R4rx7

New member here for buying advice for now. If it all works out and I'm able to purchase an rx7 hopefully I'll become a regular member.
Sorry I think I might've introduced myself twice, the first time I didn't think it went through so I tried again.

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

Welcome to the board.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to be an active member here before you purchase an Rx-7. You can get to learn a lot and meet some pretty cool people. As for your buying advice, it will help a great deal to maybe a share little about yourself and also what Rx-7 you're looking to buy.

johnq1e

iTrader: (1)

Theres a guy on youtube called "howzer tech" he has a good comprehensive guild of what to look for regarding RX-7 FDs interior/exterior and engine. I would first ask for a smog check and whether the car will be able to pass. Most states wont even let you buy the car without a smog(i.e California). You do not want to deal with smog check on a heavily modified car, its not even worth the hassle unless you get a killer deal. Next check for visible oil leaks from engine bay. You can check around the engine and oil filter area and make sure thats dry, then look underneath the car by the engine mounts and oil pan to see if there is oil. If the car smokes from exhaust, possible an apex seal issue and engine needs a rebuilt ($3-4k) so factor that into the buy price. gluck

R4rx7

Thanks for the replies guys. A little about myself: I am 17 living in SoCal. I already drive a Honda accord so the rx7 would not be my only access to transportation. As for mechanical inclination, I've been all over Youtube and through a lot of forums and websites the last couple of years. I'm afraid I have very little real-world experience, but I know a mechanic who says I can work at his family-owned shop for a month or so sort of as an intern-ship, so hopefully that will grow my practical mechanical skills .
Now a little about the car: It's a 1980 LS, completely stock, 78k miles. It has a 5 speed and a sunroof, and the added bonus of a louvre on the hatch. The guys says its been in his family since his Great-Aunt bought it in '79. cosmetically it's in pretty rough shape, it needs a paint job, missing the molding on the driver door. the drivers seat is really torn up, the carpet on the driver side is also torn and very dirty. The passenger side interior looks like new though. The guy said it sat for 4 months, he threw a new battery in it and it started right up. asking price is 2500, considering the exterior and interior I think I could get it for less. Also by the looks of it it hasn't been garaged hardly at all, if ever. I can see no rust on the outside from the pics though. I will try to put up some pictures of it ASAP.
Kind of a random question: my family does not have a lot of tools, as no one else but me is really mechanically inclined (I can't even find the right sized wrench half the time). I have a buddy with a whole shop full of tools who knows about cars and stuff, but he lives kinda far away and I wouldn't want to bug him every time I had a problem. So the question is what is the bare essentials in the way of tools I would need to work on an rx7. Another way I would put it is what tools can you think of that you could not live without that you need often. I hope to grow my collection of tools as I can afford them and as I need them. Thanks for listening.

R4rx7

Oh and as far as income is concerned, I live in a pretty rural area and there's always people looking for a good hand with a weed-whacker, particularly because of all the fires we experience here. I believe if I work as much as I can I can still pay for insurance/gas and still be able to save some gradually for other stuff that may need done. I'll keep you guys posted.

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

Well, as a Gen 1 guy myself, you choose the BEST generation! Sounds like you're onto a fairly nice one. Cosmetic stuff is really not that big a deal, unless it's rust (check underneath and inside under the storage bins and rear fender trim). Most everything else can be replaced fairly easily or restored with some work (or money). It also depends on how you plan to go about it - keeping it all SA parts or if you're open to using FB parts on it. Seat and carpet are all interchangeable. Does it have the plaid inlays in the seats? If so, then that will be harder to match, so if you have no issue using FB parts you can probably get a matching pair. If I'm not mistaking, I think FC seats will bolt in as well.

The car starts up easily, so that's a plus. If you end up getting it, there are some things you'll need to get done, but for now that's good enough.

As far as tools go, you'll want to get a set of METRIC wrenches and sockets. Most standard sets come with sizes you'll need for most work. There are some other sizes (like 8, 22 and others) that you might need with time, but a decent set of wrenches and sockets will get you off to a great start. Now, quality tools are expensive and you might not be able to get them up front, and that's okay. Cheap tools are better than no tools. However, if you can't, then place some quality ones high on your "to-get"-list. You don't need Snap-On, but some known brand from a hardware store should be fine.You will NEED tools no matter what car you get. Maybe drop some hints for Christmas?

Thanks for sharing your history. I like to hear people's stories.

Good on you. I obviously don't know you, so I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I'm proud of you for your mindset. :bigthumb

R4rx7

Thanks for all the help and encouragement.
I would like to keep it first gen original, whether I use SA/FB parts doesn't make a difference.
The things missing on the car are the driver side door molding, it has an ugly silver shift **** that I would like to switch out for a stock one, and there is a piece in the middle of the steering wheel (the one that the mazda logo is supposed to be set in) that for some reason is gone. If all those pieces are interchangeable that would definitely be a plus.
As for the interior, it is all brown, the seats are fake plasticy feeling leather (can't think of what it's called at the moment haha) on the edges while in the middle it is cloth.
I will try to get the pictures up.
Again, thank you.

R4rx7

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

Oh man, the car looks nice. If you end up getting it, you should be able to put it back together over time. I haven't seen anything in the photos that you shouldn't be able to get if you know where to look and I'm sure you'll get support from some of the old-school guys in Cali.

R4rx7

That's good to hear!

R4rx7

Doesn't look like this one is going to work out. I'll keep checking craigslist for a clean first gen. Meanwhile I'll probably be lurking in the first gen section. Thanks for the help diabolical!