Chris’ Beck Speedster Build

Lane, no problem, just let me know when you want to get together.

So, some observations after taking the car on a “confidence run” today.  I filled the tank, certainly tricky with the short filler neck `AWZtrying not to get any on the trunk carpet.  I think it was full but the fuel gauge only went between 1/2 and 3/4.  Probably cannot expect big accuracy when it is at the corner of the tank.  I put about 90 miles on it today, bringing the total to just over 100.  That’s more than some of the Speedsters sold on BAT…

Driving it at speed (two 30 minute legs of 65-80 mph) makes it clear that one is quite exposed to the elements.  It makes the Miata feel large and quiet.  

It is a blast to drive, very quick.  It has a great rush from 3,800 rpm to 5,000 when accelerating hard.  The webers sound very nice.  I was impressed with how much “push” I felt when hitting the gas while cruising at 75-80 mph.  80 mph is just over 3,600 rpm.  After arriving at work I got out to hear a dull roar, now I have confirmed that the oil cooler fan thermostat switch is functioning!  

Getting the mirror adjustment right is tricky, they are small mirrors and this car does not have any square edges for reference when backing up.  

Brakes are very good, not having power brakes brings back memories of my old beetles, though the four wheel disks on this car have much better bite.

When going over a bridge at speed in windy conditions, it did remind me a bit of sailing, the front feels light.  I have the tire pressures set at 28psi rear and 20 psi front.

Checking underneath, noticed some seepage from the valve covers onto the heater boxes.  The gaskets will get replaced in 200 miles when I do the 300 mile initial oil change and valve adjustment.

Lots of attention at the gas station and thumbs up from people in the street.  The car just makes people smile.  Looking forward to the madness!

So the typical 90 degree bent arm fuel float is notoriously inaccurate because of the way the tank is set in the frunk. As you discovered a full tank reads at a 1/2 tank and it won't move for a while then it takes off and seems to empty rather quickly. You can remove the sender/float assembly, bend the arm a little more and reinsert the float assembly so that it reads closer to full. Be careful though with the amount of fuel in the tank so it doesn't spill out if it's full. It might actually be easier to empty the tank and put in 2-3 gallons and get it to read empty. At least that way when you have 2-3 gallons left it will read empty but with a 2-3 gallon reserve and you'll want to go get fuel. You can do this with whatever amount of fuel makes you comfortable.

If it's the same gauge set as in my Coupe you should be able to set the upper and lower limits on the fuel gauge by buttons on the interface box (can't remember the name) between the sender and the gauge itself.  I'll see if I still have the file from Mike Fincher with instructions.  If not, we can get it from him.

@Three Pedals (Chris)

For mirrors I posted this sometime ago and have mine adjusted this way and it eliminates the blind spot. It does not do much for parking to see the car edge though.

Some have convex passenger side mirrors btw. Here is a link and there are others if you search

https://www.speedsterowners.co...c/mirror-adjustments

Looks like you have the Aero mirror like I had on my Speedster, but yours are door-mounted, which is much better for visibility.  You may want to consider replacing the passenger side one with a convex mirror.

After I changed my fender mounted passenger side mirror to convex I decided to do the same on the driver’s side.  I find them both fairly useful now.  

But I still have problems backing into a parking spot dead straight - especially when rolling into a cars and coffee.

I have convex on both sides too on my door-mounted mirrors.

@Jon T posted:

After I changed my fender mounted passenger side mirror to convex I decided to do the same on the driver’s side.  I find them both fairly useful now.  

But I still have problems backing into a parking spot dead straight - especially when rolling into a cars and coffee.

Is it the mirrors?   .  Just kidding

The reason I keep posting the how to eliminate the blind spot is that it is particularly handy with smaller mirrors like my VW GTI 2020 where they shrink them because you need to buy the BSM Blind spot monitor module.  but on my IM it works really well for me but then I have all my cars set up that way (helps to remember )  except the new Atlas 2023 where BSM blind spot works pretty well and seeing the side of the vehicle is imperative as VW has not yet figured out how to dip the mirror on the passenger side like my MDX Acura did in 2012.    BTW My 16 Honda Odyssey had side view mirror with a camera for lane changes.

Sometimes the Germans are asleep.

A guy could do worse for 6 bucks.

Thanks Stan. That’s the perfect solution for my Spyder. For some reason, my lexan screen sits lower than most and any mirror that is dash mounted underneath it is too low to see over the hump in the clamshell. I’ve been contemplating drilling a hole through it to mount one at the top.

Since they’re so cheap, I think I’ll get the rectangular one, too, and see which one I prefer.

@MusbJim. Has a clip on style one suction that goes up on the window.

@IaM-Ray Thanks for mention, Ray!

On my previous VS, I used this detachable  mirror to eliminate passenger-side blind spots when I had my surfboard in the car. Click on pics to enlarge.

On my currents VS, this is the detachable mirror I use when surfboard is in the car.

Both mirrors also helped eliminate passenger-side blind spots when the top is up (with or without side curtains).

Hope you find these visual references helpful.

The only other option is to install a 911 rear tail light pod but make it a camera of sorts and have a screen under the dash that flips up

@IaM-Ray posted:

The only other option is to install a 911 rear tail light pod but make it a camera of sorts and have a screen under the dash that flips up

I have a Rexing rearview mirror dashcam on my wife's SUV and putting the rear mount camera in the 911's tail light pod maybe an interesting way to get a full camera view in the Speedster.

This will eliminate any issues seeing what's behind, backing up, and it'll record any accidents both front and rear.  Interesting thought.

You could always have a cylinder that props it up and down or vice versa

Yeah, but… um…

never mind.

@dlearl476 posted:

Thanks Stan. That’s the perfect solution for my Spyder. For some reason, my lexan screen sits lower than most and any mirror that is dash mounted underneath it is too low to see over the hump in the clamshell. I’ve been contemplating drilling a hole through it to mount one at the top.

Since they’re so cheap, I think I’ll get the rectangular one, too, and see which one I prefer.

I got my mirrors today. The clip is kind of hard plastic so I’m going to put some of my vinyl protective tape over the edge of my windscreen, both to protect it and give it a softer surface to grip onto.

Also thinking the suction cup might work. It’s cheesy plastic, but it will work.  

The clip on was useless, even with some vinyl tape for extra grip. I’ll see how the suction cup works. If it doesn’t, I’ll cut the clip up and glue the socket to my windscreen.  

BTW, I spent some time at Chris' place last weekend taking pictures for the updated Beck manual.  It is really a beautiful car.