Hello, Im getting a parts car this weekend. its 79-85 body style. Whats the easiest way to get an acurate year for it? and what things should I take from it and put on my 79 if its a newer model??

 

The 79 models have a serial number of SA22C500001 to 568500
The 80 models have a serial number of SA22C568501 to 650000
For cars 81 through 85 there is a letter that designates year, the tenth digit of the VIN number will be a letter
B-1981
C-1982
D-1983
E-1984
F-1985

I found all this info in my black dragon automotive catalog. As for things you should take for your 79, the only main thing i can think of is the electronic distributor if you havent already put one in.

 

Yea i found the vin info in the faq..... after posting.... What about possibly a limited slip rear end? :-) I havent even seen the parts car, but the guy getting it for me has seen mine and said the engine is the same, and its the same body style..... so it could be any year... :-\ Unfortunately I do already have an electronic distributor in my 79 :-( or perhaps that should be "Fortunately I do already have an electronic distributor in mine :-)"

 

I like your usage of the FAQ section. Kudos to you. Swapping the LSD shouldn't be too difficult. You will just need new rear brake lines and use whatever driveshaft is with the LSD car. Depending on interior conditions you can swap most parts thru 1983. 1984 and 1985 changed interiors. Since he said same motor, I'll take it that it won't be a GSL-SE otherwise I'd say swap the whole suspension

 

See I heard this from the guy who knows the guy who pretty much has a junk yard. He can get it for sure. Should get it this weekend. I hope it is a better one than mine, but i suppose for..... free its a hella good deal for parts even if its exactly the same car! maybe even better because then all the parts will be replacements.... thanks for your info. K.C.

 

If the parts car has stock exhaust/emissions parts in good shape, and you don't need 'em... lets talk! (I hoard against future need)

 

build date on the data plate is another good place. also if the hood is original and has the correct vacuum hose routing diagram sticker, it lists the year of the vehicle. interior is also a dead give away of the series. or just post a pic...

 

You can decode vin's here:

http://www.rotaryregistry.com/decode_vin.php

Good luck
G-man

 

Rejects my SA VIN: "Does not appear to be a valid rx7 VIN"

EDIT: Pffft... wanted caps only, no lower case

 

I just fixed the code. It'll accept lower and upper case vins now. Thanks for the info.

 

Glad my stupidity could aid the cause!