The MR2 Owner's Club of New Zealand

Hey guys,
So I collected a '91 SW20 N/A 2ltr from Knuckles61 over the weekend. Thanks John! She will be looked after.

Given her the once over and will try get this on the road to continue my AC role. As my Turbo 3VZ project drags on... through summer no less!

First thing of note. Looks like we have some after market sway bars with poly bushes. Any thoughts what they are guys? My son also thinks he found a problem. No engine Dad!

They are definitely bigger than the largest OEM bars. What diameter are they and are they adjustable? I've not seen yellow bars before.
Interesting spacers on the front mounts to bring them off the chassis.

I recall reading that they're not aftermarket but they were just painted. Will see if I can find out where I got that from and let you know

The front brackets are definitely aftermarket or universal. The largest OEM bar was 18mm. I have 20mm on mine and these yellow ones look the same or bigger.

GDII wrote:They are definitely bigger than the largest OEM bars. What diameter are they and are they adjustable? I've not seen yellow bars before.
Interesting spacers on the front mounts to bring them off the chassis.

Yes 20mm. No sign of adjustment. That said I didn't even notice the spacers either until you pointed them out! I'll have to have a better look at those next time.

Mr-Paulio wrote:

GDII wrote:They are definitely bigger than the largest OEM bars. What diameter are they and are they adjustable? I've not seen yellow bars before.
Interesting spacers on the front mounts to bring them off the chassis.

Yes 20mm. No sign of adjustment. That said I didn't even notice the spacers either until you pointed them out! I'll have to have a better look at those next time.

Ok so not stock. Not all bars are adjustable. The spacers were probably installed to get the swaybar to clear the fold in the chassis where there is a double layer of metal as it bends to go towards the struts.
Technically I have spacers on my mounts too. They are 6mm thick reinforcement plates that bolt into the chassis.

GDII wrote:Ok so not stock. Not all bars are adjustable. The spacers were probably installed to get the swaybar to clear the fold in the chassis where there is a double layer of metal as it bends to go towards the struts.
Technically I have spacers on my mounts too. They are 6mm thick reinforcement plates that bolt into the chassis.

Yeah agreed. Although from the picture this looks like a chuck of plastic or acrylic? And I wonder if the bolts have been replaced with longer ones?

Mr-Paulio wrote:

GDII wrote:Ok so not stock. Not all bars are adjustable. The spacers were probably installed to get the swaybar to clear the fold in the chassis where there is a double layer of metal as it bends to go towards the struts.
Technically I have spacers on my mounts too. They are 6mm thick reinforcement plates that bolt into the chassis.

Yeah agreed. Although from the picture this looks like a chuck of plastic or acrylic? And I wonder if the bolts have been replaced with longer ones?

Yeah that is just some plastic. The bolts are long enough to take that thickness, but not 5-6mm. What is done there looks perfectly fine.

So I've been a bit busy on this. (The AW stays neglected until I have a new engine built) So the plan is I can drive this in the meantime.
So far... New Battery, repaired alternator wiring, repaired vacuum leak, replaced fuses, new tyres (well, wheels actually because they worked out cheaper than tyres) new steering rack boots, new front and rear engine mounts, new springs as one was very very rusty (I went for lowered of course ) I also replaced the shifter cable bushes with roller skate bearings. Haven't seen one this worn before! Ready for a WOF next week I reckon now! The wheels were pretty ugly when I got them. A lick of paint helped. And I will get some new center caps. I left the red rim, it's kind of growing on me... Unsure if will paint over that aswell at this stage. They fit nice and flush! 215 45 16 on the front. 225 50 16 on the rear.

Quick update:
So the red car now has a WOF, Reg and insurance. Also fitted a short shifter And new knob which is a lot nicer. I've taken it for a few decent blats and she seems to go well. If it wasn't for family commitments I would have taken it on the run this weekend also. Loving the T top in this weather! Makes me sad my ADub (#1 child) is a tin top. Anyway, next item to tackle is the paint. Good old 90s red is faded, worn through to the primer in places and clear coat is peeling. I have a few ideas to improve the look cheaply. I'll see how good my arty farty skills are before I spill any beans. Stay tuned....

Warning: This could cause some controversy!

So basicly the good old 90's red paint was rough. Clear coat peeling, faded parts, worn to the primer in parts, scratches, dents, primered repaired rust patches etc.

Options as I saw them:
- Pay for an average respray that takes money away from #1 child's V6 Turbo engine.
- Buy some paint and do it my self. (Probably rough, but would look better than existing)
....Or this... Is this the world's first MR2 "Ratrod"?

And before anyone freaks out it's a rust effect paint. Basicly loaded with iron. Forced to rust, then clear coated. It is on top of the existing paint, causes no lasting damage and can be easily removed and resprayed, if I so desire one day.

Basicly I got a bit arty and used this to enhance, hide, cover and decorate the existing paint/body damage. Also going for the look that its had an engine fire and perhaps fried both tyres at some point. The pictures don't really show all the detail and give the full effect. But it's pretty cool (I think) I quite like it, for now.... And it certainly stands out and grabs attention! Materials cost about $200 and I have left overs. So it was worth a try and a bit of fun I think. Watching rust develop is far more fun than watching paint dry! And more so when it is rust that does not destroy body panels!
Thoughts and comments welcome! Hopefully I'll bring it out on a run soon for a better look!

I like the idea but the wheels are too clean with the red stripes. Also could be the photos but the rust looks like a wrap

That actually looks really good from a few meters away. Almost makes it look better. I think you've done a great job with where you have put it and the design of it. Good effort.

mknz wrote:I like the idea but the wheels are too clean with the red stripes. Also could be the photos but the rust looks like a wrap

Haha, yeah going for a "The bodys had a hard life but that's been left (Ratrod) and the money has been spent of performance" look. Next up will be making the engine bay and interior look nice
The clear did take away form the rawness of it a bit. But it would run everywhere and make a mess otherwise. And it does look far better in person and in the light. You can see the textures and different shades etc. I tried to show this with the badge picture which gets a bit closer. I am sure you will get a chance to see in in the flesh soon.

GDII wrote:That actually looks really good from a few meters away. Almost makes it look better. I think you've done a great job with where you have put it and the design of it. Good effort.

Thanks. I debated adding more, making it look a bit rougher. Particularly on the front left. But that guard and the bumper are in reasonable condition. So I am just stopping at this level, for now....