Drivabeater #??: the backup plan. 2004 mazda6 wagon

I'm going to ask a crazy question; does this actually need a wheel swap?  I kind of like some sidewall on a daily driver so unless one of these needs replacement.... Tires would probably be a little cheaper in stock size as well, maybe? 

I do like how these cars look.  Will be fun to follow along.

AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) said:

In reply to John Welsh :

That JY car does not have the ground effects, so front fascia is different. Bummer.

Different as in it won't fit?  Or, different as in it wont be a prefect factory rendition but it will be an all one-color car?  

Said another way, "would the untrained eye notice?  Would the car look wrong or awkward?"

Angry: ill definitely take that belt advice! All the hoses on this appear original, as well as the waterpump. And theres no functionality to the thermostat (either missing or stuck open). So ill be deep in the cooling system already.

John: i THINK i can save the cover. Its not torn or scuffed too badly. Couple extra screw holes, but not a deal breaker. I am, however, trying to avoid having paint matched and doing actual bodywork. Being shiny happy person deep in the miata restoration at the bare metal respray step makes me want to just bolt on a correct color part if reasonably possible and budget friendly. 

Pres: does it need a wheel swap? Thats arguable. Im pretty sure the right front is bent. The current factory wheels are 17x7, with a 215/50/17 tire. I wouldn't go past 18s, if im honest. Gets too thin a sidewall at that point.  

I really want a set of these style in super dark bronze on here. 

I actually messaged about these, but nothing. Not hopeful. 

I go friday after having brunch with stampie to pick up a front end rebuild kit and brake kit from Columbia sc, and if i have time will swing through a couple of pullaparts looking for a drivers seat, or ither misc stuff.

Tomorrow will be plated and legal. 

250 miles so far on it. I like it. 

I wondered from a picture you've shared if that front passenger wheel was bent.  Hope you find something you like; sounds like you're enjoying the car so far.

John Welsh said:

AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) said:

In reply to John Welsh :

That JY car does not have the ground effects, so front fascia is different. Bummer.

Different as in it won't fit?  Or, different as in it wont be a prefect factory rendition but it will be an all one-color car?  

Said another way, "would the untrained eye notice?  Would the car look wrong or awkward?"

Untrained eye probably wouldn't pick it up. Lower outside corners would be flared on the sport package ("ground effects")

Dusterbd13 said:

Blueingreen: the drivers seat in this is WRECKED. foam is flat gone. Im going to have to do something short term. This is an untenable situation  

The seats (black/cloth/power driver side) in my 2007 are pretty nice. I've been putting off deciding what to do with this thing, and if you'd want stuff that would make my decision to part it out.

In reply to BlueInGreen - Jon :

Oh my. You, sir, may be my new best friend. Wanna shoot me some details/pictures/etc? Text to 828-260-1254 if thats easy

And i know you're up north somewhere...

In reply to BlueInGreen - Jon :

Is it still a reliable runner / driver? If so, I might be conned into driving it to Duster...

Dusterbd13 said:

In reply to AngryCorvair (Forum Supporter) :

Rob: no. Just no. I like these wheels though: 

id love to find something similar in 17x7 or 17x8 5x114.3 and bronze. Id really, really love to. 

as an FYI, those are "Konig Ampliform"
https://konigwheels.com/products/konig-ampliform?variant=45397690351844

I don't think you can get them that dark bronze anymore?  not that you want to buy them new anyhow, I reckon.  but if you want a term to search around for.

looks like they end up being 17x8 et40; so they'll stick out 5-10mm more than stock.  but, it is flow formed.

there's also a non-flow-formed "Diverge" which currently is only listed in black:
https://konigwheels.com/products/konig-diverge?variant=45397698412772

ymmv, glwdab

Dusterbd13 said:

In reply to BlueInGreen - Jon :

Oh my. You, sir, may be my new best friend. Wanna shoot me some details/pictures/etc? Text to 828-260-1254 if thats easy

And i know you're up north somewhere...

Yeah for sure, I'll reach out this weekend with details and such after we get through holiday family stuff.

In reply to sleepyhead the buffalo :

You, my friend, are an awesome man for that. Thank you!!!

Jon: looking forward to it! Dont k ow if it'll work out, but its in consideration!

We drove it to my brother's for Thanksgiving. My wife doesn't hate it! I have a retrofit source order in, some ebay stuff coming, craigslist parts pickups scheduled, and a rockauto cart made. I. About to damn near double my investment....

Safe, reliable, and cool. In that order. 

Todays travels in my wifes mazda5 instead of my truck, as it lost the tbi 350, netted me the following:

Xxr 18x8 wheels with usable tires for 200 bucks. Need refinishing.

Full front suspension rebuild kit (control arms, inner and outer tie rods, sway bar end links, complete front stut assemblies, rear struts, 2 hubs i think are rears due to no splines, front powerstop pads and rotors: 160

And the coolest part of all:oseeing stampieand hanging out for a couple hours.

Over 1000 miles before it let me sit. Popped a radiator hose somewhere under the intake tract. 

Took over 24 hpurs and 9 calls to AAA to get a tow. I think im done with them after 15 years.