Hi all y'all,

I've owned Mazdas pretty much continuously since 1985. A 323, '95 Millenia S (#1), an early model MPV when the twins were tiny, another '95 Millenia S. The 323 was a early 1980s grad school car; first S was bought new; the MPV to separate combatants; the second S when my wife wanted one. Now we have the second S, bought with 60,000 miles, has 146,000. It's getting creaky, and showing its age. The CD changer doesn't work, the supercharger is smoking like the old Pittsburgh steel mills, and trim is generally showing wear inside and out.

Lesse, likes: seats, drive "feel", having the power to get on the freeway, sound systems, lots of space in the trunk, alloy wheels, the strong A/C,

Dislikes: center console pleather cracking; rear passenger window gaskets not staying in place; spoiler attachment point rusting; non-window mounted radio antenna; non-OBDII diagnostics (well, that's a HATE), the smoky supercharger, clueless dealer techs.

Best wishes,
dan

 

Hey Dan, and welcome to Mazdaforum!!
Morrisville, huh? I'm originally from the A-B-E area myself. 'Been in Texas since early '95 though, so I guess I am here to stay a while.

Creaking leather can usually be cured with saddle soap, and/or leather wipes (the modern alternative.) If you actually meant "cracking" it will have to be covered or replaced. Check into Redlinegoods.com for console covers.

The rear window rubber.... if you have a Home Depot near by, stop into their paint department and ask for 3M Scotch Indoor/Outdoor mounting tape. It's the gray two sided tape used for side moldings, badges, logos, etc... and has a peel-away protective outer layer. They will have it in the 1" width which will likely have to be cut down a bit for you application.
Pull out the rubber which based on your description shouldn't be too hard. Clean both the runbber and channel with alcohol and a CLEAN towel or rag, turning it regularly... I like to use 70% or better for something like this.
Here's the tricky part: I would cut the tape into shorter lengths so it's easier to deal with in the limited space you will have and stick it to the top inner window channel where the rubber lives. Be sure to start peeling back the red outer layer first or you will have a heck of a time getting it started once in there.
Working from one end to the other, reinstall the window seal and close the window as tightly as it will go. You may want to open/close several times to make sure everything seated properly. Leave it that way for at least 24hrs in warm weather, or use a hair dryer/heat gun to help cure it and you should be good to go!

Spoiler attachment rust... you should know what needs doing there?

Consider a "shorty" antenna to replace the whip you now have. That'll help at least?

"Clueless dealer techs" are everywhere and I can't help you with that one...

 

Hi, and thanks for the fast reply! I lived in Houston from 1985 to 1997, and liked it a lot, with the minor exception of the heat. I still miss it, but disability will prevent me from moving back.

You provided more info in your note than I've gotten by 'net searching in four years. That doublestick tape sounds promising. Various body shops have tried and failed, but I think they just used a dab of epoxy. It's kinda funny to lower the rear passenger window (either side) and have the weatherstripping come down with it!

I'll ask in the general forum for other interior tricks - bleeping cup "holders" replacement, ash tray replacement, CD changer replacement, cabin air filters, a single light bulb in the dashboard (of course, it's the left side of the speedometer), rear deck storage compartment.

I'll also carefully check the sponsors, as they are likely to have real Mazda-fitting parts rather than "universal"s, which never are.

Thanks again!

lensman19067/dan davison
p.s. The "lensman" comes from chemo messing up my vision from 2007 to early this year. Two more operations and everything should be in focus and clear. Thanks again....