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Rebuild Project 1987 GXL RX-7
06-28-08, 02:54 AM
#1
The One Without
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Rebuild Project 1987 GXL RX-7
I was originally planning on getting rid of this car because I had originally bought it for my brother (If you can call him that 
) and well after he had completely destroyed the dash and most of the inside of the car he decided that he no longer wanted it and gave it back to me. So at first I was looking at it and figured that I was out of 3,000. He had stripped the dash, gotten rid of the gauge cluster, thrown out the AC unit, and all of the wiring is all over the place just hanging about. Basically all that's left in the car in some interior, the firewall, the steering wheel and column, the wiring, and the seats. So after getting extremely pissed off at him (Which I still am BTW) I decided that I would rebuild this car no matter how long it takes me. So here are a few details.
On the good side the car runs great he borrowed over 1,200 dollars and put in a few new parts I really don't know which I know most are a brand called corksport. Because I am a computer Geek and I pretty much know nothing about cars I am in need of a lot of help. but I really like this car and I will rebuild it not matter what even if it means doing a majority of the work myself.
OK so the Bad I need a new gauge cluster so that I know the readings for the car, a complete new dash, new interior, new seats, new ac unit, new ac motor, Interior, and new seats. That's all I can think of for the moment though.
So if anyone can or is willing to give assistance I would really be great full. Also yes I know I am either completely insane or completely stupid for wanting to do all of this myself but I will learn how to now matter what and no one is going to stop me either.
P.S. Watch out computer geek on the loose with a wrench.
) and well after he had completely destroyed the dash and most of the inside of the car he decided that he no longer wanted it and gave it back to me. So at first I was looking at it and figured that I was out of 3,000. He had stripped the dash, gotten rid of the gauge cluster, thrown out the AC unit, and all of the wiring is all over the place just hanging about. Basically all that's left in the car in some interior, the firewall, the steering wheel and column, the wiring, and the seats. So after getting extremely pissed off at him (Which I still am BTW) I decided that I would rebuild this car no matter how long it takes me. So here are a few details.On the good side the car runs great he borrowed over 1,200 dollars and put in a few new parts I really don't know which I know most are a brand called corksport. Because I am a computer Geek and I pretty much know nothing about cars I am in need of a lot of help. but I really like this car and I will rebuild it not matter what even if it means doing a majority of the work myself.
OK so the Bad I need a new gauge cluster so that I know the readings for the car, a complete new dash, new interior, new seats, new ac unit, new ac motor, Interior, and new seats. That's all I can think of for the moment though.
So if anyone can or is willing to give assistance I would really be great full. Also yes I know I am either completely insane or completely stupid for wanting to do all of this myself but I will learn how to now matter what and no one is going to stop me either.
P.S. Watch out computer geek on the loose with a wrench.
06-28-08, 02:37 PM
#2
1988 Mazda RX-7 SE
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Wow! Someone who's like me! I'm a bit of a nerd myself, and don't know much about mechanics, the people here are usually very friendly - and I'm sure you'll find someone to help you out.
06-28-08, 04:00 PM
#3
Go for it. Lots of parts at the junkyard. Download the FSM. Buy a Haynes manual and get to work. I didn't really know much about cars before I got into 7's and now a few years down the road I've fixed most major issues with the car and learned a whole lot about how it works and what is the cause of most issues. I think if you apply yourself and aren't afraid to ask questions (after searching of course!) you can do just about anything you want. There's more than enough information here to accomplish what you're trying to do.
06-28-08, 09:54 PM
#5
Senior Member
Go for it. Lots of parts at the junkyard. Download the FSM. Buy a Haynes manual and get to work. I didn't really know much about cars before I got into 7's and now a few years down the road I've fixed most major issues with the car and learned a whole lot about how it works and what is the cause of most issues. I think if you apply yourself and aren't afraid to ask questions (after searching of course!) you can do just about anything you want. There's more than enough information here to accomplish what you're trying to do.
06-29-08, 12:00 AM
#6
I started out as a Nerd, then I moved to cars. Lots of the same skills applied for cars that applied in being a nerd. Wanna know why? Because nerds use there resources very well. Ive never asked anyone not on the internet how to do anything that retains to my car. Ive done a Full T2 swap and a 6 Port Turbo. Everyone asks me how I magicly got tons of car knowledge, simple, I read.
You're more then welcome to PM me anytime you have a question and Ill try to help, I know my post count isnt high but Ive spent more time reading then asking, because usualy the question is already awnsered on this board.
~Chris
You're more then welcome to PM me anytime you have a question and Ill try to help, I know my post count isnt high but Ive spent more time reading then asking, because usualy the question is already awnsered on this board.
~Chris
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06-29-08, 05:31 PM
#8
The One Without
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OK for some reason I cannot edit my original post so here goes I have a bit of an update. In my original post I asked for help in locating an ac unit but in fact what I am looking for is a blower motor for my car. Silly me I am still learning what all of the parts that I need are called 
06-30-08, 12:51 AM
#9
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Okay not being able to edit my previous posts is kinda silly but whatever. Anyways I have just rented the car trailer and I will be picking it up and moving the car to my home in California on the 3rd of July. So heres hoping nothing goes wrong so that I can start the rebuild soon.
07-02-08, 11:23 PM
#10
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OK so here we go more questions and pictures. OK so I got the 7 running today with a make shift gauge cluster and warning light cluster. Starts fine sounds great. But when I took it for a test drive I keep getting a repeating beeping sound but the only warning light that I got was to add coolant. OK no problem I pulled over at the gas station and topped it off. But on my way back I got the same repeating beeping but this time no warning lights whatsoever. So hence to say I am a bit confused.
So anyways I am going to go ahead and add some photo's of the car. I know that some of you are going to be shocked and heart broken over what this car looks like so please take this as an early warning. I have also noticed that I have an exhaust leak somewhere in the middle of the car. I know that is not the most accurate description of where the problem lies but still. So what would be the best was to seal that up or do I need to like replace that part of the exhaust completely.
OK so finally my last question for the day is something simple. The control panel that turns the AC/Heat on is that the Logicon Unit or what would that be called. Thanks for the help in Advance.
P.s More photo's on the way
So anyways I am going to go ahead and add some photo's of the car. I know that some of you are going to be shocked and heart broken over what this car looks like so please take this as an early warning. I have also noticed that I have an exhaust leak somewhere in the middle of the car. I know that is not the most accurate description of where the problem lies but still. So what would be the best was to seal that up or do I need to like replace that part of the exhaust completely.
OK so finally my last question for the day is something simple. The control panel that turns the AC/Heat on is that the Logicon Unit or what would that be called. Thanks for the help in Advance.
P.s More photo's on the way
Last edited by Dark_Knight; 07-02-08 at 11:25 PM. Reason: Corrent Spelling
07-02-08, 11:28 PM
#12
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When did the beeping happen? If it was when you were at high RPM's then it might have been the Redline buzzer. It buzzes when you get into the redline (which from what i hear is actually good for the RX7).
If that is not the case then your guess is as good as mine, my car is not running yet...
If that is not the case then your guess is as good as mine, my car is not running yet...
07-02-08, 11:31 PM
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OK so with this next set of Photo's I have this white plastic box like thing. I believe it to be the vents for controlling air flow from the AC/Heat I am right or is this something else?
07-02-08, 11:34 PM
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The beeping happens as I drive down the road but I am barely doing 40 MPH that is why I am a bit on the confused side. OK this is the last set of photo's if anyone would like to see more I will take some but until then I am hoping for some good replies thanks in advance for everyone's help.
10-26-08, 10:23 PM
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OK so after a few months here is an update to what's going on with me and my rebuild. I just installed the new heater core and the car is running even better now. I have found a parts supplier and they are cutting me a good deal with everything that I need right now. So today I broke my gauge cluster bezel trying to get some rusty screws out and well it broke in half so now I have to order one of those as well T T.
So as of right now I have gotten the new heater core installed and I am working on getting my instrument panel to read rpm's while the car is running. but since I am not having any luck I have ordered myself a new gauge cluster and the wiring harness that it hooks to. I just hope that is the problem and nothing more complicated.
So anyways that's what I have been up to with my 7 the rebuild is taking longer than I thought but money is also tight. So I will update when I have some more parts installed. later.
So as of right now I have gotten the new heater core installed and I am working on getting my instrument panel to read rpm's while the car is running. but since I am not having any luck I have ordered myself a new gauge cluster and the wiring harness that it hooks to. I just hope that is the problem and nothing more complicated.
So anyways that's what I have been up to with my 7 the rebuild is taking longer than I thought but money is also tight. So I will update when I have some more parts installed. later.
Last edited by Dark_Knight; 10-26-08 at 10:25 PM. Reason: corrected spelling
10-27-08, 12:36 PM
#18
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Trailing coil: First check the one in the car as per the FSM.
Next, if it is bad, take the old one out. It is like 2 or 4 bolts that hold it in on the back of the driver's side shock tower.
Also, that car is an SE, not a GXL. (4 bolt wheels among other things).
Next, if it is bad, take the old one out. It is like 2 or 4 bolts that hold it in on the back of the driver's side shock tower.
Also, that car is an SE, not a GXL. (4 bolt wheels among other things).
10-27-08, 01:05 PM
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yo man did you ever find out why the "add coolant" warning comes up?
That happens to me too
I will fill it up with coolant, but soon after I start driving it starts buzzing, I don't understand why.
(I'm such a noob :/)
That happens to me too
I will fill it up with coolant, but soon after I start driving it starts buzzing, I don't understand why.
(I'm such a noob :/)
Last edited by hICHEW; 10-27-08 at 01:08 PM.
10-27-08, 01:15 PM
#20
I have an se myself.
I may be able to help you out with a crack-free dash (you're going to have to find a glove box though as mine is in peices currently) and i do have a gauge cluster as well, also crack-free.
It's non cruise and i took the pop-up **** off since my gxl **** was missing. It's the **** that just opens the headlights, not the one that opens them AND turns them on.
I have seats in ok condition. A few of the usual small rips and tears but nothing major. I'll let them go cheap since they'll cost a little bit to ship.
Definately check your trailing coil. I have two extras that aren't doing anything if you need one.
Just shoot me a pm and we can work something out. I have ALOT of parts i dont plan on using any time soon. See my sig?
BTW, i'm not 100 percent sure on this so take this with a grain of salt. Your coolant buzzer may be going off due to bubbles in your coolant. What i would try is burping the coolant system. Take the cap off and run the car until bubbles stop comming up. If it never stops, your coolant seals may be shot. If the bubbles stop, cap it, cut the car off after letting it warm up and unplug the battery for 5 minutes or so to reset the computer. That's just what I would do. Maybe somebody else can chime in on this?
I may be able to help you out with a crack-free dash (you're going to have to find a glove box though as mine is in peices currently) and i do have a gauge cluster as well, also crack-free.
It's non cruise and i took the pop-up **** off since my gxl **** was missing. It's the **** that just opens the headlights, not the one that opens them AND turns them on.
I have seats in ok condition. A few of the usual small rips and tears but nothing major. I'll let them go cheap since they'll cost a little bit to ship.
Definately check your trailing coil. I have two extras that aren't doing anything if you need one.
Just shoot me a pm and we can work something out. I have ALOT of parts i dont plan on using any time soon. See my sig?
BTW, i'm not 100 percent sure on this so take this with a grain of salt. Your coolant buzzer may be going off due to bubbles in your coolant. What i would try is burping the coolant system. Take the cap off and run the car until bubbles stop comming up. If it never stops, your coolant seals may be shot. If the bubbles stop, cap it, cut the car off after letting it warm up and unplug the battery for 5 minutes or so to reset the computer. That's just what I would do. Maybe somebody else can chime in on this?
Last edited by NoPistons!; 10-27-08 at 01:29 PM.
10-28-08, 12:43 AM
#21
The One Without
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Thanks for all of the help in getting my 7 fixed guys also NoPistons I shot you off a pm. As for the coolant problems I will try burping it tomorrow but so far it have only asked for coolant once after the install of the heater core so I will keep an eye on it and see what happens.
Last edited by Dark_Knight; 10-28-08 at 12:48 AM.
10-30-08, 10:52 PM
#22
The One Without
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Yep....
So I was driving home from my gym today and it started to rain pretty well this is when I discovered that my windshield wipers do not work. So can anyone tell me how to test them to see what part of the windshield wipers are bad?, Also can anyone tell me how to find the section of my cars FSM that contains reference to the trailing coil?, because so far I yet to be able to find it and it is starting to bug me. Thanks for all of the help in advance later.
