Just bought a 1992 with 36+k miles. Other than a cracked rear plastic window (that I did at the dealer)and a few dings and scratches it runs well. I have been wanting one for a long time just could'nt find a decent one in Alaska but as they say good things come to those that wait (22 yrs). The funny thing is I wasnt looking for it when it found me, in fact I was looking for a completely different vehicle just driving through neighborhoods hoping to find one in somebodies driveway(I know kind of creepy) LOL. This was a little more than what I had planned for a project car so I called the wife about it. To make a long story short she fell in love with it and said "I am going to look good driving it" and I got to drive it home. Oh yea I also got a couple of hundred off the asking price for the cracked rear plastic window. Now to drive it and hide the keys from the wife.

 

Welcome to the forum! What are your plans for the car?

Is that original paint? I guess you don't have the UV paint fading problem that we do in Florida!

 

SIXSHOOTER;
I believe it is the original paint on the steal as for the front and back bumper caps they look like they were repainted on the car as there is some overspray near them. all the metal that I can see behind the fenders and in the trunk and under the hood is staight or should I say not repaired. It does need a paint job in my opinion and a few dents removed. As for plans for it I think sway bars and chassis braces to stiffen it up a bit. Maybe you can answer a question for me, at 70 ish MPH I get a weird shuddering that comes and goes tis not coming from the front as the steerring wheels s not really affected but more of a whole car thing its not like your gonna lose control but more like a humm that you feel and not hear. Any ideas. Oh yea I lived in Tampa back in the early 90's when I was stationed at MacDill AFB. I still miss it.

 

If you ever miss the humidity, Tampa is still here.

The early cars were known for that harmonic shudder. I cannot recall what steps can mitigate it but I will look and get back to you.

 

Thank you sixshooter. I dont really miss using 3 or 4 towels to dry off after a shower but I do miss the weather. we just recieved 12+ inches of snow yesterday and it is snowing lightly now about 2 inches today.

 

Oh, damn. It was hot enough to need the air conditioning in my truck today to keep fresh for work. About 82 for a high. The bay is about 70*F so it is still a little cool.

 

Welcome to MFz!

The steering shudder is very common even mine a 00 had it. I've seen many theories and fixes discussed since buying mine. A lot of folks claim you just need a really good road force balancing down to 15 lbs or less each tire. That didn't work for me and since I track the car, it wasn't worth the money. I went the stiffening route (track car) and when I bought the Boss Frog front Arms and Flying Miata frame rails mine went away for good and the car felt much better around town as well. I think another cause for some is locking lug nuts.

Here is an oldy I found really quick that discusses it.

The 65 MPH Vibration

 

That would be nice I just got to work last night and its a balmy negative 6 degrees here on the north slope.

 

Thank you FLYINGSOLO that was pretty infomative. Not sure if there are any shops here in Alaska that have that tech yet.

 

Tried tying the wife on the hood, too much down pressure, fun drive though