Check out this cherry 1979 Rx7!
12-23-08, 06:48 PM
#28
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
While everything is fresh in my mind:
I had a 85 GSL-SE a couple years ago which I kept for 6 months, and I am familiar with a lot of the rotary peculiars.. Not too familiar with the 12A motor..
Drove up, saw the car outside in the dealer lot. Wasn't anything as cherry as the pictures, but I expected that much. It is still pretty damn nice as you can see from todays pics. Started out bad since the battery was dead. It supposedly has a new battery, but it has been sitting for 3-4 weeks. It started fine with a rolling clutch pop, and also with jumpers. Once it was warm enough it would not idle on its own without me feathering the throttle. (The choke **** wouldnt stay out, meaning it thought it was warmed up. It wasn't since the car wouldnt even idle at that time.) The sides of the engine all appeared very dry and oil free. I could not see any oil leaks with a quick overview. The door seals are cracked like usual. I replaced those on my 85 while I had it. I hope that stuff is still available from the dealer.
The motor revved good while in the parking lot. It sounded better than it drove though. I looked over the whole car and it looked pretty clean for 1979. If I bought it I would probably rip out all the stereo, unless it really is OEM as people say. The stereo doesn't even work. There is all kinds of crap like an amp under the seat (a good one: retro ADS Power Plate, old school). There is a huge antenna mount that goes on the roof, this guy probably had a CB installed. But all that could be cleaned up. I was imagining how cherry I could get the interior with a days work. A nice vacuum and maybe a carpet steam clean and it would be amazing.
It wasn't very fun since I had to hold the throttle at every stop to keep it from dying. On top of that, the brake pedal almost sank to the floor in travel, so I started using the handbrake. That could be fixed with some pads assuming its nothing more serious. The parking brake went up way high, and feels worn out. Probably new pads would fix that at the same time and lower the lever position.
The clutch didn't feel great, but it worked. I didn't feel a lot of meat under the clutch pedal, but maybe i'm just used to BMW precision. The clutch did work like it was supposed to. The shift **** was super high! Is that normal? I felt like I was driving a bus.
Finally to the power/drive. It felt very slow to me.. I have a reference of what a tired 13B feels like, and this was WAY slower. It had the same issue as an 83 12A I test drove a few years ago. It didn't seem to want to rev? I buried the throttle and it strained to reach past 4000 rpms. I always attribute this to carbs in general, but maybe there is an issue to be discovered. Are the 12A's pretty much dogs usually? I mean this was so weak I would be scared driving it on the freeway to get it home.
I'll think of more thoughts as I think back on my viewing, but thats it for now. As for price, no way I would ever pay $4800. I would feel kind of bad paying even $3500. For $3000, I would probably pick it up tomorrow. I could see myself putting $1000 into it the first month I had it, and it will add up quick.
The automatic antenna works.
The dome light did not.
The A/C **** light did not come on when I tried to turn on the A/C.
There are big bolts for the rear license plate. He might have drilled holes through the rear.
When we came back from the test drive it would just barely idle without holding the throttle, but it didnt die.
I had a 85 GSL-SE a couple years ago which I kept for 6 months, and I am familiar with a lot of the rotary peculiars.. Not too familiar with the 12A motor..
Drove up, saw the car outside in the dealer lot. Wasn't anything as cherry as the pictures, but I expected that much. It is still pretty damn nice as you can see from todays pics. Started out bad since the battery was dead. It supposedly has a new battery, but it has been sitting for 3-4 weeks. It started fine with a rolling clutch pop, and also with jumpers. Once it was warm enough it would not idle on its own without me feathering the throttle. (The choke **** wouldnt stay out, meaning it thought it was warmed up. It wasn't since the car wouldnt even idle at that time.) The sides of the engine all appeared very dry and oil free. I could not see any oil leaks with a quick overview. The door seals are cracked like usual. I replaced those on my 85 while I had it. I hope that stuff is still available from the dealer.
The motor revved good while in the parking lot. It sounded better than it drove though. I looked over the whole car and it looked pretty clean for 1979. If I bought it I would probably rip out all the stereo, unless it really is OEM as people say. The stereo doesn't even work. There is all kinds of crap like an amp under the seat (a good one: retro ADS Power Plate, old school). There is a huge antenna mount that goes on the roof, this guy probably had a CB installed. But all that could be cleaned up. I was imagining how cherry I could get the interior with a days work. A nice vacuum and maybe a carpet steam clean and it would be amazing.
It wasn't very fun since I had to hold the throttle at every stop to keep it from dying. On top of that, the brake pedal almost sank to the floor in travel, so I started using the handbrake. That could be fixed with some pads assuming its nothing more serious. The parking brake went up way high, and feels worn out. Probably new pads would fix that at the same time and lower the lever position.
The clutch didn't feel great, but it worked. I didn't feel a lot of meat under the clutch pedal, but maybe i'm just used to BMW precision. The clutch did work like it was supposed to. The shift **** was super high! Is that normal? I felt like I was driving a bus.
Finally to the power/drive. It felt very slow to me.. I have a reference of what a tired 13B feels like, and this was WAY slower. It had the same issue as an 83 12A I test drove a few years ago. It didn't seem to want to rev? I buried the throttle and it strained to reach past 4000 rpms. I always attribute this to carbs in general, but maybe there is an issue to be discovered. Are the 12A's pretty much dogs usually? I mean this was so weak I would be scared driving it on the freeway to get it home.
I'll think of more thoughts as I think back on my viewing, but thats it for now. As for price, no way I would ever pay $4800. I would feel kind of bad paying even $3500. For $3000, I would probably pick it up tomorrow. I could see myself putting $1000 into it the first month I had it, and it will add up quick.
The automatic antenna works.
The dome light did not.
The A/C **** light did not come on when I tried to turn on the A/C.
There are big bolts for the rear license plate. He might have drilled holes through the rear.
When we came back from the test drive it would just barely idle without holding the throttle, but it didnt die.
Last edited by dreamingofRX7; 12-23-08 at 07:18 PM.
12-23-08, 07:20 PM
#29
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I cant edit that one anymore, I have to start a new one.
Would a clogged cat maybe cause that issue about not wanted to rev too freely? I figure a worn out engine would be a more likely cause.
Would a clogged cat maybe cause that issue about not wanted to rev too freely? I figure a worn out engine would be a more likely cause.
12-23-08, 07:51 PM
#30
Full Member
the '79 does not have a cat, the not wanting to rev too freely could be due to fuel delivery
12-23-08, 08:33 PM
#31
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
wouldn't a weak low compression engine be the #1 cause of an engine not wanting to rev anymore?
i offered $3000 and he said he will think about it if his other buyers fall through.
i offered $3000 and he said he will think about it if his other buyers fall through.
12-23-08, 09:57 PM
#32
My 80 12A will happily rev well past 6k, so that's not a "12A thing."
Rear drums on 79's and 80's are manual-adjust, and very few current owners seem to know that; that could explain the parking brake, or it could be acombination of needing adjustment, shoe wear, and stretched cable.
There are extra relays and a large silver&black device on the drivers fender, rear of the shock tower; not stock, no idea what they are. Can't see em too well in the pix. A stock SA will have an array for 5 or 6 relays in that spot, but all factory items with metal or black plastic casements. More signs that someone's had to be at the wiring.
A motorola EQ would not have been a stock choice.
The SA's do have a very long shifter compared to later years, yes.
Ask for a recent smog cert; to sell it in San Fran legally, he should have one that is less than 90 days old. Trust me on this - - it can take a great deal of work to get an SA to pass smog if it needs parts.
As mentioned above, no cat; thermal reactor and heat exchanger. Refusal to rev could be intake, fuel, or ignition related. 79's have breaker point igntions, last year to use them. When out of adjustment, the car will dog noticeably.
A well-tuned SA doesn't feel particularly slow... but it's still under 100 horses. If your used to a modern CCFI with a couple hundred horses or more, they can feel a bit slower. But they feel "lively," and react pretty fast.
Rear drums on 79's and 80's are manual-adjust, and very few current owners seem to know that; that could explain the parking brake, or it could be acombination of needing adjustment, shoe wear, and stretched cable.
There are extra relays and a large silver&black device on the drivers fender, rear of the shock tower; not stock, no idea what they are. Can't see em too well in the pix. A stock SA will have an array for 5 or 6 relays in that spot, but all factory items with metal or black plastic casements. More signs that someone's had to be at the wiring.
A motorola EQ would not have been a stock choice.
The SA's do have a very long shifter compared to later years, yes.
Ask for a recent smog cert; to sell it in San Fran legally, he should have one that is less than 90 days old. Trust me on this - - it can take a great deal of work to get an SA to pass smog if it needs parts.
As mentioned above, no cat; thermal reactor and heat exchanger. Refusal to rev could be intake, fuel, or ignition related. 79's have breaker point igntions, last year to use them. When out of adjustment, the car will dog noticeably.
A well-tuned SA doesn't feel particularly slow... but it's still under 100 horses. If your used to a modern CCFI with a couple hundred horses or more, they can feel a bit slower. But they feel "lively," and react pretty fast.
12-23-08, 10:34 PM
#33
first off, noting about that stereo or equalizer is oem. th eowm units were made by clarion. the brakes feeling spongy could be a result of air in the system, meaning tha the hydraulic system needs fresh fluid and a good bleeding. as for the clutch being soft, i would also suspect a weakness in teh clutch master, slave or hose. replace all three and you should be set. the 0-60 times for the 79 RX-7 were between 9.2 and 9.6 seconds..this was very acceptable for its era. the problem with the choke could be in the electromagnet that holds the cable out when the engine is cold. these do fail.
what is the dealer asking for the car? everything listed is an easy fix. dome lights commonly do not work due to corroded door switches or a burnt bulb. i dont think you'll have to spend too much on the car. i'd leave the stereo for nostalic reasons...
what is the dealer asking for the car? everything listed is an easy fix. dome lights commonly do not work due to corroded door switches or a burnt bulb. i dont think you'll have to spend too much on the car. i'd leave the stereo for nostalic reasons...
12-23-08, 10:38 PM
#34
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My 80 12A will happily rev well past 6k, so that's not a "12A thing."
Rear drums on 79's and 80's are manual-adjust, and very few current owners seem to know that; that could explain the parking brake, or it could be acombination of needing adjustment, shoe wear, and stretched cable.
There are extra relays and a large silver&black device on the drivers fender, rear of the shock tower; not stock, no idea what they are. Can't see em too well in the pix. A stock SA will have an array for 5 or 6 relays in that spot, but all factory items with metal or black plastic casements. More signs that someone's had to be at the wiring.
A motorola EQ would not have been a stock choice.
The SA's do have a very long shifter compared to later years, yes.
Ask for a recent smog cert; to sell it in San Fran legally, he should have one that is less than 90 days old. Trust me on this - - it can take a great deal of work to get an SA to pass smog if it needs parts.
As mentioned above, no cat; thermal reactor and heat exchanger. Refusal to rev could be intake, fuel, or ignition related. 79's have breaker point igntions, last year to use them. When out of adjustment, the car will dog noticeably.
A well-tuned SA doesn't feel particularly slow... but it's still under 100 horses. If your used to a modern CCFI with a couple hundred horses or more, they can feel a bit slower. But they feel "lively," and react pretty fast.
Rear drums on 79's and 80's are manual-adjust, and very few current owners seem to know that; that could explain the parking brake, or it could be acombination of needing adjustment, shoe wear, and stretched cable.
There are extra relays and a large silver&black device on the drivers fender, rear of the shock tower; not stock, no idea what they are. Can't see em too well in the pix. A stock SA will have an array for 5 or 6 relays in that spot, but all factory items with metal or black plastic casements. More signs that someone's had to be at the wiring.
A motorola EQ would not have been a stock choice.
The SA's do have a very long shifter compared to later years, yes.
Ask for a recent smog cert; to sell it in San Fran legally, he should have one that is less than 90 days old. Trust me on this - - it can take a great deal of work to get an SA to pass smog if it needs parts.
As mentioned above, no cat; thermal reactor and heat exchanger. Refusal to rev could be intake, fuel, or ignition related. 79's have breaker point igntions, last year to use them. When out of adjustment, the car will dog noticeably.
A well-tuned SA doesn't feel particularly slow... but it's still under 100 horses. If your used to a modern CCFI with a couple hundred horses or more, they can feel a bit slower. But they feel "lively," and react pretty fast.
thanks for all the info. my bmw has 340hp at the engine, so i cant really compare it.
12-23-08, 10:40 PM
#35
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
first off, noting about that stereo or equalizer is oem. th eowm units were made by clarion. the brakes feeling spongy could be a result of air in the system, meaning tha the hydraulic system needs fresh fluid and a good bleeding. as for the clutch being soft, i would also suspect a weakness in teh clutch master, slave or hose. replace all three and you should be set. the 0-60 times for the 79 RX-7 were between 9.2 and 9.6 seconds..this was very acceptable for its era. the problem with the choke could be in the electromagnet that holds the cable out when the engine is cold. these do fail.
what is the dealer asking for the car? everything listed is an easy fix. dome lights commonly do not work due to corroded door switches or a burnt bulb. i dont think you'll have to spend too much on the car. i'd leave the stereo for nostalic reasons...
what is the dealer asking for the car? everything listed is an easy fix. dome lights commonly do not work due to corroded door switches or a burnt bulb. i dont think you'll have to spend too much on the car. i'd leave the stereo for nostalic reasons...
the asking was $4750. He is considering my $3000 offer.
12-23-08, 11:31 PM
#37
Rotary Enthusiast
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I don't think it's overpriced considering the year and condition. It almost made me want to cry. This is a time machine for sure. For some reason that 1st pic reminds me of Cheech & Chong (L.A. and 70's?).
12-24-08, 08:20 AM
#40
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I been thinking about it all night and reading all this over, and I upped my offer from $3000 to $3500. It's not worth more than that to me personally. But since I research RX7s every week for the last couple years I know this condition isn't too common to find. I'm used to seeing the $1500 rx7s which are a wreck.
he does have someone coming from san diego after Christmas to look at it, and if they are willing to pay more than $3500, they are welcome to have it.
he does have someone coming from san diego after Christmas to look at it, and if they are willing to pay more than $3500, they are welcome to have it.
01-12-09, 01:00 PM
#42
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ive bought a couple new cars in the last month, and now thats all straightened out. I found this RX7 is STILL advertised.. The problem is the car looks nothing like his advertised pictures in person.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/ctd/984647036.html
My personal pictures in this thread show the true condition. I would think about offering $3k again in a couple weeks when my finances clear up a bit.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/ctd/984647036.html
My personal pictures in this thread show the true condition. I would think about offering $3k again in a couple weeks when my finances clear up a bit.
01-12-09, 03:06 PM
#44
common sense prevails....
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Chino and Lake Arrowhead Calif
Posts: 1,669
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
9 Posts
That price is toooo high!!!
I paid $1000 for this car 6 months ago. I bought it from the original owner and he had all receipts of the service done on it. These pictures are after I spent a day detailing it.
The front struts were shot, tires were dry rotted, I replaced the exhaust because I wanted an RB setup. Other than that, the car pulls strong and easily revs to 7000 RPM.
Maybe I got the last of the "great deals" who knows!!!???
The front struts were shot, tires were dry rotted, I replaced the exhaust because I wanted an RB setup. Other than that, the car pulls strong and easily revs to 7000 RPM.
Maybe I got the last of the "great deals" who knows!!!???
01-12-09, 09:12 PM
#45
Here is my opinion,
No one has said it yet but I will 3k is too much. Having as many SAs as I do I can say that, clean body yes, original engine bay wiring yes (all the extra stuff is removable it is radio) very clean engine bay yes BTW too clean for my liking... esp with the problems you mentioned, Should not have been that hard to start, should have stayed idling when warm, should have more power..... hmmm honestly sounds like a motor that is very tired.... probably never got ran hard so it is full of carbon as is the exhaust. The other problem with the choke if it is not getting 12v it will not stay on either get the FSM and look it up
The radio is not OEM at all but you figured that, the speakers in the doors are not original but seem to have been done nicely.
Brakes the pads are probably old so and also need adj as mentioned this will solve the parking brake problem. I would be worried that it wasn't driven much and you are losing a wheel cylinder or caliper as well, on the clutch it was already pegged as hydraulics.
Very clean very nice overall but I would be ready to drop in a new 12a as well as fixing the exhaust which will be difficult at best in CA
No one has said it yet but I will 3k is too much. Having as many SAs as I do I can say that, clean body yes, original engine bay wiring yes (all the extra stuff is removable it is radio) very clean engine bay yes BTW too clean for my liking... esp with the problems you mentioned, Should not have been that hard to start, should have stayed idling when warm, should have more power..... hmmm honestly sounds like a motor that is very tired.... probably never got ran hard so it is full of carbon as is the exhaust. The other problem with the choke if it is not getting 12v it will not stay on either get the FSM and look it up
The radio is not OEM at all but you figured that, the speakers in the doors are not original but seem to have been done nicely.
Brakes the pads are probably old so and also need adj as mentioned this will solve the parking brake problem. I would be worried that it wasn't driven much and you are losing a wheel cylinder or caliper as well, on the clutch it was already pegged as hydraulics.
Very clean very nice overall but I would be ready to drop in a new 12a as well as fixing the exhaust which will be difficult at best in CA
01-13-09, 03:29 PM
#46
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I paid $1000 for this car 6 months ago. I bought it from the original owner and he had all receipts of the service done on it. These pictures are after I spent a day detailing it.
The front struts were shot, tires were dry rotted, I replaced the exhaust because I wanted an RB setup. Other than that, the car pulls strong and easily revs to 7000 RPM.
Maybe I got the last of the "great deals" who knows!!!???
The front struts were shot, tires were dry rotted, I replaced the exhaust because I wanted an RB setup. Other than that, the car pulls strong and easily revs to 7000 RPM.
Maybe I got the last of the "great deals" who knows!!!???
01-13-09, 03:31 PM
#47
Full Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here is my opinion,
No one has said it yet but I will 3k is too much. Having as many SAs as I do I can say that, clean body yes, original engine bay wiring yes (all the extra stuff is removable it is radio) very clean engine bay yes BTW too clean for my liking... esp with the problems you mentioned, Should not have been that hard to start, should have stayed idling when warm, should have more power..... hmmm honestly sounds like a motor that is very tired.... probably never got ran hard so it is full of carbon as is the exhaust. The other problem with the choke if it is not getting 12v it will not stay on either get the FSM and look it up
The radio is not OEM at all but you figured that, the speakers in the doors are not original but seem to have been done nicely.
Brakes the pads are probably old so and also need adj as mentioned this will solve the parking brake problem. I would be worried that it wasn't driven much and you are losing a wheel cylinder or caliper as well, on the clutch it was already pegged as hydraulics.
Very clean very nice overall but I would be ready to drop in a new 12a as well as fixing the exhaust which will be difficult at best in CA
No one has said it yet but I will 3k is too much. Having as many SAs as I do I can say that, clean body yes, original engine bay wiring yes (all the extra stuff is removable it is radio) very clean engine bay yes BTW too clean for my liking... esp with the problems you mentioned, Should not have been that hard to start, should have stayed idling when warm, should have more power..... hmmm honestly sounds like a motor that is very tired.... probably never got ran hard so it is full of carbon as is the exhaust. The other problem with the choke if it is not getting 12v it will not stay on either get the FSM and look it up
The radio is not OEM at all but you figured that, the speakers in the doors are not original but seem to have been done nicely.
Brakes the pads are probably old so and also need adj as mentioned this will solve the parking brake problem. I would be worried that it wasn't driven much and you are losing a wheel cylinder or caliper as well, on the clutch it was already pegged as hydraulics.
Very clean very nice overall but I would be ready to drop in a new 12a as well as fixing the exhaust which will be difficult at best in CA
01-13-09, 06:54 PM
#50
If your car keeps getting put on the back burner, makes you think about customer service. Seems like the bodyshop is putting insurance claims ahead of yours so he can keep the insurance side money flowing. Your getting jerked around. I'd pull my car out of there and tell him to let you know when he's ready. And dont pay until the job is finished. Your car is being held hostage.