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My FD3S Restoration - Questions & Advice Needed

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Old 12-03-16, 04:28 PM
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Thumbs up My FD3S Restoration - Questions & Advice Needed

Well,
After almost a decade I am back into a FD. I purchased a 1993 BB from someone in Florida and am going to be getting the car up to snuff both inside and out.

To be clear, this is not build thread but going to be for questions that I have regarding the interior of the car.

The car came with 94 black plastics and Dave's (FD3Boost) alcantara interior which is a very good start. The only bad part is that it has that horrid caramel tan carpet in it. I already ordered new black carpet from Stock Interiors. I know its not the greatest but its mostly going to be covered by seats and mats so that isnt a big deal.

As I am getting the car apart, I am noticing that there a lot of small missing things that are not there due to the previous owner rushing to get the car back together before being shipped to me.

#1 - It is missing the rear speaker brackets. Already trying to source these and have new Rockford 6x8s on their way

#2 - The trunks is bare aside from the plastics. What pieces am I going to need to get the trunk area back to stock looking condition? Already have a carpet ordered

#3 - Aside from the bolts on the rear bins, the quarter panel plastics are all missing their screws. What screws should I be using for these?

More questions to come as I get through this build.

Thanks!
Old 12-03-16, 04:59 PM
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A privacy cover would be nice for the back. These fit very well.

https://www.rx7club.com/group-buy-pr...p-buy-1103677/
Old 12-03-16, 05:49 PM
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Thanks for the link. That is a little lower on my list for things to get right now.
Old 12-03-16, 06:23 PM
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In the interior/audio section I posted a thread about making your own rear speaker brackets if you're inclined. Just a heads up.
Old 12-03-16, 08:35 PM
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you should go google for the parts catalog. there is a learning curve to getting to know it, but once you do, it does tell you exactly what needs to be where.

i am in the early stages of making a Mazda to part number to bolt size (and plating), list, but suffice to say the interior screws are mostly the same type. Mazda does sell all the hardware, but its expensive, for interior screws your best bet is any Mazda in the junkyard, as they basically use the same hardware on every Japanese built car
Old 12-04-16, 11:57 AM
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Ive tried to search for various area part diagrams but its been tough to find. I was able to track down the rear speaker brackets and they should be on their way. Got new 6x8 on order as well.

As far as a junk yard, Id almost rather get new as the time/effort to get out there, pull the screws/bolts etc it would end up costing the same relatively.
Old 12-04-16, 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by su_maverick
Ive tried to search for various area part diagrams but its been tough to find. I was able to track down the rear speaker brackets and they should be on their way. Got new 6x8 on order as well.

As far as a junk yard, Id almost rather get new as the time/effort to get out there, pull the screws/bolts etc it would end up costing the same relatively.
Foxed.ca - Mazda RX-7 Manuals

all the books we know about are up there
Old 12-13-16, 06:33 PM
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Originally Posted by su_maverick
Ive tried to search for various area part diagrams but its been tough to find. I was able to track down the rear speaker brackets and they should be on their way. Got new 6x8 on order as well.

As far as a junk yard, Id almost rather get new as the time/effort to get out there, pull the screws/bolts etc it would end up costing the same relatively.
You will find many interior parts are no longer available new. If you buy new it's going to be expensive.
I have changed out a carpet and it means completely removing the interior including the dash. Be careful not to break tabs on the plastics. There is a learning curve to this. I recommend taking your time, having plenty of room to work so you aren't stepping on parts you have already taken off.
When you pull the dash you will need to support the steering column. You can use an upside down bucket or something. I think I tied mine with rope up through the sunroof and inside the drivers window.

The heater core is tricky. You can probably rip the old carpet out or cut around the heater core as you won't see it when the dash is back in. The new carpet is difficult to get under the heater core anyway so trim it as needed.

I've done what you are doing. I rate it as moderate to difficult.

When putting everything back you may want to pick up new clips and fasteners that you break, lose, are missing. This way the interior won't rattle and drive you crazy.
Cheaper getting here than at Mazda.
Mazda Clips And Fasteners
Old 12-13-16, 09:22 PM
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Interior is actually back together now with new speakers and new wires. Im now trying to find the horn wire as apparently someone had put in an aftermarket wheel at some point and the entire green/red wire is missing from under the steering column.
Old 12-13-16, 11:52 PM
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Put it in the microwave!

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How's the quality on the new rear speakers?
Old 12-14-16, 06:21 AM
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Originally Posted by kensin
How's the quality on the new rear speakers?
Havent gotten everything hooked up with the stereo yet. The engine build is coming back soon so Ive moved on to getting prepped for that. The plan is to work the small stuff out like stereo while waiting on bigger stuff to come in.


Old 12-14-16, 08:41 AM
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How do you like the fit of the StockInteriors.com carpet? I've been looking to replace my nasty tan carpet and it seems like a nice option since it is so difficult to find OEM.
Old 12-14-16, 09:10 AM
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Its not bad considering its mostly covered up. It is not a direct drop in as you will need to trim it to get it to fit perfect. I didnt mind this considering the car is down for restoration anyway. What i did is pulled the old carpet and did a rough trim to get it roughly in the same shape as the origional carpet and then did find trimming when it was in the car. So far I am happy with it and will see how it further settles in as it spends more time contouring to the interior.
Old 12-14-16, 09:53 AM
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YOu can take better pics sir
Old 12-14-16, 10:16 AM
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Its a dark garage with an all black interior. Im not trying to win any photography classes right now.

If anyone wants to follow the whole build, I created a page on Facebook rather than update 5 different forums - https://www.facebook.com/BlackbirdRX7/
Old 12-14-16, 10:24 AM
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There is a "carpet support" panel that sits on top of the spare tire. It acts to keep the rear carpet flat. I would take it out for a photo, but I have a subwoofer that I dont want to remove to take a picture.
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Old 12-14-16, 10:28 AM
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Originally Posted by adam c
There is a "carpet support" panel that sits on top of the spare tire. It acts to keep the rear carpet flat. I would take it out for a photo, but I have a subwoofer that I dont want to remove to take a picture.
Perfect! That is exactly what I needed to see. Thank you!
Old 12-14-16, 04:09 PM
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It's a pretty dorky piece--it just sits there without being mounted to anything. :P

For the screws, if you call a dealership they should be able to help you out--I was missing a screw for the headlight surround and they found the proper part number for me. $1.30 for a screw. Nice.
Old 12-15-16, 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by su_maverick
Its not bad considering its mostly covered up. It is not a direct drop in as you will need to trim it to get it to fit perfect. I didnt mind this considering the car is down for restoration anyway. What i did is pulled the old carpet and did a rough trim to get it roughly in the same shape as the origional carpet and then did find trimming when it was in the car. So far I am happy with it and will see how it further settles in as it spends more time contouring to the interior.
Thank you! That is exactly what I was looking to hear. I think I'll be giving it a try this spring/summer.
Old 12-16-16, 02:34 AM
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Put it in the microwave!

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LaraS when you do this carpet change please write up a thread
we have the same model car and I'm thinking about doing it too !! love your fd btw
Old 12-16-16, 11:42 AM
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And I own a Civic? lol
Old 12-16-16, 06:17 PM
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Put it in the microwave!

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lol I got carried away. your civic is the best I've ever seen !




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