Well, I'm on the path of insanity in the weight reduction department. This might be one of the lightest street driven first gens ever. I'm currently in the process of removing the plastic fascia that covers the aluminum frame of the dash and have run into some road blocks. I'm having quite a bit of trouble figuring out how to remove the choke **** and the connection of the dimmer switch. I've posted a picture just to show you where I'm havin the trouble.

Oh and any suggestions on dash removal please feel free to pass this way.

 

The choke **** has a little screw on its side that attaches it to the rod. Once the screw is out, it should just pull right off the rod. As far as the dimmer is concerned, mine is different so I'm not too sure how to take the later ones off... I'd try popping the whole switch off the dash by getting a little screwdriver under the bracket. Once that's off, you should be able to find a connector by pulling some of the wire out of the hole. Goodluck!

 

Well looks like I beat ya to the screw RX, but thanks for the help anyway. The dimmer easily disconnected after I could pull the plastic away. I figure I'll use some fiberglass, aluminum sheet, or carbon fiber to cover the metal frame of the old dash. This bitch is goin to be light!

 

Anyone know how to remove stubborn screws? I got quite a few that look like they're just goin to round off. My forearms are killin me and I'm reachin the end of my rope here...HELP!!!!!

 

Blood, a lot of sweat, no tears but some major anger, and about 5 hours and I cut ten pounds off the Rex. Victory!!!!!!

 

Your my hero Wankel j/k

Well I know who I'll be PM'en soon when I get my 85 in my garage :p

So you have striped that thing COMPLETLY?!

I'm just happy that I'm getting one w/ a gray interior.... because I woln't have to worry about changing all the little things out

I should have my 85 tub and my air compressor w/ in 2 weeks and then I'll have to start stripping it... and then it's time for body work and sanding

I can't wait!... I'm going to create a web page that will track EVERYTHING that I do and possibly have writeups for everything... I figure if I'm gonna do it... might as well try and help others w/ the same idea

I'm just worried about the TII swap.... I don't know anyone that has done it... and I'm worried about exhaust fitting and stuff like that... I havn't done much custom stuff so it will be a challange!

Good luck!

 

Other than a good penetrating oil, go out a buy one of the drill bits that are designed for removing stripped screws. They look like drill bits but made for rotating in the reverse direction. Bob Villa was just advertizing a set for Craftsman on some infomertial.

I also use a dremel tool with a spinning cut off wheel. Wear eye protection because when the discs break, they will take out an eye, no problem.

This comes from restoring 30+ years old cars. There is some nasty shiat that you have to go thru sometimes.

Hey Wankel,
I could stand to loose about 25 lbs or so. But I'm not taking about my car!

 

Dude if your gonna buy tools buy the right ones get a Sears Proffesional one the ones with the big rubber handles. TRUST ME THEY ARE THE BEST! I used a normal screwdriver when i first started takin my interior out and than i bought one of the above and thers a night and day difference, ive never stripped a screw with the about screwdriver.

Also to take off the above piece of interior pop off the plates on the side of the dash and undoo those screws and also unscrew the fusebox and under the fusebox is another screw and it should slide out.

 

i can tell you just about what your going to need to do a t2 motor swap, exhaust will fit fine depending on what your going to do..

i have a bunch of rolls of film on my swap but i am lazy but one day whn i get everything done i will have a half way decent explaination

 

rx7passion,
I'd be intrested in seeing a write up of the swap.
send me a link when you get the pics up, I'm seriously concidering doing this. an approximate cost breakdown would be good too.

--matt

 

Ya guys like my set up so far eh? Yeah I'm crazy about loosin weight...on my car (thank God I'm only like 135lbs). If ya look hard you can see my door trim set up. It's just the pressed board that makes up the rigid part of the door trim. I just ripped everthing off the board and hot glued some thin black fabric to it. Saved me 8 pounds of door trim total! I got a better pic at the bottom.

 

Nice armrests :p

 

I think thats the door close pull dealamahooger...

 

all that for 10 lbs?? **** I recently lost about 400 from my car... Just kicked out the wife and my dog and my subs...

That is dedication though. I like the doors... Interesting... Me mind is working.... Kinda...

Mke

 

Yeah, I'm aware of that fact.

 

Hey Mr. Wankle,
how did you get the rubber dash off?
I see some screws on the top that look like you'd have to remove the windsheild to get at. Also, I see from a more recent pic that you even removed the metal box that holds everything else. Was that hard to get at? I want to get at just the essential wiring, and most is hard to get at with all the accessories and plastic junk in the way.

No, I don't need to keep any of it once it is removed.

What are you going to do with all the wires, switches and gauges? Make a carbon fiber dashboard or leave 'em on the floor?

I bet if ya fill your tires with Helium you could save maybe another oz. or two.