The MX5 factory is based in Ringwood
Garage day at Dick’s - September 2012
Dick Richey established Oven Baked Enamel Services way back in 1961, and he has the grey hairs to prove it. With the launch of the MX-5 and some prodding from early Club members Dick branched out and formed The MX5 Factory.
Ron introduced us to Dick and we got straight into over three hours of talkfest, demos and hints and tips, witticisms and insights that made the event a delight. In turn Dick introduced us to Freddy, his MX-5 mechanic guru. Freddy introduced us to his portable Snap-on computer - so you can see this was a warm and friendly session!
The Snap-on costs several thousand dollars and is an engine diagnoser’s best friend. A gift from MX-5 heaven. It plugs into almost any car’s computer and checks for error codes and displays these on its screen. This makes finding faults much faster than ritual trial and error. The Snap-on can display an image of parts, their location and technical specifications so that the mechanics can be confident in their diagnosis. It means parts can be tested on the car and replaced only if required, saving time and money, not to mention frustration. As a car can have thousands of fault codes this device means that the mechanic can review all reported fault codes and rectify all known problems or report the ones that are not urgent so that the owner is getting pre-failure advice for future attention.
To demonstrate the Snap-on’s usefulness, Freddy disabled the engine on an MX-5, then attempted to start the car so that the computer would record the relevant error code. He then showed us the computer’s display with the code correctly identifying the offending part - restoring this saw the car start on cue.
Then it was time to literally hoist the MX-5 above our heads so that we could all experience what lurks beneath. Freddy showed off the next factory tool - a brake fluid box of tricks that uses 4psi pressure to push brake fluid through each of the four wheels’ brakes without any mess and in a matter of minutes, removing the fuss, the old fluid and any air bubbles at the same time. Did you know that the MX-5 has about 1.5L of brake fluid?
With a change of pace, Dick talked about one of the common problems he sees - the flooding of parts of the car with water. I can speak from personal experience that Dick was able to fix this problem for me and explain why and how it happened to me within minutes. There are water-collecting areas on the sides behind the seats from rain rails along the bottom of the soft top, the purpose of which is to drain water away to under the car and out of harm’s way.
If these drainage areas get blocked however, bad things can occur! In my case I was getting water in one side of the boot when it rained. I could not find the leak and spent a bit of time with my head in the boot and a hose (from our water tank, of course) splashing precious water over the roof of the car. Not a pretty sight!! Dick to the rescue - the offending and blocking leaves removed by blowing compressed air up the drainage pipe fixed this in seconds. A dry car means a happy driver.
Dick Richey established Oven Baked Enamel Services way back in 1961, and he has the grey hairs to prove it. With the launch of the MX-5 and some prodding from early Club members Dick branched out and formed The MX5 Factory.
Ron introduced us to Dick and we got straight into over three hours of talkfest, demos and hints and tips, witticisms and insights that made the event a delight. In turn Dick introduced us to Freddy, his MX-5 mechanic guru. Freddy introduced us to his portable Snap-on computer - so you can see this was a warm and friendly session!
The Snap-on costs several thousand dollars and is an engine diagnoser’s best friend. A gift from MX-5 heaven. It plugs into almost any car’s computer and checks for error codes and displays these on its screen. This makes finding faults much faster than ritual trial and error. The Snap-on can display an image of parts, their location and technical specifications so that the mechanics can be confident in their diagnosis. It means parts can be tested on the car and replaced only if required, saving time and money, not to mention frustration. As a car can have thousands of fault codes this device means that the mechanic can review all reported fault codes and rectify all known problems or report the ones that are not urgent so that the owner is getting pre-failure advice for future attention.
To demonstrate the Snap-on’s usefulness, Freddy disabled the engine on an MX-5, then attempted to start the car so that the computer would record the relevant error code. He then showed us the computer’s display with the code correctly identifying the offending part - restoring this saw the car start on cue.
Then it was time to literally hoist the MX-5 above our heads so that we could all experience what lurks beneath. Freddy showed off the next factory tool - a brake fluid box of tricks that uses 4psi pressure to push brake fluid through each of the four wheels’ brakes without any mess and in a matter of minutes, removing the fuss, the old fluid and any air bubbles at the same time. Did you know that the MX-5 has about 1.5L of brake fluid?
With a change of pace, Dick talked about one of the common problems he sees - the flooding of parts of the car with water. I can speak from personal experience that Dick was able to fix this problem for me and explain why and how it happened to me within minutes. There are water-collecting areas on the sides behind the seats from rain rails along the bottom of the soft top, the purpose of which is to drain water away to under the car and out of harm’s way.
If these drainage areas get blocked however, bad things can occur! In my case I was getting water in one side of the boot when it rained. I could not find the leak and spent a bit of time with my head in the boot and a hose (from our water tank, of course) splashing precious water over the roof of the car. Not a pretty sight!! Dick to the rescue - the offending and blocking leaves removed by blowing compressed air up the drainage pipe fixed this in seconds. A dry car means a happy driver.
Dick showed us what can happen if water drains into the passenger footwell area. The main car computer (ECU or engine control unit) is located under this area, and if this gets soaked it’s goodbye computer and hello empty wallet. Cancel the children’s education. On NA and NB models, Dick recommends using a simple chop stick in the top and from below to ensure the drainpipes are clear. A high-tech approach?
On the NC there are valves in the drainage pipes and he recommends using compressed air to blow out anything blocking the pipes from underneath the car. The MX5 Factory check and clean these drainage areas at all services as a matter of their standard servicing schedule. Dick is starting to see a number of smokey NA’s and NB’s come in for much-needed engine work.
One of the big messages of the day is get your car regularly serviced! If not, expect bad (real expensive) things to occur. Freddy showed us a piston from the engine of an NA that had been regularly serviced and travelled 300,000km - no noticeable wear and everything working normally. He then showed us pistons from another car with similar mileage but where regular servicing had not been maintained - these pistons were black with carbon deposits and the owner was having to part with thousands of dollars for an engine rebuild. Ouch!
Moving out of the mechanical garage and on to the paint department, Dick showed us a car that was being stripped of paint and explained the detailed process they go trough to remove the paint, sand down the panel, make any necessary repairs and then apply the paint layers including the clearcoat. When asked if paint protection was worth the money Dick’s advice was to “keep your money in your pocket.” Better to keep your paint clean by washing the car with a pH-neutral car wash and apply a quality wax every six months - he recommends Meguire’s products. He warned against using dishwashing liquid to wash your car! I can hear the paint crying.
Dick was at pains to point out that metallic paint is much harder to colour match and takes more time to get right, hence is more expensive to repair - a point to consider with your next MX-5.
Freddy emphasised that some mechanics replace the brake pads but do not examine or service the callipers - this eventually leads to seizure of the calliper which will then need refurbishing or replacing. When the brakes only work on one side of the disks, the braking efficiency is severely reduced and damage to the disks occur. Freddy showed us how he disassembles the callipers and cleans them with brake fluid before reassembly, a process which takes only a few minutes but which will ensure the brakes are working effectively.
He also explained how to adjust the handbrake and commented that he has seen several badly-adjusted examples from customers, and that a bit of knowledge by the mechanic and just a few minutes work can fix - would prevent poor handbrake effectiveness.
In finishing, and back to the beginning - another event? There was so much ground covered at today’s session I could not cover everything discussed. So, if you have any interest in things mechanical, however small, I strongly encourage you to make the effort next time. There is the probability of a similar day next year plus a chassis day (who has seen a chassis getting straightened?). Look forward to any future day at Dick’s.
Thanks Ron, for arranging a rewarding day. Thanks, too, to Dick and Freddy for your time, allowing us into your business, and for your honesty and passion for the car that is the reason our Club exists.
On the NC there are valves in the drainage pipes and he recommends using compressed air to blow out anything blocking the pipes from underneath the car. The MX5 Factory check and clean these drainage areas at all services as a matter of their standard servicing schedule. Dick is starting to see a number of smokey NA’s and NB’s come in for much-needed engine work.
One of the big messages of the day is get your car regularly serviced! If not, expect bad (real expensive) things to occur. Freddy showed us a piston from the engine of an NA that had been regularly serviced and travelled 300,000km - no noticeable wear and everything working normally. He then showed us pistons from another car with similar mileage but where regular servicing had not been maintained - these pistons were black with carbon deposits and the owner was having to part with thousands of dollars for an engine rebuild. Ouch!
Moving out of the mechanical garage and on to the paint department, Dick showed us a car that was being stripped of paint and explained the detailed process they go trough to remove the paint, sand down the panel, make any necessary repairs and then apply the paint layers including the clearcoat. When asked if paint protection was worth the money Dick’s advice was to “keep your money in your pocket.” Better to keep your paint clean by washing the car with a pH-neutral car wash and apply a quality wax every six months - he recommends Meguire’s products. He warned against using dishwashing liquid to wash your car! I can hear the paint crying.
Dick was at pains to point out that metallic paint is much harder to colour match and takes more time to get right, hence is more expensive to repair - a point to consider with your next MX-5.
Freddy emphasised that some mechanics replace the brake pads but do not examine or service the callipers - this eventually leads to seizure of the calliper which will then need refurbishing or replacing. When the brakes only work on one side of the disks, the braking efficiency is severely reduced and damage to the disks occur. Freddy showed us how he disassembles the callipers and cleans them with brake fluid before reassembly, a process which takes only a few minutes but which will ensure the brakes are working effectively.
He also explained how to adjust the handbrake and commented that he has seen several badly-adjusted examples from customers, and that a bit of knowledge by the mechanic and just a few minutes work can fix - would prevent poor handbrake effectiveness.
In finishing, and back to the beginning - another event? There was so much ground covered at today’s session I could not cover everything discussed. So, if you have any interest in things mechanical, however small, I strongly encourage you to make the effort next time. There is the probability of a similar day next year plus a chassis day (who has seen a chassis getting straightened?). Look forward to any future day at Dick’s.
Thanks Ron, for arranging a rewarding day. Thanks, too, to Dick and Freddy for your time, allowing us into your business, and for your honesty and passion for the car that is the reason our Club exists.
Quotes from Dick
MX-5’s were designed to go fast, not slow.
There are no regular or common faults on MX-5s.
98 octane petrol burns cleaner and you get more k’s per litre.
The only rust area on an MX-5 is on NA’s around the windscreen.
The MX-5 is exceptionally well designed, engineered and well balanced.
Don’t bring in your NC for a timing belt change at 100,000km - it doesn’t have one!
What modifications do you suggest? It depends on what you are looking to achieve.
The most cost-effective mods are to add a cold air filter, a modified exhaust & Koni shocks.
NA’s over 20 years old are not needing parts replaced that European cars need after 10 yrs.
Summary
Oven baked enamel services have taken the next step forward in services for MX-5 owners and Club members. Dick can offer a full mechanical and service department with specialist MX-5 mechanics and accident repairs working to factory specifications. Oven baked enamel services are a factory approved repairer with 20 years of experience on Mazda vehicles.
The MX5 factory provides a full range of second hand mechanical body and trim panels available. Suspension, exhaust and performance kits. Full equipment workshop facility. Competitive rates on all work. Free towing for mechanical breakdown and collision. Special rates for Club members and free loan car available to members.
Other services: Chassis alignment, Air conditioning specialists and Insurance claims service.
Employs: 11 staff and the business has been operating at Ringwood for over 30 years.
Drives: A Ford ute as practical and Mazda 3 and use to own a MX5.
Interests: Follows the AFL and the Essendon Football Club.
Oven Baked Enamel Services Pty Ltd - The MX5 factory.
Phone: 03 9870 0520
Email: [email protected]
Head Office Address: 34 Molan Street Ringwood, Victoria.
Note: Permission to reproduce this article from Murray Finlay - Editor MXTRA Magazine.
MXTRA: Is a monthly magazine of the Mazda MX-5 Club of Victoria and Tasmania.
Content: First section above was created by Alan Bennett and Ron Mcdonald.
Photos: All photos and summary section were created by Cartalk.
I met Dick Richey at the MX5 factory in Ringwood in 2012 for this interview. Dick has worked in the motor industry for 50 years and started his career as a panel beater and spray painter.
Cartalk tip from Dick
Always service your MX-5 every 6 months or every 10,000 kms, whichever comes first.
Links
www.mx5vic.org.au
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-5
www.mazda.com.au/vehicles/mx-5#/home
MX-5’s were designed to go fast, not slow.
There are no regular or common faults on MX-5s.
98 octane petrol burns cleaner and you get more k’s per litre.
The only rust area on an MX-5 is on NA’s around the windscreen.
The MX-5 is exceptionally well designed, engineered and well balanced.
Don’t bring in your NC for a timing belt change at 100,000km - it doesn’t have one!
What modifications do you suggest? It depends on what you are looking to achieve.
The most cost-effective mods are to add a cold air filter, a modified exhaust & Koni shocks.
NA’s over 20 years old are not needing parts replaced that European cars need after 10 yrs.
Summary
Oven baked enamel services have taken the next step forward in services for MX-5 owners and Club members. Dick can offer a full mechanical and service department with specialist MX-5 mechanics and accident repairs working to factory specifications. Oven baked enamel services are a factory approved repairer with 20 years of experience on Mazda vehicles.
The MX5 factory provides a full range of second hand mechanical body and trim panels available. Suspension, exhaust and performance kits. Full equipment workshop facility. Competitive rates on all work. Free towing for mechanical breakdown and collision. Special rates for Club members and free loan car available to members.
Other services: Chassis alignment, Air conditioning specialists and Insurance claims service.
Employs: 11 staff and the business has been operating at Ringwood for over 30 years.
Drives: A Ford ute as practical and Mazda 3 and use to own a MX5.
Interests: Follows the AFL and the Essendon Football Club.
Oven Baked Enamel Services Pty Ltd - The MX5 factory.
Phone: 03 9870 0520
Email: [email protected]
Head Office Address: 34 Molan Street Ringwood, Victoria.
Note: Permission to reproduce this article from Murray Finlay - Editor MXTRA Magazine.
MXTRA: Is a monthly magazine of the Mazda MX-5 Club of Victoria and Tasmania.
Content: First section above was created by Alan Bennett and Ron Mcdonald.
Photos: All photos and summary section were created by Cartalk.
I met Dick Richey at the MX5 factory in Ringwood in 2012 for this interview. Dick has worked in the motor industry for 50 years and started his career as a panel beater and spray painter.
Cartalk tip from Dick
Always service your MX-5 every 6 months or every 10,000 kms, whichever comes first.
Links
www.mx5vic.org.au
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_MX-5
www.mazda.com.au/vehicles/mx-5#/home
