RestoMod RX3
02-29-12, 09:27 PM
#1
RestoMod RX3
I've got a couple RX3s and a storage shed full of parts I've been hauling around since the 80s. After inventorying my parts last weekend it was pretty apparent I had every intention of keeping an RX3 for the rest of my life, LOL.
Anyway, the time has finally come for me to restore an old friend. I'm a little nervous since I haven't worked on Rotarys for 15 years. I've got an RX7 buddy who told me to come here for knowledge and wisdom from experts all around the world. After reading numerous threads about restoring RX3s here I'm much more comfortable with my decision to plunk down the coin to realize my dream of putting this car back on the road with more shine than ever.
I took some pics but I've got a new Mac and don't yet know how to crunch them down small enough to post here. Aside from that, I don't miss my Windows computer in the slightest
That's a whole 'nother thread 
I'll get it figured out and post pics soon.
Watch this space...
Until then...where can I get a new hood and some fender flares for an RX3?
Anyway, the time has finally come for me to restore an old friend. I'm a little nervous since I haven't worked on Rotarys for 15 years. I've got an RX7 buddy who told me to come here for knowledge and wisdom from experts all around the world. After reading numerous threads about restoring RX3s here I'm much more comfortable with my decision to plunk down the coin to realize my dream of putting this car back on the road with more shine than ever.
I took some pics but I've got a new Mac and don't yet know how to crunch them down small enough to post here. Aside from that, I don't miss my Windows computer in the slightest
That's a whole 'nother thread I'll get it figured out and post pics soon.
Watch this space...
Until then...where can I get a new hood and some fender flares for an RX3?
02-29-12, 10:07 PM
#2
Congrats on your decision! Rx3's are only going up in value and your time effort and money will most likely prove to be a wise investment. You're in the right place for people that know their stuff , and I would also direct you to Ausrotary.com. This Australian based forum has tons of over the top builds on RX3's as they saw those cars in much greater numbers than we did in the US. Good luck with your build (s) and can't wait to see the pics.
03-01-12, 01:02 AM
#4
Full Member
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: San Fran/Daly City Calipornia
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Welcome to the boards. Glad to hear someone from the SF area with a classic rotary or rotaries. It will be nice if you have one running near summer. We've got a couple of old school Japanese car meets and bbqs usually when the weather heats up. Hope to have more classic rotaries at the gatherings. If you are ever in the Daly City or SF area hit me up.
-Mike
-Mike
03-01-12, 01:51 AM
#5
welcome to the club mate. I restored my 73 rx2 last year and am now on to my 73 Rx3 coupe. Im from San Jose, so not too far from you. Let me know if you need any help or advice. I know most of the old school Mazda guys around. Migz is a top shelf guy and a friend of mine too. i may have a spare hood too!
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03-03-12, 11:24 AM
#8
Banned
iTrader: (40)
Post those pictures brother!!! lol
03-04-12, 02:04 AM
#9
I've got video that I just uploaded to YouTube.
My lovely wife and Mac expert just showed me how to make those 3 meg pictures smaller but that'll be another day. So for now, here's a link to a walkabout the car...
http://youtu.be/6-ZJQmPnAE8
My lovely wife and Mac expert just showed me how to make those 3 meg pictures smaller but that'll be another day. So for now, here's a link to a walkabout the car...
http://youtu.be/6-ZJQmPnAE8
03-05-12, 08:28 PM
#13
Senior Member
Very Nice!!! I wasn't expecting to see those tailights on it 
You should check this thread out.
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/foru...php?f=5&t=4426
Good Luck with the Project!
You should check this thread out.
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/foru...php?f=5&t=4426
Good Luck with the Project!
03-06-12, 05:10 PM
#15
Yeah, I'm a little torn as to which tail lights to use. Still on the fence on that one.
Thanks for the link RX2fan. Very interesting read.
A little history on this project of mine...
I have had a 74 RX3 since 1980. I graduated high school with it, got laid in it, drove it over 200,000 miles over three different engines. The 74 is a Minnesota car that someone brought to California. And since I was just 16 when I got it, it has been in numerous wrecks over my lifetime of driving it. Between the salt on the roads in Minnesota accelerating rust, and a hat trick of fender benders planting bondo in many spots on the body, the 74 RX3 I'd driven from 1980-1998 is just NO candidate for overhaul.
The car in the video above is from California. I rescued it from an auto wrecker. A little old lady from Sacramento owned it and only put 67,000 miles on it when the engine blew. The 76 in the video has never been hit, has no bondo or any other modification. There are some missing parts since I bought it as a parts car, but most of those parts are on my 74 now, so I still have them, they are just on another vehicle. I bought the car sans engine and a few interior pieces. I have all the seats, the 5 speed tranny, and other sundries.
I'm getting pretty excited about working on this car. I have a busy work schedule and can only apply my time to the car on select weekends. I work 225 miles away from my house where the car is, making it that much more difficult. But its gonna happen and be QUITE therapeutic for me as I've been dreaming big for this car for almost 30 years.
I'll get more pics a vids in time.
Thanks for everyone's feedback as it really IS inspirational to hear other enthusiasts inject their two cents.
Thanks for the link RX2fan. Very interesting read.
A little history on this project of mine...
I have had a 74 RX3 since 1980. I graduated high school with it, got laid in it, drove it over 200,000 miles over three different engines. The 74 is a Minnesota car that someone brought to California. And since I was just 16 when I got it, it has been in numerous wrecks over my lifetime of driving it. Between the salt on the roads in Minnesota accelerating rust, and a hat trick of fender benders planting bondo in many spots on the body, the 74 RX3 I'd driven from 1980-1998 is just NO candidate for overhaul.
The car in the video above is from California. I rescued it from an auto wrecker. A little old lady from Sacramento owned it and only put 67,000 miles on it when the engine blew. The 76 in the video has never been hit, has no bondo or any other modification. There are some missing parts since I bought it as a parts car, but most of those parts are on my 74 now, so I still have them, they are just on another vehicle. I bought the car sans engine and a few interior pieces. I have all the seats, the 5 speed tranny, and other sundries.
I'm getting pretty excited about working on this car. I have a busy work schedule and can only apply my time to the car on select weekends. I work 225 miles away from my house where the car is, making it that much more difficult. But its gonna happen and be QUITE therapeutic for me as I've been dreaming big for this car for almost 30 years.
I'll get more pics a vids in time.
Thanks for everyone's feedback as it really IS inspirational to hear other enthusiasts inject their two cents.
03-07-12, 01:10 PM
#18
Banned
iTrader: (40)
^^^^^+++++1
04-13-12, 04:34 PM
#24
Spare bumpers
Ozzy's got me convinced of switching to 71-73 bumpers so I might have a 74 & a 76 when all is said and done.