I'm thinking of buying a well-maintained '86 RX-7.

The only thing about this deal that makes me hesitate is the possible shortage of parts. In particular: Body, suspension, and interior parts.

Is this concern realistic? If someone bangs into me, will I have to cross 3 time zones to find somebody with the right fender or quarterpanel?

What's your general impression?

Steve
Houston

 

Mazda still stocks nearly every part for the '86, though your local dealership probably won't have many items in stock and you may have to wait a few days for shipping.

I'm pretty sure 1986 was the year Mazda sold the most RX-7s ever (either that or '85) so there are loads of parts donor cars out there too. Given that you're in a major city, I suspect you have plenty of good junkyards in the vicinity (though I've never been to Houston, so I may be wrong).

I should add that the for sale section of this site is a great resource for buying used parts; I've gotten some great stuff here.

 

I appreciate the information, David.

Steve

 

Yea, and besides mazda, there are sites like rx7.com and a couple others that sell tons of parts for our cars. Youll almost always be able to find most of the parts on Ebay also.

 

well there are many different vendors (check the group buy and verdor sections)

www.mazdatrix.com
www.racingbeat.com
MAZDA
Mazda Motorsports ( must participate in sactioned racing to get discount)
Black Dragon Auto (formerly known as Victoria British)
www.corksport.com ( beware of insane prices)
www.ebay.com (you can find awesome deals sometimes but beware of Scammers.)

there are many more but i'm sure you'll come across them as you SEARCH the forum in the following months.