Example Repair - 1999 Mazda Miata Anniversary Model
"The Blue Skunk"
Before and After
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Damage Assessment
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The first picture above shows the damage just
minutes after it happened. This is the "famous" Blue Skunk Miata owned by
a very active Bluebonnet Miata Club member. The most serious repair will be the
replacement of the left quarter panel. The rear bumper cover will also have to be
replaced. The replacement of the quarter panel will require the removal of the back
edge of the soft top and the black belt moulding that surrounds the rear edge of the soft
top.
Tear Down and Quarter Panel Removal
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The soft top has been removed along the quarter
panels and rear panel. The bumper cover has also been removed and the last two
pictures show the quarter panel area after the outer skin was removed. The new
quarter panel will have to be fitted and trimmed and this will be illustrated in the next
set of images.
Test Fit Sheet Metal and New Parts
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The new sheet metal parts have been trimmed and
punched. They are being test fitted and adjusted on the body. The other parts
like the tail lamp and bumper cover are also fitted to help insure proper gaps and
alignment of the sheet metal. The next step will be welding on the new sheet metal.
A structural adhesive will also be used in areas where welding is not possible or
the adhesive is more appropriate.
Paint Prep to Trim in Replaced Parts
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The new sheet metal parts have been installed
and now it is time to trim in the panel edges with paint. Corrosion protection and
seam sealer are also applied at this point and the vehicle will be ready for the next step
which is the refinishing of the outside areas of the new parts.
Painting
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The Miata is in the booth and taped up for final
refinishing. You'll notice the use of Door Aperture Refinishing Tape (DART) in the
door jamb and in the trunk lid gap. It is the white sponge like material you see
outlining the door opening. You'll also notice the front door has been prepped for
paint. This will allow for blending of the new paint across the gap between the door
and the quarter panel. You can see a more detailed explanation of blending by
clicking HERE. After a sufficient amount of the blue bisect color has been applied
for coverage the painter will apply two coats of clearcoat paint.
Painting and
Buffing Completed
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The Refinish operations are completed and the
exterior panels have been buffed. All that is left is to put the Miata back
together. After re-assembly the car will be washed, vacuumed and go through final
inspection.
Mission Accomplished
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The "Blue Skunk" is completed and
ready to hit the road. The fall weather is here and the owner has been missing a few
beautiful "top down" days. The white stripes on the rear bumper cover will
be replaced after the new paint has had a few weeks to cure. The repairs took 11
work days. This included a two day delay on a few special order parts.
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