N/A california restoration

[fujikun]

hi, this car is my new project, i already am driving restoring a 1990 1.6 eunos, and i just bought this, its a mk1 1.8 california,
bit yellow but i hope it grows on me,
engine and box/diff are sound and its done 114000. the body is scruufy though, needs sills, some floor work and a bit of inner sill no doubt.
the rear wings are shot, so i will also be replacing them, hope to start the work this spring/summer but i am in no hurry to finish it, it will be done whenever.
a few introductory shots below.
this car is numbered 167 out of 300, any others out there?

[Lazza]

I've always liked the Mk1 Californias. Good to see one being saved

[flea]

Well done from me too

[blackyb]

Went to see one a few years back in Swansea, gave up when the dealer started talking our car down for minor faults so we drove away.

Still I like the Yellow Perils!!

[fujikun]

hi, well i have now got the car home,
i washed it and it needs rear wing repair, sill repair, you will have seen it all before no doubt.
the main sill outers are sound but the bottom section of the inners has rotted out, i may have to cut the sill to gain access to it.
the engine and box are superb probably only needs a service, the interior is very good but needs a drivers seat which luckily i have now sourced.

i got no paperwork or history with the car although the leather california wallet is there.
does anyone know the spec of the car,
i think it has the early 1800 engine as i found out you could tell by the raised lettering on the cam cover, i am pretty sure its origonal.
i dont know about the diff or brakes, i nedd to find out as i need to order brake parts etc.
any help on the spec of these cars would be appreciated.
thanks.

[blackyb]

I used to have a link to a site that contained all the relevant spec details for all the Mk's & models from 1 up to 3, seems I have deleted it.

There is a bit on Wikipedia but it doesn't go into great detail, and there is a spec page on the OC site, but I am sure Mr M-m will be on soon and he will know exactly where to look.

Wouldn't be surprised to learn that there is a page on this site with what your looking for, I keep finding all sorts of useful info tucked away for a rainy days reading.

[Li5]

I used to have a link to a site that contained all the relevant spec details for all the Mk's & models from 1 up to 3, seems I have deleted it.

There is a bit on Wikipedia but it doesn't go into great detail, and there is a spec page on the OC site, but I am sure Mr M-m will be on soon and he will know exactly where to look.

Wouldn't be surprised to learn that there is a page on this site with what your looking for, I keep finding all sorts of useful info tucked away for a rainy days reading.

Like you Blackyb, I remember reading on a site about different spec, back of my blonde head I have Dandy Cars as a thought, I'll see if I can find it. Send out the search party if I'm gone a while.

Fujikun I love the yellow, maybe I'm biased

[Li5]

only found this so far, http://www.mx5-mazda.co.uk/california1.htm
not what I was looking for, Dandy Cars won't load up for me at the moment, ..... heyho off for another delve

[fujikun]

thanks liz for that bit of info, been digging myself and i think its a series1 1800 engine with standard 1800 brakes,
i bought the car to save it (sucker) or i think it might have went downhill, for me its straight forward as i am good with the welder.
and i must admit i now like the colour.
just been on my drive a couple of days and its picked up a few (good) comments already.
i`ll get on it when the weather improves. hope i can do it justice.

[Yolo]

I think they are the car to really make you smile…. bright yellow and pop up lights couldn't beat it.

I look forward o seeing your build.

As for the spec Liz is right Dandy cars used to have a great list of marks and specs but they have folded up, I know someone mentioned trying to access the old data for here but don't think it happened.

Good luck

[Li5]

Thanks for update Yolo, tried several times to access their site with no luck, thought it was me
Still haven't managed to find detailed spec

[Lazza]

Cached version of Dandy Cars website...
http://web.archive.org/web/20131118221356/http://www.dandycars.com/Frequently_Asked_Questions.htm

Someone copy the details out of there quickly while it's still around. I'm not sure how long this cached version will be available.


California
Years Produced:
1995 (May)
No. Produced:
300
Colours:
Sunburst Yellow
Spec:
1.8 Engine Only
Power Steering
5 Spoke 15x7JJ Alloy Wheels
195/50VR15 Low Profile Dunlop Tyres
California Badge on Rear
Dash Mounted Plaque with Limited Edition Number
Clarion 601R RDS Audio

[Lazza]

http://www.mx5oc.co.uk/Downloads/

[fujikun]

thats great lazza thanks, i have everything except the radio and obviously the tyres. thankyou,

[fujikun]

hi, still not started on it yet, i have been busy working many overtimes which pays for the parts i need, now building up in the garage.
the yellow colour is now growing on me, and i got totally carried away and bought a porsche 944 volt meter for it as its yellow too (sad)

i have all the bits for the interior including new (s/hand) drivers seat, the volt meter is going to go beside the clock as i dont want to drill the dash or screw a pod onto it.
i bought a new front and can open this out to fit the jeco clock and put the volt guage next to it.

got the new rear fender repair panels, and all engine service kit and new brakes discs etc. three broken springs on it so have got replacements for them too.
and picked up these rear lights which i think will look good with the california colour.

the boot lid with the rack will be coming off as i dont like it , and will replace it with a boot lid with spoiler , which i also have already in wait.

hopefully will get started on the sills next month. watch this space.
pics,
voltmeter
new housing
old housing
boot rack