The Project Mk1 Turbo build is edging ever closer to paint, and in Part 5 the focus shifts to the exterior panels that define the car’s final look. After major structural work in previous episodes, this stage is all about refinement, alignment and deciding the direction of the build’s styling.
With new doors, a replacement boot lid and a rethink on the front wings, the car starts to feel complete again.
New Doors & Hinge Refresh
With rust and wear taking their toll on the originals, fresh doors supplied by MX5parts are fitted. Alongside them, replacement hinges are installed to eliminate the classic Mk1 door drop and ensure a much tighter feel when opening and closing
Once loosely aligned, the panels already sit well, though final adjustment will happen once the car is fully settled on its wheels before paint.
Front Sill & A-Pillar Clean-Up
With the wings removed, the front sill areas are inspected and cleaned back to bare metal. While corrosion is present, the structure remains solid, allowing the areas to be treated with rust converter and primer rather than requiring major metalwork.
The windscreen surround also gets attention, revealing only minor surface corrosion, another reassuring sign that the shell is fundamentally strong.
Fibreglass vs OEM - A Change of Direction
One of the biggest decisions in this episode is styling. With fibreglass wings previously fitted, the original plan leaned towards a wider, more aggressive look. But with the rear arches now complete, the decision is made to go back to standard-style front wings for a cleaner, more subtle 90s-inspired aesthetic.
The result? Sharper lines, better panel fit and a look that feels more in keeping with the car’s character.
Replacement Boot Lid & Final Panel Prep
A new boot lid replaces the old panel, which had developed rust around the edges. With the main exterior panels now swapped or refreshed, the car is starting to look like a complete project again rather than a rolling restoration
From here, the focus turns to final prep work ahead of paint.
Watch Part 5 – Making My Mk1 MX-5 Better
Featured MX-5 Parts in Part 5
If you’re refreshing your own Mk1, here are some of the key components highlighted in this episode:
To take a look at all Mk1 Body Panels & Fittings, click here
Next Stop: Paint
With the bodywork aligned, corrosion treated and panel decisions made, the next time we see the Turbo Mk1 it will be heading into paint, marking one of the biggest milestones of the entire build so far.
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