RustyRotary

iTrader: (2)

I have found fewer surprises than I expected on my back-from-the-dead '83 GSL. Still a couple of things to investigate, however, while I work to get it in a driving state and into a paint booth for a respray.

The first is the raising/lowering mechanism for the roof panel is in an unnatural state. I'm not sure if somebody tried to break into the car or what, but it's definitely separated, like somebody yanked it out from the top or pushed it open from below. My question is what pieces are missing, and is this something that can be reassembled?





My second question is in relation to the bumpers. Clearly they have shifted, warped, drooped, etc. Has anyone attempted realigning them? Perhaps with rigid components like steel dowels? Or is it best to just get new bumpers? The plastic "rub rails" on the front and back bumper also no longer look anything like the rubber side strips. Again, I'm going to do a full paint job on the car, so if I need to get replacement bumpers color wouldn't be an issue.

Cameron38

iTrader: (2)

When I bought mine, the rear bumpers had also pulled away from the sides (Shrunk?). When I had the car repainted, I had them sand down that area and just paint over it.

Sunroof latch definitely looks like it has been forced and broken. Might have to replace that.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

the factory tape protector thing actually is supposed to extend past the bumper like that.

Mazda still has rear bumper covers, but they must be kind of limited supply, very expensive now

RustyRotary

iTrader: (2)

Gave 'em a call. You weren't kidding! $780 for the front, $740 for the back. Still, expensive is better than nothing. They said a valance was 60 something though. I wonder if he was looking at the wrong part?

Black Dragon lists $750 and $640. I did a search and found a lot of threads about Black Dragon but no comments or pictures relating to the bumper covers. Anybody have any experience with them?

Mazdatrix has the front cover for $575. Sounds like the way to go.

Nicholas P.

iTrader: (1)

I would imagine you would pay $1500 for new bumpers and they would still shrink.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

that bumper isn't shrunk, the tape protector is supposed to stick out like that.

Cameron38

iTrader: (2)

I'm sure you can find a used bumper at a fraction of that price. Hell, you can probably get a complete roller for $500 LOL

RustyRotary

iTrader: (2)

If I'm gonna do a restoration level paint job, I think $1200 for brand new parts that'll look great for many years is a reasonable investment. That's just me.

But by all means, if you know of any $500 rollers with like-new bumper covers, please let me know! I've been looking for a parts car, since there are plenty of other things that I'd like to swap out or simply put back in. I think an air conditioner would be pretty nice on hot, humid days!

Cameron38

iTrader: (2)

I see rollers on Craigslist from time to time. Just saw one here in L.A. for $400! I don't remember the condition of the bumpers. You're back bumper doesn't look that bad. All you need is the new black rubber strips which you can get from Black Dragon.

RustyRotary

iTrader: (2)

Well, that's the problem. Black Dragon sells the side strips, but the "rubber" strips on the bumpers are actually plastic molded into the bumper covers so they don't come off. And I still don't want to spend thousands on an excellent paint job and have bumpers that aren't straight.

RustyRotary

iTrader: (2)

Anybody ever buy from Rhinehart's Auto Parts? They specialize in RX7s and RX8s. Found their add on craigslist and called them up. Waiting on a parts list but their prices sounded good. Run by a fellow named Bob out of Pennsylvania

https://www.facebook.com/RhinehartsAutoParts

Alex84GSL

I had the same bumper issue on my '84 GSL. You can remove the entire bumper from two bolts underneath, and take the whole thing off so you can work on it better. I can't remember if I pulled the plastic cover off the aluminum bumper or not, but I do remember it wasn't worth the work. There's a clip under each end of the bumper; maybe that came loose on yours. I never got it quite perfect.

The valance for around $60 was probably the front lower valance - the plastic molded part under the front bumper. Good luck!

RustyRotary

iTrader: (2)

Alex, thanks for the reply, could I have a bit of clarification though: Are you saying trying to improve the bumper not worth the work at all? Or just not worth pulling the bumper cover off the actual bumper assembly? A used parts guy told me its usually easier to swap the whole assembly on the front, but it sounded like the back wasn't as hard. Maybe he just had it backwards.

Also, if $60 is it for the front valance, I'm gonna buy a dozen and keep 'em as an investment! I kind of thought he might mean the waffle grille thing. Will be calling Mazda back about that