General Parts Questions 88 Convertible
10-12-09, 03:11 PM
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General Parts Questions 88 Convertible
Hey All,
I'm trying to track down a few odds and ends for the car and I'm not having too much luck...maybe someone could give me a preferred supplier.
1) Trunk lid support struts (again this is a convertible 88 non-turbo if that matters). I don't understand what is so special with these?? I'm going to pull one off and go down to checker and see if I can match one up. I think I may have seen some advertisement for these a while back, but they were around $40 each and I thought that was too much. Every other strut I put on different cars in the past was from around $16 to $22 each.
2) Antenna mast. Again I saw this on mazdatrix but I think is it was over $50 dollars. I have to pull the power antenna and find the brand, but Harada and Hirschmann, etc. I've gotten for around $60 to $70 new complete for other cars and I think the last mast I replaced was around $15.
3) I have a cracked clear lens under the driver's side headlight. Firstly, I don't quite understand the function. It has no bulb or wiring going to it and the back is a clear lens also, which indicates it would probably allow a light to shine through from the rear. The headlight would probably shine through this if it was on when it was in the down position. Don't understand if or how this could be done.
4) Fog light lenses. One of my fog lights is working, but neither of them have any lenses. I'll check out the bulb (are they replaceable?), and if so I could get a bulb for the one lamp, but I'm wondering if there are lenses that could be found seperately or do I need to replace the whole fog light? If so, where might I find them for a good price?
5) Underhood engine compartment insulation. The molded fiberglass black insulation under the hood is worn in a couple of areas. I can imagine spraying some sort of flat black paint in order to make it look much better, but I thought a nice touch would be to replace this if it is available somewhere. I wouldn't be interested in getting it from the dealer based on what I know they typically charge for almost anything on these cars.
I apologize for all the random parts, but I didn't want to create multiple threads. Basically, I'm trying to find out if there is a fair-priced supplier providing some of the body and trim type parts that you wouldn't find at a local Checker, etc. Or, are these types of parts just going to be expensive and hard to find?
Thanks in advance,
Jeff
I'm trying to track down a few odds and ends for the car and I'm not having too much luck...maybe someone could give me a preferred supplier.
1) Trunk lid support struts (again this is a convertible 88 non-turbo if that matters). I don't understand what is so special with these?? I'm going to pull one off and go down to checker and see if I can match one up. I think I may have seen some advertisement for these a while back, but they were around $40 each and I thought that was too much. Every other strut I put on different cars in the past was from around $16 to $22 each.
2) Antenna mast. Again I saw this on mazdatrix but I think is it was over $50 dollars. I have to pull the power antenna and find the brand, but Harada and Hirschmann, etc. I've gotten for around $60 to $70 new complete for other cars and I think the last mast I replaced was around $15.
3) I have a cracked clear lens under the driver's side headlight. Firstly, I don't quite understand the function. It has no bulb or wiring going to it and the back is a clear lens also, which indicates it would probably allow a light to shine through from the rear. The headlight would probably shine through this if it was on when it was in the down position. Don't understand if or how this could be done.
4) Fog light lenses. One of my fog lights is working, but neither of them have any lenses. I'll check out the bulb (are they replaceable?), and if so I could get a bulb for the one lamp, but I'm wondering if there are lenses that could be found seperately or do I need to replace the whole fog light? If so, where might I find them for a good price?
5) Underhood engine compartment insulation. The molded fiberglass black insulation under the hood is worn in a couple of areas. I can imagine spraying some sort of flat black paint in order to make it look much better, but I thought a nice touch would be to replace this if it is available somewhere. I wouldn't be interested in getting it from the dealer based on what I know they typically charge for almost anything on these cars.
I apologize for all the random parts, but I didn't want to create multiple threads. Basically, I'm trying to find out if there is a fair-priced supplier providing some of the body and trim type parts that you wouldn't find at a local Checker, etc. Or, are these types of parts just going to be expensive and hard to find?
Thanks in advance,
Jeff
10-12-09, 09:47 PM
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1) probably best to try the Checker 'match up' trick, that'll likely be the cheapest, I would NOT recommend buying 'used' ones as they will likely not last long.
2) you can put an aftermarket power antenna in, just have to do a relay to control it (search power antenna, you'll find it)
3) the clear lenses under your headlights are the "Flash To Pass" (FTP) lenses. They do allow the headlights to 'shine through' when they're down, allows you to flash them without raising them (good for letting truckers back infront of you as well as warning someone your going to pass. They show up in the classifieds for reasonable prices occasionally.
4) not sure about the fog light lenses
5) there are several aftermarket products available to replace the insulation under your hood, usually available in a 'bulk' format. opinions will vary on replacing it versus cleaning and painting it. Personally I say paint it, others will say replace it. Your choice.
2) you can put an aftermarket power antenna in, just have to do a relay to control it (search power antenna, you'll find it)
3) the clear lenses under your headlights are the "Flash To Pass" (FTP) lenses. They do allow the headlights to 'shine through' when they're down, allows you to flash them without raising them (good for letting truckers back infront of you as well as warning someone your going to pass. They show up in the classifieds for reasonable prices occasionally.
4) not sure about the fog light lenses
5) there are several aftermarket products available to replace the insulation under your hood, usually available in a 'bulk' format. opinions will vary on replacing it versus cleaning and painting it. Personally I say paint it, others will say replace it. Your choice.
10-12-09, 09:52 PM
#4
3) I have a cracked clear lens under the driver's side headlight. Firstly, I don't quite understand the function. It has no bulb or wiring going to it and the back is a clear lens also, which indicates it would probably allow a light to shine through from the rear. The headlight would probably shine through this if it was on when it was in the down position. Don't understand if or how this could be done.
Activate by pulling your light switch to the high beam setting. This will flash the lights- even though they're down- and it'll show through these lenses.
Not that any of our phone-calling, text-messaging, generally brain dead fellow drivers will any attention whatsoever.
10-12-09, 09:59 PM
#5
MECP Certified Installer
This is the "flash to pass" lens (commonly referred to as FTP).
Activate by pulling your light switch to the high beam setting. This will flash the lights- even though they're down- and it'll show through these lenses.
Not that any of our phone-calling, text-messaging, generally brain dead fellow drivers will any attention whatsoever.
Activate by pulling your light switch to the high beam setting. This will flash the lights- even though they're down- and it'll show through these lenses.
Not that any of our phone-calling, text-messaging, generally brain dead fellow drivers will any attention whatsoever.
Someone should do a flash to pass machine gun mod. I bet it would get some folks attention.
10-12-09, 10:39 PM
#7
4) Fog light lenses. One of my fog lights is working, but neither of them have any lenses. I'll check out the bulb (are they replaceable?), and if so I could get a bulb for the one lamp, but I'm wondering if there are lenses that could be found seperately or do I need to replace the whole fog light? If so, where might I find them for a good price?
fog lights? or the amber turn signal light? 88 with foglights?
fog lights? or the amber turn signal light? 88 with foglights?
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10-12-09, 10:43 PM
#8
Free mast.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mazda-Power-Ante...item58838762f4
Seriously, I bought one on ebay about 4 years ago and payed $15. I don't know where they went.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mazda-Power-Ante...item58838762f4
Seriously, I bought one on ebay about 4 years ago and payed $15. I don't know where they went.
10-13-09, 02:11 AM
#9
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mazda d/c these a few years ago. u can certainly TRY matching at the parts store but the 3 issues (length, lbs of lift, end fasteners) has stumped most.
some have gone to ONE strut with higher lift rating, but TOO MUCH LIFT will stress the hinges and lid which is aluminum.
there IS one company supplying a direct replacement.
others have home fab'd the ends (bolts/nuts/blocks and used struts from OTHER vehicles....
it's all posted, but here are 2 example threads...
https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/convertible-trunk-struts-697828/
https://www.rx7club.com/2nd-generation-specific-1986-1992-17/convertible-hatch-strut-693642/
the resource i found is in THIS thread.
https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...ghlight=struts
2. oem antenna mast from mazda dealer or junk yard it.
search convertible antenna
3. flash to pass lens, junk yard
4. NO fog lights on the 88s. must be after market a PICTURE would help
5. hood insulation is made to drop ONTO the engine in case of fire. a LOT of stuff can be used.
the fasteners are the big deal and THEY are available from many suppliers.
i WOULD NOT PAINT it the hood is aluminum. coating or painting is NOT gonna go well.
____________________
many of the tiny bits are STILL available from 1. mazda, 2. vendors here, 3. black dragon.
get a black dragon catalog (they are FREE) it is useful because is SHOWS so many of the tiny bits.
https://www.rx7club.com/new-member-rx-7-technical-256/victoria-british-black-dragon-858445/
mazdatrix and some of the other vendors LISTED IN THE VENDOR section have a LOT of bits...
but the car is 20+ years old and some stuff is no longer easily available....
for example a piece for the door might only be available for ONE side...
SOME STUFF IS EXPENSIVE, like a new hub or a taillight assembly, but these things ARE still available NEW...
parted out or used/old stuff is also available and takes MORE WORK to find.
anyone scrounging for bits isn't gonna give away a resource, it's like protecting your favorite fishing hole.
the car MAY have been inexpensive to purchase BUT the process of making it COMPLETE (with original bits) and current is NOT cheap.
either spend TIME or money on this...
____________________
ONE LONG THREAD on just your car might be better than many little ones on every issue or clusters of issues.
at the very least folks trying to help wouldn't have to search for other posts to sort out the car/background.
the simplest search word is 'convertible' as a title word....
there are only 250 threads in the ENTIRE forum with this title, many are useful 4 you.
https://www.rx7club.com/search.php?searchid=7914705
cheers
henry
Last edited by openrx; 10-13-09 at 02:15 AM.
10-13-09, 06:26 AM
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So,
Ironically, after matching up something to fit the trunk strut, I did find one that I tested. Using the ball/bolt from one of the shot struts I got it to work. The pressure is probably a bit much...I will test it further.
Thanks for the clue-in to the flash to pass...works...nice. I'll take some pics of the fog lights, but looking at the wiring I was thinking it was stock.
Slowly, but surely, I'm finding things out. Thanks to all for responding.
Jeff
Edit: Too funny Strong Arm 4524 installed and working AFTER I read the links above....THANKS.
Ironically, after matching up something to fit the trunk strut, I did find one that I tested. Using the ball/bolt from one of the shot struts I got it to work. The pressure is probably a bit much...I will test it further.
Thanks for the clue-in to the flash to pass...works...nice. I'll take some pics of the fog lights, but looking at the wiring I was thinking it was stock.
Slowly, but surely, I'm finding things out. Thanks to all for responding.
Jeff
Edit: Too funny Strong Arm 4524 installed and working AFTER I read the links above....THANKS.
Last edited by JEFF1988RX7SCOTTSDALE; 10-13-09 at 06:41 AM.
10-13-09, 09:11 AM
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10-13-09, 04:58 PM
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I tried to replace the trunk lid struts on my '90 convert and the dealer wanted about $280 PER SIDE. I couldn't find any aftermarket struts, but I did find a company in Canada that rebuilt them for about $120 US. The result is as good as the factory struts.
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