MortarArmy

Wrong section for an introduction i know, but whatever.

Long time lurker, first time RX7 owner. Purchased an 85 GSL this weekend. She's in rough shape, along with her parts car GS sister. But, the GSL does run, drive and all of that good stuff, but the body is a little rough. The GS has a good body, but has been sitting for years with the windows down.


Car has unknown miles, probably quiet a few. Body is pretty rough, suspension is shot, interior is filthy, but mostly salvageable.

Today began my project. Updates, and plans to follow. First step is to get it road worthy and to strip the parts car down, get the fenders, doors, nose panel and bumpers swapped over.

Today I got the stuff stripped from my driver. Tomorrow I hope to get it put back together with the replacements.

Next trick will be to tackle the suspenion/steering. Currently, Im thinking everything needs to be replaced. There's about 3-4" of play in the steering wheel Not good huh?

Well, here's how she looked yesterday.






And here's how she sits now.

bstrange99

That's funny. the dog's looking like "What the hell is that thing?"
before you start ripping the front suspension to pieces, check the idler arm. it's a weak point and will cause a LOT of play. new bushings are only around twenty bucks, and ten minutes to install.
Good luck with it. You should have a lot of fun with it.
Brian

MortarArmy

Ive got some lateral movement on the lower big nut on the bottom of the steering box. That cant be a good thing.

That wasnt today's priority, but I might throw it back on the lift tomorrow and see if it can be tightened.

I just spend the last 20 minutes or so searching through the forum trying to find a non-crazy expensive rack and pinion setup. Is there no such thing?

bstrange99

the great thing about the rack and pinion setups is that they're not onle really expensive, but are a pain in the *** to install. you can bolt in a second gen subframe fairly easy.

MortarArmy

Ok, if i order/install these parts (assuming by steering box isnt junk) should that cover most of the bases? What other bushings are there to replace? Also, if my steering box is junk, can I use the one from my 83 GS?

Idler Arm x1
MOOG Part # K9369

Idler Arm Bushing x1
BECK/ARNLEY Part # 1013815

Tie Rod Center Stud x2
BECK/ARNLEY Part # 1013590

Tie Rod Ends

Outer x2
SPICER/RAYBESTOS Part # 4011266 {Professional Grade}

Inner x2
SPICER/RAYBESTOS Part # 4011267 {Professional Grade}

Pitman Arm x1
SPICER/RAYBESTOS Part # 4451023 {Professional Grade}


Thanks.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

nice sparkling black metallic GSL!!! rare color combo, black with grey. at any rate, i seem to restor one 7 per year and i always use energy suspension bushings. i just ordered a set from this place:
http://www.energysuspensionparts.com...s.asp?cat=1229

MortarArmy

^sparkling huh?

I doubt this thing has "sparkled" much in 10+ years.

When it gets repainted though, Ill go with the original color.

MortarArmy

Spent 7hrs disassembling and reassembling the 2 cars last night.

Now, im tired as crap, but the car is back in once piece. If anyone needs an 84 GS shell, lemme know.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

what color is the shell? and yes the original color of your GSL is Sparkling Black Metallic and is color code H1. the last sparkling black car that i had didnt sparkle much either, lol. pretty dull it was..

MortarArmy

the shell is that bluish silver color.

MortarArmy

Amazing what straight panels that arent covered in flaking clear will do for a car

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

looks good save for the left light. whats going on there? plan on painting it soon?

MortarArmy

What about the left light?

The nose panel is kinda jacked up, going to have to replace that, but its better than the original one for now.

Once I get it mechanically sound, find some seats that arent destroyed and some door panels, ill finish up the body work, fix the dings ect. Not sure which color im going to go with, sort of leaning towards the blueish/silver of my replacement panels, but i dunno.

mazdaverx713b

iTrader: (91)

the left headlight looks to be slightly raised above the header panel andhood and cocked to the right..

MortarArmy

I dont think it is, the damage to that panel is right next to the light, so its not sitting quite right.

Hyper4mance2k

iTrader: (40)

Looks like actually the headlight assembly is bent and twisted a little. Just pry it staight. Otherwise great stary. Grey interior for the win!!

MortarArmy

^too bad its in pretty terrible condition. Drivers seat is completly shot, passanger side isnt much better. Carpets are pretty nasty as well.