questions about stock interior for ST car

[n1gzd]

Hi,
I am in the process of modifying the remainig pieces of my Miata interior so that they can fit back into the car. I understand that it all needs to be installed as much as possible as it was orignally. I am leaving the stock belts installed even though the driver's position has a race seat and harness.

My question is about whether this also applies to the interrior of the trunk. Currently my trunk area is stripped of all carpet and removable parts. Other than facilitating installation of the rollbar these are the reasons why I did not re-install it (yet?):

1) with the carpet and filler neck plate installed I cannot adjust the left side shock.
2) it is easier to disconnect the battery if it is exposed (I disconnect it where I store the car).
3) The trunk seals still leak a little and without carpet it is easier to dry up any water that leaked in.

I am sure that I am not required to re-install the spare tire and tools. However, does the rule about the interior apply to the trunk area? Actually, I was not able to specifically find this in the rules but I have heard enough conversations about this that I am sure that the interior needs to be complete.

if it is legal, I would prefer to leave the trunk as it is for convenience. Is permitted?
thanks,
Rebecca

[breakaway500]

I don't consider the trunk to be part of the interior of a car that has a separate trunk compartment. I'd say you are fine to leave the trunk liner out.

[paultg]

I don't recall anywhere in the rules where it says these items can be removed, so I would think they need to remain. I didn't read every word, but in general the removal of stuff stems around safety installations, this doesn't seem to be the case here.

If you run a faster TT than me I'm protesting!

[breakaway500]

Pauls probably right..the rules don't specifically say the trunk liner/carpet can be removed..so I guess it has to remain.That 2lbs of less weight might just give someone a winning edge...

[n1gzd]

ok. I will install it. thanks. No worries about my car being too light, it is pretty heavy with two tops and AC and radio and one leather seat.

Rebecca

[Stynger]

ok. I will install it. thanks. No worries about my car being too light, it is pretty heavy with two tops and AC and radio and one leather seat.

Rebecca

Early Miatas didn't have trunk carpet.
I'm pretty sure most of your competition is lacking that stuff in their trunk.

[n1gzd]

Ok. I will not install the stuff that I have but I will bring it with me and find out if I need to install it.
Rebecca

[dinoracer]

< Scrutineer hat on> As stated in the rules, in SS and ST, if something is not explicitly allowed, assume it is not

You are allowed (required actually) to remove anything loose in the trunk. I take this to mean the spare, jack, jack handle, the hardboard cover that sits on top of the spare, and the loose mat that sits on top of that, covering the trunk floor. I consider the flock-covered plastic pieces that line the side of the trunk ( secured by screws and plastic pop-ins), and the plastic bucket secured by a screw in the bottom on the left side of the trunk, to be fixed, and should remain in place in a SS or ST class Miata. < Scrutineer hat off>

Once you get into SP and P, it gets a lot easier...

[breakaway500]

"Once you get into SP and P, it gets a lot easier..." Amen!

[cfossum]

X.2. Exterior
1. Cars must use street running gear, e.g., operating wipers and wiper motor; head and tail lights; interior consisting of
headliner, door panels, and side panels, DOT glass, heater and defroster. All glass must be in place as delivered from
the factory. Front and rear bumpers must be present. Rear seat and rear carpet may be removed.

I'm not sure why it is listed under "exterior", but I've always interpreted this rule as meaning "anything behind the front seats can be removed."
-Carl

[Stynger]

< Scrutineer hat on> I consider the flock-covered plastic pieces that line the side of the trunk ( secured by screws and plastic pop-ins), and the plastic bucket secured by a screw in the bottom on the left side of the trunk, to be fixed, and should remain in place in a SS or ST class Miata. < Scrutineer hat off>

Once you get into SP and P, it gets a lot easier...

FWIW most of that stuff is only in 2nd gen Miatas. Not in Rebecca's car.