Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Chrome top latches. These are the flip down "handle" portions and not the actual latch mechanism.
Take your time doing this one, it isn't too hard just a bit of a pain. I did find a few minor installation/usage problems that I'll address here, and that Aerodramatics is aware of. First, the the latches use a pin held by an e-clip to attach to the top - the chrome plating on the Aerodramatics pieces makes this hole a bit smaller and, in my case, required a bit of light drilling to allow for the pin to fit in properly. I *believe* Aerodramtics is now reaming those out after the plating process but if not just keep in mind you'll need to do a little bit of work to get this in right. The other fit issue is again down to the slighlty larger size of the latches from the plating process - the latches will not close 100% but do click into the locked position. It also requires a bit more strength to open and close the latch although usage will loosen it up slightly. For some these issues may be a showstopper, for me I'm willing to deal with the slight inconvenience due to! the beauty of the pieces and the fact that it still functions properly.
Very nice chrome finish and again Aerodramatics delivers a very reasonable price. Aside from the fitment/ease of use issues these look the business indeed and have been keeping me from using the top boot - I don't want to hide those shiny latches!
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Chromed replacement for the top strikers - the piece screwed into the windshield header that the latches, well, latch onto.
Installs in seconds - provided you have the correct Torx bit. A wide flathead will work but be careful of mangling the soft alloy bolt. Works like stock although I have only used it in conjuction with Aerodramatics top latches.
Very nice, although subtle piece (due to location), of course I live somewhere I can keep the top down 99% of the time so it does get a bit more show. I'd love to see Aerodramtics offer some chrome/polished bolts to go with this although you can quickly polish up the stock ones if you like. I did suggest that they include (or make an option) chrome bolts AND a torx bit, even if it means a bit more cost.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Chrome door cups.
Installs in about 30secs on each side - remove the one screw holding the door cup (the black plastic piece behind the door handle), lift the handle halfway and slide the original plastic cup out. Reverse to install the shiny new one.
The piece is designed as an exact duplicate of the original and looks very nice with the outer lip in smooth chrome and the interior section with an unfished, cast surface. I'd love to see the whole item polished but I'm sure that would drive the costs signifiganlty higher than Aerodramtics is asking. Another lovely chrome piece from them that I'm happy to have.
Under 5 minutes to remove
Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Billet aluminum needle caps.
Easy to install although be careful of the greasy speedometer connection! These just pop on over the top of the centers of the needles and are held on with a little bit of silicone (that is what I used so they are easily removeable). The design is a highly polished button with concentric, machined ridges.
Great product - much nicer than the other lower cost buttons I've seen but nowhere near the pricing of AWD or IL items. I really like the machined finish but if someone preferred a different finish it wouldn't be too hard to polish them smooth. Now my problem is the rest of the cluster looks to plain in comparison!
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
Polished billet aluminum caps that fit on the gauge needles.
Nathan of AeroDramatics. He lives here in my town so I thought I would take a trip over to his shop to check the caps out. They almost looked to pretty to put into my miata - I couldn't see a flaw on them. They are really nice looking! Now I think I need to change out the gauge faces, because they will look even better with some color behind them. This is my track rat, but these caps REALLY make the gauges look nice.
He's a very busy guy with his new carbon fiber parts biz, but he even took time out of his day to install them for me in his driveway!!!
Under 30 minutes to remove completely
| Back to Product Reviews | 29 January, 2006 |