Hi All. Just doing the obligatory first post intro...
I've got an '83 RX7 GSL that I bought back in 1986. Had 9K miles when I bought it and has 52K now. I used it as a daily driver for about 3 years, then basically moth-balled it for the next 30.
It has been tagged this entire time, so every year or two I had to get it running and run it through the emission test, that kept it in fairly good shape for 20 of those years. Then about 7 years ago I got historic plates which in MD means no more emissions tests, and it's just been sitting (garaged) since then. Unfortunately, at some point the interior managed to get some moisture in it and it developed a horrible case of mildew. That kept me from doing anything at all with the car, until just recently when I decided I'm going to take it on as my next project and try to restore it. So far I've only pulled the seats and tried cleaning them -- but so far so good. The seats seemed to clean up pretty well and fairly easily - using vinegar and an upholstery cleaning machine...

Anyway, once I get the interior cleaned up I plan to turn my attention to the engine and see what that takes to get back in running condition (I don't know that it wouldn't just start (with a jump) at this point, but I'm going to approach it like it won't). After it's running the plan is to see what it needs in the way of maintenance with an eye towards performance mods I can make without going overboard...

I expect I'm going to have several questions as I embark on this journey, and I'm hoping this is the right community to help get some of the answers. So, on that topic -- which is the most preferred way on this forum to get answers to questions -- post a build thread with periodic updates on progress, and post question in there, or create new threads for each question (assuming of course that I can't find the answer by searching old posts)? Personally, on other forums I tend to go with the build thread approach, but sometimes I find that questions can go unanswered for a while.

I must say I was quite pleased when I found this forum and that it appears to be have many members who are still quite active. Thanks for keeping the RX7 passion alive!

Just for grins, here's a shot of my car after I rolled it out of my shop last week and gave the outside a good wash:


Unfortunately, this is what the interior looked like:

 

Great looking car man! keep up the cleaning.... It should clean up pretty well. You are in the right place here, tons of information and good folks

 

Welcome to forum

 

Welcome!! Thats a beautiful car and it will clean up well. I've had the same issue and I cleaned the interior and it never came back as long as I did not let the car sit for long periods of time. Its great that you've kept the car all these years. They are definitely special cars!!

 

Awesome! I'm also in Maryland. Do you do your own car work or is there a good mechanic you've found for rotaries?

 

Thanks guys!

Sorry - I have no clue about local mechanics that are rotary aware. I've done all the maintenance myself (which isn't a whole lot, just the basic stuff).

 

I think that's part of the secret to these car's longevity...servicing the car yourself for many years or having someone that's familiar with your car service the car over a period of time. People that don't know the car often do not do a good job, hack up the car, or service it incorrectly.