sam1bas

Got an 85 rx7 recently. Has a few spots that I would like to fix. It's currently almost 1am here so I'll take close up pictures in the morning but I'm going to include a few shots I've taken when I washed it yesterday. The usual wheel well rust and some on the rear and front.

Looking for advice on how to repair it, if I could just get new front and rear bumpers and if that would be the best way to go about it.

Also if anyone knows any places that sell fenders, would be appreciated

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

I don't see any rust on the bumpers themselves.

The basic idea of repairing rust is this: If there is a replacement panel available aftermarket or from the dealer, then buy it and bolt it on/weld it in.

If there is no replacement panel available, then find one used that will work and bolt it on/weld it in.

If there is no used panel available, make it.

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

Also understand once rust appears, there is almost always underlying damage. If the quarters are rusted, the inner fender/wheel well will also need repair/replacement. Sometimes it's easier to repair than to replace those. You also have to be careful that suspension strong points haven't been altered or weakened with the rust or with repairs.

FWIW I was chasing a odds and ends for my daughter's college car this last year at the local U-Pull-it lots and saw a couple of relatively solid FBs in terms of body panels. Might be something to keep in mind.

sam1bas

Here are the close ups I promised. The previous owner had primered most of them. I live in southern NJ (gloucester county to be more specific) and the only 2 junk yards I know of are Apollos and Pontes, one in westville and the other in mantua/mullica hill. So I will be checking them out soon to see if they have any lying around.

Does anyone know of anywhere online that sells panels/fenders?

Aaron Cake

iTrader: (1)

I believe that Black Dragon automotive is still selling 1st gen stuff.

None of that looks too terrible (well from my persepctive anyway) though it's going to take some work. Expect to find a LOT more hidden rust (front and rear of sills, wheel wells, rear suspension mounts, idler arm mount).

TheEjectButton

Sanding disc, rust converter and a good sealer should do the trick. At least you're not patching giant rust holes...

ROTRHEAD718

Dont know about stock parts, but Mariah Motorsports has alot of nice stuff for the 1st gen

Mariah Motorsports by Design Energy Inc. RX-7, Rotary, KitCar and Sportscar Specialist

Sgtblue

iTrader: (16)

Not if you don't want to see it again in 6 months or less...or live anywhere else but the desert southwest.

Otherwise I see a new rear valance, rust panels (at minimum) for the quarters along with some inner fender repair. And it would be easiest to just replace the front fenders with rust-free used OEM, or reproduction if someone makes them. Same for the rockers, they're probably not real healthy either.
That primer was just so much camoflage...as any other rust converter/inhibitor would be. It's rusting from behind. Think of it like roaches... you're only seeing a portion of what's really there.

TheEjectButton

Well here in AZ that works like a champ! Gotta love that dry air. Cars last forever!