Haynes' World is a regular feature that takes a look at what the staff at Haynes are doing with their vehicles. This time, Euan's been fitting new numberplate light brackets to his pal's Mazda MX-5 Mk1.
One of the benefits of working for Haynes is that you have access to repairs for almost any car around the world. And one of the benefits for friends is that they also have access to repairs for… well, you get the picture.
And so it was with one of my pals, who owns a 1997 Mazda MX-5 Mk1. He takes great care of his MX-5, and does everything he can to keep the dreaded iron worm at bay – it is washed and polished regularly, it has been undersealed, and any paint chips or imperfections are remedied immediately.
Mazda MX-5 – rust in pieces
However, the MX-5 has a well-earned reputation for corrosion, and my mate’s was no exception. Despite his best efforts, there are bits that you cannot get to when cleaning, and these bits are just as rust-prone as the rest of the thing.
The bits I’m talking about in this case are the metal brackets that hold the rear numberplate lights in place.
Were they awkward to get to? Yes. Yes, they were. About as difficult to get to as Mars. Still, the job had to be done because the light units were making a bid for freedom and were now dangling by their wires. Not only was this illegal, but my mate also ran the risk of hypnotising any following drivers.
How to replace MX-5 Mk1 numberplate light brackets
The first-generation Mazda MX-5 is brilliant to drive, largely because it’s light. And it’s light because there isn’t much to it. There certainly isn’t much in the way of sound-deadening, which was actually a bonus because it made getting to various bits and bobs in the boot much easier.
The job started by prising out numerous clips and removing the boot trim.
After that, it was a case of removing the rear light units, then the boot lock, followed by the rear-end trim that the numberplate is mounted to.
Once this was out of the way, it was easy to get to the mounting brackets, which were well on their way to becoming dust.
Off they came, and after a restorative brew and caramel wafer, on went two shiny replacements. Once everything was back together, the numberplate lights were secure for another decade or two.
What’s next for the 1989-1997 MX-5?
My mate has now decided he needs to change the rubber gearlever gaiter that sits under the centre console (and which has perished), plus change the gearbox oil, which will get rid of any notchiness in the shift.
And guess who’s been asked to assist? But that’s a tale for another time.
