On Feb 15 2002 I had a detailer go over the paint with rubbing compound to try to rub off some of the rusted paint and try to make it look black again. After 2 hours it already looks 100 times better than before (click here for before and after photos).
Here are some "after" photos:
The car does not look perfect, but 6 steps away it looks magnificently black. On the downside, now you can see every little ding.
What surprised me is that the nose section is black once again. The plastic had whitened over time, but the rubbing brought back the true color. I still need to fix the license plate dimples, but one step at a time!
In older photos it is obvious that the nose was dull, as the reflections over the hood would not match on the nose side.
I still want to get rid of the pinstripes, but it proved to be harder than we expected and I wanted the detailer to concentrate on the paint.
7/22/2002
Maintenance update - Burned the power windows switch and contacts are too worn out to clean. Got it used on the web for $65.
Also decided to go ahead and start the restoration. The first step is to get a Duetto no-zip glass window top :-)
7/25/2002
Installing the new/used power windows switch found out the rubber shift boot torn and cracked. $21.95 at Finish Line (nice to have a Miata shop 3 miles away). Also picked up a much needed flip-up cup holder, I am sick of using the central console cup holders! $9.95.
