New to the forums so I am not sure where to post this question. So moderators feel free to delete, move, or chastise me.

Got an opportunity to finally sit in a Gen 1 today. I felt surprisingly right at home after a 30 year gap. It felt bigger and more comfortable than I remembered too. But this particular car was a bit too rough for my taste. There was rust on the rear rocker, the interior was pretty tattered, and the paint, in general, was abysmal.

When I got home I started looking for body parts so as to get a feel for what things cost. I didn't find a lot on-line.

Can someone recommend a source? Or is all of this now found in the used market?

Thanks!

 

Mazda still has the fenders. Not sure about the hood, cowl, and header. I believe bumpers are NLA. There is a person that makes portions of the rear quarter panel but don't know the web site.

 

I see a lot of people parting out cars on craigslist so that's another option for you.

 

I didn’t check Craigslist but I did see some interior pieces on eBay. Thanks!

 

Or... look for a better RX7?
Not sure what your budget or pain-threshold is, but if you want to save $$ in the long run, the old saying "buy the best you can afford" rings true for these cars, as with most old Japanese tin. Parts _are_ getting harder to find. These are now 30+ yr old cars and there is not a huge after-market supply of spares beyond the basic mechanical stuff. If you noted issues as stated just sitting in it, be prepared for a LOT more issues under the surface. Don't get me wrong, these are great cars, IF cared for. Mine is 37 yrs old and a great ride.

Stu Aull
80GS
AZ

 

Could not agree more, Stu. It just seems most that I see, even on-line, need something. I am just trying to see what my exposure could be.

Thanks.

 

I think that buying a nice, well kept example is currently still more affordable in the long run than fixing one up. In general terms, a real nice 1st gen can go for anywhere btw $4-6K. There have been a few sales in the $12K + range the last few years which fan the flames of future values but so far, J-Tin has not exploded into mainstream collectability. Of course it all depends on the vehicles purchase price and what it needs to bring it up to your expectations. Buying in at $2-3K and fixing the additional issues and neglect, could easily put you back at the same place or above, what you would have spent on the nicer example. Certain engine parts (housings) are NLA but you can still purchase all the parts needed for a major engine rebuild. Aftermarket OEM replacement interior parts are so far, still non existent. For many things you are left with finding a satisfactory restoration method or sourcing the best condition parts you can find from other, parted out vehicles. Used parts have been getting noticeably scarcer the last 5-10 years. Especially, nice SA parts.

 

I am 100% on board with buying nice. Last week I saw a real beater, but I just wanted to sit in one after 35 years and see what I remembered.

Tonight I am looking at one that is represented as super clean and unmolested. And I will drive this one, for sure.

 

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

 

Well, that was incredibly disappointing.

The car was a 43k mile car. The interior and exterior were near perfect.

But mechanically the car was a mess. The suspension was shot, the clutch was shot, the steering box was close to shot, the brakes were marginal at best, and there was a grinding noise from the engine.

The seller really wanted me to call the shop that had cared for the car for 25 years. I did so. They had only done very basic tune-up work, Said it needed a new carburetor.

I will keep looking for one to drive and buy.

 

If you could get it for the right price, its probably a good starting point. The hardest issues to fix are interior and rust and/or paint issues.

If you want one thats sorted and good looking, go to https:://bringatrailer.com and keep an eye on the auctions. FBs come up fairly frequently and usually go for a reasonable price so far.

 

Mechanical stuff is easier to get for these cars. I would try to talk the seller down on the mechanical cause 43K sounds like a super clean body and interior to me

 

Found another car to check out. Reasonably close to home. Seeing it tomorrow.

 

with just about any car, the interior is the hardest/most expensive thing to put right, followed by the exterior. mechanical stuff is the easiest, you can always get another engine/transmission/clutch...

BTW when a shop says the carb needs work its code for them not wanting or being able to work on it

 

OK! I may have found what I am looking for. There are some warts but overall pretty solid car. Biggest concern is the steering, too much play for my taste.

Biggest obstacle in purchasing is price. Owner way over paid for the car and will probably be upside down when all is said and done. He is just not ready to hear this yet.

 

Great news! Steering should be relatively easy to fix, could just be idler arm bushings