I just got a 1980 and dragged it across the country because it wasn't running. My first find on the car is a bad ignition switch. (No power on the car except for lights when jumpering and the ignition switch seemed to not have a spring in it) I removed the steering column cover and the switch literally fell apart. I have a new one on order, but before I put it on I wanted to ask if there were any gotchas on this replacement.
Thanks

 

nope, just taking the other one apart is a pain in the *** if you don't wanna break anything else off lol. i used a small dremmel and notched a flathead driver slot on the screw and that worked great for me.

 

Welcome-
Just be careful you don't jack around the _column_ too much! There is a nylon insert at the top of the steering shaft to prevent free play btw the outer (fixed column) and the inner (turning shaft) pieces. Fairly easy to break w/o knowing it till you use it after the reassembly

Good time to clean out 25 yr old goo between switch contacts on signal assys and replace grease, etc.

Don't thank us - just post pics of your new toy

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

That's Good Advice!
...and since I can't thank you...
https://www.rx7club.com/members/stephp-129555-albums-1980-dragged-tx-ms-651/

 

wooHOO! another Sunrise Red
Looks like a great start. Too bad about the bump behind the door -
Get your fluids all changed out and get the cooling system flushed and replaced. Rotaries live or die on the condition of the cooling!! Don't forget the fuel filter too - in front of driver rear wheel underneath. Cheapest $3 you'll spend
Lots of great assistance here...

Stu Aull
80GS - sunrise red-
Alaska

 

Wow 7_aull! Yours is a Beauty!
What did she look like when you got her?

About Fluids, the car has only been sitting for 5 months. Do you think I need to replace everything? I was planning on Draining gas and changing the fuel filter, Changing the oil, and flushing the cooling system. Do you think I need to do other fluids?

 

Got the switch put on with no problems. Thanks for all the help!

 

some elbow grease to the original paint, added the european-spec mirrors - that's about it. Lead a pampered So. Cal. life when I found it on ebay...

Fluids:
5 months is no biggie - BUT, were all these fluids CHANGED 5 months ago?? THAT is the Q! If there is no documentation to say just WHEN they were changed, I would assume the worst and change all of them.
Draining the gas a PITA with SAs cause there is NO drain in the tank Even syphoning won't get it all out. Best method (short of pulling the tank, and you aren't "there" yet) is pull driver rear tire, remove plastic protection panel in rear of fender well to reveal tank and SENDER unit - remove sender and drain thru there - you WILL NEED A NEW SENDER GASKET, which Mazda still makes - so have that in hand first!
You could chance-it and fill the rest of the tank with NEW gas instead and see if the mix will be OK to get her running - but change the fuel filter either way!

Enjoy tinkering-
have you gotten an FSM (Factory Service manual) and wiring diagram yet?? Both on ebay right NOW - worth their weight!!

Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

All my electrical is good, but it looks like I'm gonna have to rebuild the 12a. It is totally seized. I've tried the MMO trick with no luck...Any pointers?
Thanks
Step