[zs_3]

I'm still around, just still working on my other project. I love my 3, don't get me wrong. But man, there's just something about a truck. So close to having it 100 percent repaired from the crash. Just bumper brackets and a new core support and it'll be mint.

 

[zs_3]

So the 3 is heading into the dealership soon for some warranty work. It appears that the transmission has been slipping lately and hanging in gear so it's about to go in to get checked out. Will keep you guys updated.

 

[zs_3]

Thread updated to adjust out some of the experimental ideas and future plans, as it seems ZestJDM has disappeared with some people's money. I had heard rumors that they were going out of business but I assumed they would shut down their site or something of that nature. According to their recent Facebook reviews however, it looks like they've just disappeared. The hood, as I was told from a user on Facebook who had purchased it before they disappeared, was of sub par quality and wasn't worth the money in his opinion. Probably saved me from making a bad buy myself.

As for me? Well, I'm still focusing all of my time and resources on my truck. I still daily the Mazda, and recently I had an issue where one of my Hella horns died and one of my rally lights are now crooked. The shop I used for both has kind of gone downhill and I'm no longer in business with them. The lights will inevitably come off, the license plate will be put in place and the relocator kit will probably go up for sale. Plus I need to fix my horns soon since just having one sounds pretty weak. I'll throw the known good one on the truck to work with it's single horn. I'll try my best to put forth some more work and effort into the Mazda for your reading enjoyment however. I need to do something with the spoiler soon as well.

Anyways, here's a current picture of the truck. New tires and alignment will be installed soon and then custom H-pipe exhaust system past the long tube headers will be finished up.

 

[zs_3]

Post finally updated with the long awaited removal of the Hella 500 driving lights and every single sticker on the rear spoiler (yes really).

 

[MeteorGray]

zs3, you mentioned transmission trouble under warranty. Got that fixed? What was the problem?

And about those Hella 500 rally lights: How did they get out-of-line? Did they make good nighttime driving lights? Must not have, since you've removed them. Even the Hella horn failed. Is that outfit going downhill too?

And hey, quit ignoring that little 3 for the 1500. It does look good, though.

 

[zs_3]

zs3, you mentioned transmission trouble under warranty. Got that fixed? What was the problem?

And about those Hella 500 rally lights: How did they get out-of-line? Did they make good nighttime driving lights? Must not have, since you've removed them. Even the Hella horn failed. Is that outfit going downhill too?

And hey, quit ignoring that little 3 for the 1500. It does look good, though.

Hey, sorry about the late reply! I've actually been neck deep in modding the 1500 haha.

So the transmission is still having trouble under warranty, but I have a small part that recently went out on my truck (idler arm, $20 part and a quick fix) so I haven't been able to send the Mazda in for the repair as I'll have to rely on the truck to daily until repairs are completed. I'm still experiencing some slipping, along with downshifting acting very strange. For example, if I'm in 6th gear on the highway and I floor it to downshift, the car revs up like it's dropping to third then goes into fourth. Sometimes gently, sometimes it feels like it's slamming into gear (a lot more aggressively than any automatic transmission should). I also noticed that a couple of other AT owners have noticed debris in their transmission fluid when changing, so I'm slightly afraid if this problem continues not only for my car but others as well, this could turn into a TSB. Either way, the Mazda WILL be going on to get some work done on it, I just hate the idea that I'll be without my dedicated daily for awhile. Plus, the lifted 1500 isn't exactly the most gas friendly vehicle, especially since I've installed bigger tires and done a LOT more since the last picture to it.

The rally lights, they were a fun prototype but I never got around to fabricating a decent mount for it. They essentially just held onto the bulk plastic in the grille and were NOT adjustable in any manner. Even though the "friend" who helped me install these was also supposed to help me get these perfect, he's since done some very sketchy business practices and I no longer feel comfortable taking my car to him for work to be performed. The Hella horns were also his mistake, as he didn't use the correct relay and I'm 90 percent sure that's what fried the horns themselves. I have a new set of horns with the correct Hella relay, I just haven't had a chance to get behind the bumper and wire them in. It'll happen soon, but I want to get the Mazda in and out for the transmission repair before attempting that mod on my own. When they worked however, they were an excellent replacement for the old stock horns and I absolutely loved them. Can't wait to have them back on. The rally lights? That idea is dead and gone, just like the stickerbomb spoiler. :laugh2:

Thread has also been updated with pictures of the painted spoiler, however the spoiler still isn't installed on the car as the paint guy lost my screws and bolts. I've already talked to BaysonR and whereas they didn't have any spares to send, they gave me the specs and I should be able to find replacements at any local hardware store. Probably going to take that feat on this weekend so at least the spoiler is on before it goes in for warranty repair. Also updated original thread with more "down to Earth" plans. Especially since I now have two more vehicles that I can radically modify.

 

[zs_3]

Original post updated with a painted spoiler.

It finally happened.

 

[zs_3]

Final original post update. The modding has ended and I've had my fun, but it's time to move onto bigger and better things. Thanks for the memories, everyone!

 

[zs_3]

Just an update, I have bought a new spoiler and plan to throw it back on the car so it's complete. One of my wheels are bent I believe so I may buy a new set. I doubt the mod bug will hit me again for this thing but if it does, I'll revive the thread.

I looked around for other cars and mods for them as well, but it's hard to find a car to reasonably buy that has great MPG, superb handling and style like my 3 does. Whereas I was frustrated as could get with the spoiler malfunction, I took a step back and realized it was the manufacturer itself and not the car. I still hate that modding support is so limited when it comes to these vehicles, as I believe they have an untapped potential to make great "fun daily drivers".

 

[MeteorGray]

Thanks for checking in with an update. It's always fun to read about an Enthusiast at Work!

 

[zs_3]

Bit of a necro thread at this point but I figured it was time to give a little closure.

This was the final picture taken of my Mazda before I sold it on Saturday. After five years and 106k miles, it's been an amazing journey.

Thank you to everyone who jumped in this thread to take part in my little adventure, we can only hope the next owner is as kind to it as I was!

Maybe we'll meet again someday, and maybe I'll return to M3R one day too. Until then, stay golden!

 

[MeteorGray]

Well zs-3, you went through quite a few mods on that little Mazda3 over the past several years and got customized well. I wouldn't sell it, as at 106K you are leaving most of the life for the new owner, but I suppose you've got a new car in mind that you just can't resist.

I was interested in the Hella driving lights mid-grill you installed, because I placed a couple of 4" LEDs in that position. I was kind of disappointed that yours didn't work out satisfactory. My LEDs are light and thin, so they probably fit a bit better than the heavier Hellas.

Best of luck with your new 4-wheel-love. These things are fun to dress out, but can get as expensive as a kept mistress, so I'm told