Hello everyone and welcome to, what will be, the SLOWEST build thread rx7club.com has ever seen!!!! Because of an offer I couldn't refuse (see thread in 1st gen section "Free Farm Find") I have a 1984 GS in my garage right now.

Let me be clear that I have been keeping my eyes open for a 83-85 for a while but was more just keeping an eye on the market until the time was right.

Not only do I still work but I also run a business with my wife. We have 4 boys all school age. 3 of them are in sports year round and the 4th in multiple non sport activities. Needless to say, I have no time and less money.

However, I'm not just going to let it sit and collect dust. It is a project in motion. Pouring 50 gallons of molasses through a ¼ hole is still motion right?

So be patient, grab a chair (lazy boy perhaps to make napping more comfortable) and be prepared for updates such as sprayed squeaky door hinges with WD-40, or Windex'd the rear view mirrors......again, or sat in the driver seat and, with my eyes closed, listened to a video of a 12A Bridgeport idleing.

Some pictures below from the journey from the farm to my garage. Let the fun begin!!!

 

 

Gotta gut it out for cleaning and to get a good look at all the rust from the inside. Taking apart the radio and this wire seems to be soldered to the unit?!? What's the deal with this wire?

 

Looks like the antenna wire. It should just pulls straight out.

 

**Don't know what happened. Can be deleted**

 

Is there a reason for it to be soldered? I thought it was a bit strange as this bond would have to be broken in order to remove the unit. I looked for a wire to wire connection further down the wire and there was nothing...

 

there shouldn't be solder. after zooming in on the image it looks like it's too small for the hole so it was soldered to stay in. possibly an aftermarket antenna that's too small to fit the radio like it should. nothing a soldering iron can't solve.

 

Ahh good eyes, I didn't notice the size difference until you mentioned it. Guess when I remove the solder and the plug falls right out we'll know for sure.

 

Looks like they had some other interesting cars in the field...

 

Continued removing the interior. Found a few spots of interest. Sure made removing the seatbelt mounts easy though. They just pulled right out!! Not surprised to see it this bad. Poor baby.

 

Sure is a bit of work getting the dash and all the components removed. I'm sure it will be easier to put it all back together 😐

 

Have you removed the rear carpeting and storage bins yet? If not, you'll want to do so. This will give you an idea of that amount of rust that is hiding in there as well.

You will alsonwant to look at the back side front wheel wells. This is becoming more and more common to see this section rotten.

Lastly, have a look st the rear lower control arm mounts. Ensure they're still in place and not soft. They commonly rot when a car has been sitting on the ground.

So far you're off to a good start! The car can be repaired, so don't be too discouraged. It will just take time and in the process you will learn how to shape metal and weld. It's a win win!

 

The rear of the car seems to be in very good shape. Thanks for the tips on what else to look for. I'm jumping into this project completely blind so anything will help me get through this.

 

may 31 is the seven year anniversary of me starting my build thread. Have fun with it. sometimes my head wasn't in it. other times other projects took precedence. So here's to the slow burn. Good Luck

 

Thanks Richard. I just went through your build start to finish the other day. It gives me a glimpse at the light at the other end seeing all the work and dedication that you've given your project.

 

Thank you.

I got darned lucky with the lack of rust for mine. you have an adventure to be sure.

 

I understand your situation completely! I bought my FB over 10years ago as a restoration project and between various things (getting a house, having kids...) I have only gotten as far as stripping the car and doing a tiny bit of what will be a lot of welding!
But, I will continue the journey no matter how long it takes

Best of luck on your journey!

 

Well it has been a year and after more stripping and analyzing I have deemed the 84 GS a parts car. I'm sure someone with more time and money than me could stitch her back together but I would be way in over my head to attempt such a feat. However, I have since purchased an 85 GS that my 84 GS will be able to service. The 84 farm find will live through the adventures of the 85. I have also found a rotary enthusiast to take the 84 off my hands once I'm done taking what I want from it. This person has the time, space and knowledge to put everything to good use from the 84. It's sad to know that it's one less FB that will be on the road but happy to say that most of the car will exist in others.

Pictured is the 85 GS donor recipient.