more than worth it. Your seats will look better after the cleaning so do it anyway.

AODfan

11-22-2007, 03:44 AM

Received my manual seatbelts today.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSC00171.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSC00172.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSC00173.jpg

Salmon_Rob

11-24-2007, 04:41 PM

niceee. canadian connection?

AODfan

11-24-2007, 07:32 PM

niceee. canadian connection?

Yea, a guy over at Clubprotege.

Salmon_Rob

11-25-2007, 02:15 AM

very nice man! any plans for a bp swap in the future?

AODfan

11-25-2007, 02:16 AM

very nice man! any plans for a bp swap in the future?

Most likely not.

Salmon_Rob

11-25-2007, 02:17 AM

booo :p bps are so ftw

KronixKid22

11-25-2007, 02:29 AM

Looking very nice!

StealthWyvern

11-25-2007, 04:23 AM

I'm curious to see hwo that carpet turned out.

AODfan

01-07-2008, 03:21 AM

Finally had some warm weather and a day off all in the same day, so I got to work on the car.

After shampooing and power washing the carpet, it cleaned up alright but looks considerably better. The seats and console with hide most of the rust stains.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1741.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1745.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1746.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1747.jpg

The Wife taking pics while I am installing the manual seatbelts.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1748.jpg
I love those Mechanix Gloves!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1749.jpg
Got the dash and console in
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1754.jpg

And this is where I left off....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1753.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1752.jpg

I ended up stripping the threads on the driver seatbelt receiver mounting hole, so I have to go get a threader to fix that issue.

Only other things I need to do is:
Install audio, install door panels, clean out trunk, clean and install seats. Imagine there are some other things that I have forgot.

I also need to pick up a Canadian charcoal center console, as the one I have has the slits for the auto seat belts, and doesn't mount down.

Igve2shtz

01-08-2008, 10:28 PM

Good job all over. I miss my first gen .. 93 DX .. then the tranny went .. So I bought a MS6. I wish I kept the first gen as a project car. Thanks for letting me live vicariously through you.

AODfan

04-27-2008, 03:52 PM

Finally finished the interior! Looks so much better, smells better, and is more comfortable! Its like new in there. Scroll to the pics previous to see the outcome. I still need to work on the exterior though.:(

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1837.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1839.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1838.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1840.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1841.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1842.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1843.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1844.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/aodfan/DSCN1845.jpg