OK I just got my 1984 GSL delivered that I promised myself I would restore for my god son. It needs paint and bodywork, engine looks original but I'm sure needs a rebuild and I don't want him to drive it for awhile and have it go if it is good enough for now. I won't be around to help because I have terminal cancer and hope to do this one last thing. I have had many first gens but am not that handy really so it's a big challenge. Now what lol, do I do body and paint first or rip out the engine and do that first.
I am sourcing parts I need at the moment but after that???

Can those of you that have done this before think back to you being a green horn and make a list of proper tools I will need to do this in my garage. What jacks are good, jack stands ect.

Thank you very much guys this means alot to me and I hope to stay healthy long enough to see this through and surprise my god son.

 

Ive done multiple restorations. I would remove everthing out of engine bay including motor, tranny, clutch/brake related part, electrical harness & other electrical related parts ( buy the ziptie with a label from harbor freight), radiator/panel and battery tray. Rad panels and battery tray are parts that i prefer to paint myself. I didnt mention oil cooler since you have an 84. For exhaust, keep the manifold in tack but unbolt it from the downpipe (be sure to soak the nuts/bolts with wd40 or similar as they can be bitch to remove

Tools: jackstands, floor jack, cherry picker, typical socket/wrench set (10, 12, 14 & 17-19 are commonly used), screwdriver as well as tiny one to unclip the electrical harness.

Feel free to ask me via pm if necessary. Been there, done that and im currently working on a fb which im giving to my 15yo nephew

 

Sorry to hear of your predicament, but I can totally get why you'd want to finish this for your God-son in time for him to appreciate the gift. That said - please prioritize your time wisely and put it into the things that matter most. The car will be a memory whether you finish it or not, and maybe involve him in some of the rebuild work will go far toward him really appreciating what you're doing for him.

That said, paint is only cosmetic - if the car needs engine work to get it up and running, then focus on that first. Later on, after it's running well it's far easier to drive it to a paint shop and let them keep it for 5-7 days of prep followed by spray and you/he can pick up a beautiful running and looking car to finish the project.

Harbor Freight will have a lot of the simple tools you'll need, but Id' recommend a full-size floor jack to start with. Jack stands (2) are handy for keeping it supported and you'll find many uses for them.

Good luck, and get started - we'll be here to offer help and suggestions if you show good pictures when you get stuck. Take care, and make the time you have count.

 

Depending on the miles, it may not need a rebuild. If it runs good and has good compression no need to immediately rebuild it. Mine has 147k on the original engine and runs great...

 

I couldn't say anything better than what's been said already, but I can say I agree with doing the engine first. Any shop out there can do paint work, but not everyone can do rotary work. So do the engine first. Oh and check out the Gerson Miracle online. It's pretty good stuff.

 

Kind of depends on how thorough of a "restoration" you want to / need to / can afford to perform. If the enging is comming out for a rebuild, I'd yank that out first and see what you have. Some parts like good housings can be scarce or expensive and may take a bit to find. If you do get delayed for whatever reason, you could begin on the body work while you have complete assess to the engine bay.

 

Thanks guys, with some friends that are mechanics and you guys and my fellow canadian forum RX-7 enthusiasts I hope we can get this done. I wish I could involve my god son but he lives in another province so no dice.
One more 7 on the road would be good, I have not seen more than a couple in years. Plus I can't wait to see his face when I hand over the keys.

 

I'd yank everything apart like others have said. I would then do the body work and any painting/powder coating first. Then when that's done or close to done rebuild the engine. This way you don't have a fresh rebuild sitting around until your ready for it.