How to fix a cracked Miata rear finish panel in 12 easy steps | Garage Rescue Miata

Things break.

And when talking about early Miatas, those things that break often include the rear finish panel found between the taillights. When we woke our NA Miata from its slumber, we found that the panel had cracked

Doh!

Two choices here. Well, three.

1. Fix the panel.
2. Replace the panel.
3. Live with the panel.

Okay, how about a fourth, maybe: …

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I've never used splints before and now I feel like a moron for having not done so as it HAS to simply make things easier and ensures a better fitting end result with less flex and strain placed upon thr repair or thr brittle surround. 

Thanks for the game changer. Well worth the price of admission. 

Thanks. Yeah, just two bamboo skewers grabbed from the kitchen. 

The question is, did you REALLY choose #2 because you're thrifty and clean, or did you mean cheap? :)

In reply to WonkoTheSane :

Boy Scout motto, right? 

David S. Wallens said:

In reply to WonkoTheSane :

Boy Scout motto, right? 

Sure :)

I get it, it's hard to type when you've bonded 3 of your fingers together with plastic weld ;)

WonkoTheSane said:

David S. Wallens said:

In reply to WonkoTheSane :

Boy Scout motto, right? 

Sure :)

I get it, it's hard to type when you've bonded 3 of your fingers together with plastic weld ;)

I was totally amazed that didn't happen. And I was taking photos, too--no glue on the camera, either. I'm shocked as well. 

I must have incredible luck. I've owned 9 miatas, 7 or those were NA or NB. Never had a single damaged rear finish panel.

I think this one broke while the car was parked. It was parked with the rear end up against a wall, so it's not like anything hit it. I can't remember the panel being broken before I parked the car.