Video Log Of The Restomodding Of My '76 RX-5 Cosmo (New Vid Jan 5/2023)
09-30-13, 12:31 PM
#326
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I have no idea what the OE controls look like, but we've done old truck restorations (60s and 70s mining trucks) and came up with nice retrofitting work from our crew in Edmonton.
One truck they used a microswitch on the factory temperature control lever behind the panel to trigger a relay that runs the A/C on/off. Then the evap core t-stat cycled the compressor just before the core was frozen. So, if you wanted A/C, just turn the factory lever to cold all the way and the A/C would work on maximum.
Worked great for us, we would regulate cab temp using blower speed. The core wants to freeze faster, so the evap t-stat shuts off the compressor when the blower speed is low.
It will be cool to see what you can come up with, there is all kinds of ways to get an A/C system going. I'm excited to see the evap core placement and stuff too!
One truck they used a microswitch on the factory temperature control lever behind the panel to trigger a relay that runs the A/C on/off. Then the evap core t-stat cycled the compressor just before the core was frozen. So, if you wanted A/C, just turn the factory lever to cold all the way and the A/C would work on maximum.
Worked great for us, we would regulate cab temp using blower speed. The core wants to freeze faster, so the evap t-stat shuts off the compressor when the blower speed is low.
It will be cool to see what you can come up with, there is all kinds of ways to get an A/C system going. I'm excited to see the evap core placement and stuff too!
10-05-13, 10:04 AM
#328
Engine, Not Motor
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Oh, and someone hacked the dash below the HVAC controls to install a crappy '80s tape deck, so the dash is already hacked up enough that I may as well replace that whole section and just start fresh with the new controls.
It will be cool to see what you can come up with, there is all kinds of ways to get an A/C system going. I'm excited to see the evap core placement and stuff too!
It doesn't work?
I can see removing the A/C in an RX-7, though honestly that has always bothered me. I'd rather see someone get car without A/C than tear out a working system. But in a car like the Cosmo it seems odd to remove it. Guess it depends on what you're doing with the car.
10-07-13, 06:38 AM
#329
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Well, I don't know if it works, and the car has been off the road since 1999. I will more than likely give it a shot before I tidy things up in the engine bay.
One reason to keep it is, there are no bulkhead connections at the firewall. The hoses run through and direct connect to the evaporator. So, that'll be fun to remove (if necessary). The compressor does spin freely, and everything seems to be in good shape. The decision will ultimately be made when it's tested for vacuum.
One reason to keep it is, there are no bulkhead connections at the firewall. The hoses run through and direct connect to the evaporator. So, that'll be fun to remove (if necessary). The compressor does spin freely, and everything seems to be in good shape. The decision will ultimately be made when it's tested for vacuum.
10-12-13, 10:16 AM
#330
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I noticed that about the heater and refrigerant lines. Right through holes in the firewall. That does seem to be common though. While the FC sticks the heater core nipples through the firewall, the A/C lines pass just through grommets.
After so many years it's unlikely yours works though. And even it if does, it would be an R12 system and converting to R134A properly is a pain. One reason I didn't even consider using any of the stock stuff.
After so many years it's unlikely yours works though. And even it if does, it would be an R12 system and converting to R134A properly is a pain. One reason I didn't even consider using any of the stock stuff.
10-13-13, 09:58 AM
#332
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I'm using an FC compressor as well. Only thing that stucks is while it is a standard Sanden, the inlet/outlet ports seem to be only used on the FC and FB. Vintage Air sells adapters which will allow standard fittings to connect but they don't quite fit. Incidentally that was my yesterday: accidentally destroying one of the adapters while modifying it to fit. Now I need to order a new one first thing tomorrow and hope it doesn't take over a week to get here. There's $7 I'll never see again. 
11-16-13, 09:56 AM
#334
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Quite likely Mazda 929 for brake master/booster. Looks like fitment won't be too much of a problem. For clutch, an FC master fits by redrilling the holes and I'd be surprised if a TII slave won't bolt up (perhaps using the Cosmo rod). I'm a little while away from that however.
11-24-13, 06:17 PM
#335
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Part 29: Vintage Air Gen II Compac HVAC Install, Part 1
It's been a few months, so I am proud to present Part 29 of my '76 Mazda RX-5 Cosmo restoration. In episode 29 I begin the task of installing a Vintage Air Gen II Compac HVAC system. This is a universal system, so it's up to me to make everything fit in, lets face it, an application that Vintage Air has never considered. In this first part of a two part episode I mount the major mechanical parts including the compressor, condenser, drier and HVAC unit itself. As this install is turning out to be considerably more work than I had thought, and I'm not as far along as I'd like due to interruptions, I decided to split this into two parts instead of one hour long episode. Part 2 of this install will consist of all the plumbing, wiring and under-dash ducting. For now, enjoy! Included in this episode: mounting the condenser, making and welding mounting brackets, creating a mount system for the drier, clearancing the transmission tunnel to fit the HVAC unit, modifying the sheet metal, making mounting brackets for the evaporator, mounting the evaporator, welding, grinding, cutting and all that good stuff.
11-28-13, 10:52 AM
#336
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For those with BlackBerrys and the newest version of BBM, I've created a BBM channel about the project. PIN:C004C4ABA
Last edited by Aaron Cake; 11-28-13 at 10:59 AM.
11-29-13, 07:05 PM
#338
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This guy is legendary , when I was away at work id watch these videos every chance I got. Easing the withdrawl from my garage lol Cheers and keep it up Aaron !
11-30-13, 01:26 PM
#340
Just a thought on the A/C adapter fittings - would it have been easier to cut the ears of the adapters such that they overlapped vertically - ie., cut off half the vertical height of each ear, such that the halves then alternated? That would have required a lot of precision, however, to get each equal and flat to ensure even sealing pressure from the bolt. Your solution definitely has the merit of looking quite effective - I'm just thinking how I might have more likely done it, having less in the way of tools like a drill press and band saws.
11-30-13, 02:11 PM
#341
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12-01-13, 09:24 AM
#342
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Just a thought on the A/C adapter fittings - would it have been easier to cut the ears of the adapters such that they overlapped vertically - ie., cut off half the vertical height of each ear, such that the halves then alternated? That would have required a lot of precision, however, to get each equal and flat to ensure even sealing pressure from the bolt. Your solution definitely has the merit of looking quite effective - I'm just thinking how I might have more likely done it, having less in the way of tools like a drill press and band saws.
Another option I thought of was to just use an FC compressor line. The low side went directly to the firewall as I would have liked, and the high side curled under the compressor. Only thing is that there aren't any service ports and I'm not sure those things can be re-crimped once I cut off the old hoses (the crimp sleeve seems to be integrated into the fitting).
12-23-13, 10:14 AM
#343
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Part 30: Vintage Air Gen II Compac HVAC Install, Part 2
Happy Festivus everyone! Part 30 of my '76 Mazda Cosmo restoration continues the Vintage Air Gen II Compac HVAC installation. In this episode I concentrate primarily on plumbing the system. I know I promised last episode that this half would finish off the install but it has been a lot of work. More than I first anticipated so you'll need to wait until episode 31 for the finishing touches (wiring and ducting). There certainly is a lot of plumbing in an HVAC system, especially when it all has to be figured out from scratch in a custom installation. But the plumbing is one of the most important parts of the install so it makes sense to pay attention to the details. Line placement in an engine bay can make or break the system. I've tried to make use of as many hard lines as possible for both the hot and cold side, which will go a long way in terms of reliability. Included in this episode: measuring and cutting high and low side hoses, installing fittings, installing firewall bulkheads, tricks for hand bending aluminium tube, the cut-and-weld method of tube bending, making brackets, silicone hoes, TIG welding.
01-07-14, 05:56 PM
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Hi Aaron,
I'm the owner of the white Cosmo from Montreal. Just got the factory AC and PS functioning again. Have ordered ball joints, control arm bushings, tie rods, and essentially everything required to freshen up the front end.
Only shocks and struts have me stumped. I'm not necessarily looking for anything sportier or even lower. Really just want to refresh the original hardware. Any idea what you will do on yours? Seems as if all compatible shocks, springs are NLA.
There does not seem to be any cross compatibility with other models...
I'm the owner of the white Cosmo from Montreal. Just got the factory AC and PS functioning again. Have ordered ball joints, control arm bushings, tie rods, and essentially everything required to freshen up the front end.
Only shocks and struts have me stumped. I'm not necessarily looking for anything sportier or even lower. Really just want to refresh the original hardware. Any idea what you will do on yours? Seems as if all compatible shocks, springs are NLA.
There does not seem to be any cross compatibility with other models...
01-11-14, 10:01 AM
#346
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Not really sure I can answer your question. I have no intention to use the stock Cosmo front shocks/struts so I've never bothered to look into them. They are sort of a dead end in every direction. Apparently no longer available, spindle is unique, hubs/rotors with a virtually unused lug pattern.
Maybe RX-4 struts can be modified to fit? Mechanically the RX-4 is very similar to the Cosmo in many ways. Or possibly GSL-SE or other 1st gen?
At the moment I am still thinking of what I'm doing with the front end. I know I'm going to retrofit a different ball joint, spindle, shock and spring. I'll be using air shocks as it's always been the plan to put the car on air. Now whether that means a new subframe I don't know. Conversion to rack and pinion is a requirement so naturally that leads to the FC subframe. But upon holding one up, EVERYTHING interferes. Steering rack hits the oil pan and enigne crossmember. Moving the engine crossmember and notching the oil pan (or maybe an FC pan) is an option and something I'll need to look into when I get into that area of the project.
Maybe RX-4 struts can be modified to fit? Mechanically the RX-4 is very similar to the Cosmo in many ways. Or possibly GSL-SE or other 1st gen?
At the moment I am still thinking of what I'm doing with the front end. I know I'm going to retrofit a different ball joint, spindle, shock and spring. I'll be using air shocks as it's always been the plan to put the car on air. Now whether that means a new subframe I don't know. Conversion to rack and pinion is a requirement so naturally that leads to the FC subframe. But upon holding one up, EVERYTHING interferes. Steering rack hits the oil pan and enigne crossmember. Moving the engine crossmember and notching the oil pan (or maybe an FC pan) is an option and something I'll need to look into when I get into that area of the project.
01-11-14, 10:17 AM
#347
Hi Aaron,
I'm the owner of the white Cosmo from Montreal. Just got the factory AC and PS functioning again. Have ordered ball joints, control arm bushings, tie rods, and essentially everything required to freshen up the front end.
Only shocks and struts have me stumped. I'm not necessarily looking for anything sportier or even lower. Really just want to refresh the original hardware. Any idea what you will do on yours? Seems as if all compatible shocks, springs are NLA.
There does not seem to be any cross compatibility with other models...
I'm the owner of the white Cosmo from Montreal. Just got the factory AC and PS functioning again. Have ordered ball joints, control arm bushings, tie rods, and essentially everything required to freshen up the front end.
Only shocks and struts have me stumped. I'm not necessarily looking for anything sportier or even lower. Really just want to refresh the original hardware. Any idea what you will do on yours? Seems as if all compatible shocks, springs are NLA.
There does not seem to be any cross compatibility with other models...
front that works well and fits with only the need to cut a bit of length off the bottom cup
ot the cartridge. now for the remembering part... i think it was a replacement for the vw beetle
2002 front. you will have to buy one and look at it and if i am wrong return it.
but if you can get the cap that holds the guts out of the top of the cosmo strut you will find
that the cartridge i mentioned will slid rite in then using the cap that you removed to hold in
the new cartridge you will be set.
I know i did this on my 1970 mazda rx2 and it worked well (done only a few years ago)
the cosmo hasnt been worked on or touched in years..
as for the rear there is a shock for a ford LTD guessing 1974 rear that is an exact match
thats cheap and easy to get. only thing about the ford shock is it was made for a car
that was much fatter and as a result the ride is a little effected but i think in a good way
this is from memory so dont shoot me if i am a little off here..
matt
01-11-14, 11:49 AM
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Didn't mean to hijack the thread Aaron. I will start another thread about all the major components of the car I found to be NLA so far and possible options for them. It could prove very useful for the few Cosmo owners out there that want to keep the cars stock.