Now that my debt is gone and I'm making enough money, I think I'm going to retire my Mazda3 for a few months. That means no racing and no long trips in it. I plan on replacing everything that's not right with it. I've priced it out and it looks to be around $1500 worth of repairs and replacements. This doesn't include paint and body work as of yet. That will probably add another $600+ dollars to the total. I'm 99.9% sure the engine is fine but it'll get some love as well (hopefully, depending on the contingency).

If anyone knows a great body/paint shop that could give me a great deal on painting OEM parts (straight from the factory, very little prep work needed) or would be willing to help with one of the multitude of replacements I'll be doing, I'd greatly appreciate it. Beer and food would be in it for those that would be interested. The big things will wait until March-ish since I have a lot of little pieces to get that are more important. I'll probably post pictures of putting this thing back to its previous glory.

The big thing I'd need help with would be pulling my instrument panels off in order to replace the LEDs behind it. I know very little about electrical work and in all honesty... I have a fear of being electrocuted. Other than that, a lot of the replacements I can do myself.

I'm kind of looking forward to doing this so my car can be proud of itself again

i can't offer any aid (no haz skillz), but good luck!

it you were closer.

disconnect the battery and no problem with getting electrocuted.

RX-7 Chris wrote:it you were closer.

disconnect the battery and no problem with getting electrocuted.

I know to do that but I was mainly trying to highlight my innocence with regards to electrical work... probably not the best example ever :/

Did you say beer AND food???!!! I'm so helping

Hi Lyssa,
Sending you an EM. Maybe I can help, or have connections that can...

If you ever need your turn signal bulbs, let me know.
...I know someone that knows how to do it. =P

Congrats on your situation!

Sounds like a project, keep us posted!

I`m Batman wrote:If you ever need your turn signal bulbs, let me know.
...I know someone that knows how to do it. =P

Congrats on your situation!

Actually... that is something I wanted to do. I wanted to go with the clear corner look and a bright orange bulb isn't really doing it for me. I hear there are bulbs you can get that are silver or something but look clear. Idk... I'll do all that fun stuff when I pull the front bumper off. My hand won't fit down there unless I do.

LOL... You can buy those bulbs from eBay. I actually have those silver bulbs in my car.

I`m Batman wrote:LOL... You can buy those bulbs from eBay. I actually have those silver bulbs in my car.

Do they work well?

Yes they do. Not as bright obviously because it has a silver coating on top... But they work fine.

Sweeet. I'll check into buying them.

First three parts ordered today: Front Lower Grille, Left Winshield Wiper Arm, Back Windshield Wiper w/Insert.

Total: $104.50 with Shipping and Tax.

glad the project is under way

bellalyssa wrote:Sweeet. I'll check into buying them.

First three parts ordered today: Front Lower Grille, Left Winshield Wiper Arm, Back Windshield Wiper w/Insert.

Total: $104.50 with Shipping and Tax.

Did you buy a OEM grille or an aftermarket?

I can also help you with the rear wiper delete if you want.
Just let me know, and we can knock it out on a saturday or something