flakbait42

hey everybody, i recently purchased an '85 rx7 and i'm loving it. thanks to all of you for hanging out here and unwittingly helping me make my decision.

i've never really been a car person, but i'm learning a lot through this, already replaced the filters and wires and spark plugs and the starter, and am in the process of some other minor stuff.

i just have a couple questions. is there a good place online i can look for parts? i'm trying to replace the hatch supports, but i can only find the w/o wiper variety. i checked victoria british already.

also, the previos owner replaced the battery shortly before i bought it, and to my horror the clamp that holds it down was pretty much rusted completely away. i've gotten a new clamp, but apparently this newer battery is a different size from the old one, and i can't find where the J screw is supposed to hook in at the bottom of the tray there doesn't seem to be a hole. anybody encountered this?

thanks

SERIES 1 XLR8

can't u just get the hatch supports re-gased(if it is the gas struts u r meaning)?

SERIES 1 XLR8

and these fullas have parts, dunno if u want anything other than the gas struts. www.rx7heaven.com

heb09

wish i could help you, but welcome to the forum

7aull

iTrader: (2)

Hi-
-gas support struts: most auto-parts stores sell aftermarket supports struts. I used StrongArm brand because (1) they have a lifetime warranty and (2) they include instructions to adapt the hardware and wire harness off your OLD strut that has all the bits that operate the rear wiper. OR, if your FABulously wealthy, mazda still sells the specialized strut for about $170 (!)
-parts bought on line:
-thepartstrader.com is a site where people buy and sell listed parts
-ebay is excellent if your careful (makes sure you search for stuff under the heading of "RX-7" AND "RX7"
-mazdaformance.com sells new bits supposedly at a discount.
-Victoria British sells a lot of new or aftermarket stuff, but it is an odd mixture of too expensive and super-INexpensive pieces. I always compare part prices with my local Mazda dealer to establish a fair baseline price.
-mazdatrix.com is another great site.
-frankly, the BEST place to get a lot of parts is off wrecks. Check your local yards or just keep an eye peeled for "dead" cars people haven't thrown away yet. usually sitting in a driveway or on the street. You can often get complete (!!) cars with bad motors for $100 - or less!! Spend a day or two stripping it and you'll have an amazing array of spare pieces...

Battery "J"mount: there SHOULD be a bracket on the battery platform on the RIGHT (Driver side) of the battery. If its been twisted or torn off, easiest to remove the battery and swap the platform out of a wreck. Only 4 bolts hold it in place BUT be forewarned, this is a rust area of the car. First hose down all the attahment bolts with some bolt-loosening spray, leave overnight then remove the next day. Old corroded bolts WILL shear off then your really in a pickle. SECOND: I urge you to spend some time in the fender area where the platform sat and thoroughly sand (steel wool and sandpaper) what is sure to be lots of rust, then buy some POR15 (por15.com) products and thoroughly treat and rust-protect this area. I used the black finishing POR 15 product, none of which is visible once the platform is re-installed. this POR is bullet proof once properly applied (easy job, too). I would even consider treating the "new" platform with the same POR stuff. Finishes to a nice hard gloss black.
Enjoy your car and welcome to the RX7 world
Stu Aull

slashdawg00110

Just in case you were wondering about the left side of the battery like I was when I found the batt hold-down in the storage bin, one end goes into a little hole on the radiator support. If you're using a non-standard size battery, you may not be able to use the stock battery holder.

inittab

Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the forum flakbait42! When you get an opportunity, take a look at the FAQ at the top of the forum. There's an entry in there for OEM and performance vendors.

Good luck!

Bob



Awesome post Stu!