We finally upgraded our first generation Mazda MX-5 roadster.
We bought our first Mazda MX-5 some 23 years ago and it was the most fun driving machine for us at the time. Then we had to let it go after two years (reasons best not shared).
Then exactly 16 years ago this month (October) we found a one owner unit 1.6L for sale and bought it. The joy of having a roadster back in our garage was beyond explanation. You need to own one to understand its ‘magic’. It is not about speed. It is about driving dynamics in a pure form with top down joy.
The years progressed and we continued to maintain our 1989 Mazda MX-5 in stock condition with little changes.
Fast forward to 2021 and our MX-5 is still a joy to own and drive even after we have tested hundreds of new cars, including the latest Mazda MX-5 (codenamed ND which was launched in 2015). We still think and stand by our statement, the first and original MX-5 has no competitor, not even its more modern and younger sibling.
However, after so many years, our MX-5 has weathered some and was feeling a little tired. So, we needed to give it a little upgrade, a little bit of restoration, some attention. Not in the engine bay. Not with its stock suspension and brakes. Not with its exhaust. Instead…..
- We wanted to give the luggage space a fresh coat of anti-rust treatment as the rubbers on the rear lights were worn and water was leaking into the boot.
- The chassis needed a little added firmness.
- Some sound insulation was needed as we were starting to feel all the shoddy work of our city road contractors coming into the cabin.
- Our convertible top had not had a good cleaning around all its edges and over the years of parking under the rain, trees and leaking roofs had resulted in clogged water drainage.
So, it was time to visit a specialist in the four above-mentioned areas. We have heard of KL AUTO and their Autofoam product for more than 2 decades (since we started this job). But we have never made a visit.
It was time for a visit and after a quick phone call to the owner (Desmond) we got an appointment at the new outlet in Glenmarie. We took our MX-5 in for a consult with the outlet ‘sifu’, Kenny and it was more serious than it looked.
No worries, Kenny had plenty of experience and so after 4 days of attention on the leaking boot, leaking convertible top and the non-insulated cabin our ‘baby’ was ready.
We paid the bill (RM3,600) and took the long way home. Almost immediately we felt less road noise coming into the cabin. The shoddy road maintenance was less intrusive and there was less heat coming from our center tunnel (where the gear shifter is located).
The next few days it rained every morning and evening and we took our MX-5 out as often as possible and there were no leaks. Yes, there was no water collecting inside the doors and in the boot.
KLAUTO’s Kenny had put down insulation on my MX-5 floor and had thoroughly inspected our convertible leaking areas and also boot leaking areas and cleaned out all the clogged drainage and runners.
Was the bill high? Well, you want quality reliable, quality work you need to pay for it. This MX-5 is not leaving my ownership anytime soon and so spending a little more is well worth it.
