Hi all,
I’ve been looking into picking up a first-gen RX-7 and came across some info about a common rust issue known as “bin rot.” From what I’ve read, it tends to form around the rear wheel wells and seems to be a well-known weak point on these cars. Apparently, there are replacement weld-in sections available to repair it. Has anyone here dealt with this before and where can I get these? How bad can it typically get, and how difficult is the repair? I can rebuild stuff but welding is something i'd have to outsource but can do the rest.

 

Bin rust happens on the inner portion that attaches to trailing arm mount and not the wheel well itself (though it can also rust). As far a I know, there isn't anyone making this metal repair part. There are a few folks on here that have repaired it though. Take out the rear bin behind the seat and on the far right and left flat portions is where it starts.

 

Great, thanks for that info. I haven't searched this forum yet as I just joined, but do you know what other parts of the car I should look underneath for rust that if present isn't worth repairing and I should stay away from?

 

If you can remove the wiper arm cowl, it can rust in the corners. This area gets wet from rain and can cause the portion below the 'A" pilar to rust. Not as common as Bin Rust. The gas tanks can get deteriorate from the inside pit because of fuel sitting in the tank and not running. It can also cause the sending unit to go bad. You won't be able to test this on a car you're wanting to buy.

 

Here is the area you mention. Due to the loads the trailing arms put on this area, it should be solid and intact.



Shouldn't be too difficult to find a decent chassis. Any small sign of rust, usually means there is more lurking underneath. It normally pays to buy the best example you can afford. The time and cost to restore will invariably add up to more than the more expensive car that needs less work.

Unless you're buying a car already done, you should expect a good amount of mechanical repair / rebuild, but if you don't have any major body work and a nice interior you're ahead of the curve. Nice, interior and trim parts can be more difficult to source than mechanical components.

 

Good to know, excellent info, thanks a lot

 

@Banzai Ouch! That lower arm looks bent.

 

I got some pics from the owner of a car I am interested in buying. The underside is going to need work. Is this repairable or too far gone. What do you guys think?

 

That's in pretty rough shape. I have restored several that were that bad - it takes a lot of time and you will be having to make basically all the patches from scratch. I assume since you are asking about this then you have not done this type of work before. It's certainly something you can learn - but just be aware it's a lot! Unless there is some special sentimental value attached to that car (like was the case for mine), or really want the challenge of fixing one that is on the brink of death (again, true in my case) you would probably be better off finding a better shell to start with - just my 2 cents

I don't have threads for my more recent work, but here is an older thread for one of my cars that will give you an idea on what's involved.: https://www.rx7club.com/build-thread...-work-1024918/

 

Thanks for that. I had an FB in high school that I loved and don't mind doing the work to restore this one but have never done underbody work like this, only general bodywork so it could be a massive challenge. A lot to think about. Great work on that car of yours turned out real nice!

 

Oh man, that's kind of a hard avoid for me. I've been down that road before thinking "I can save this", and it always turns into "I should have just spent more for a better starting point".

These cars can still be found for relatively cheap. Until the day comes where most have been scooped up or crushed I would look for a better condition chassis. As stated above, mechanical parts are easier to source/repair than bad interior or a rotten chassis.

Good luck on your decision.

 

I hear ya. Thanks for the honesty. I wish it was a blown motor instead, that's something I can fix.

 

i'd still get it for parts and hold out for one in better condition.

 

I was going to say the same. Assuming the price isn't bad, it would be worth getting to play with for a while.

 

It does. Not my car, just a random photo I grabbed for illustration.

Good advice from 82transam, GtiKyle and rxtasy3. I'm from the upper Midwest-rust belt and thats quite a bit of corrosion just showing. Actual condition will be worse and more widespread. With age and experience comes the realization that you can't save them all.

 

How does this one look to you guys?

 

A lot better. Make sure to carefully inspect that Bin area like stated above, but that looks mostly like normal corrosion for a 40 year old car.

 

I'd run from that. Put it this way, for the purchase price + time/money it would cost to repair that one you could get one in better condition.

 

Are you referring to the first one or both?

 

I assume he meant the first one. That second one you posted is much better as far as rust goes - I would fix that up for sure.

As Banzai said - with age comes the realization/acceptance of the fact that you can't save them all. I have reached that point and would not go to the lengths that I did in the thread I posted earlier again, at least not when it comes to rust... It was more of a personal challenge to save that particular car.

 

The first one. The second is better.

 

Possibly some lens distortion.

Very typical of cell phone cameras.

 

That second one, the second picture looks like someone stole my transmission while it was on my lift! Typical corrosion and minor for that age.

Agree that the first one is a goner, its a parts car at best for the interior mostly.

 

I went to go see the second one. It looks pretty good underneath except in front of the rear left side wheel underneath.
Here are some pics and a YouTube link not sure if that will work on here.
What do you guys think? Fixable?

 

I'd stay away from that also. Just keep in mind it's probably even worse wants you start digging in. What country are you in. If you're in the U.S., what state?