Hey Everyone,
I could potentially be purchasing a 93 FD R1, but I have a couple of hurdles to jump before I can make it happen. Here is the story. I have a friend with a 93 R1. He is the second owner and bought the car in 94. It is low miles, but it has been sitting outside for about 6 years. The car is bone stock and was mechanically sound when parked. I wont get into the reason it has sat for so long, but it has more to do with hard times than the car it self. Anyway, here are the issues I need to address first.

1. The car is locked and the keys have been lost. I know the ignition was switched at some point, but the door locks should be original. I called a Mazda dealer and they did not think that the would be able to cut a key with the VIN and proof of ownership. Is this correct or did I talk with someone without the correct knowledge?
2. The tires have dry rot. I have a set of wheels and tires from a late 80's supra. Some research indicates that they may fit, at least to get it on a trailer?
3. I assume I should not even attempt to start the car without fresh oil, gas, coolant, and plugs. Maybe even a compression test?

My main concern is related to the keys. Any advice on how and where to get keys cut? Any way to jimmy the lock?

Thanks and here is photo proof.

 

If the rear hatch latch is anything like the latch for the hood, it may be possible to pop it open from outside the car. You may be able to reach up and hit the tab the cable pulls and get the hatch open. From there, crawl inside, open the doors. Then just don't lock it while you source yourself a new lockset with key and swap them on out.

If you have the specs for those wheels and tires, you might be able to tell if they fit or not. If the offset is like, +35 or more, you should be good.

Depending on how long it's been sitting, it may be good to cycle all fluids. Fuel all out of the tank and out of the lines (hopefully the injectors are fine. honestly, i don't know if anything would happen to them just sitting there). Fuel filter. Oil change. All that. And then definitely give it a good while to start moving all the fluids before giving it any major rpms. And then change your fluids again. At least, that's what I'd do.

 

*Before I retired we carried equipment in our cruisers for emergencies (babies or animals locked inside cars) that got us inside the car without a key but without causing damage. Call a locksmith, they should have the same equipment. They also might have an idea about cutting a key from a lock cylinder. The hatch cylinder will be the same as the ignition.
*Try putting some air in those tires. They might hold air long enough to put it on flatbed to get it home. The stock wheel is 16x8 +50. Bolt pattern 5x114.3.
*The fuel tank has a drain.
*Check the FAQ or do a search on starting a rotary for the first time after sitting. There are procedures.
*Sitting that long, the engine will require a rebuild regardless. Failed or soon to fail soft seals, stuck hard seals, rotted hoses and lines, stuck injectors, corrosion etc.
*It's also likely that there will be rodent damage.

 

A Mazda dealer should be able to cut a key for the car using the VIN. I've had keys cut for several of my cars this way.

 

I've had keys for my '93 cut by a Mazda dealer with only the title presented. They even had the plastic portion with the period-correct Mazda emblem. If a particular dealership gives you trouble, just try a different one. Each key should cost about $20-25 (at least, that's what I paid).

 

So my friend and I were able to get a key cut from the code obtained through the VIN. We went through a dealer to get the code, and cut it. Now for phase two. We pulled the ignition to take to a locksmith with hopes they can create a key for it. If you did not see in the previous post, the ignition was replaced at one point and has a different key. If all goes well, tires go on next and we attempt to start it.

 

Oh wow an update after many months. Glad you were be able get the keys cut. One more piece and the the project can really get under way. Off hand without getting it started so you know what needs attention? I can't imagine having one sit for 6 years

 

Well the ignition is with the locksmith still waiting to hear from them about cutting a key or possibly rekeying the cylinder. Next step will be drain gas, fresh fluids, and plugs. It had zero issues when it was parked but who knows what sitting that long will do. My friend thinks it is going to pop right off with no issues. Is he being too optimistic?

 

Do not try to start it immediately, you risk catastrophic engine damage of a seal is stuck and you break it with the starter. Search around the 3rd gen section about starting a car that has sat.

What you should do first is pull the leading (lower) spark plugs, use a vynil hose or similar with a small funnel and get some Marvel mystery oil in the engine. Put the plugs back in and slowly try to turn the engine clockwise (when looking at the front of the engine) with a breaker bar and the correct socket on the crank bolt. If it spins freely for several revolutions you in the clear to use the starter, if it won’t budge let the MMO soak overnight and then try again the next day. If it never frees up you need to pull the block.

In regards to the fuel, before draining the tank fold back the hatch carpet, remove the fuel sending unit access cover and then pull the sending unit assembly out of the tank. If it is not gunked up or rusted to hell you can try draining the gas and running it. If it is garbage get a used sending unit and inspect the tank. In any situation replace the fuel filter and have the injectors serviced at a minimum.

Check the underhood and in cabin wiring by the ECU for rodent damage. The brakes may be trash and will be in need of caliper rebuilds too, be mindful of them if you get it fired up because they may stick.

Lastly, manage expectations and plan for a rebuild with a new engine harness and fuel system overhaul if you plan to buy the car.

 

Fantastic advice. I will be very cautious in attempting to start the car. Once I have a chance to dig in there and see what needs serviced I can start figuring out a price and budget.

 

So here is the latest. We left the ig ition with a locksmith and 3 weeks later they say they couldn't do anything with it. We brought it to another locksmith and for 20 bucks he rebuilt the ignition to match the key we have and had it done the very next day. Wow! Now we are in business. Time to put it back together do all the checks and see if this thing will start.