Newbie all FAQ'd up
 

First of all, thanks for a great website. I have owned the car three days and I have learned so much from using the search function and the FAQ page.
I have always wanted a rotary. I've had turbo-charged cars (Merkur), pushrod engines, multi-cam techno-beasts (Audi A4 V6), air cooled VWs, falt four Subies. you name it. When I was a kid, however, my brother owned an eensy Rx3 two-door sedan. Yellow with black. Cool as heck. He loved winding it up and even let me drive it (I was 13 maybe?). [Side question: He remembers the steering as really tight - did the RX3s have rack &pinion?] So, anyway, I needed to have a rotary one day, right?
I found this 1985 GS in an online ad. Seemed to be a decent price and it looked rust-free, which is a rarity here in the midwest. It runs great, should shine up nice and the interior is complete and fairly clean with no big cracks. I was surprised that in 1985, they still put a carb on this car ... and a manual choke to boot. Live rear axle (a la Mustang) and a pretty rudimentary front suspension too. Still, one of the best-looking cars ever designed. Apologies to the second-gen group (eye of the beholder, right?)
Anyway the bushings are all dry and one of the sway bar links detonated itself at some time in the past. I replaced it yesterday and am looking forward to putting the rest to order. I plan to keep it mostly stock but I see a lot of resources on this site.
Wanted to comment on something. I searched "add coolant light" because mine kept coming on even though it didn't need any. I thought of disabling the oscillator but went out and topped off the radiator instead. Took maybe a pint and a half. Light went out. First idiot light I've ever seen where it would tell you about something potentially bad before you melted your engine. I'll put up with the occassional beeping and carry a thimbleful of antifreeze at all times!
Sorry for the long post. Thanks again and looking forward to getting more help as I gradually dig into this machine.

Welcome.

The 1st gen guys are a good bunch of guys. I have had my car for over 2 years and love it.

Once you start digging into the car you realize that you can upgrade. It then becomes a sick disease that the only cure is more 1st gens and more parts. You will love the car I guaranty it. Damn reliable too. At least more than my lincoln.

Welcome to the club. Don't worry, there is no cure. Just like a time paradox, you are doomed. See sig.

Congrats on the purchase. Be careful, they're highly addictive. :)

Nope, no R&P on RX-3s, unfortunately.

nice GS!!! although the seats look like those from a GSL the ocillator is only there to control the warning buzzers for low oil and coolant. check the sender at the top of the radiator for proper functionality. since you are a fellow ohioan, dont forget to register at www.ohiorotaries.com

welcome to the dark side. your bank account and your 7 will become best friends i assure you. my only recomendation would be to do a complete service and fluid change on your car. good luck and happy rotoring.

Tom, if you don't mind my asking where are you located? I'm in East Central Indiana, Richmond to be exact. If you are close to me and need some help sometime just let me know. :D I'd be happy to help out. I'm currently elbow deep in the middle of my 3rd first gen project. This one is an 83 GS that you can see below. I've done a lot of stuff to these cars in the past 3-4 years and have learned a lot. I'm sure you will too.

Good luck and welcome!
Jamie