Ready to sell...can't find a mechanic....
02-28-09, 04:33 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Gone
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ready to sell...can't find a mechanic....
Well, I think I am about ready to sell. I have too much invested to not be able to drive and enjoy this car!!!
After moving, I did not get to drive for a few months. Now, it does not want to start and when it did....I think the radiator is leaking!!
No one around here in OKlahoma City I have called will work on it......
So...where is the best market to sell? I have thousands invested in the custom body work. Nearly new tires and awesome wheels. I was about to start on the interior when the running issues started....
THanks.
After moving, I did not get to drive for a few months. Now, it does not want to start and when it did....I think the radiator is leaking!!
No one around here in OKlahoma City I have called will work on it......
So...where is the best market to sell? I have thousands invested in the custom body work. Nearly new tires and awesome wheels. I was about to start on the interior when the running issues started....
THanks.
02-28-09, 05:17 PM
#3
Without it in running condition it is a bad idea to try and sell it anyways. Really it does not sound like anything major. Make sure the battery is in good shape it can often take a dive if the car is not driven much. It could also just be an old/plugged fuel filter, old park plugs/wires.. Start simple, it is pretty easy. If you want I am not too far up the road from you (Tulsa) I have a stock radiator that you may HAVE for free if you just come and get it. If you want I may also be able to help you get the car running and you enjoying it again. There are no good rotary mechanic's anywhere close, and then Gotham in Dallas closed. The next closest reputable shop is also somewhere in Dallas. PM me if you want some help.
02-28-09, 05:19 PM
#4
F'n Newbie...
iTrader: (6)
Well...
You might want to start by explaining, in detail, the problems your car is experiencing. Perhaps the forum can help you fix your car, by yourself.
You do realize that many rx-7 owners who have had their cars for some time do most of their own mechanical work, right?
The beauty of these cars is that they are so rare, however that can also be their downfall.
Fwiw, it's not unheard of to travel for a skilled mechanic. I drive half way across the country for any jobs I feel are too big for me to handle myself.
You might want to start by explaining, in detail, the problems your car is experiencing. Perhaps the forum can help you fix your car, by yourself.
You do realize that many rx-7 owners who have had their cars for some time do most of their own mechanical work, right?
The beauty of these cars is that they are so rare, however that can also be their downfall.
Fwiw, it's not unheard of to travel for a skilled mechanic. I drive half way across the country for any jobs I feel are too big for me to handle myself.
02-28-09, 05:24 PM
#5
I'm on a Boat!
iTrader: (15)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: OK
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Without it in running condition it is a bad idea to try and sell it anyways. Really it does not sound like anything major. Make sure the battery is in good shape, it can often take a dive if the car is not driven much. Start simple, it is pretty easy. If you want I am not too far up the road from you (Tulsa) I have a stock radiator that you may HAVE for free if you just come and get it. If you want I may also be able to help you get the car running and you enjoying it again. There are no good rotary mechanic's anywhere close, and then Gotham in Dallas closed. The next closest reputable shop is also somewhere in Dallas. PM me if you want some help.
02-28-09, 06:35 PM
#6
I agree with the others. Dont give up.
Thats how people get a bad rap with these cars, in terms of knowledge learned, knowledge spread and market value.
In the 5+ years of my ownership, i never had a STRAIGHT year of problem free driving. I never had any major issues (knock on wood) but it was always the little things which made me paranoid from going to far places, most meets, and just hanging out when i was bored.
Like right now im facing another coolant hose burst that i JUST FIXED last year. Although i think its my fault cause i put a shitty rubber one instead of a high temp rubber hose and right now it has a hole.
Now i gotta replace that, bleed the system again, hope for no leaks and regain my confidence in driving the car again lol
I do think its a pain in the *** but when you drive the car, you enjoy it and think to yourself, "i could never sell this".
Just keep trying man.
Thats how people get a bad rap with these cars, in terms of knowledge learned, knowledge spread and market value.
In the 5+ years of my ownership, i never had a STRAIGHT year of problem free driving. I never had any major issues (knock on wood) but it was always the little things which made me paranoid from going to far places, most meets, and just hanging out when i was bored.
Like right now im facing another coolant hose burst that i JUST FIXED last year. Although i think its my fault cause i put a shitty rubber one instead of a high temp rubber hose and right now it has a hole.
Now i gotta replace that, bleed the system again, hope for no leaks and regain my confidence in driving the car again lol
I do think its a pain in the *** but when you drive the car, you enjoy it and think to yourself, "i could never sell this".
Just keep trying man.
02-28-09, 06:45 PM
#7
I concur...don't cave in. I tackled a huge upgrade job myself recently and am not a mechanical genius by any stretch and it was my first foray into rotary engines.
Download the service manuals from the FAQ section if you don't have them, research the FAQ's for answers to your questions, ask questions to the members for clarification/advice (after using the "Search" feature) and purchase some basic tools if you ain't got 'em.
This forum is a Godsend and a gold mine of and for information. If you can't get it done with the help of these folks here...then your car is a basket case.
These cars are too much fun to toss away do to lack of a "wrench"...plus, you'll probably do a much better and more thorough job yourself.
Download the service manuals from the FAQ section if you don't have them, research the FAQ's for answers to your questions, ask questions to the members for clarification/advice (after using the "Search" feature) and purchase some basic tools if you ain't got 'em.
This forum is a Godsend and a gold mine of and for information. If you can't get it done with the help of these folks here...then your car is a basket case.
These cars are too much fun to toss away do to lack of a "wrench"...plus, you'll probably do a much better and more thorough job yourself.
Trending Topics
02-28-09, 07:53 PM
#10
These dont sound like major problems.
These cars grow on you and you'll definately miss it.
Here are my suggestions if you dont mind me saying:
1. Maybe look outside Oaklahoma. Have it towed. Maybe another city.
2. There are some incredible Speed Shops on the East Cost that can do wonders on an RX-7 but I realize you are definately too far for that.
3. If you have time, you can read the tech manuals here on this site and try yourself.
There really are some very smart and knowledgeable people on this site.
I have worked on my RX-7s and got a lot of help from people here.
That's all I wanted to say. But at the end of the day, when it is all said and done. It really is just a car.
These cars grow on you and you'll definately miss it.
Here are my suggestions if you dont mind me saying:
1. Maybe look outside Oaklahoma. Have it towed. Maybe another city.
2. There are some incredible Speed Shops on the East Cost that can do wonders on an RX-7 but I realize you are definately too far for that.
3. If you have time, you can read the tech manuals here on this site and try yourself.
There really are some very smart and knowledgeable people on this site.
I have worked on my RX-7s and got a lot of help from people here.
That's all I wanted to say. But at the end of the day, when it is all said and done. It really is just a car.
02-28-09, 08:36 PM
#11
Constant threat
brandynmarie - give us bit of your history with this car. How long have you had it? Has it EVER run correctly? If so, what could have changed to make it not be starting correctly? And that radiator leak is no big deal...especially since you have an offer for a stock unit for FREE.
How mechanically inclined are you? Do you have tools and a place to work on this car?
Sometimes some really vexing problem is simple to fix, and there is no better place than this forum. Frankly, there simply aren't too many places or mechanics that work on these cars anymore, and you have to be careful of what advice you get or where you take the car for service. You are MUCH better off doing the work yourself, provided you have the skills and tools to do so. These cars can become a money pit of Biblical proportions left unchecked.
So if you don't mind...fill us in on some of the details.
How mechanically inclined are you? Do you have tools and a place to work on this car?
Sometimes some really vexing problem is simple to fix, and there is no better place than this forum. Frankly, there simply aren't too many places or mechanics that work on these cars anymore, and you have to be careful of what advice you get or where you take the car for service. You are MUCH better off doing the work yourself, provided you have the skills and tools to do so. These cars can become a money pit of Biblical proportions left unchecked.
So if you don't mind...fill us in on some of the details.
03-04-09, 09:51 AM
#14
Rotary Freak
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Peoria, IL
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mark Akridge has a shop in Midwest city, he is a very good rotary mechanic. See if you can find him and his shop.
Also, look up a guy named Brad (rotaryinspired I think is his forum name) on this site, he is also a very good third gen guy in Oklahoma City.
Also, look up a guy named Brad (rotaryinspired I think is his forum name) on this site, he is also a very good third gen guy in Oklahoma City.
03-04-09, 10:33 AM
#16
Why do you think the radiator has a leak, because it is losing coolant. That added with the fact it doesnt start leads me to believe there could be an internal coolant seal issue in the engine. However, you havent given us much info to work with.
Replace your spark plugs and see if it will start.
Replace your spark plugs and see if it will start.
03-04-09, 03:50 PM
#17
Full Member
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You've got be willing to not only do most of the mechanical work yourself, but also spend the time learning what/how to do it if you want to own (and drive) an FD. Just like the old days of hot rodding, it's up to you to get it done. But, you'll also save a bundle of money. Besides, used FD's aren't getting much money on the open market, so you might as well try to fix it and be able to drive it.
03-04-09, 04:40 PM
#18
Yeah, I just responded to that rude *** pm you sent me... SEVERAL people here in Tulsa have told me that you quit doing business when I specifically asked about you. I even went by your shop a while back and it looked all closed up to me. No banners that used to be out there. MY BAD. And don't send me a pm like that again. Why would I even refer anyone to you when you act like that?
Anyways, sorry about the shops around okc and the city. I had no knowledge about them.. I always get to answers when I ask about shops here in Oklahoma to refer friends to. I do not really pursue answers b/c I do all my work myself.
I have no affiliation with ANY shop and the only ones I even had any knowledge of I said something about to be helpful. I guess I pissed off someone for leaving them out...
Anyways, sorry about the shops around okc and the city. I had no knowledge about them.. I always get to answers when I ask about shops here in Oklahoma to refer friends to. I do not really pursue answers b/c I do all my work myself.
I have no affiliation with ANY shop and the only ones I even had any knowledge of I said something about to be helpful. I guess I pissed off someone for leaving them out...
Last edited by GoodfellaFD3S; 03-04-09 at 09:44 PM.
03-04-09, 06:53 PM
#19
Finally Knows
iTrader: (21)
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You should atleast be able to diagnose the problem or problems. When you do that, you can then search the thousands of threads on how to fix your problem or problems. If if still can't get it to work then maybe you should just get rid of the car. An FD isnt for you. I strongly believe that to own and upkeep an FD, you either need to be mechanically inclined or fithly rich.
You got to help yourself before we can help you.
You got to help yourself before we can help you.
03-04-09, 07:25 PM
#20
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: ok
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
sorry for being rude but its hard to keep a rotary shop open when you have people making statements like this (There are no good rotary mechanic's anywhere close).maybe I came off harsh but that statement directly affects me and if word is spread\ that there is no one local to work on rotarys then people will look elsewhere first.Your statement also leads people to think if there is one local he is no good.And I take that very personal.
03-04-09, 09:31 PM
#21
You called me a liar.. I DO take that very personally and I will respond to such false/harsh accusations appropriately... To lie about your shop existing I would need prior knowledge of your shop currently being open and CHOOSE to NOT say anything. This, I most certainly did NOT do.
For you to handle this situation in this manner is incredibly unprofessional and a poor business decision. Before, I just had nothing to say about your shop. Now all I know about you is that you are unprofessional and react inappropriately. Now the only thing I have to say about your shop/you is less-than-stellar. There was a much better way to handle this. Maybe just simply stating your credentials?? Contact info?? References?? Stop and think a little more next time before just begining to throw around words and send pm's.
Maybe if you are having a diffucult time staying open it is because very few rotary owners in the area don't know you are open??? Just a thought. Try advertising.
For you to handle this situation in this manner is incredibly unprofessional and a poor business decision. Before, I just had nothing to say about your shop. Now all I know about you is that you are unprofessional and react inappropriately. Now the only thing I have to say about your shop/you is less-than-stellar. There was a much better way to handle this. Maybe just simply stating your credentials?? Contact info?? References?? Stop and think a little more next time before just begining to throw around words and send pm's.
Maybe if you are having a diffucult time staying open it is because very few rotary owners in the area don't know you are open??? Just a thought. Try advertising.
03-04-09, 10:49 PM
#23
YOUR TRIANGLE NIGHTMARE
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: automotive purgatory
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i didnt know about him not going to comment on his work because i obviously dont have any experience with his business. but ive lived here since i was 5 and been into fds since early 2002
03-05-09, 12:21 AM
#24
Full Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK, well I guess I will play devils advocate here. WHAT ABOUT A V8 SWAP? If your body is mint, and your rotary took a ****, sell it for parts ($500-1000) and swap in something that starts every time you turn the key...
OK boys, now let the flaming begin!
OK boys, now let the flaming begin!