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I use to be on here a lot (even if I didn't post much), back when I owned an FC convertible (2013 I think?). It was immaculate, but had title issues and I could never get the thing in my own name. Even got impounded once!
Here it was:
Always loved RX7's, and absolutely love rotaries. My dad even purchased a brand new SA back in the day..so it runs in the family!
Ever since my BRZ got totaled by hail, I've been on the search for a new project that wasn't a "new" car. I tried the new car thing, loved it but there was a few aspects I didn't enjoy; car payments, no real "OG's" to give you inspiration for the build, voiding warranties, and scouring the internet for hours on end day in day out finding rare parts.
Here was my BRZ for those who are interested:
So after searching for months for the right RX7 project, I found this on craigslist. Clean title, but missing the 10AE keys, front bumper, powertrain and a few other randoms (shift ****, boot, floor mats etc) but everything else was there and accounted for. It had been sitting outside for awhile it seems with the windows down, so the interior smelled like complete **** and was very dirty. The car use to be in NY, so it has quite a bit of underbody rust that will be fixed. I brought it home and started the process!
I'm limited on pictures, so I'll update on the next post.
Pressure washed the car, then brought it inside to tear down. First things first was to clean that terrible interior, rip apart the suspension, replace the rear subframe (way too much rust), replace all bushings, upgrade brakes and suspension etc.
Front subframe was salvageable, but the calipers and rotors will be rebuilt, new bushings on the control arms and everything powdercoated.
That's all the progress I have right now, the progress might be kind of slow but I'll update as I go!
Finally got the rear subframe off, fought me every step of the way. Lots of broken bolts, busted knuckles came with this.
After fighting with everything and finding all the rust, I found myself a donor rear subframe with little to no rust.
My Prothane bushings came in, and I have PBM solid bushings all around for the subframe, along with their adjustable lateral rods and camber link.
The guy I got my subframe from hooked me up with some door handles as well, and I got the door moldings I've been looking for from an FC at the junk yard. Interior is basically complete, just needs some seats!
And that's where we sit. Goodrich lines and S5 tails come in today, and the PBM stuff later this week. Time to start stripping and painting the sub frame and cross member. Garage will be needing a good cleanup after this one
man that subframe was terrible! glad california typically doesnt have to deal with that type of rust. was a fan of your past builds, looking forward to this one.
Looks like a good start!! if those tail lights don't clean up and you look for some mint replacements hit me up. I got some 10AE tails I was going to use on an old project.
Pretty good start for sure! I remember when I had my 86 Sport all ripped apart like that. Such tedious work, but will be worth it once it's all back together and on the road!
man that subframe was terrible! glad california typically doesnt have to deal with that type of rust. was a fan of your past builds, looking forward to this one.
Yeah man! Colorado thankfully doesn't have to deal with that kind of rust either. I feel bad for you east coast guys! Thanks man!
Originally Posted by 87JDMturbo
Looks like a good start!! if those tail lights don't clean up and you look for some mint replacements hit me up. I got some 10AE tails I was going to use on an old project.
Thank you! I actually purchased a set of S5 tail lights I'll be using for the car. I'll try to at least clean up the stocks to keep on the wall or something :P
Originally Posted by 2jzfc
Pretty good start for sure! I remember when I had my 86 Sport all ripped apart like that. Such tedious work, but will be worth it once it's all back together and on the road!
Thanks! Yeah, definitely tedious. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel though!
Originally Posted by mazdaverx713b
Looking great so fa!! Are you going to restore the car to a stock collectible condition?
Not this car, it will be restored rust free, new "original" paint job, interior kept mostly stock, but I plan on having some fun with this car at our local time attack events so it'll have some aftermarket parts. Should be a fun build!
Small update, got some new badges for the rear (couldn't find 10AE badges) and some S5 tails
You can always just paint the badges Crystal White or a white close to its shade. That's what I had to do when I restored my 10AE.
Yeah thats true, I might do that!
Not a whole lot of progress here, just waiting for parts mainly.
Finally tore down my rusty subframe to get my old spindles off. One of the best investments is a good 1/2" electric impact. I finally bought one and man it made everything super easy. Got every bolt out that was rusted to all hell, unfortunately even on low torque setting it broke 3 bolts on my rear caliper brackets. This won't be fun to drill out..
Some parts have arrived though. Including Goodrich lines, caliper rebuild kits, Prothane bushing kit along with new steering rack bushings, and a care package from PBM including camber arm, lateral rods, and misc solid bushings for the rear end.
Pretty much it for now. Waiting on a couple more parts and all the misc stuff to get back from powdercoating then I can finally reassemble. Still deciding on coilovers, but my brakes are ordered. Hopefully it'll be on the ground soon!
looks like a good start ,im sure it will be very nice when its all finish good luck with it keep us posted
Thanks!
Not many updates because I've just been doing rust repair and restoration which isn't exactly fun lol. But I've found myself a donor rear subframe, blasted it, painted it and installed my new bushings. Waiting on some 5 lug hubs from a member here to replace my crappy ones, then I can finish the bushings and install everything on the car.
Subbed. Got through the holidays, and about to upgrade my 10AE that's been sitting for too long. Taking notes!
Definitely give it some lovin!
Originally Posted by gride
Nice build, looking forward to more updates.
It's going to be hard to keep my 10ae stock when it arrives.
Thanks! I'd love to have one in perfect all original condition, but this one needs too much. I'm restoring what I can, but putting the car to use at the track hopefully this year!
Sorry for the terrible pics, but my garage is pretty dark and lighting is scarce.
Got my fender wells prepped and sprayed with undercoating, installed the rear subframe along with the front cross member and LCA's.
Still waiting on some hubs and spindles from a member here and then they'll be on along with the coilovers.
Couple small updates. Slowly converting to S5, half my moldings are missing anyways.
Finally disassembled my rear knuckles, cleaned and painted them. Installed my PBM DTSS solid bushings, received my new wheel bearings and seals, now just waiting on my wheel studs to assemble everything. Also received my new rotors!
And had to treat myself to one aero piece. Only buying suspension bits here and there gets boring after awhile. Found some RE Amemiya oval mirrors and had to snag them.
Ordered my coilovers, hopefully by the time they get in the rest of the suspension work will be done and the car can finally sit on the ground! Getting pretty stoked.
So far so good keep up the good work! I'll be stalking the page for updates lol
Thanks!
Started body work today. Since I'm waiting on coils, figured it's a perfect time to start. The original paint was already painted over, terribly. Quite a bit of bondo in random places that needed re-shaping, etc. This will be a slow process but excited to get this going. One step closer to paint!
Well a little bit more progress these past few days. Got my coilovers in, rebuilt my front and rear hubs with new bearings and races, seals etc. Threw it all on, just need to rebuild the front calipers and it can finally sit on the ground for the time being while I finish the body work. Waiting on axles as well, mine are toast.
09-12-16, 09:12 AM
