The worst part of owning used vehicles is not the maintenance or standard repairs. It’s definitely dealing with hacks the previous owner did or had done. It’s much easier to do things right the first time.
@@Mountain-Man-3000 yes I have an old house. Nothing is simple and minor because of stacked up hacks. I’ve gutted 3/4 of it and completely started over.
I owned a dozen miatas they all needed work from the hackmaster repairs. Wish I knew you had this one I may have bought it, but I just started work on a 92 black/tan LE.
@@Mountain-Man-3000 can’t agree with you more. When I used to do hvac I dreaded city calls because people would have everybody and their cousin come hack stuff up before calling a professional. Then they would complain about the estimate because” it was almost fixed”
Eric , I love your "teardown" videos , but these " reduild" videos are awesome , you know what you are doing and what you do better than any others is that you don't edit out the important " things" , keep up the great work !!!!!!!!!!❤🎉😊
I have been wreching for 30 years and to be honest have done many questionable things over the years. Not sure whether it was being lazy, in a hurry, or possibly not realizing things like what not securing harnesses can do in just a short time. Either way i can say that watching your vids has made me so much better of a mechanic and at keeping up with general maintaining of my own vehicles. Thanks for that.
I think back to when I worked on cars, the investment needed for tools was astronomical. You basically sold your soul to Craftsman, the Snap On/Mac Tools guy. When I went to work in building houses the cost of tools was a 20th of automotive tools and I didn't have to buy new tools every damn year when a new model came out. There's a reason why the Snap On guy stops by every week but you never see a mobile Dewalt or Milwaukee truck stopping at construction sites.
I spent my money on my high end tools 46 years ago, I don’t know how you guys get by today hats off to you Jeff for shearing light on this newer stuff, Thank You
Back in the '70s, I had a repair shop in Miami for a while. Unscrewing what previous shops had screwed up ate enough of my productivity that when I got the chance to jump back to the other side of the parts counter in 1980, I did. I returned to turning wrenches again for a while in the mid-80s here in Houston, and have kept my hand in via working on friends' vehicles ever since, and the number of times I encounter things done wrong in previous repairs is a lot lower here than it ever was in Miami. In fact, when I see something like that now, I tend to refer to it as "Floridated". (This is the opposite of the often horribly complex and arcane variations *from the factory* in West Coast vehicles that are built to comply with CARB rules; those are "Californicated")
I enjoy hearing how much you and Ray shout out each other in the videos. So great to see that friendship growing. But then you both have the correct attitude about doing things correctly and a low tolerance for dumb asses.
Thanks for the RANT Eric! These sort of things need to be addressed on a regular basis to keep people informed about what goes on. Love the video! It just blows my mind that shops like this still exist and they get away with it. FeelsSadMan!
You can't expect customers, who never get under their stuff or understand how things should/shouldn't look/be, to call out shoddy, piss poor workmanship if they don't have a clue what's good or not. Big respect to Eric here for not name dropping the shop because, while he has receipts, it's not first hand proof that the named shop was the last one to touch it, or that they haven't already corrected the problem that resulted in such piss poor workmanship.
Precision Transmission has older videos and they now post newer videos under Richard and Theresa educational videos. Usually truck transmissions though.
I can't believe anyone did all that to their own car let alone a professional did it. It's a lucky car that you got it and saved it. Great video, thanks Eric.
Excellent video, and a very justifiable rant for sure. I myself never intended to be someone that tries to do their best home repairs, but the sheer level of dishonesty at shops I've had the displeasure of going to led me down the path of learning more about how to do my own work, and learn the importance of doing something right the first time. That's why I enjoy this channel so much, because I've learned a heap of knowledge. Thank you sir!
It is also EXTREMELY important to find a reliable, honest shop that will treat you and your car right. I still use a shop that's all the way across town when my car needs to go to the shop simply because they have proven themselves as honest, quick, and reliable over the shop just down the road from me because they have proven the inverse to me.
On a similar note, youtube has quite a lot of DIYers that takes a lot of pride in "learning by doing". Nothing wrong with that, unless they clearly ignore all sorts of information online and does it the wrong way. And then encourages others to have the same mentality when doing things.
On used cars and other machinery I have bought over the last 50 years, this has been the rule and not the exception. Probably because I have more time and patience and less money than the average bear. Lol I just go over stuff with a fine tooth comb and then I know what I have. As a farmer and a factory maintenance man all my life, I have lots of experience noticing what will break or give problems. I always felt that I only had time to do it once so worked accordingly. Sometimes you just have to patch it to get a machine to work till you can do it right. I have great respect for your work and the video is not only entertaining but enlightening! To me it’s just so satisfying to know the job was done right. Thank you!
The thing to learn from this video is there are a LOT of dishonest shops out there that take advantage of people that don't know any better - the dishonest ones outnumber the honest ones probably at least 10:1
Your rent at the end is well justified. Not only were they ripped off because not all of that work was needed, but so much of the work was done incorrectly and even dangerously. It really sucks that it's not easy to trust mechanics to be professional and honest.
You're absolutely correct about the shoddy work that was done, and I agree with you one hundred percent. That being said, the time you spent fixing the car is worthwhile. The next owner will own a reliable and safe automobile, and you should be proud of that. Your knowledge about cars is truly impressive, and the world is a better place because of people like you. Your honesty and integrity should be an example for others in the industry to strive for. Thanks for the great videos. I always learn things. Btw, that was the first time I saw your wife on the channel. She is a lovely woman.
As an MX-5 fan I really appreciate your keeping many on the road. I love all the series, NA is tops followed by ND. Just my opinion of course. Save the MIatas!
That car is looking much happier now it's had some love. I had a 93 NA for 10 years and did nearly all my own work on it. Did an engine swap, did a gearbox swap, put in a 4.3 torsen and brakes off a 1.8. Did timing belt and water pump. A couple of clutch slaves. I made a few mistakes along the way too, but it taught me a hell of a lot about fixing mechanical work and troubleshooting. Seeing you bringing this one back to life was a joy to watch. So many happy memories of lying underneath mine fighting hard to reach and tight bolts and wrestling gearboxes back into place. I still have visible scars. Great times.
Like any service business, not everyone is looking out for the customer. When I wrenched I always tried to explain to customer the repairs and why they are needed. Even saving replaced parts to show why they needed to be replaced. Don't be afraid to question some repairs or services.
Wow, I cannot believe that almost every single thing that had been touched on that car was done wrong. Some people really should not work on cars. As for the clutch, Exedy makes OEM clutches for many Japanese cars. Even if they were not the OEM for that Miata, it is OEM equivalent or possibly better. Definitely a top brand in clutches. Awesome work you do!
I've worked on a ton of isuzu's and found a clutch like the one you removed was abused. But I have to say, your a perfectionist when it comes to your own cars. And I was the same way on my companies vehicles. But there are tons of shops that treat vehicles like this one started as. Glad your showing people the difference. 😊
It’s hard being a profectionist being a fleet mechanic or having some boss breathing down your neck I am thankful to be retired and out I only take care of my 7 cars and trucks and 3 trailers
Eric: The car looks so GOOD!!! You did it right! No rant... every word you said is true and authentic! That speaks for your work and attitude! Great Job! I'd buy a car off you without any doubt! 🙂
Well done Eric -- you've got an unmatched passion and we love it. Thanks again for spending a lot of your Thanksgiving with your ever-lovin' fans. We so enjoy your company and videos. Your rant was well deserved.
Another excellent video, Eric! All I could think the whole time was "I want to buy a car from this guy." You're clearly passionate about Miatas and I'm just sad that I don't have the budget to fly out to buy that car from you. I'm constantly entertained by every single video of yours and I'm grateful that you keep making them.
Great real-world video Eric! My 2001 Miata is going to need a clutch soon and it has its share of "witness marks" from 22 years of hack mechanics, so I feel your pain and I am most grateful. I'm in awe of how you can go through this entire process and produce family-friendly content from it.
Thank you so much for this! I own a butchered mx5 here in Western Australia, for 7 years I have been slowly repairing things that were wrong as I find them. I’m going to be doing this job soon, to check the rear main and gearbox seals and fit a nb starter motor. Thank you!
I know how these things go sometimes and I also know that it won't be long before you're recharged and ready to give another Miata some TLC. Good to see Blue getting a bit of screen time too. That wasn't a rant that was a public service announcement, and one that needs repeating regularly. Good work and nice to see your wife being such a good sport too. Great watch.
Eric, this video proves to me that any car that you've repaired would be worth your asking price. It's beyond me how anyone in the business of automotive repair would do sub par or unnecessary work just to pad their wallet. It's nice of you not to mention the culprit's names and "out" them. Good job! And happy holidays to you and your family!
Morning Eric. The hack job on that Miata is ridiculous. Why would they basically do everything wrong instead just doing it right? Not like they saved that much money for the repairs. Gravity! Great job on the tranny and clutch.
Today I've seen the other side of you. I've only see you prior dismantling your engine projects. Now I've seen you assembling your project. I've seen people that are much better at disassembling than reassembling. You seem real good at both. I noticed that you demand that things are assembled correctly with the correct fasteners. A man after my own heart. Original parts if available, if not, than good aftermarket parts assembled correctly. A few years ago, my wife and I rented a Miata while on vacation. I really liked driving the little car. It was new that 2001 but is was the same color and reminds me of it. The wife had an RX7 for years. She was a gear head. 🙂 Great video, enjoyed it very much.
New subscriber here. It's telling that the old owner used so many garages. Seems like he never found a shop he felt he could trust. I have all of the work I can't do myself at the same shop. The owner / mechanic will and has back up his work with a personal guarantee. I've never taken my car back for a redo, and often he gives me a heads up that service is going to needed soon, but he never does any work without consulting me first. You, IMHO, would readily be numbered in the 'trustworthy' catagory. Your integrity shines through. My regards to Rod, Cam and Blue!!
Thanks for the rant Eric. This type of information needs to be heard. I have been fortunate to have found a mom and pop auto repair shop. Before that the dealers would kill me.
I would buy any part you sell. I’m so impressed by your integrity. And respect for the right way to do something. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
That's a good looking Miata, nice job! Always wanted one of them, has the vibes of old British roadsters (Triumph Spitfire, Austin Healey Sprite, etc).
The rant was well earned by whoever did that stuff and had the kahonas to charge the owner a huge boatload of dough. Just by you having parts in your yard to repair/replace stuff you saved yourself a ton Eric. This is a nice detour from air conditioned engines with viewing holes in them. I had a little chat with them unless they are known hacks. A great video covering so much and correcting stuff...i too like things as they were where possible on my rigs I repair. Keep up the great videos Eric!!
Loved this video man. Watching Your attention to detail & righting the wrongs is a version of therapy for me. Grew up working on cars with my dad. We sit & watch you together for hours. Your efforts provide so much joy to so many people
You took really good care of her. I wish I had your tools! I have a 2000 Miata SE and I did all the same work on the garage floor with hand tools a few years ago. It was a pain but I'm glad I did it. My wife helped me bleed the clutch slave cylinder too lol. Every time I drive it's like I'm with an old friend. Thank you for sharing this with us!
This is away better than all repairs reality tv shows that I’ve seeing. Keep it up man I love your tear downs videos but I love this one better. I like the feeling after fixing it the right way. 👍👍
Having worked in Parts at various New Car dealers over the last 25 years I applaud you calling out shops that just make up work. It doesn’t happen often but when It does it makes everyone look bad and the customer looses trust in us all.
2001 Special Edition British Racing Green over tan/wood interior with the 6 speed before it came standard!! I had one of these from 2003-2005 when I still lived with my parents, that I stored in the winter and only drove in the summer- and unfortunately sold it when I got engaged… Some day I’ll find a primo one and relive those memories!!! Thanks for sharing Eric!!
I cant count how many times I've wound up with black greasy hands with blood mixed in for good measure because i didn't trust shops and couldn't afford them. Mechanics are a very good way to learn about yourself, your car, and hopefully save some money. Thanks Eric for your endeavor to preservere.
It is hard to find an honest, competent repair shop in my area. The worst is our local Ford dealer. They are completely incompetent and dishonest. Once upon a time several decades ago I was a full-time mechanic. Hence, I do most of my maintenance and repair work myself. I have found one independent shop that is outstanding, that solved a very difficult emissions issue that I could not figure out, and the local Ford dealer couldn't either, and they totally bungled the diagnosis. I have since used that independent shop again for a job that I just did not want to do (I am nearing 70, and some jobs are just getting to be too much work for me). Love your channel, and I really appreciate your efforts to do the job right. I am in the same camp.
Another great video Eric! My wonderful wife helps me with brake/slave cylinder bleeding all the time. So awesome to see your wife helping you do that! I own no less than 3 torque wrenches. It boggles my mind how many so called mechanics I know that do not own or see the need to use one! My 1990 F-250 OBS 5 speed 4x4 was losing it's clutch (slave cylinder boiling over) after driving 45 to 50 miles. The slave cylinder is mounted IN the bell housing, not along side it like all the other ZF5 speeds I have owned. Curious. It also smelled like burning gear oil when this happened. The previous owner told me he had a local repair shop replace the clutch about 6 months before he sold it to me. Because of the burning gear oil smell in the cab I decided to take the fill plug out of the transmission & check the fluid level. The ZF5 speed uses 3.38 Qts. of Mercon V full synthetic. Upon removing the fill plug lots & LOTS of foul smelling dark brown fluid started gushing out. I caught about 1 quart of it in a drain pan I luckily had ready. Replace fill plug quickly! Removed drain plug & the final measurement of 80w90 gear oil was 8 quarts! 2 gallons of completely wrong fluid. In order to over fill this transmission you have to remove the top loading shifter boot & pour it into that opening. WHY would you put over twice the amount of the wrong fluid in any transmission is beyond me! Ran the correct fluid in it for 100 miles (no boiling slave cylinder & improved shifting) then drained & repeat with Mercon V. All problems fixed, but WHO DOES THIS??? The butcher shop!
Nice to actually see you work rather than just rip engines apart. You work well. I could have worked with you. My friends used to find me pedantic. Highly impressed - not that it matters to you. But I am. You have a lovely home there Eric. I'd love that garage set up with the hoist. Thanks for this video.
First of all I enjoy many of your engine tear down videos. I’m a retired mechanic myself and you are not alone when it comes to poor workmanship in more than just cars. I purchased a house where the previous owner thought they were a carpenter. They were not, my only regret was i didn’t video all the repairs I had to make to correct many issues.
Boss, No surprise to anybody in the repair business. Normally I do industrial electronics and have found many kinds of hashed up work. Wrong parts, and sub standard installation. Welcome to the club. Enjoy your product. Mike
Eric I used to work at a family owned repair shop and it was the most rewarding experience from rebuilding a four cylinder Detroit diesel to fixing a customer's pinto we did it all best times I ever had working and fixing stuff keep up the good work love your videos ❤❤
Infinite parts cars achievement unlocked! Thanks Eric, I appreciate your attention to detail, as always! Jealous of your spare parts access of course. Cheers, Dave J
Eric I really enjoyed this video. Your concern and honesty are very commendable. A true professional of your craft. You are very engaging and passionate about what you do. Thanks
I have to say I am relatively new to the channel but absolutely love the commentary. It’s interesting to hear the perspective of a guy that sees (knows) both the parts people are looking for most often, AND can show examples of multiple failures of systems containing those parts… “The Rant” in this case, (I haven’t seen many if any rants on the channel) was exceptionally apt in the distinction between hack shops and people trying to get by making repairs with too little to work with be it cash, skill, or knowledge. @Eric it is impolitic to comment on a person’s significant other. I am going to do so anyway. You did good for yourself!
Anyone who gets one of your repaired cars should consider themselves lucky. Your NOS philosophy makes for great results. I had your zest when I was younger and i convinced myself I did well monetarily if I used 5 cents an hour for my time, but I enjoyed as I can tell you do. Keep up the great work. PS my wife would never come near my cars to help😊
Great work! I really appreciate it when when a job is done right, but that is exactly why you couldn't be a shop mechanic. I stopped going to mechanics for everything but tires and alignments back in 2017 because I was racking up bills like those with that work quality and had enough. I decided to start wrenching on the weekends and do my own repairs.
Very interesting job. I'll never be doing that but it's good information. 3 cheers for Mrs. Eric! I agree with her 100%- take care of your back. I am paying for my foolish moves years ago. It's been recommended that 40# should be the maximum anyone should lift. Thanks for defining PPF.
As others have said, no apology necessary. I'm in a very different industry, but see the same type of issues over and over again. Poor workmanship sold as "high end" to unsuspecting customers. If I can teach my kids one skill in life, it's to have a highly sensitive BS-ometer so they can avoid being sitting ducks for crooks to take advantage of. Thanks as always for your content - I have learned so much from your videos and always look forward to them! Keep it up!
Completely love your commitment to doing things properly. I don't really need a Miata, but if I did I'd be all over this one. I seek out great indie shops for my older vehicles too and have found some really great people that do excellent work. It's a total disgrace that some unsavory shop butchered this car and took advantage of the owner in the process. Thanks for doing what you could to at least set the car right.
This is a fantastic video. I bet 90% or more of us can relate to this in some capacity or another. I know personally my 2002 spectra was neglected and I’m slowly getting around to the little odds and ends, with a full front end, engine/trans mounts, suspension coils and struts, and some exhaust hardware, and various gaskets. It had one owner, but when I got it, it was suffering tragically from a valve cover leak and it had been going on so long that it ruined the mounts. Everything else is stock, so just slowly trying to fix various parts. Love the content as always, and it definitely keeps me inspired to keep on wrenching and trying new things on my vehicle
Believe it or not my Dad visited one day showing off his new car, an 03 MX5 NB in br green. I joked with him about the usual regarding MX5s and he said don't knock it until you have driven one. He passed last year and I have inherited his car. I drove it back to my house after clearing his home having never driven one before, within two minutes I thought this is awesome! Totally love it, same as him. So please, make as many Miata videos as you can. I am kitting myself out to work on his, including moving house for more space. Keep the catch and release videos too.
I hope the video helps compensate for all the trouble. This kind of forensic investigation is really fascinating / satisfying. And seeing so much wrong being put right is a little ray of light in a world with too much darkness. Bravo.
Awsome video I really like watching you fix all the issues. Being a collision technician I've had more than my fair share of fixing the "somebody's been here before" scenerio.scenario. keep the videos coming!!!!!!
The worst part of owning used vehicles is not the maintenance or standard repairs. It’s definitely dealing with hacks the previous owner did or had done. It’s much easier to do things right the first time.
Yet most owners will try their best to avoid this with “ their guy”
Same goes for houses.
@@Mountain-Man-3000 yes I have an old house. Nothing is simple and minor because of stacked up hacks. I’ve gutted 3/4 of it and completely started over.
I owned a dozen miatas they all needed work from the hackmaster repairs.
Wish I knew you had this one I may have bought it, but I just started work on a 92 black/tan LE.
@@Mountain-Man-3000 can’t agree with you more. When I used to do hvac I dreaded city calls because people would have everybody and their cousin come hack stuff up before calling a professional. Then they would complain about the estimate because” it was almost fixed”
Eric , I love your "teardown" videos , but these " reduild" videos are awesome , you know what you are doing and what you do better than any others is that you don't edit out the important " things" , keep up the great work !!!!!!!!!!❤🎉😊
I have been wreching for 30 years and to be honest have done many questionable things over the years. Not sure whether it was being lazy, in a hurry, or possibly not realizing things like what not securing harnesses can do in just a short time. Either way i can say that watching your vids has made me so much better of a mechanic and at keeping up with general maintaining of my own vehicles. Thanks for that.
I think back to when I worked on cars, the investment needed for tools was astronomical. You basically sold your soul to Craftsman, the Snap On/Mac Tools guy. When I went to work in building houses the cost of tools was a 20th of automotive tools and I didn't have to buy new tools every damn year when a new model came out. There's a reason why the Snap On guy stops by every week but you never see a mobile Dewalt or Milwaukee truck stopping at construction sites.
I spent my money on my high end tools 46 years ago, I don’t know how you guys get by today hats off to you Jeff for shearing light on this newer stuff, Thank You
Back in the '70s, I had a repair shop in Miami for a while. Unscrewing what previous shops had screwed up ate enough of my productivity that when I got the chance to jump back to the other side of the parts counter in 1980, I did. I returned to turning wrenches again for a while in the mid-80s here in Houston, and have kept my hand in via working on friends' vehicles ever since, and the number of times I encounter things done wrong in previous repairs is a lot lower here than it ever was in Miami. In fact, when I see something like that now, I tend to refer to it as "Floridated". (This is the opposite of the often horribly complex and arcane variations *from the factory* in West Coast vehicles that are built to comply with CARB rules; those are "Californicated")
I enjoy hearing how much you and Ray shout out each other in the videos. So great to see that friendship growing. But then you both have the correct attitude about doing things correctly and a low tolerance for dumb asses.
Thanks for the RANT Eric! These sort of things need to be addressed on a regular basis to keep people informed about what goes on. Love the video! It just blows my mind that shops like this still exist and they get away with it. FeelsSadMan!
You can't expect customers, who never get under their stuff or understand how things should/shouldn't look/be, to call out shoddy, piss poor workmanship if they don't have a clue what's good or not.
Big respect to Eric here for not name dropping the shop because, while he has receipts, it's not first hand proof that the named shop was the last one to touch it, or that they haven't already corrected the problem that resulted in such piss poor workmanship.
Best part is you have a list of repair shops to keep an eye on.....
@@t-yoonit I gave up a long time ago on telling people what additional items I had to correct on their car while doing the work it was in for
I recommend doing transmission teardown videos as well, as a companion series to the engine teardowns.
this. I'm dying to see the inside of an rx8/brz AZ6 to see if there's any interchangeability towards miatas
Precision Transmission has older videos and they now post newer videos under Richard and Theresa educational videos. Usually truck transmissions though.
Gary Ferraro is another great guy to watch trans teardown rebuilds.
@@clutch5sp989 I think I may have watched some of his. Name sounds familiar
I can't believe anyone did all that to their own car let alone a professional did it.
It's a lucky car that you got it and saved it. Great video, thanks Eric.
Excellent video, and a very justifiable rant for sure. I myself never intended to be someone that tries to do their best home repairs, but the sheer level of dishonesty at shops I've had the displeasure of going to led me down the path of learning more about how to do my own work, and learn the importance of doing something right the first time. That's why I enjoy this channel so much, because I've learned a heap of knowledge. Thank you sir!
It is also EXTREMELY important to find a reliable, honest shop that will treat you and your car right. I still use a shop that's all the way across town when my car needs to go to the shop simply because they have proven themselves as honest, quick, and reliable over the shop just down the road from me because they have proven the inverse to me.
On a similar note, youtube has quite a lot of DIYers that takes a lot of pride in "learning by doing". Nothing wrong with that, unless they clearly ignore all sorts of information online and does it the wrong way. And then encourages others to have the same mentality when doing things.
You have integrity Eric. Something other people obviously don't have. I would go through the same level of detail myself
Well, on camera he does!
Loved the video!🙂 I think the idea of tearing the 6 spd apart and the mystery of putting it back together may make a good video.
On used cars and other machinery I have bought over the last 50 years, this has been the rule and not the exception. Probably because I have more time and patience and less money than the average bear. Lol I just go over stuff with a fine tooth comb and then I know what I have. As a farmer and a factory maintenance man all my life, I have lots of experience noticing what will break or give problems. I always felt that I only had time to do it once so worked accordingly. Sometimes you just have to patch it to get a machine to work till you can do it right. I have great respect for your work and the video is not only entertaining but enlightening! To me it’s just so satisfying to know the job was done right. Thank you!
No need to apologize. You did good, and probably taught a few folks something worth while. 👍
The thing to learn from this video is there are a LOT of dishonest shops out there that take advantage of people that don't know any better - the dishonest ones outnumber the honest ones probably at least 10:1
Your rent at the end is well justified. Not only were they ripped off because not all of that work was needed, but so much of the work was done incorrectly and even dangerously. It really sucks that it's not easy to trust mechanics to be professional and honest.
Miatas make people smile - kudos for putting in the work to save a few.
You're absolutely correct about the shoddy work that was done, and I agree with you one hundred percent. That being said, the time you spent fixing the car is worthwhile. The next owner will own a reliable and safe automobile, and you should be proud of that. Your knowledge about cars is truly impressive, and the world is a better place because of people like you. Your honesty and integrity should be an example for others in the industry to strive for. Thanks for the great videos. I always learn things. Btw, that was the first time I saw your wife on the channel. She is a lovely woman.
"...should have their tools repossessed..." quote of the year!!
I love your teardown videos but I love watching you make things right more. :)
As an MX-5 fan I really appreciate your keeping many on the road. I love all the series, NA is tops followed by ND. Just my opinion of course. Save the MIatas!
I'd agree, but I've only been able to fit in the NC. :|
All mine have been NA and NB, and I am not small so just wish they had figured out tilt steering wheel prior to 2006! @@michaelspinks9822
@@michaelspinks9822In the Army they said that "Equipment's fine. User is the wrong shape."
Can’t fix tall.
That car is looking much happier now it's had some love. I had a 93 NA for 10 years and did nearly all my own work on it. Did an engine swap, did a gearbox swap, put in a 4.3 torsen and brakes off a 1.8. Did timing belt and water pump. A couple of clutch slaves. I made a few mistakes along the way too, but it taught me a hell of a lot about fixing mechanical work and troubleshooting. Seeing you bringing this one back to life was a joy to watch. So many happy memories of lying underneath mine fighting hard to reach and tight bolts and wrestling gearboxes back into place. I still have visible scars. Great times.
Like any service business, not everyone is looking out for the customer. When I wrenched I always tried to explain to customer the repairs and why they are needed. Even saving replaced parts to show why they needed to be replaced. Don't be afraid to question some repairs or services.
Wow, I cannot believe that almost every single thing that had been touched on that car was done wrong. Some people really should not work on cars. As for the clutch, Exedy makes OEM clutches for many Japanese cars. Even if they were not the OEM for that Miata, it is OEM equivalent or possibly better. Definitely a top brand in clutches. Awesome work you do!
I've worked on a ton of isuzu's and found a clutch like the one you removed was abused. But I have to say, your a perfectionist when it comes to your own cars. And I was the same way on my companies vehicles. But there are tons of shops that treat vehicles like this one started as. Glad your showing people the difference. 😊
It’s hard being a profectionist being a fleet mechanic or having some boss breathing down your neck I am thankful to be retired and out I only take care of my 7 cars and trucks and 3 trailers
Great vid , manual trans, R n I , reminds me all the little stuff !
Eric: The car looks so GOOD!!! You did it right! No rant... every word you said is true and authentic! That speaks for your work and attitude! Great Job! I'd buy a car off you without any doubt! 🙂
I long for the day when a transmission just smoothly slips right into place first try with every bolt hole lined up... Ahhh that's the dream. 😌
If you use an old input-shaft instead of a universal one they tend to go in a WHOLE lot easier.
Always goes in easier when it's used and mildly worn in parts
Before the ball bearing, the input shaft & brass sleeve bearing had a lot more clearance!
Well done Eric -- you've got an unmatched passion and we love it. Thanks again for spending a lot of your Thanksgiving with your ever-lovin' fans. We so enjoy your company and videos. Your rant was well deserved.
I appreciate the amount of time you spent changing all of the pipe so that we could hear them all. Thank you
I can't believe how much I enjoyed watching this, just seeing things done correctly and your presentation skills!
I really enjoy your miata content! Great stuff! I'm a 3 time owner (1991, 1999, current 2021 GT RF) but no mechanic so it's great to learn!
Another excellent video, Eric! All I could think the whole time was "I want to buy a car from this guy." You're clearly passionate about Miatas and I'm just sad that I don't have the budget to fly out to buy that car from you. I'm constantly entertained by every single video of yours and I'm grateful that you keep making them.
Great real-world video Eric! My 2001 Miata is going to need a clutch soon and it has its share of "witness marks" from 22 years of hack mechanics, so I feel your pain and I am most grateful. I'm in awe of how you can go through this entire process and produce family-friendly content from it.
I was expecting trumpet flares, gravity and “another!” lol. Good job Eric. Pleasure to see someone take pride in their work.
Thank you so much for this! I own a butchered mx5 here in Western Australia, for 7 years I have been slowly repairing things that were wrong as I find them. I’m going to be doing this job soon, to check the rear main and gearbox seals and fit a nb starter motor.
Thank you!
I know how these things go sometimes and I also know that it won't be long before you're recharged and ready to give another Miata some TLC. Good to see Blue getting a bit of screen time too. That wasn't a rant that was a public service announcement, and one that needs repeating regularly. Good work and nice to see your wife being such a good sport too. Great watch.
Eric, this video proves to me that any car that you've repaired would be worth your asking price. It's beyond me how anyone in the business of automotive repair would do sub par or unnecessary work just to pad their wallet. It's nice of you not to mention the culprit's names and "out" them. Good job! And happy holidays to you and your family!
It all boils down to professionalism. Well done.
I will definitely buy any "fixed" car from you, knowing that the work was done properly.
The notorious previous owner strikes again 😂😂
The best part is the upspeed woodpecker-like hammering.
All you do, Eric, looks soo easy.
Morning Eric. The hack job on that Miata is ridiculous. Why would they basically do everything wrong instead just doing it right? Not like they saved that much money for the repairs. Gravity! Great job on the tranny and clutch.
Thank you so much for showing pro working on the inside and outside of an complete car 👍
For some reason this really makes me want a miata lol
Today I've seen the other side of you. I've only see you prior dismantling your engine projects. Now I've seen you assembling your project. I've seen people that are much better at disassembling than reassembling. You seem real good at both. I noticed that you demand that things are assembled correctly with the correct fasteners. A man after my own heart. Original parts if available, if not, than good aftermarket parts assembled correctly. A few years ago, my wife and I rented a Miata while on vacation. I really liked driving the little car. It was new that 2001 but is was the same color and reminds me of it. The wife had an RX7 for years. She was a gear head. 🙂 Great video, enjoyed it very much.
You should call out the bad shop! By not naming them your making sure they continue to uckf over hundreds of people! SAY THEIR NAME ! 🙈🙉🙊🤑🤷♂️
It is EXTREMELY gratifying to watch you bring that Miata back, Eric. Thank you for doing things the right way as an example to others!
New subscriber here. It's telling that the old owner used so many garages. Seems like he never found a shop he felt he could trust. I have all of the work I can't do myself at the same shop. The owner / mechanic will and has back up his work with a personal guarantee. I've never taken my car back for a redo, and often he gives me a heads up that service is going to needed soon, but he never does any work without consulting me first. You, IMHO, would readily be numbered in the 'trustworthy' catagory. Your integrity shines through. My regards to Rod, Cam and Blue!!
Thanks for the rant Eric. This type of information needs to be heard. I have been fortunate to have found a mom and pop auto repair shop. Before that the dealers would kill me.
I would buy any part you sell. I’m so impressed by your integrity. And respect for the right way to do something. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.
That's a good looking Miata, nice job! Always wanted one of them, has the vibes of old British roadsters (Triumph Spitfire, Austin Healey Sprite, etc).
Loved every minute, most especially the rant.
I'm on my fourth -Miata- MX5, so it's nice to see an old girl saved by someone who cares
Always nice when your wife puts in an appearance. What a genuinely nice person. As you are.
The rant was well earned by whoever did that stuff and had the kahonas to charge the owner a huge boatload of dough. Just by you having parts in your yard to repair/replace stuff you saved yourself a ton Eric.
This is a nice detour from air conditioned engines with viewing holes in them. I had a little chat with them unless they are known hacks.
A great video covering so much and correcting stuff...i too like things as they were where possible on my rigs I repair.
Keep up the great videos Eric!!
Loved this video man. Watching Your attention to detail & righting the wrongs is a version of therapy for me. Grew up working on cars with my dad. We sit & watch you together for hours. Your efforts provide so much joy to so many people
Busted connectors is a pet peeve of mine. Once you understand how to take em apart to replace the broken clippy thing...you're a pro.
Saved a decent little sports car from an untimely fate using patience, commonsense, a great parts inventory and vast experience. Well Done~!
Good job fixing up those old cars Eric, its great to see someone who actually cares.
You took really good care of her. I wish I had your tools! I have a 2000 Miata SE and I did all the same work on the garage floor with hand tools a few years ago. It was a pain but I'm glad I did it. My wife helped me bleed the clutch slave cylinder too lol. Every time I drive it's like I'm with an old friend. Thank you for sharing this with us!
I love the miata content, you are passionate about them and it shows. Great video! Would love to see the transmission content.
This is away better than all repairs reality tv shows that I’ve seeing. Keep it up man I love your tear downs videos but I love this one better. I like the feeling after fixing it the right way. 👍👍
Having worked in Parts at various New Car dealers over the last 25 years I applaud you calling out shops that just make up work. It doesn’t happen often but when It does it makes everyone look bad and the customer looses trust in us all.
Fascinating video, thanks. I have a 2000 Miata. It continues to be the most trouble-free vehicle I have ever owned.... Huge fan!
I'm glad you are saving this car. I believe in repairing quality items. I love Mazdas and this is a beautiful green example of a Miata.
2001 Special Edition British Racing Green over tan/wood interior with the 6 speed before it came standard!! I had one of these from 2003-2005 when I still lived with my parents, that I stored in the winter and only drove in the summer- and unfortunately sold it when I got engaged… Some day I’ll find a primo one and relive those memories!!! Thanks for sharing Eric!!
I cant count how many times I've wound up with black greasy hands with blood mixed in for good measure because i didn't trust shops and couldn't afford them. Mechanics are a very good way to learn about yourself, your car, and hopefully save some money. Thanks Eric for your endeavor to preservere.
It is hard to find an honest, competent repair shop in my area. The worst is our local Ford dealer. They are completely incompetent and dishonest. Once upon a time several decades ago I was a full-time mechanic. Hence, I do most of my maintenance and repair work myself. I have found one independent shop that is outstanding, that solved a very difficult emissions issue that I could not figure out, and the local Ford dealer couldn't either, and they totally bungled the diagnosis. I have since used that independent shop again for a job that I just did not want to do (I am nearing 70, and some jobs are just getting to be too much work for me). Love your channel, and I really appreciate your efforts to do the job right. I am in the same camp.
Another great video Eric! My wonderful wife helps me with brake/slave cylinder bleeding all the time. So awesome to see your wife helping you do that! I own no less than 3 torque wrenches. It boggles my mind how many so called mechanics I know that do not own or see the need to use one! My 1990 F-250 OBS 5 speed 4x4 was losing it's clutch (slave cylinder boiling over) after driving 45 to 50 miles. The slave cylinder is mounted IN the bell housing, not along side it like all the other ZF5 speeds I have owned. Curious. It also smelled like burning gear oil when this happened. The previous owner told me he had a local repair shop replace the clutch about 6 months before he sold it to me. Because of the burning gear oil smell in the cab I decided to take the fill plug out of the transmission & check the fluid level. The ZF5 speed uses 3.38 Qts. of Mercon V full synthetic. Upon removing the fill plug lots & LOTS of foul smelling dark brown fluid started gushing out. I caught about 1 quart of it in a drain pan I luckily had ready. Replace fill plug quickly! Removed drain plug & the final measurement of 80w90 gear oil was 8 quarts! 2 gallons of completely wrong fluid. In order to over fill this transmission you have to remove the top loading shifter boot & pour it into that opening. WHY would you put over twice the amount of the wrong fluid in any transmission is beyond me! Ran the correct fluid in it for 100 miles (no boiling slave cylinder & improved shifting) then drained & repeat with Mercon V. All problems fixed, but WHO DOES THIS??? The butcher shop!
Nice to actually see you work rather than just rip engines apart. You work well. I could have worked with you. My friends used to find me pedantic. Highly impressed - not that it matters to you. But I am. You have a lovely home there Eric. I'd love that garage set up with the hoist. Thanks for this video.
It’s great that you are fixing the Miata the right way to bad the previous owner didn’t know of you. Great work great video.
THREE videos one week!! I'm impressed!! Thank you!! I love your channel!!
Greetings from Croatia!!
No job is fully complete without "Blue". Thanks for sharing Eric. Take care.
very nice work sir i appreciate watching someone showing due diligence making repairs to an obviously abused car
First of all I enjoy many of your engine tear down videos. I’m a retired mechanic myself and you are not alone when it comes to poor workmanship in more than just cars. I purchased a house where the previous owner thought they were a carpenter. They were not, my only regret was i didn’t video all the repairs I had to make to correct many issues.
That Miata finally got the best service it deserved. 🧑🏻🔧🚗
Boss, No surprise to anybody in the repair business. Normally I do industrial electronics and have found many kinds of hashed up work. Wrong parts, and sub standard installation. Welcome to the club. Enjoy your product.
Mike
Eric I used to work at a family owned repair shop and it was the most rewarding experience from rebuilding a four cylinder Detroit diesel to fixing a customer's pinto we did it all best times I ever had working and fixing stuff keep up the good work love your videos ❤❤
I'm learning so much more about my miata, thanks to you. I really appreciate you loading up this video.
Infinite parts cars achievement unlocked! Thanks Eric, I appreciate your attention to detail, as always! Jealous of your spare parts access of course. Cheers, Dave J
Great video - You didn't leave a stone unturned. I would be very happy having you work on my cars.
Eric I really enjoyed this video. Your concern and honesty are very commendable. A true professional of your craft. You are very engaging and passionate about what you do. Thanks
Man, this is the best channel on TH-cam! So detailed… thank you! 👏👏👏
Really appreciate your repairing things correctly and fixing improper repairs. I’m that way myself and love to see it in others! Thanks for the video
Excellent video. I really liked your showing the screw ups and fixing them. More please
I find it ironic that a man that makes his living tearing cars apart is so dedicated to putting them together properly.
I enjoyed the Miata rebuild! I appreciate Your attention to detail!
I have to say I am relatively new to the channel but absolutely love the commentary. It’s interesting to hear the perspective of a guy that sees (knows) both the parts people are looking for most often, AND can show examples of multiple failures of systems containing those parts…
“The Rant” in this case, (I haven’t seen many if any rants on the channel) was exceptionally apt in the distinction between hack shops and people trying to get by making repairs with too little to work with be it cash, skill, or knowledge.
@Eric it is impolitic to comment on a person’s significant other. I am going to do so anyway. You did good for yourself!
Anyone who gets one of your repaired cars should consider themselves lucky. Your NOS philosophy makes for great results.
I had your zest when I was younger and i convinced myself I did well monetarily if I used 5 cents an hour for my time, but I enjoyed as I can tell you do.
Keep up the great work.
PS my wife would never come near my cars to help😊
Great work! I really appreciate it when when a job is done right, but that is exactly why you couldn't be a shop mechanic. I stopped going to mechanics for everything but tires and alignments back in 2017 because I was racking up bills like those with that work quality and had enough. I decided to start wrenching on the weekends and do my own repairs.
Very interesting job. I'll never be doing that but it's good information. 3 cheers for Mrs. Eric! I agree with her 100%- take care of your back. I am paying for my foolish moves years ago. It's been recommended that 40# should be the maximum anyone should lift. Thanks for defining PPF.
you asked why do you keep doing this to yourself. Simple, you are into what you do. You like sharing. We like you sharing.
These sort of videos reinforce why I do my own work.
Love the video - having an ND, I like seeing Miata videos. I thoroughly enjoy your normal engine teardowns, but these are more interesting to me.
As others have said, no apology necessary. I'm in a very different industry, but see the same type of issues over and over again. Poor workmanship sold as "high end" to unsuspecting customers. If I can teach my kids one skill in life, it's to have a highly sensitive BS-ometer so they can avoid being sitting ducks for crooks to take advantage of.
Thanks as always for your content - I have learned so much from your videos and always look forward to them! Keep it up!
Nice work its refreshing to see pride in workmanship. Your comments that it "just isn't correct' should be taught in schools !
Completely love your commitment to doing things properly. I don't really need a Miata, but if I did I'd be all over this one. I seek out great indie shops for my older vehicles too and have found some really great people that do excellent work. It's a total disgrace that some unsavory shop butchered this car and took advantage of the owner in the process. Thanks for doing what you could to at least set the car right.
This is a fantastic video. I bet 90% or more of us can relate to this in some capacity or another.
I know personally my 2002 spectra was neglected and I’m slowly getting around to the little odds and ends, with a full front end, engine/trans mounts, suspension coils and struts, and some exhaust hardware, and various gaskets. It had one owner, but when I got it, it was suffering tragically from a valve cover leak and it had been going on so long that it ruined the mounts. Everything else is stock, so just slowly trying to fix various parts.
Love the content as always, and it definitely keeps me inspired to keep on wrenching and trying new things on my vehicle
Loved it! Has me wanting to buy a Miata due to the simplicity and good design!
Believe it or not my Dad visited one day showing off his new car, an 03 MX5 NB in br green. I joked with him about the usual regarding MX5s and he said don't knock it until you have driven one.
He passed last year and I have inherited his car. I drove it back to my house after clearing his home having never driven one before, within two minutes I thought this is awesome! Totally love it, same as him. So please, make as many Miata videos as you can. I am kitting myself out to work on his, including moving house for more space. Keep the catch and release videos too.
Happy Thanksgiving from the west side of the state (Platte City). Always enjoy your videos.
I hope the video helps compensate for all the trouble. This kind of forensic investigation is really fascinating / satisfying. And seeing so much wrong being put right is a little ray of light in a world with too much darkness. Bravo.
Awsome video I really like watching you fix all the issues. Being a collision technician I've had more than my fair share of fixing the "somebody's been here before" scenerio.scenario. keep the videos coming!!!!!!