rx7mn

To give a little background, I have always been into he RX7's. A friend of mine got the car I now own from his uncle and drove the car as a summer car. He then got accepted to do his PHD in California and offered the car to me. It is generally in great shape, but it needs a few things to get it road worthy. I wanted to work on the car to learn more about working on cars. However, I am quickly realising I do not have enough of the practical skills to finish the project.

The car:
- 82 GS
- Dellorto Carb setup
- Carter full pump
- Full RB exhaust
- Tokico Blues all around
- Electric fan setup
- All emissions controls removed
- Some redrilled wheels
- Toyo T1-S tires
- Racing bucket
- Braided Oil cooler lines

The car is in great shape and only has 141,000km on it. Original Motor, interior in new condition. The car has always been garaged stored.

I have attampted to put it on the road twice, but have not been able to perform enough of the work myself. In order to get the car on the road I need to do some small frame welding, on the passenger side. I also need to repack the rear drums as I assembled them incorrectly. Lastly, the carb has developed a gas leak in the past month or so.

So, do I try and part out the car and recoup the money I have spent trying to get it on the road?

Or, do I try and work on it bit by bit to get it on the road. I love this car, but when do you say when. I definitely don't have the skills to do this on my own. Would there be any willing RX7 Club members out there to teach me how to do some of the work myself.

Let me know what you think guys.

PKock

iTrader: (1)

I think you should be generous and possibly just give it to someone you already know who wants that exact car. Lol.
PK

Buggy

iTrader: (8)

Those are all fairly minor issues that I'm sure you could tackle with the right person to guide you. That car sounds like it is definitally worth keeping. Alot of time and money has been spent on that car.

Nismo Convert86

iTrader: (7)

I'm off all summer, I can maybe stop by and take a peak for a little gas money.

Bass

rx7mn, take Nismo up on his offer. He knows his stuff. Oh, just a little hint...if he gets thirsty, he likes beer.

RX7(613)

iTrader: (9)

definitely keep . Sounds like a very good starting/learning point where you are right now

orion84gsl

iTrader: (5)

Keep it. You think that's bad, I've got a brand new street ported 13B I haven't been able to get running right for 3 months, and my rebuilt starter just took a ****. I'm over $8K in this year alone and still can't convince myself to sell it. I know it would be a relief to not have to worry about it anymore but I also know I would regret it.

84stock

iTrader: (5)

You have warranty on the starter??

orion84gsl

iTrader: (5)

3 month warranty, think there's still a month left so when I pull it I'll bring it back and have it rebuilt again and use it as a spare.

Casual_John

iTrader: (8)

It's a keeper. Just do some research; do as much as you can yourself; and invite some FB experts over for a beer and an opinion. (Don't worry, they'll roll up their sleeves and help out.) Be patient, it's a learning curve.

rx7mn

Nismo Convert86. I am definately ***** to pay ya gass money to teach me and help me get the RX7 on the road.

What kind of beer do you like. I will get a case.

Anyone else that is interested in helping and teaching me how to work on the car is more than welcome to drop by as well. I know a great deal of the theory, just don't know "how" to do many of the things with confidence.

Let me know when you are available

My contact info is
519-501-3032

PKock

iTrader: (1)

MN
Keep it! I know its tough, and I've had my days with my 7 as well. While it may not see the road right now or this summer, it will see the road sometime. Youve got a big bunch of guys here that are willing to help and more that will help when they can. From everything youve told me and from what I've seen its a great car and worth the time and effort. Keep your head up.
PK (Kerr)

Bass

Nismo, let me know when you go. I'll tag along in my FB. rx7mn, do you have a rebuild kit for the carb? Where is the leak coming from?

smaxted

Ill come for the ride as well. I'm little help but I sure do like to drink beer and put my two cents in...

Nismo Convert86

iTrader: (7)

I'm not sure if it's good with you, but until August I am busy every weekend, so a week day/night is better, also do you have a garage, what tools do you have? Just trying to see what I would need to bring.

Cheers,

Kevin

Buggy

iTrader: (8)

Depending on when this happens I'd be willing to lend a hand as well. Might as well get all the Grey-Bruce Rotorheads involved in this.....

Bass

Alright, a second cruise!

Hockley Comet

iTrader: (2)

Hey rx7mn, i live and work like 15min away from Guelph. I'm always working on my 7's, so if you need a extra hand anytime let me know also.

Bwek

iTrader: (4)

Looks like you might need a second case of beer nismo ain't a tiny guy

smaxted

Second case indeed....Im not a small fella either....

Nismo Convert86

iTrader: (7)

I'm going there to help him out, not to get drunk.

rx7mn

I appreciate all the responses everyone.

Bass: I do not have a rebuild kit for the Dellorto. I am hoping it does not need a rebuild. The leak is in the hose leading into the Carb from the fuel pressure regulator. It is a very very recent problem as I start the car every couple of weeks or so to keep it in running condition. Not to mention I love the sound of the motor, so it always puts a smile on my face.

Nismo Convert86: I do have a garage, although it is a single car garage. I generally have most hand tools: Screw drivers, a borrowed socket set, torque wrench. I also have 2 jack stands to put the car on if needed. I work for a large construction company so I have access to a wide assortment of tools from suitcase welders, compressors, etc. I know I will have to cut out the rought from the frame but I am not sure the best type of tool. Would I be using a 5" grinder or something of that size, with a or something bigger? But if you have tools that you would like to bring, that is ok as well. I don't even really know what type of tools I need to have on hand at this point.

Buggy: The more people with lots of knowledge the better. It would be great to meet all you guys anyway.

I suppose it would be a good idea to come up with a plan of attack. The brake shoes are brand new, as well as the hardware, so the brakes would be the easiest/ fastest thing to do with some guidance. However, the frame is the biggest issue with getting it road worthy. I can even get steel from our fabricaiton shop if anyone can tell me what guage of steel I should be using. The last item, I had forgotten to mention, is the car needs an idler arm as well to pass the safety, but I am sure I can do that myself once the other items are been completed.

Anyone is more than welcome to show up. I will supply some beer and some BBQ for those that want it in appreciation for the help. Keep in mind that most people that are coming are also driving so I don't plan on having a LARGE amount of beer as I don't want people drinking and driving. However, if people have specific requests for the type of beer I am more than willing to supply a variety of types. I am a fan of the wheat beers myself.

On a side note: Does anyone know a mechanic that can do the safety once the work has been completed. I took the car to the Brock Rd Garage in Guelph and they seemed to think the car needed tons of stuff this past spring. However, the mechanic I brough it to 8 months before that said it was in amazing shape and just needed new rear brake shoes and an Idler Arm. So, needless to say I am not sure which mechanic to trust. I am sure once some of you have had a look at the car you will, be able to give me a better idea. So, if anyone knows a good mechanic that is honest and a friend to the RX7 Community up here in this area feel free to direct me to someone for the safety.

Thanks again everyone. I have been a member on this forum since 2001 and have been reading posts and just generally getting as much information as I possibly can about these wonderful cars for years.

I will be taking my vacation in the 1st week of Aug. but if anyone is interested in helping me next week, I would love the help. Honestly, just let me know when you are available to help and I will work on the car. Might I sugest thurs of next week, July 22 in the evening sometime.

Nismo Convert86

iTrader: (7)

16-18 gauge for the floor, would be plenty, if you can get a welder that's perfect, don't have to lug mine down, just hope you can get a wire feed (MIG) welder. Cutting it out with a 5" grinder is likely the best way to attack it.

Buggy, and Smaxted are both Certified Mechanics so I'm sure you get a Safety, once the work is completed.

orion84gsl

iTrader: (5)

Nismo, he said the rot is in the frame. Your going to need something considerably thicker than 16-18 for that.

Nismo Convert86

iTrader: (7)

I haven't even seen the car so it's hard to guess what part is having the rust issues, i'll have to take a look at it.

16 gauge is just under 1/16", they didn't come with 1/8" plate from the factory. If you form it properly it will be fine. You add in some 3" c channel and you could jack on that spot of the car. We can do what ever he is comfortable with.

The problem with going too thick is without a proper metal brake you can't bend or form material. You add structural rigidity by adding layers and forming the material over a die, that's why the floor has ribs.

Also next week is packed for me with getting ready for the BCM, it might have to be the following week, when everything starts to clear up!