I just bought my 1988 RX-7 because I want to learn more about cars and I've always heard how easy they are to work on (we'll see about that).

Anyway, it's a convertible and the prev owner told me that the motor for it was broken... fair enough. The problem is: 1) I cant find the motor, 2) I cant even find a button for the top (so at this point, Im starting to question the existence of the aforementioned motor) 3) I cant figure out how to manually open the top; I found some latches on the inside of the top and cracked the plastic frame trying to pry it open... to no avail.

I read the policy about looking to the FAQ and doing a search of old messages prior to asking a question and I still couldn't find an answer to my problem.

Thanks for your help!

 

the button is to the right of your gauge cluster and the ebrake has to be up....i recomend reading the owners manual before you open the top...the motor is located behind the seats in with the spare tire just remove the four plastic turn screws and lift out the panel to access it..

 

...and I don't have an owners manual.

Thanks for the post though. I'll give that a go. Can the top be lowered manually somehow?

 

yes just release the locks on the windsheild and when you get it halfway down release the targa switch lock. It should fold down into the boot all the way. Check all of your fuses too. But the car must be stopped and the e-brake up to lower if your motors are working properly. I always used mine manualy though when i had my vert...........man i miss that car now that it is summer.

 

I have an 88 vert to and my switch quit working.....My top was stuck down and I took off the panels on the inside behind the door jambs and where the spare tire is....Then I disconnected the arms from the motors to the tops framework on both sides.....I just use it manually and it works fine for me...... Good luck.....I love my vert......

 

Thanks for your help, guys.

One more question. Does the RX-7 take regular, mid-grade or premium fuel?

 

For an N/A use 87.

 

"Anyway, it's a convertible and the prev owner told me that the motor for it was broken... fair enough. The problem is: 1) I cant find the motor"

When I first read this, I did not connect "convertible" with "motor". I thought you meant you couldn't find the engine.

 

Dont feel too stupid ultrataco, I too thought he ment engine. Then I went back and read it and figured it out.

 

Oh man... If i cant find the engine on a car, I should be forced to hand in my drivers license. Sorry about the confusing grammer in the first message.