Cool stuff. Good luck with the rebuild, and keep us updated on your progress!

 

Subscribed!

Down here, there are MANY "rebuilt/salvage" title cars. Truth is, many of those are perfectly fine but as a buyer, its hard to trust their work or to be completely honest with what needed to be done. Lot's of shady dealers.

Good for you to document everything and when/if you sell it, the buyer should feel better doing so. While it does appear to be cosmetic, make sure you send it to a laser frame shop to be certain all the critical points measure to factory spec.

If I had access to paint booth and shop, I'd take such a project on myself. Then again, one can buy a flood car and a crash car...swap all drivetrain and electrical over and call it a day. Unfortunately, the moment the car has a "salvage/rebuilt" title, the re-sell price is chopped almost in half. But great deal for a personal driver car!!!

Keep us updated.

 

Small update:

Got the new intake manifold and radiator on and fired it up. Engine sounds great. We were concerned about this since the plastic intake had pieces missing from the accident (radiator crashed into it), the .01% chance of plastic getting into the engine was .01% too much for comfort.

We also went over alot of the pieces, and ordered a bunch of plastic brackets that were damaged/missing from the front end. It feels alittle like putting humpty dumpty back together again.

What ive ordered so far:
$90 fender
$233 hood
$170 used matching white pearl front bumper (got lucky on this one)
$440 driver airbag
$90 grille
$100 radiator
$100 a/c condenser
$280 intake manifold
$85 radiator support
$90 for a bunch of plastic parts

I should have everything to rebuild the front BUT the passenger headlight. This headlight is giving me a headache :argh 1:

Aftermarket is ~$400 (too much and id rather have OEM anyways), used OEM are anywhere from 400-700, and new is almost 1k........Used halogens lights are a dime a dozen on ebay, the higher trim adaptive xenon lights are also cheaper and easier to find on ebay. Im thinking there just arent that many non-adaptive xenon lights out there. I wonder if the adaptive headlight assembly would plug in and I could disable the adaptive feature? Or maybe use the halogen housing with the HID/ballast from the old light. Probably slim chance, but im getting kind of impatient waiting. I could rebuild it 80% of the way and leave the headlights/bumper off but wouldnt know if everything is aligned well (cosmetically speaking).


@Liquid: Having watched craigslist everyday for weeks before going the auction route, id say I could make $ on craigslist even though its salvaged. But at the end of the day, I researched alot of cars before landing on mazda 3 hatch and would rather keep it for 150-200k miles. As for having a shop look at the alignment, its not needed. Maybe its hard to tell in the pictures but this car took the frontal impact pretty high up (thats why the passenger headlight is so jacked up). Even the crash bar is in good condition. This is one of the reasons why I bid on it.

 

How is this build progressing?

 

Yeah, this is pretty cool. I'm interested to see an update and how things are going. Give us an update when you get a moment.

 

We want to see pictures.

 

Headlight took alot of damage. In case anyone in the future runs into this issue, adaptive HID's will work if you have non-adaptive HID lights. The connector is the same just missing 3 wires, everything seems identical only difference is its aimed slightly higher. I see some plastic dials so I think I can raise the driver headlight to match

This come along was $20 from harbor freight, it has paid for itself multiple times over. On this car it helped to give alittle forward and then downward pull on the area surrounding the headlight.

Outcome of using the come along:

Thats the airbag module. After an airbag deployement the module needs to be either reset or replaced. I also replaced the two front impact sensor as well as the driver airbag. The airbag connector was melted so I replaced the clockspring as well.

The seat belt was locked up. This occurs because seatbelts are apart of the SRS system. In an accident a charge "explodes" and ball bearings are shot out into a "turbine" locking it up. This makes sure you are held in place during an accident. Once this occurs the belt needs to be either repaired (new charge+ball bearings installed) or the whole belt needs to be replaced

At this stage I turned on the car expecting to be almost done, I didnt even think I was being optimistic at the time.....What did I see? Tons of lights on the dash, it was like a Christmas tree :surprise: . ABS, airbag, check engine, traction control, TPMS, you name it and I probably had the light on.

Counting the airbag light flashes and referencing the manual I figured out that the module still had crash data. I sent it in to be reset and clearly that didnt work. Called up LKQ and ordered a salvage airbag module from a car without airbags deployed. 1 light down, a million to go :argh 1:

This $22 scanner from amazon helped me figure out the check engine light. Turns out that the abs module didnt just have a broken casing (which I repaired) it had some internal damage....called up my friends at LKQ and ordered a abs module...$200 and check engine light is off

As the car sits today:

I have been driving it these past few days. Drives like a brand new car (as it should).

To-do list:
1) Paint, hopefully getting it done next week, I found a great shop that uses sikken ($$$) paint
2) ABS light
3) Find a good condition white rear bumper off ebay
4) Couldnt recharge AC refrigerant as it was leaking from the low pressure line on the condenser...really odd since car only has 8k miles

 

Amazing job man! After this long hiatus I can say that reading your last post was so rewarding. That car is going to end up being completely brand new!

 

Thanks man I appreciate it. I had finals, graduation, and my dad had surgery so that definitely slowed progress. Then also alot of time wasted waiting for shipping, and also diagnosing the airbag light issue. Then battled with brakes for a bit, was really hard to get that abs module back in, 1 of the lines didnt want to go in and brakes are under so much pressure they really have to be closed pretty tightly otherwise it leaks. A few of the bumps we ran into.

Today was a pretty good test, drove in total 2.5 hours. Going from my 96 accord to this is interesting to say the least, so much more technology than my honda

 

Pretty happy this build is actually progressing and being updated. When I found it hidden in my bookmarks with no update I thought it was forgotten.

 

Oh yeah its progressing all right :smile2:, if things would stop breaking I could be done.

To-do list:
1) ABS programming
2) Rear bumper cover
3) Fix our new BSM problem :001_rolleyes:

Unless more problems pop up, the car is almost done

 

Awesome work! Good to see you brought that beauty back to life!

 

First upgrade haha

Car came back from paint, I think they did a great job.....they took the panels off and sprayed both sides then put it back on and blended the paint as well as fixed the passenger door (was pushed out alittle by the fender in the accident). Color matches perfectly. They didnt attached the top grille piece since I didnt have it attached when I took it in (missing some clips plus didnt want to keep putting it on and off, it uses plastic tabs to attach)

Alittle problem:

Hours later:

I doubt it matters but to be cautious ill give it a few days to "cure" before I take it through the car wash (touchless)

Taking it to the dealer Monday to have the DSC module programmed, hopefully they'll be nice enough to scan my "BSM off" error thats blinking as well. Ordered 1 BSM module off ebay, im pretty sure I have the issue that mazda calls "inadequate BSM control module control logic" aka change modules for newer ones (that have newer software). If I can figure out BSM issue and find a nice used bumper ill be done

 

Looking good, Ali.

I'd be interested in your final assessment of the economics of this project when it's all done. That is, total investment cost vs cost to buy equivalent (non-salvaged) vs ultimate resale value.

 

KBB values a clean title version of this car as 16,700 in fair condition and 18,500 in excellent condition. Someone else might have a better idea of how much its worth on craigslist with a clean title, I didnt really look in that range.

This 6K car became a 7.7K (including the rest of the parts needed barring any MORE :nerd: surprises). I ran into quite a few roadblocks and surprises on the way that cost $$$ and time. Still very happy with this deal especially when I consider this was my first auction car, and we are not professionals afterall.

On craigslist id confidently price this at 10k firm maybe alittle more, its hard to give a proper evaluation since many rebuilt cars are not done properly. I know since I looked for a mazda 3 for weeks (everyday within 6 hours of my location). Many sellers I encountered were sketchy and not forthcoming about the damage/repairs (luckily I could see the car pre-repaired thanks to epicvin). If I ever decided to sell it id proudly show them all my photos, im confident in what we did, we didnt cut any corners. The going rate for a 2012-2013 M3 hatch (salvage) with ~40-60k miles is 7k+ (what I at first was trying to get for 6k).

Some people might feel self conscious about having a wrecked car, not me im very proud of it. My father and I made a great team and it was alot of fun (and stressful at times). I dont think we could have got this done without each other. Alot of the work got done before my dads aortic valve replacement surgery but even post surgery he helped alot, I owe him a few beers thats for sure :beerchug 1:

 

I'm a fan...it's not all about moolah spent. The journey, the roller coaster ride, the sense of conquering mountains & triumph....PRICELESS!!!!
Please keep all of us updated.
Great job, brother!!!!

 

Sounds well worth it. And I'll drink a beer to your dad! Hope he's doing well.

 

Awesome work, man!

I hope your dad is doing better!

 

Thanks guys, my father is doing well, he's on track to recovering.

Went to the dealer today and not only did we learn something new, our Mazda tech did as well.....a used abs module cannot be reprogrammed. Total BS and stupidity on Mazda's part, they're nickel and diming people. It's software, there's no reason they cant be reprogrammed other than a money grab.

Back to the drawing board, pretty pissed off. Nice $850 estimate for parts and labor for a new module lol. Everytime I get close to finishing, something pops up that will take more time and more $. I enjoy working on cars but both my father and I are starting to run out of patience

Only positive is they cut me a break and didn't charge the full fee (which the other dealership said they would regardless of if it worked or not-very nice :thumbdown 1

 

Thanks guys, my father is doing well, he's on track to recovering.

Went to the dealer today and not only did we learn something new, our Mazda tech did as well.....a used abs module cannot be reprogrammed. Total BS and stupidity on Mazda's part, they're nickel and diming people. It's software, there's no reason they cant be reprogrammed other than a money grab.

Back to the drawing board, pretty pissed off. Nice $850 estimate for parts and labor for a new module lol. Everytime I get close to finishing, something pops up that will take more time and more $. I enjoy working on cars but both my father and I are starting to run out of patience

Only positive is they cut me a break and didn't charge the full fee (which the other dealership said they would regardless of if it worked or not-very nice :thumbdown 1

This is most probably not true. Some electronics can only be programmed once, the microcontrollers physically are incapable of being programmed once they have initially been done. Mazda didn't go out of their way to make used parts no useable, they just used cheap electronics to save money.

 

Can anyone please explain WTF this is?

I dont understand, no airbag, check engine, BSM, traction control, TPMS, or ABS lights on.....Could it be? The impossible?

$150 and a used BSM module later and the BSM light is off! I ordered a much newer model number encase the software improved (mazda issued a TSB for early BSM modules). We figured out the issue, while BSM was working at first it eventually stopped working because of the right module....Thats the side that took damage (muffler was bent to that side as well)-this cant be a coincidence.

ABS/Traction control/TPMS lights are off thanks to my $22 OBD2 bluetooth scanner and this free software called FORScan. I have been emailing them all week. I would try the program, send them log files and they would make a new test version for me....id try it fail and repeat. After ~5 versions they got it. Really amazing, im still in shock. I physically tested ABS and its working as it should, pressing traction control off button works as well. Now that the developers know what works for skyactiv brake module reprogramming, this will hopefully help someone who runs into the same issue in the future

I highly recommend their software for PC (android version isnt as powerful)....this program is very powerful and scans more than a typically scan tool. Its like having a mazda scan tool and in some ways its more powerful, I mean it programmed what mazda themselves couldnt do

To-do "list":
1) Rear bumper

Oh yeah and ive driven it for almost 1k miles. Did my first oil change yesterday, whoever designed the mazda dipstick needs to be punched

 

Can anyone please explain WTF this is?

The only thing I will explain is that it's pretty damn hot there! Since the lights are on, is this picture taken at night? If so, I will pray you do not melt.

 

Why am i barely seeing this thread?! Man you have done such a great job! More than sure itll all be worth it! As I see youre already enjoying it:laugh2: and on a side note, this is such a nice community. Kind people all around here. Hope your dad is up and running by now:smile2: subscribed for the finishing product!!!

 

Damn, nice job!

 

So rewarding for spectators, I can only imagine how much more it is for you! Salute, brothah!

 

Now at 14k miles! I did another oil change and still cant get the dip to work, I get different measurements every time that are vastly different than the last measurement. Just put in like 4.7-4.8qt and called it a day.

I love this car! The hatch is so useful

 

I love this car! The hatch is so useful

Isn't that the truth - for what it is, this is a very well-designed car.

 

Good times? YES

Good idea?













NO!

Just kidding. The fender happened before snow drifting. It got hit while parked, luckily the person did the right thing and left insurance info. Ill post more pics when I fix it (easy to fix myself, im going to outsource paint to the same person who did the rest)

 

Hi BrotherAli,

great job man! I'm repairing my crashed Mazda 3. Almost same parts were replaced. But I have problem with ABS module too (trouble code U2300). ABS, check engine, traction control and TPMS light on. Bought used ABS module, so I thing, module must be reprogrammed like yours. You bought new or used ABS module?

Thanks for info :wink2:

 

Why did you change the ABS module? Was there damage or because it was throwing a code (U2300?)? I bought a used brake module - you really need to make sure you call up a dealership and give them VIN # to make sure you buy the right module, there are many different version of parts that you wouldnt expect to differ (like even the grille).

If you have the right brake module in place then buy this:

https://www.amazon.com/BAFX-Products-34t5-Bluetooth-Android/dp/B005NLQAHS

And download/install FORScan to a PC laptop. Try reprogramming the ABS module (its possible the current version added the code needed to reprogram our cars). If it doesnt work message FORScan and im sure they will help you. Last resort message me and ill try to get you the right modified file and instructions for reprogramming. The team at FORScan got it working on my car (I was kinda the guinea pig lol), id imagine they have merged the code by now.

When you get a chance message me the story behind this rebuild, id love to hear more via PM.



Car update:

I forgot to take pics of the new fender and bumper. I ended up making a cool $2k by doing it myself. Now sitting at 20k miles. Did another oil change (ive been changing it alittle early anytime I go back home just because we have alot of tools vs where I currently live). I see how to read the dipstick now, I still say its not very good but does work.

Ive been using mobil 1 and WIX/Napa gold filters (same thing). I like these filters because they were specially designed for our cars (vs other aftermarket brands). The stock mazda filters are now made in a different country likely by a different company and have some changes (I think I heard they dont have bypass filter anymore?). I am open to using pennzoil platinum plus as well as its a high quality oil. I will never buy castro edge again because of the terribly designed black bottle its very hard to see how much oil is left

 

I can't believe you guys have the knowledge to put these cars back together. Huge props!

 

Congratulations on all your progress @BrotherAli to date, and here's to your next parts of your ambitious project.

 

Thanks buddy.

I like the black spoiler (like the one in your sig) and the lip kits, they look so good. Just wish they werent so unreasonably expensive.