That car looks like I nice project and really cool it was in that book. Does it have an after market front sway bar as well?

 

Oddly enough the front suspension is all stock other than the Tokico blue struts. I checked today when I had the front wheels off to paint the center caps.

 

Wanted to share some pics of the interior. I realized the interior pics were lacking in the thread!

 

Looks like stock springs and sway bar painted blue.

 

I've been letting the kids pick the PlastiDip off of the hood. Saves me time and gives them something to do that they find enjoyable:



Got the car pulled in last night to fix a leaking OMP line and address some other issues:

 

WD40 will make it melt right off. Of course it ruins the fun for the kids.

 

I'll try the WD40 trick today. The previous owner sprayed it too thin and its difficult to remove. So I put the kids to task removing the thin spots. They were having fun helping and it gave them something productive to do.

 

Next goal is to fix the little metal pipe that goes to the thermal reactor the flange is all warped. I may remove it and file it flat. I have a nasty exhaust leak at that flange. And I'm not sure the gasket for it is available anymore. I've considered making a block off plate for it but I don't know what effects it will have on the thermal reactor.

 

You need some highback seats.... Plaid seats. True SA style.

 

I kinda like the fb seats there. I know its not the right seats but they still look good

 

The seats do look pretty good but I am in search of the original high back seats. The originals that were in the car were black vinyl with suede inserts. Finding those would be monumental!

 

Very cool build thread here!

 

Dave I like every car you own. Question did you sell the 80 LS and the 10AE?

 

Sold both the 80 LS and the 88 10AE. I regret selling the LS but not as much so for the 10AE.

 

thanks for dealing with the exhaust and correcting the atrocity. i have nothing against the single outlet, but the way that muffler just hung there all lopsided irked me.

+1

 

That exhaust setup on there was horrendous. It looked like crap, sounded like crap and the install was crap..exhaust hangers and zip ties.. I had a stock SA exhaust in the basement and figured that I'd just use that for awhile. Its quieter by far but there is still a little leakage in that original exhaust.

 

Ordered some new parts from the dealer today. The parts will be in on Thursday and I'm eager to get them installed.

 

Installed a new gas cap, OMP gasket, and one OMP line. Would have done both if they were both still available from Mazda. Seems my OMP is still leaking though. I'm going to pull it and see if I can replace the o-ring on the drive. I can't seem to figure out where this sucker is leaking from.

 

Fun read, I really like the 79/80's mechanical feel. Interior especially with that cool shifter and gauges. Enjoyed the fact you found that article with photos too, so cool. Good luck with the build.

 

Took some pics of the SA today and thought I'd post them up and share them!

 

Really looking forward to having the car out and putting some miles on it this spring and summer. Hoping to be able to start the body work on the car as well. Its such a strong running and driving 7. One of my favorites that I've had over the years.

 

The weather was pretty decent on Saturday and I took the car out for a short trip to the culdesac and let it run for a bit. Took a few pics and thought I'd share:

 

Hey there! I thought you might've sold this with your latest acquisition Toyota. Glad to see you kept this one. Gotta have at least one 7 in the driveway.

 

I am keeping this one. I really like it. Haven't put many miles on it yet but I will Its a great car!