Hammer's Clubbie

[PUR157]

195? 205 for tyres?

either way... looks great!

[Hammer]

195? 205 for tyres?

either way... looks great!

205s. Though 195 would have been better with the 50 aspect ratio IMO.

[Hammer]

I got these from the US the other week.



In case you haven't figured it out yet, these are protective films/laminates. I bought some pre-cut versions for the blinkers (in tint colour) and for the headlights (Optic Blue). The main reason I got these is for protection (aka headlight protectors etc). The bling factor was an after effect.

The film are very high in quality and very forgiving. Warming the film is recommended. Makes the film softer and easier to handle especially when aligning at fitting.




After thoroughly cleaning the headlight, spray (1 or 2) light mist on the headlight to help with the alignment (though if I have to do it again, I won't bother with spraying the surface). The film is very forgiving and have lots of give.








Moisten the surface of the film to provide some lubrication when using the plactic card applicator to squeeze bubbles and/or water






The pre-cut film is bigger than the headlight, so trimming is necessary.




Comparison of one with and one without




Headlights completed. Now on to the blinkers.



Before

[Hammer]

Now it’s time for the blinkers. I choose the colour “tint” - Not the darkest in their range. I just wanted to have a slight smoke look and still need the parkers and blinkers very visible at daylight.

The usual steps taken (1. Clean surface thoroughly; 2. Warm film with a hair dryer; 3. Slight spay of mist on the blinker surface)....

...the film was applied




Wet surface of film before using the plastic applicator to squeeze out bubbles and water in between.




Trimming excess film is easily done with a very sharp blade




Comparison between one with a film and one without




Finished



Before





Before and after shots






Looking at these photos, it does not look like they are much different, but in person (& daylight), they are much darker and more blue. The flash made them look lighter.

[Hammer]

I also did the fog lights of my SP (no need for the headlight as they have factory headlight protectors).

Before & After


Before


After

[RG.net]

looks good!

i've been wanting to get some blue film for my headlights for a while, i wonder if there are any local suppliers.

[Jeo]

That looks really nice Hammer.

[CoffeeBoss]

So does this - good work Alan
(pic stolen from OzMazda thread)

[f3lix]

is that what they use!?

i always thought they were aftermarket blinkers and headlights

looks awesome

[Hammer]

So does this - good work Alan

Thanks sharing the pix Matt. Haven't had a chance to check them out yet.

is that what they use!?

i always thought they were aftermarket blinkers and headlights

looks awesome

f3lix, there are two types of smoked lights, there are the smoked type (replacement units), then there are the cheaper alternative like what I did - smoked laminate.

[d-mag]

Car looks stunning in person Alan. It's a credit to you.
Kijima and I stood in the scrutineering bay at Wakefield just drooling.
Good to see you again mate.

[Hammer]

Finally got some time to do a quick update on my Clubbie thread.

About 12 months ago, I replaced the OEM vinyls with these genuine leather boots combo. Not bad for under $40 delivered (from the UK) through eBay.



The silver gear knob is a spare OEM SP gear knob I have. Though I found out they're not so good during track days if not wearing gloves. My left palm started to get irritated at the end of the day.










BEFORE


AFTER

[Hammer]

MX-5 Club of NSW Dyno Day - 29 August 2009

76kw @ the rear wheels from a stock standard NA8 Ohhh I wish it had double that.

[jules]

Haha. I recognise that little green monster. It spent a few days sleeping at my place!

Jules

[Hammer]

16 APRIL 2010

I've managed to start work on the 2nd hand mudflaps set that I got from eBay some 6 months ago.

My original mudflaps needed to be removed to fit the OEM style rear bumper lip spoiler. However, after checking the fitment further...I realised they can be fitted back with slight modification to the mudflaps. Meaning cutting bits and pieces off them.

I didn't want to butcher my original mudflaps (they're in excellend condition), so I got these 2nd hand items instead. The set also came with the front pair which I didn't have in my car. Sweet. And its even sweeter the rear set are the NA8 type - just like my original.

They came painted in Classic Red but in need of a good refresher. They were faded all over and badly scratched in certain areas.

First step was to make the cuts. I took my time on this as I didn't want to make a mistake. I was lucky the measurements were close enough. And since these parts will be under the guard and bumper, slight over-cuts will not show.

The second step was to tackle them with lots of elbow grease and varying grades of wet & dry sandpaper.




When I was happy with the finish, I wiped them clean with a prep solvent, and taped off areas that I wanted to remain black. I followed this by a quick wipe with the prep solvent once more to ensure all the grease, glue or grime have been removed from the surface.

Plastic primer (in presure pack can) was then applied. I only applied one coat. Though I think I should have applied two. When this had dried, a once over with 1200 grit wet & dry, followed by the prep solvent.

I then made the first of four light coats of "Classic Red" paint which I got mixed into a pressure pack can.





I ended up using 2x 500ml pressure pack cans to cover all four mudflaps with four coats each. The 2nd can feels like it still have about 1/3 left on it.

Now its all a waiting game. I have to wait 7 days for the paint to cure before I can do a light cut & polish, followed by wax.

I can't wait to fit them back into the car