I just picked up an FB and I'm having to futz with my driver's door lock to get it open. Eventually I get it to unlock but it's starting to get on my nerves.

The hatch really doesn't want to budge at all though...I have had it open ONCE. Mine doesn't have a remote hatch release, so I'm stuck with using keys.

My question is, can I get these locks to work properly again or do I need to replace them? Does Mazda still sell lock cylinders for FBs? If so, any tips on removing the old cylinders and replacing them?

The ignition, btw, works fine.

fm

 

I made new keys and they only work on one door. I ended upchanging out the locks because the original one broke and the new one wouldn't open the hatch. easy enough to changethe locks, but my ignition doesn't match right now so that really stinks. I'd try wd40 in the locks first

 

I would recomend using some kind of lubricant such as a wire and chain lube. That kind of lubricant sprays on wet, but will dry and stay attached to what ever it hits (spray it into the key holes). I have also had luck with dipping a key in axle grease or oil and insterting the key and removing it several times to help lubricate the internals. If those tricks dont help pull the door panels and hatch cover to get at the linkages with a graphite or chain lube spray make sure and clean the guides if any so that the rods will slide easily.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try coating the key with a silicone spray and giving that a shot. If that doesn't work, I'll somehow get that hatch open, pop off the panel and see what I can do with it. At the very worst, I can replace the lock cylinders. I'm hoping it won't come to that though.

fm

 

sometimes you have to push down on the hatch with the key twisted to get it open. youll hear it click and then pull it up. mine does that, i think the rubber behind the rx7 logo keeps the latch in place, but mines is toast so it jiggles. it a minor pain but especially now since i put my louvers back on..

 

Rotor_Venom08,
Hmmm, that may be how I got the hatch open the one time it opened for me...I was probably pressing down on it. I'll give that a shot tonight. Really looking forward to learning more about this car.

fm

 

yeah try that it works for me. like i said that rubber behind the latch on the hatch went out on mine, but idk i just ignore it lol GL

about the doors.... im not so sure, just be careful not to twist your key to hard in the hatch lock and bend it,, i bent mine a bit and when i lock the steering wheel, its a PITA to get it unlocked..

 

Well, I spent some quality time in the garage last night with my FB. I managed to get the hatch open. I lubricated the lock, key, and the mech behind the plastic panel, but it still sticks. I pulled the lock cylinder and found that the cylinder itself is sticking. I've got like 6 keys that are presumably for the locks and none of them work properly so I'm going to see about getting new cylinders for the hatch and doors.

I hear you about bending the key. I already did that...my only ignition key too. :p I'll be getting a copy made really soon.

BTW, those rear hatch quarter interior panels were BAKED...maroon turned to white. Checked around for replacements and all the used ones have this problem (understandable with a huge glass hatch, I suppose). If anyone knows where I can get a NOS replacement for those panels, I'm all ears.

fm

 

just paint them

 

I'd love to avoid painting interior panels if I can. It may be unavoidable, but I'll hold out for the time being.

In the meantime, I see that I can still get the door lock sets new but the hatch locks are discontinued. I did come up with an idea though...retrofit a remote hatch release. I just picked up the actuator and switch from eBay. Seems like a very simple circuit. I'll let you all know how it works.

fm

 

another club member here painted his and ive seen them in person came out really nice. not sure why you wouldnt want to go that route. but its the only way for faded plastics and vinyl.

even if you got them off someone elses car their still 30 years old and wont be in great shape.

 

Venom, I've seen too many ghetto looking Hondas w/glossy, painted interiors. If you put anything in the hatch and it rubs against the panels, it'll scratch the paint and will show through. Now, I'm not really planning on using this as a daily, so that might be OK. But yes, I can see that there probably aren't any 30-year-old panels that are going to look good in that car.

 

try plastidip, or dyes. i can find out what hes used and maybe some pictures, if you know what your diong its possible.

and trust me seeing it in person it speaks for itself it looks factory. not cheesey at all.

he restored countless rx7's. mainly SA's and FB's

 

https://www.rx7club.com/1st-gen-arch...-parts-478527/

try a bit of research maybe it goes a long way.

 

Hmmm, dye seems like it'll work fine for leather and possibly vinyl parts. I read through the thread and it looks like they had some luck with the plastics (although some folks didn't have as much luck). I guess I can always try RIT Scarlet dye and see how it looks. It can't look any worse than it looks now, that's for sure.

Thanks,

fm