Finding SA22 Parts
03-07-17, 11:35 PM
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Finding SA22 Parts
Ok so a couple of months ago I made a friendly trade with my 2 pocket bikes for a '80 RX7 SA and I need a lot of help and advice. I also believe it's limited but I'm not entirely sure, does anyone know how to tell the difference?
Anyway, first off aside from determining if it's limited or not, how do I go about putting my front bumper on? I've got a load of parts in the hatch and I can't figure out how to put the bumper or the fogs/blinkers back.
Next I've got to find a number of parts and can't find a reliable source for them. Living in Hawaii doesn't make that any easier. , finding another first gen alone seems nearly impossible. I need a radiator, (preferably a kit) some door cards probably, interior handles, locks, seats (OEM and aftermarket, would really love direct-fit bolt ons) OEM shift ****, and parts for the hatch interior. I would honestly probably just need a source with all interior parts.
That's all I can think of right now. If anyone can do anything to help please do! Appreciate any advice or references as this is my first rotary. Thanks!
Anyway, first off aside from determining if it's limited or not, how do I go about putting my front bumper on? I've got a load of parts in the hatch and I can't figure out how to put the bumper or the fogs/blinkers back.
Next I've got to find a number of parts and can't find a reliable source for them. Living in Hawaii doesn't make that any easier. , finding another first gen alone seems nearly impossible. I need a radiator, (preferably a kit) some door cards probably, interior handles, locks, seats (OEM and aftermarket, would really love direct-fit bolt ons) OEM shift ****, and parts for the hatch interior. I would honestly probably just need a source with all interior parts.
That's all I can think of right now. If anyone can do anything to help please do! Appreciate any advice or references as this is my first rotary. Thanks!
03-08-17, 06:19 AM
#2
Hi, you've found a good source of info and advice. You should become familiar with these forums and scan through different threads. In 1980, there were 2 "special model" Rx-7s offered. The Leather Sport (LS) and the 10th Anniversary Edition (10th A/E). The LS's came in Aurora White, Brilliant Black and Solar Gold, all with a Brown leather interior, some special bits and LS B pillar badge. The 10th A/E was only offered in Renaissance Red with a special accenting interior. You can lean more here: https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-gene...-83-le-734591/
As far as parts go, SA parts have gotten harder to find. At present, there is just not enough demand for aftermarket companies to invest in supporting us with nice OEM style interior parts. Some parts are still available through Mazda or Mazdatrix and you can still get a lot of mechanical consumables like brake pads, water pumps and master cylinders, but things like the shift **** or door cards are just not available. You need to scan the ads and / or ebay to find parts and cars that are being parted out. There used to be 3 or 4 places that specialized in Rx-7 parts, but again, they have pretty much slowly faded away.
As far as parts go, SA parts have gotten harder to find. At present, there is just not enough demand for aftermarket companies to invest in supporting us with nice OEM style interior parts. Some parts are still available through Mazda or Mazdatrix and you can still get a lot of mechanical consumables like brake pads, water pumps and master cylinders, but things like the shift **** or door cards are just not available. You need to scan the ads and / or ebay to find parts and cars that are being parted out. There used to be 3 or 4 places that specialized in Rx-7 parts, but again, they have pretty much slowly faded away.
03-08-17, 09:42 AM
#3
Welcome!!! Bonzai is correct in everything he says. The SA parts are sure harder to come by. I have found a lot of help right here. This site has real enthusiasts on it, and it is a real community. To give an example, I looked for 2 years to find a shift bezel for my SA.
A terrific and generous member here gave me one of his "spares". If not for him, I would still be scouring the flee day ads!!!
There are many subtle differences between SA and FB, and many not so subtle differences.
The good news is that Mazda did make a lot of these cars, so used items can be found eventually.
I suggest that you read some of the posts here, and familiarize yourself with all you can.
Enjoy it!!!
Rich
A terrific and generous member here gave me one of his "spares". If not for him, I would still be scouring the flee day ads!!!
There are many subtle differences between SA and FB, and many not so subtle differences.
The good news is that Mazda did make a lot of these cars, so used items can be found eventually.
I suggest that you read some of the posts here, and familiarize yourself with all you can.
Enjoy it!!!
Rich
03-08-17, 10:30 AM
#4
Waffles - hmmm good
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You are in hawaii, so your biggest cost is going to be shipping the parts to you. There are a few
places in the states that specialize in used rx7 parts that you can go to. Its going to get pricey
real fast and then shipping. You may also want to look in australia as well to get parts. Lots of
rotaries down there. Just be aware that all 1st gens outside the US are considered SAs. So you
need to look for series 1 parts outside of the states.
places in the states that specialize in used rx7 parts that you can go to. Its going to get pricey
real fast and then shipping. You may also want to look in australia as well to get parts. Lots of
rotaries down there. Just be aware that all 1st gens outside the US are considered SAs. So you
need to look for series 1 parts outside of the states.
03-08-17, 02:59 PM
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Thanks for all the help guys I didn't expect to get replies so fast, especially with that amount of information. I checked the link and found out I've got a '80 SA LS Solar Gold. It's great to know and gives me the motivation I need to keep working on it. If anyone else has more information or sources for parts please keep em coming!
03-08-17, 07:40 PM
#6
A Solar Gold LS, thats good news! It also makes finding some of the parts you want much harder. Approx 2,500 LS's rolled off the line with that same interior, 500 wrapped in that exterior color. Post up some pics of the car in a want ad, for the parts you want. You might have better luck if people actually see what they are for. Besides, its like **** here.
The tip about looking in Australia is a good one. Prices are generally higher, but you can find some uncommon items.
The tip about looking in Australia is a good one. Prices are generally higher, but you can find some uncommon items.
Last edited by Banzai; 03-08-17 at 07:47 PM.
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03-09-17, 07:24 PM
#8
I checked out the other thread KC mentioned. I don't think you car was an LS. They did use Solar gold on regular GS models too. The color wasn't exclusive to LS's. It should have a power mirror controller on the LH lower dash by the choke and remote hatch release. They had a brown leather covered steering wheel and the seats had a separate head rest. Here's a link to an original one owner Solar Gold LS. https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...x7-ls-1105213/
03-09-17, 10:06 PM
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Aw that's unfortunate. They look about the same to me? I have brackets and ports for those missing parts on the driver side and both my seats have been swapped. My driver seat is a passenger Corbeau that's held down by zip ties and two bolts... as for the front end I was disappointed when I found out (forgot to mention) that the previous owner(s) swapped an '82 front end on it. It appears they slid it into a guardrail and replaced everything they could, front end, and doors, thus the quarter panel damage that was left untouched. I'm hoping to find all my original parts. Is there any way to find out for sure what model I've got? My VIN is SA22C-581438
03-11-17, 11:58 AM
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Aw that's unfortunate. They look about the same to me? I have brackets and ports for those missing parts on the driver side and both my seats have been swapped. My driver seat is a passenger Corbeau that's held down by zip ties and two bolts... as for the front end I was disappointed when I found out (forgot to mention) that the previous owner(s) swapped an '82 front end on it. It appears they slid it into a guardrail and replaced everything they could, front end, and doors, thus the quarter panel damage that was left untouched. I'm hoping to find all my original parts. Is there any way to find out for sure what model I've got? My VIN is SA22C-581438
for example, mine is an 82, and it came to me as a race car, but no sunroof, you can see where the manual mirrors were, and the places where the AC brackets would have gone have untouched paint, so i think it started life as an S model, with no AC, which must have sucked in Bakersfield! (its got a sticker from some Mazda shop from that area)
for parts, if you know anyone Japanese the yahoo auctions have a lot of just normal parts for sale, shipping goes by weight, so you need to pay attention to that, but everything i've bought has been in better shape than described and its always packaged really well. seems to be priced about the same as stuff here too
the other option is a WTB ad in the classifieds, make a list.
03-11-17, 02:07 PM
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i can run a warranty history for the 81+ cars, but the computer no longer does the older vins. to figure out what it was will require some detective work.
for example, mine is an 82, and it came to me as a race car, but no sunroof, you can see where the manual mirrors were, and the places where the AC brackets would have gone have untouched paint, so i think it started life as an S model, with no AC, which must have sucked in Bakersfield! (its got a sticker from some Mazda shop from that area)
for parts, if you know anyone Japanese the yahoo auctions have a lot of just normal parts for sale, shipping goes by weight, so you need to pay attention to that, but everything i've bought has been in better shape than described and its always packaged really well. seems to be priced about the same as stuff here too
the other option is a WTB ad in the classifieds, make a list.
for example, mine is an 82, and it came to me as a race car, but no sunroof, you can see where the manual mirrors were, and the places where the AC brackets would have gone have untouched paint, so i think it started life as an S model, with no AC, which must have sucked in Bakersfield! (its got a sticker from some Mazda shop from that area)
for parts, if you know anyone Japanese the yahoo auctions have a lot of just normal parts for sale, shipping goes by weight, so you need to pay attention to that, but everything i've bought has been in better shape than described and its always packaged really well. seems to be priced about the same as stuff here too
the other option is a WTB ad in the classifieds, make a list.
03-11-17, 03:55 PM
#13
Stoeck-
as far as details of mounting the bumper goes, I would start by downloading a PARTS MANUAL from this Forum for the 1979 or 80 SA RX7. This will help. And since you seem to have a later "FB" 1981+ set of bumpers (and matching fenders I am assuming, since these are shaped to the specific bumpers you mount...), the PARTS MANUALs for one of those yrs will help you see and identify the loose parts you have and how they interconnect.
See Sgt Fox's Stickie on the Main 1st Gen page where he has downloadable Manuals.
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
as far as details of mounting the bumper goes, I would start by downloading a PARTS MANUAL from this Forum for the 1979 or 80 SA RX7. This will help. And since you seem to have a later "FB" 1981+ set of bumpers (and matching fenders I am assuming, since these are shaped to the specific bumpers you mount...), the PARTS MANUALs for one of those yrs will help you see and identify the loose parts you have and how they interconnect.
See Sgt Fox's Stickie on the Main 1st Gen page where he has downloadable Manuals.
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
03-13-17, 10:18 PM
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Thanks for all the info guys. Slowly making progress, found out I need a new brake master cylinder also 
.
By the way? Does anyone have an RX8 for parts? Looking for an '06 (or whatever fits) front bumper, passenger fender, and front passenger rim, PREFERABLY Pearl White
.By the way? Does anyone have an RX8 for parts? Looking for an '06 (or whatever fits) front bumper, passenger fender, and front passenger rim, PREFERABLY Pearl White
03-17-17, 12:31 PM
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05-30-17, 02:52 PM
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I didn't even realize I was still getting replies, sorry! I live on Oahu
but I'd love another! I was supposed to pick up an FB that was sitting in some rich guys back yard rotting. Interior was in perfect condition though. He was constantly traveling but I never could get him free to meet