Hey guys, I'm looking at picking up a 7. It has a few minor problems, U-joints are shot, brake rotors are warped, front/ rear bumpers need to be replaced along with the drivers side front quarter panel and of course paint.

First off I was wondering on how much u-joints usually cost, I haven't really looked in to it at all, I am familiar with what they are just not what they do. Also are these major problems? As far as I can tell the engine is in sound condition the body just needs a little work. Any estimation on how much it would cost to get all those problems fixed w/o paint?

Ty guys help is appreciated.

 

A forum search should help you find the parts. But for a rough idea of the prices before you buy:
Look up the u-joints at mazdatrix.com.
Brake rotors are relatively cheap. But normally "warped" rotors just have an uneven distribution of brake pad material on them and will gradually get better over time with proper care.
Body panels are about $200 each for thin, frail but decent looking aftermarket or about $500 for OEM. Yeah, that means $600-$1500 in your case. But if you hunt around at junkyards you can pick up good panels for just $30 each. That's a much better option. They might have a couple dings or scratches, but those can be fixed.
You can get a cheap looking paint job for about $300 or a good one for about $1500. DIY usually isn't worth it because of the cost of the equipment and the time involved the first time through.

Labor for most of the above except paint should be easy, just bolt-on. But the fender and front bumper may have rusted bolts, which would be a major pain to remove in the cramped spaces. The rear bumper bolts are inside the car, IIRC, and don't really rust.

A buyer's guide from aaroncake's site or another place will help you check the engine more carefully.

 

I was sure the U-joints are not replaceable on the FC. You have to bring it to a driveshaft shop to get it retrofited with a different yoke that has removable U-joints and then rebalance it.

 

*Newsflash*
The U-joints are replaceable

 

Actually good point. I don't think the U-joints are replaceable. You need to get a new driveshaft or do what ViperBart said. Some replacement driveshafts have replaceable U-joints. Anywayz I think mazdatrix.com explains all that and gives prices.

 

listen to this guy.

 

Those are major problems, not minor problems.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_joint

If you are short on cash and are not in a hurry, you could probably just keep on the lookout for a local RX-7 (same series as yours) for sale with a blown engine that you could pick up for about $300. Otherwise, you can compare prices for new parts on the Mazdatrix website.

Most people are better off buying a properly-assembled driveshaft rather than ghetto rigging it themselves.

 

i think the 1st gen u-joints are not replaceable

 

no. the 2nd gens stock u-joints are NOT replaceable or rebuild-able. i should know this, because i had to replace my drive shaft.(360 w/ shipping from mazdatrix)

 

Driveshafts for a N/A are a Dime a dozen..seeing as almost every guy that gets a N/a Thrives for "MAD POWA"after getting their RX7..used driveshaft is about 50 Bucks( I sold mine for 40..)..Brake rotors are Cheap..about 40 a piece..get new pads too..Front and Rear bumpers,you are looking at about 75 each..and a Fender about the same..So really you are not in Too bad of Shape..that is IF the engine is Ok..I have heard of Guys trying to Fix Worse..and if I knew that I could my car for what Half of the Pieces of Crap that I have read about.sold for,My car would have went for 10 K!.,.good luck man..

 

The u-joints ARE replaceable. Once you modify the driveshaft. lol