CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

Sadly no progress to report... Been traveling for work pretty consistently since my last post. Ethiopia, China, Japan, New Orleans, and currently typing this from Qatar. Yeah, the Middle East! I fix airplanes for Boeing, and this is our busy season. Bad thing about all the travel (other than the obvious part of being away from the family) is when I do get home, I'm playing catch up on house tasks, not working the projects.

My vapor barrier fix is exactly what I'd hoped for. No more drips or wet insulation, and it 'feels' drier inside. Now all that sheetrock can commence. Whoopee.

Did get to spend a little time on the Z car-ZTherapy carbs, valve adjustment, etc... almost finished, then I got the call to leave the following day. Will get that settled as soon as I can...

Saw the gold Rx4 GTR on ebay- That would be a serious time and money saver- NO WAY I could get mine to that stage for that amount of money- just too many things to spend $10K on in line before it.

Still on the lookout for parts... Anyone ever hear from John Smack? He had a bunch of stuff lined upfor me, and I never heard from him again.... Hope all is well with him.

la23srx4

I also hope things are well with him. I had some dealings in the past were we swaped some parts ... i felt i gave him more than a fare shake in trade and when i followed up with e mails to get him complete the last of our transactions ...just a few small items he owed me ,i was ignored as well.

?

J

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

So, last week on craigslist I found an all original 74 Rx4 coupe, complete, AC, 4 speed, black on black, all there, needing a restore. About 150 miles from me, $3500.

Contacted the seller, and was too late. Puerto Rico Strikes again!

This just proves there are still more of these around, and they just need to be brought out of their hiding places. I'm lucky in the sense that the NW was where many of these cars were sold, so I still like my chances for finding one, in reasonable enough shape for saving the GTR, and providing other parts to others in need.

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

And so the saga continues...

Rx4 owner calls and says I can have the car-Puerto Rico deal was abandoned due to shipping costs of the trade ($6700).

I see about 1 dozen pics, and his price is, in my opinion, unreasonable. Interior is not in as nice a condition as my car, it was originally silver (not an issue), and its got a nice crunched passenger fender (hit in the front, wrinkling the bumper end) no front valance, lower rear valance is not good, etc.... Nicest piece is the taillight surround panel- looks perfect. At best, I'd go $2500, including the nice looking Weber and intake he's got. Tells me the price is not negotiable, and its going onto ebay. I wish him well, and good luck.

For a reference, I gave $800 for my GTR, in what is, as far as I can tell (not including my rust issues), a much more complete condition. Am I way off here? I understand they are nearly impossible to find, but for me to go $3500, knowing it'll need a complete go through, it needs to be in 'better' shape....

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

Rx4 hit craigslist again... same price... no call from him....Patience, Grasshopper....

On a separate issue, I'm in Boston, fixing the BBQ'd 787. I am the one fixing the fire damage from the battery fire. Can't post pix, or give much in the way of details, but lets say there's lots to replace, and that I'll be here for a while....

jsvteck

Nice find!

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

So frustrating to be 3K miles away with no way to see or touch my projects.... Busy with the 787 repair... No end date set.

Buggy

iTrader: (8)

A few of us in Canada here have been trying to get a hold of John Smack as well. We found out he took a job somewhere in the remote north and he doesn't have access to any kind of communications. We're still trying to contact him every now and then.

87s4infini rx7

droooooooooool

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the update, Buggy! Glad to hear he's out there somewhere.

If you manage to contact him, please tell him I'm still interested in our transaction.

Thanks!

deereboy4320

CamanoRx2 I noticed your on the west side of the state. I live on the east side. I have a 74 Rx4 I'm turning into an autocross vehicle and was wondering if you were planning on keeping that roll cage or if you would be willing to sell it. I wanted to message you but couldn't figure out how. Thanks

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

Its more of a show piece than an actual roll bar. Its all bolt together construction. If you're actually wanting it do do you any good, have one made locally, that will meet your specs.

deereboy4320

Alright thanks for the feedback

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

Bumping this to the top. Been a while, gathering more pieces as I discover them. Got a really nice rear tail light panel, lights, ignition with key, a couple other pieces. Just a reminder that I'm ALWAYS looking for a donor car for steel. I need floor structure more than anything, and if I can find something in better shape, I'm essentially in. Any year will work. FINDER'S FEE'S PAID! Semi-close to the Pacific Northwest a bonus. I actually have money, too.

Mr. Smack- You out there?

Been traveling a ton. Spent almost 7 months on the road fixing planes last year. Leaving for Houston in a little while to take apart the 747 that they used to piggy-back the Space Shuttle between Cal and Florida to move it 8 miles to re-assemble it at the space museum. This is going to be awesome. I'm hearing that the Discovery Channel is going to film and make a show about it. Long job. 90+ days. Love it.

spokanerxdude

iTrader: (4)

These are from the factory when I was working for a dealership in the late 70's here in Spokane, we put a couple of sets on the rx-4's. They help eleminate wheel hop so you can call them traction bars, been to meny years to remember what mazda called them.

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

Another 'to the top' bump.... All info the same, still looking for a 'decent' floor/trunk structure, and any other decent unibody donor parts.

Got that Shuttle Carrier 747 apart, and will return at the end of the month for the transport/move to its new home at the Johnson Space Center. That's where the Houston Control Room ("Hey Houston, we've had a problem here"- Apollo 13) is. Another 6-8 weeks for reassembly, in the 100 deg/100% humidity land of Texas. Whee.

jasrx4

Have you try mannymazda for sheet metal parts. Nice guy reasonable prices.

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

I have- Looking at his bumper/valance combo now. Waiting for reply....

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

Got the valance and lights. The bumper was no longer for sale, and that was fine- mine is in good shape. Was not what I'd hoped to receive, but the internet and pictures can only give so much....

I've been back from re-assembly on the 747 Shuttle Carrier for a few weeks and just was informed I'll be going to Melbourne, AU for a couple weeks. Already found a local car show/meet that should be close to where I'll be, so if the work schedule allows, I'll definetely attend. Anyone from the Melbourne area should contact me through this thread. I'll definetley handle a few rounds!

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

Wow- Now THAT was a long plane ride- I was on that A380 for 19 hours, with the delays leaving LAX, and the late arrival making us wait out on the tarmac for a gate once we arrived......

I'm about 6 blocks froma show on the 19th... hoping to see some cool old school Aussie stuff.

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

Had the day off today (Friday the 18th) in between airplanes. Went on a walkabout to see where the car show was going to be tomorrow. Found it, and had a great time talking to the Garage Cafe owners, siblings Inica and Robin. Turns out the 'show' is a club meet for the local Rotary club! Sweet! I don't get back to the hotel until 9pm, but I'm hopping a cab right away, because the meeting runs until 10. Then, I'll ride from there with Robin to the bar he and his sister own, right by the hotel. PERFECT!

Melbourne is really cool, and the people are awesome.....

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

I couldn't get there until 9:15 (I scrambled!) , and all had left, but the VW guys who hung out later were super cool, and told me there were no 'chromie's' (Old schooler's) there, so I didn't miss out on any Rx2's. 3's. or 4's.. They said there was a 20B there, though. Oh well. If I've come this far, I HAD to try, right?

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

Life has pushed it's way into my life. I have sold my Rx7 and Rx2 (!) and all my old school parts to a New Zealander living in B.C. I've taken stock as to how my life works, and I know I won't have the time needed to address all of these cars. I had the Rx7 and Rx4 loaded up for delivery, and after I'd spent all the time and money learning how to be an exporter of vehicles, I wasn't allowed to export the Rx4, as at this time, I don't have the title. That requires a State Patrol inspection (VIN matches the bill of sale), and after that verification, I get to wait 3 years, and during that time, the title is in an 'ownership in question' status. After that, I'm able to declare ownership. So, the Rx2 took it's place on the trailer. Farewell to my first car, of which I was the 2nd owner, for almost 30 years. The new owner considers it his dream car, so I am happy to let him enjoy it's future.

I have to admit that after I had the Rx4 on the trailer, and got to realy see it from a bit of distance, I had seller's remorse. I really wanted to keep it, so it's title status I will consider a 'sign', and I will continue to search for a donor vehicle to save this very rare car. As stated in previouis posts, FINDER'S FEE'S PAID. I need any year Rx4 for donor sheetmetal.... Help a brother out!

CamanoRx2

iTrader: (2)

I guess I need to update my user name and signature... No more Rx2 or 7, and I guess CamanoRx2 should turn into CamanoRx4....

papsmagu

iTrader: (19)

Hang in there brother...I know that sometimes it could be discouraging to find parts for these cars but eventually they surface. Good look and keep us posted on your project progress. As far as your screen name...keep it, you will probably own another rx2 someday ahahahahhaahj. I've recently picked up a 4 and have learned a lot from this thread.