Resto-Mod of a 1987 Toyota MR2 by Turbowned

5 minute(s) of a 28 minute read

Just picked up a new gas cap, PCV valve and grommet, hood prop rod, grommet, and clamp. Hopefully the gas cap will save me a teensie weensie bit of gas compared to the worn-out original. The PCV valve won't be on there for too long because I plan on hooking my oil catch tank back up, but for now I figured it was best to replace the original one. I'll post pics later today!

I also replaced the window weatherstripping, and wow what a difference it makes! It took some time to make sure each side was perfectly in the metal channels, but now there is greatly reduced wind noise, no more leaks, and the windows don't rattle when I go over bumps! I'll be doing the door hinges and door weatherstripping later today.

Next on the to-do list is new wiper arms ($160 for the pair; ouch!), and if I can convince my insurance company, I hope to get the last OEM Toyota windshield in the country. I don't know how they're gonna take to paying for a $930 windshield... lol

Also being made for me right now in New Zealand, is this little guy:

Turbo inlet plenum for my eventual 7AGTE 20v build

4/12/2011

Busy weekend, busy week. Unfortunately not busy with MR2 activity. Although I did go from averaging 29mpg to 31.2mpg after replacing the gas cap! Best mod, ever.

Posting this retro-actively, because I forgot I did it a while back... replacing my window, frunk and trunk weatherstripping. Got all new weatherstripping from Toyota and KBox, and a good used set of door hinges:

New frunk weatherstripping installed (use a heavy duty cleaner like Simple Green to get any built-up grime off the area where the weatherstripping goes):

New window weatherstripping (old vs. new):

Forms a nice, tight seal now:

4/14/2011

I replaced my leaking oil cap, gas cap, and (most likely) clogged PCV valve:

Replaced my bent hood prop rod, and worn-out grommet and clamp:

The prop rod now clamps down with a satisfying "click"... It's the little things...

My rear bumper cover was held on with just 4 mis-matched bolts, so I got a set of 10 new bolts, chased the threads, and installed those. I broke one bolt off so I'll have to try and drill it out later. Eventually I'll sandblast and paint the brackets for the F&R bumper covers...

Tap and die set and anti-sieze are your best friend!

Very costly, but I replaced my wiper arms. My driver's side was so worn out it wouldn't hold to the windshield anymore, and it would skip over the rain rather than drag it off. The pass. side had a bolt break off on it and would deflect, causing the wiper blade to get caught under the fender/a-pillar trim at times. $160 later, I can see!

I cracked my windshield by trying to wedge a large box into the passenger seat... D'oh!
I needed a new one anyway, so that will be next on the list. I'm gonna see if I can get my insurance to cover an OEM one... there's one left in the country and I want it! lol