hello all,

Does anyone have any special tips on replacing the outer window strips ??

It doesnt look very hard, yet I know there is a lot of experience out there,and any special tips would be appreciated, if needed.

I have ordered 2 new ones from mazda and will be replacing them next weekend,
as my original ones are showing a little sign of wear.


A few pics of my 88 turbo I took today.
I like to keep my cars looking as original as possible, and this one is really a special car.
I have spent a few years restoring it where needed. I rebuilt the engine and replaced every component with mazda NOS parts from the dealer.
Dozens of switches, all new vac hoses, oil lines, all new everything, where needed. If it looked even a little wear, I replaced it.

The interior is original and stock. A few new new trim pieces also. Looks flawless.

All original exterior paint on car. For a 21 year old black car, it still looks great.

I have decided to repaint the front bumper, as it needs it, to really match the rest of the car.... it has paint chips, as the front bumpers often do. Maybe next year.
It still looks passable, though.

The driver side door also needs a 4" by 2 " spot repainted. The original owners said a thief knocked a hole in it, trying to open the door, to take the radio.
The repair has been started and the surface is flat, ready for paint.

I went with all new mazda parts, thruout. Yeah, it was expensive. I feel worth it.
I like the original stock look and feel. The way the designers did it.
Flaws and all, ha.

All drivetrain, shocks, suspension,etc is original too, and it all still feels extremely tight, very glued to the road. It does drive like a new car.
I especially like the way the car turns. Effortlessly and on a dime.

I did replace the rear mufflers, one had a hole in it. Kinda funny... mazda said they had 3 original turbo mufflers left, in japan, so I got the last 2, they said.
They still do make most of the parts... I used the cd/microfiche to find them all.

The entire car really finished very nice, looks super and drives rock solid.
I have always been impressed with the fit and finish of mazdas.

Seeing how rare these cars are becoming, I wont be selling it, its a keeper, too much time and money into it. 76,000 miles on car, about 3 on engine.
It gets babied now.

I havent downloaded pics on here yet, I will give it a try...

I have enjoyed Mazda rx-7s for over 22 years... and these cars really do have soul.

Any advice on the weatherstrip thing is appreciated, thanks all !

 

I see there is another thread listing for non technical and with pics, I will make a
seperate post there with the restoration pics.

 

lookin forward to the pics!

 

Thanks, I have made a thread in the pics and non tech forum threads, and added
several pics. Its under ' 88 restoration '.

Anyone with the weatherstrip info, special tips, etc, thats cool too..

 

the first project I ever did to an Rx-7 was replace this hideous rusted window strips. The new ones are made of a rubberized plastic thing (instead of the rust prone metal from the 80's) and they are nice and shiny. It really makes a big difference IMO. All you need to do is put the window down, remove the door panel, and then they will pop right off. You'll see what I mean.

 

^ probably need to take the mirror off as well. the old rusty ones are usually a bitch to remove.