going to go look at a RHD soon
08-27-11, 01:29 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: oregon
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
going to go look at a RHD soon
I'm hopefully going to be looking at a RHD SA in the next few days - says it's imported but can you guys give me a few hints on what to look for? I'd really hope it's actually a true RHD and not swapped. either way it'd still be nice, but it's the whole originality thing. What are some of the dead give away's to know it's a true RHD?
08-27-11, 03:02 AM
#2
I think since the basic body shell is configurable either way, if someone really (!) knew what they were doing you wouldn't be able to tell. But - considering the _hundreds_ of pieces you'd need to convert one (ie, you'd need a RHD donor car), I can't see why anyone would go to all the trouble.
If anything, I would be concerned with what is MISSING. Unique JDM bits like the fender mirrors and numerous unique-to-japan-market bits would be tough to get if gone. AND- are you looking at a _JDM_ RHD or a Brit/Aussie SA? because they were not equipped the same as the JDM cars!
Pix will tell a lot. Post some!
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
If anything, I would be concerned with what is MISSING. Unique JDM bits like the fender mirrors and numerous unique-to-japan-market bits would be tough to get if gone. AND- are you looking at a _JDM_ RHD or a Brit/Aussie SA? because they were not equipped the same as the JDM cars!
Pix will tell a lot. Post some!
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
08-27-11, 03:45 AM
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: oregon
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
its supposed to be a JDM car. it does not have fender mount mirrors, which was the first thing i looked for, and it in fact only has ONE mirror. on the wrong side.
but the reason might be the fenders. here's the pictures i got - its dirty as hell and needs love but i think it'd be a beautiful car. also, it has a back seat. going to pull it if i get it, but still.
currently has a 13b turbo in it with a turbo trans and a GSL SE rear end. does not run at this current moment, and i will get every detail as to why before I make the deal.
I am in love with this car.
dat wing. dat air dam.
but the reason might be the fenders. here's the pictures i got - its dirty as hell and needs love but i think it'd be a beautiful car. also, it has a back seat. going to pull it if i get it, but still.
currently has a 13b turbo in it with a turbo trans and a GSL SE rear end. does not run at this current moment, and i will get every detail as to why before I make the deal.
I am in love with this car.
dat wing. dat air dam.
Last edited by Mr_Miles; 08-27-11 at 03:48 AM.
08-27-11, 05:24 AM
#4
I'm not too familiar with the series-to-series changes on the First Gens but I can tell you a few things to get you closer to a positive ID, based on what I've learned with the japanese parts catalogs. I'm 90% sure this is a Series 1. Fair warning, the oldest catalog I have is for 9/83 and newer JDM First Gens. The first J-spec S3 is SA22C-300019, built on 9/7/1983.
First of all, a rear seat in a first gen is quite rare so don't tear it up. not sure about Australia/NZ, but it wasn't an option in the States or Europe. AFAIK, it's exclusive to Japan.
Second, every single first gen would be badged "SAVANNA RX-7" on the fenders. Under the hood, the Information Plate and all of the other decals would be entirely in japanese as well. In addition to this, CAREFULLY examine the door sills for the Tire info sticker. Location of this and/or lack of this would be a BIG red flag as these were mandatory since 1980 in the states and were on JDM S3 cars as well.
As previously stated, lack of fender mirrors and both normal mirrors is another issue.
Third, European regulations mandate rear fog lamps. I'm not sure about anything before 1985, but the Euro-spec S4 FC has them in the taillight clusters, sharing the same space as the Reverse lights. Also, the rear panel doesn't look wide enough for the wider Euro plates (look at license plate lights' spacing carefully). JDM and USDM are approximately the same size.
One of the BIGGEST, EASIEST differences to find is the headlights. US-spec cars had sealed beams while Japanese cars have modern replaceable bulbs. These follow the body prefix naming convention. Japanese cars' prefix is 8570 for these parts. Another large item to carefully inspect is the windshield. J-spec cars use a J-spec prefix, US-spec require a different one (federal regulation)
One thing to keep in mind is that Mazda seems quite fond of stamping or molding part numbers on each part. US-spec cars' body prefix is 8871 (later 8341) for S1, FA01 for S2/S3, J-spec is F0xx (01 through I think 41). The bumper covers will be the same, but the reinforcement is slightly different for every region. Both USA and Japan have the reinforcement bar mounted on two struts, but the prefix is different for the struts
JDM prefix for bumpers is F002 for S3 cars, US-spec is 8871 (later 8341) for S1, FA01 for S2/S3. As previously stated, I don't have a Series 1 or Series 2 J-spec parts catalog and do not know if items like the front bumper reinforcement were used on the s1 and S2 cars.
Hope that helps.
First of all, a rear seat in a first gen is quite rare so don't tear it up. not sure about Australia/NZ, but it wasn't an option in the States or Europe. AFAIK, it's exclusive to Japan.
Second, every single first gen would be badged "SAVANNA RX-7" on the fenders. Under the hood, the Information Plate and all of the other decals would be entirely in japanese as well. In addition to this, CAREFULLY examine the door sills for the Tire info sticker. Location of this and/or lack of this would be a BIG red flag as these were mandatory since 1980 in the states and were on JDM S3 cars as well.
As previously stated, lack of fender mirrors and both normal mirrors is another issue.
Third, European regulations mandate rear fog lamps. I'm not sure about anything before 1985, but the Euro-spec S4 FC has them in the taillight clusters, sharing the same space as the Reverse lights. Also, the rear panel doesn't look wide enough for the wider Euro plates (look at license plate lights' spacing carefully). JDM and USDM are approximately the same size.
One of the BIGGEST, EASIEST differences to find is the headlights. US-spec cars had sealed beams while Japanese cars have modern replaceable bulbs. These follow the body prefix naming convention. Japanese cars' prefix is 8570 for these parts. Another large item to carefully inspect is the windshield. J-spec cars use a J-spec prefix, US-spec require a different one (federal regulation)
One thing to keep in mind is that Mazda seems quite fond of stamping or molding part numbers on each part. US-spec cars' body prefix is 8871 (later 8341) for S1, FA01 for S2/S3, J-spec is F0xx (01 through I think 41). The bumper covers will be the same, but the reinforcement is slightly different for every region. Both USA and Japan have the reinforcement bar mounted on two struts, but the prefix is different for the struts
JDM prefix for bumpers is F002 for S3 cars, US-spec is 8871 (later 8341) for S1, FA01 for S2/S3. As previously stated, I don't have a Series 1 or Series 2 J-spec parts catalog and do not know if items like the front bumper reinforcement were used on the s1 and S2 cars.
Hope that helps.
Trending Topics
08-27-11, 07:31 PM
#8
ACBron Motorsport
Rear seats were all standard in aussie 1st gens too.
Savanna gaurd badges were only fitted to the LH front gaurd and they still had mazda front and rear.
Also the rear license plate light covers will be chrome plated plastic.
It should have the metric speedo too.
Bumpers should be hard mounted, not on the shocks you guys have in the US.
thats the basic easyish to spot stuff
Savanna gaurd badges were only fitted to the LH front gaurd and they still had mazda front and rear.
Also the rear license plate light covers will be chrome plated plastic.
It should have the metric speedo too.
Bumpers should be hard mounted, not on the shocks you guys have in the US.
thats the basic easyish to spot stuff
08-27-11, 11:13 PM
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: oregon
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
my phone died so i couldn't get his address, lol. I'll have to go another day :[ that's all good info! I was also told the vin will be 7 digits if it is JDM, and 10 if it is european.
08-28-11, 01:58 PM
#10
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Posts: 30,832
Received 2,603 Likes
on
1,847 Posts
08-28-11, 10:26 PM
#13
love the braaaap
There are a few things to consider as being different on this car from a JDM S1 RX-7. First off, the Mariah mode 4 front bumper requires the 81-85 front fenders and bumper reinforcement bar. If the bumper was installed in the US, they probably just used the US parts. This would explain the missing fender mirrors.
For the left side only side view mirror, that is something found on north american SA's. My early 79 has only the left side mirror. On top of that, the mirror is not of the same type as my 79. From the looks of it, the one on the car pictured is a later mirror like was on my 82. Maybe doors were swapped due to damage at some point?
The wipers definately look correct for a RHD.
I would be a bit concerned about the rust on the back end of that car. If you are up to the challenge, thats great, but that is a very hard area to fix and would need a patch panel cut from another SA to make it look right. Make sure you check the rest of the car over for rust as well. Rust can go a lot deeper than you think. What may seem like surface rust may extend into unseen underbody panels and take many hours to fix.
For the left side only side view mirror, that is something found on north american SA's. My early 79 has only the left side mirror. On top of that, the mirror is not of the same type as my 79. From the looks of it, the one on the car pictured is a later mirror like was on my 82. Maybe doors were swapped due to damage at some point?
The wipers definately look correct for a RHD.
I would be a bit concerned about the rust on the back end of that car. If you are up to the challenge, thats great, but that is a very hard area to fix and would need a patch panel cut from another SA to make it look right. Make sure you check the rest of the car over for rust as well. Rust can go a lot deeper than you think. What may seem like surface rust may extend into unseen underbody panels and take many hours to fix.
08-29-11, 02:42 AM
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: oregon
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
if i do get it and pull them, consider em' yours :p i'm going to try and get a hold of the guy tomorrow and see if we can arrange a meet before work.
I've pretty much decided if i buy it i'm going to either part my current FB out (being that it's a frankenstein) or attempt to sell it whole. i might have to rattle can it first, though. the paint is a major turn off i imagine
that's reassuring, id probly' have not noticed the wipers until i used them! :p
the rust is kind of a turn off, but i'm fairly decent at body work and have no problem hacking away at a scrapyard SA to get what I need. I have full intentions of giving this car a total once or twice over just to be extra sure it's salvageable. at the very least i want to walk away with that front end and wing, lol.
I've pretty much decided if i buy it i'm going to either part my current FB out (being that it's a frankenstein) or attempt to sell it whole. i might have to rattle can it first, though. the paint is a major turn off i imagine
There are a few things to consider as being different on this car from a JDM S1 RX-7. First off, the Mariah mode 4 front bumper requires the 81-85 front fenders and bumper reinforcement bar. If the bumper was installed in the US, they probably just used the US parts. This would explain the missing fender mirrors.
For the left side only side view mirror, that is something found on north american SA's. My early 79 has only the left side mirror. On top of that, the mirror is not of the same type as my 79. From the looks of it, the one on the car pictured is a later mirror like was on my 82. Maybe doors were swapped due to damage at some point?
The wipers definately look correct for a RHD.
I would be a bit concerned about the rust on the back end of that car. If you are up to the challenge, thats great, but that is a very hard area to fix and would need a patch panel cut from another SA to make it look right. Make sure you check the rest of the car over for rust as well. Rust can go a lot deeper than you think. What may seem like surface rust may extend into unseen underbody panels and take many hours to fix.
For the left side only side view mirror, that is something found on north american SA's. My early 79 has only the left side mirror. On top of that, the mirror is not of the same type as my 79. From the looks of it, the one on the car pictured is a later mirror like was on my 82. Maybe doors were swapped due to damage at some point?
The wipers definately look correct for a RHD.
I would be a bit concerned about the rust on the back end of that car. If you are up to the challenge, thats great, but that is a very hard area to fix and would need a patch panel cut from another SA to make it look right. Make sure you check the rest of the car over for rust as well. Rust can go a lot deeper than you think. What may seem like surface rust may extend into unseen underbody panels and take many hours to fix.
the rust is kind of a turn off, but i'm fairly decent at body work and have no problem hacking away at a scrapyard SA to get what I need. I have full intentions of giving this car a total once or twice over just to be extra sure it's salvageable. at the very least i want to walk away with that front end and wing, lol.
Last edited by Mr_Miles; 08-29-11 at 02:47 AM.
08-29-11, 02:19 PM
#16
love the braaaap
As long as your up to the task, I would say go for it if the rust isn't too extensive. Will be nice to see another SA brought back to life. Just be sure to check things over extremely well. I made the mistake of not checking over my 82 all that well. I ended up replacing most of the drivers side and passenger side floors, a large section just inside where the tail lights are, the rear wheel wells, a large patch on the forward frame on the passenger side, and there was still more rust on the exterior that was hidden with about 10 pounds of bondo. Inner and outer rocker panels also were about 50% gone, but it wasn't noticeable to the naked eye when I looked at the car. A little poking with a screwdriver opened up some big holes in what looked like a solid panel.
I'm not trying to scare you away from the car, but rust in general scares me. I've fixed far too much of it in the short time I have been driving that its something I don't want to tackle for some time again. Like I said, if your up to the task, go for it, but just be aware of what your getting into.
I'm not trying to scare you away from the car, but rust in general scares me. I've fixed far too much of it in the short time I have been driving that its something I don't want to tackle for some time again. Like I said, if your up to the task, go for it, but just be aware of what your getting into.
08-29-11, 02:51 PM
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: oregon
Posts: 484
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i usually bring a magnet with me and run it over the usual spots where there might be rust. 
if this one's too far gone I wont bother, but i'm praying. also selling my other car and hopefully buying a 91 Miata! hopefully this is going to turn out to be a good week...
if this one's too far gone I wont bother, but i'm praying. also selling my other car and hopefully buying a 91 Miata! hopefully this is going to turn out to be a good week...
08-29-11, 03:36 PM
#18
Sin City Rotary
where do you stand on buying this car? did you ever confirm the vin on this car? To my understanding for a 79 - SA22C-5xxxxx is a US car SA22C-1XXXXX is JDM. Check the registry on the forum you'll see what I mean. The RHD are cool not sure I'd want one but we have a local with one it's cool to talk as we are buzzing down the road as we are only a couple feet away from eachother lol
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Turblown
Vendor Classifieds
12
10-17-20 03:25 PM
rotor_veux
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
3
09-28-15 09:25 PM