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Mazda Miata MX-5
Many people ask me why I spent the money and time to graft an NA front end on an NB. Having owned a few Miatas, I realize that Mazda engineers had more than a decade to improve the original car, and while some of those changes could be ported over to an NA, the chassis improvements in particular could not.
This car which I converted has a 1.8VVT engine as well as the 6 speed gearbox which I feel is the best platform for a conversion such as this. It is the last car, with the orignal design, an approach that many resto-mods take. While the fenders are currently steel versions, molds will be made to convert them to dry carbon, in case I crash the car. If you would like a set, and can wait a year for production, just let me know, and you can buy a set too since I have the molds.
Chassis improvements on the NB compared to the NA. The curved doors and stronger sills in particular serve rigidity.
Start bu disassembling the NB and placing the NA hood on the car. This will help align all the other panels.
Next, remove the spotwelds on the NB front crossmember and add an NA front cross member. Ensure alignment is as accurate as possible.
Test fit the lights, and copy the electrical circut from the NA and get the basic wiring done. Note that the airconditiong pump may foul the front member, so some adjustment is required. Or remove it.
Cut an NA fender and an NB fender diagonally, this is the hardest bit. The shapes of the fenders do not match, so make sure whoever is doing the metal work has a good eye to match these shapes.
Weld them together and massage the forms together. This is more of an art than science at this point.
The spliced fender from the back shows how the front bumper will match seamlessly to the door.
Clearance and fit all the parts properly before painting. Take your time and ensure panel gaps are tight.
While you are in there, spot weld around the door and the windscreen for a little more rigidity and paint.
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