Important Notice (7/20/02):
This page is no longer being updated.
Tech Sessions
So what would you like to see? Timing belt replacements, roll bar installation,
general maintenance, detailing, ...?
Local Shop Recommendations
The following recommendations are the responsibility of the recommenders.
The only thing we ask is that you do not recommend shops with which
you have relationships other than being a customer. I put them in the
order that I get them.
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Big 10 Tires: (850) 656-1024;
2984 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahasee 32301. Chris Yearwood notes:
"They've never flinched when I've handed them (several times) autocross spec
alignment sheets with lots of toe-out.
The owner/manager is very easy going. I don't see why they wouldn't at least
align the car with 160lbs of balast in the driver seat. You'll probably need to
explain everything up front before making the request.
I don't know what machine they're using, but it provides a printout of your
before and after alignment settings if you ask for it."
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Mazda of Tallahassee: (850) 576-7138; 7322 W. Tennessee St.
Carl McGinnes indicates they really know what they are doing. Leon van Dommelen
adds that they seem to do a great job even though his Miata has a supercharger.
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Bob's Auto & Marine Upholstery: (850) 575-7577;
3082 W. Tharpe St.
They did a great job installing Leon van Dommelen's glass rear
window in his 1996
stock top.
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Wheel Collision Center: (800) 292-RIMS.
www.wheelcollision.com.
Not local, but they did a great job refinishing Leon van Dommelen's BBS
wheels, with excellent service to boot. Unlike the previous shop
that refinshed them, the clear coat is not peeling off and the
wheels were stripped before applying the new paint.
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R-Speed: (678) 290-7504; 1011 S. Marrietta Pkwy, Marietta,
GA 30060.
info@rspeed.net.
www.rspeed.net.
The closest Miata specific shop (in Marietta, GA), with lots of
experience with Sebring (Jackson Racing) Superchargers. They swapped
Leon van Dommelen's power steering for a manual rack. Also do
mail order.
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Import Authority: (850) 574-8588;
2877 W. Tharpe St. As an alternative to the
local Mazda dealer, Warren Sutton and his crew do an excellent job on
Japanese
vehicles, they've been doing my [Tim Kerns] '97 for over three years and
maintained my
Mitsubishi Montero 8 years before that. They're professional, honest and
reliable. (One dissenting rumor has been heard.)
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Sun Tire: (850) 553-9660;
NE Capital Circle, I [Tim Kerns] recently purchased a set of Toyo
FZ4's - 205/50-15's here and received a discount of $85 over the posted price
for complete installation, etc. It seemed like a good deal to me.
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Discount Tire: (850) 878-8473; 212 N. Magnolia Dr.,
between Tenessee and Apalachee. Leon van Dommelen notes that
they will professionally install your mail-ordered tires.
Giving you a great choice of tires from places such as
Tire Rack to be drop-shipped
to your home. Leon adds: "I used to go to a small shop to have the
mail-ordered tires put on, but without dedicated equipment,
they had considerable difficulty with the stiff side walls
on the performance tires I ordered and eventually recommended
Discount Tire themselves. (Though I think they scratched my BBS
rims first.)"
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Knobmeister.
Tim Kerns says:
"Laser engraved textured Team Voodoo shift knob from Joe Portas at Quality
Images, Inc., known as the knobmeister.
I was very pleased with the friendly service and quality of the product as
well as the laser engraving by Joe. He offers several custom products for
the Miata...check it out at
www.knobmeister.com.
He's also a miata.net
sponsor." Leon adds: "I had a custom wood shift knob made by him,
with, of course, the 1BOZO logo. Eventually wear and tear got it
down and I had it covered in leather. But I still miss that personal
touch. Time to get another!"
Links
General information on Miatas can be found at:
Detailing: