so now I cannot open the door from the inside! Have to use the outside door handle to open.

Any of you rx-7 geniuses here have a fix?

I did a search but didn't find any solutions. Sorry if this has already been coverred

Thx

 

Just pull the door panel (easy), carefully cut apart the underlaying plastic water shield (you'll want to tape it back together after) and check the rod that runs from the handle to the door lock mechanism at the back door edge. Rods are held in place with a simple little plastic clip, which, if broken, would let the rod separate from the release mechanism. Might want to chase down the clip(s) first (all the same for each of the 3 rods in the door) so you don't have to drive around with a door panel off. Stupidly easy to repair-
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

If it is the little clips, they are fairly universal across a whole range of cars....

I found a packet of universal replacement ones from my local cheap auto parts store, the kind of store that sells 148 peice socket sets for $35...those shitty autoparts stores do come in handy at times...Ha!

Cam...

 

it is the the shiney chrome plated handle you pull on to open the door, that is broken

The eternal shade tree mechanic's question: "why can't car makers use universal parts?"

Does every car model need it own special door handle? Guess they think that door handles really define the car's character. What does my car's door handles say about me as a person???

3rd gen leads with 4 busted interior door handle links
1st and 2nd are tied with 1 link apeace

 

it sez you don't know yer own strength!
changing door handle even easier!
-pull panel
-2 x 10mm bolts, detach rod - swap!
The door handle is universal for all SA FB RX7s AFAIK - other than color issues- in fact I think EITHER side will interchange-!
One warning tho: the little rubber donuts the door panel clips pop into in the door will be rotted out - don't know if mazda still sells these - otherwise you can go to VictoriaBritish.com and order the SUNBEAM TIGER versions at about 25 cents each - need 22 of them
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

7uall,

SA fb rx7 afaik, is the the victoria british part number?

1st I will try JB Weld.

Trouble with getting one from a wrecker, is that it will be at least 20 years old. I was hoping to find something new and universal at my local auto parts store.

 

I broke the chrome handle once, many years ago, by tugging too hard and not realizing that it wouldn't popup the lock. Got a replacement from mazdatrix for $10, and since then I've stockpiled a couple from the PnP.

 

shame to got to all the work, JB it, have it -maybe - fail and have to yank it all apart again. SAs are metal so should last nicely, tho I think some later FBs are plastic?? Should swap out tho -
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska

 

had the door apart so many times,

window regular, outside handle, arm rest, lock, and now inside handle

......I know exactly what tools I need!!

 

The plastic ones on my 1979's are very fragile.
I have replaced one with the chromed metal type.
I could use 3 more metal inside handles.
Dennis L. Cote