What did you do to your old school rotary today?
I just bought more tools here and their going to start next month on car . Putting rear end soon to pick it up car to put in my garage soon will try to get pictures soon
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 8
From: Mommy’s basement
I found a source that had two sets of RX4 windshield wipers. Ordered both sets. 
During the winter in Oregon, one can never have too many windshield wipers. (Make that winter, spring, summer and fall in Oregon.)
Took the dash apart in preparation to removing it so it can be reupholstered. It appears that the dash can not come out until the windshield is removed. There are little pins on the bottom of the dash that will not clear when the dash is raised, because the top of the dash hits on the inside bottom of the windshield. Another half inch or so and it would be enough to get the dash out. I'm not looking forward to removing the windshield because there is always the potential of cracking it. How easy is it to get an RX4 Coupe windshield, when you need one?
Got the RX4 GTR back from the body shop. A few little hidden dents didn't get completely fixed and there are signs of orange-peel where the black decal on the hood and trunk used to be, which is now painted black with a gold metal flake clear coat.
During the winter in Oregon, one can never have too many windshield wipers. (Make that winter, spring, summer and fall in Oregon.)Took the dash apart in preparation to removing it so it can be reupholstered. It appears that the dash can not come out until the windshield is removed. There are little pins on the bottom of the dash that will not clear when the dash is raised, because the top of the dash hits on the inside bottom of the windshield. Another half inch or so and it would be enough to get the dash out. I'm not looking forward to removing the windshield because there is always the potential of cracking it. How easy is it to get an RX4 Coupe windshield, when you need one?
Got the RX4 GTR back from the body shop. A few little hidden dents didn't get completely fixed and there are signs of orange-peel where the black decal on the hood and trunk used to be, which is now painted black with a gold metal flake clear coat.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 493
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From: Tampa, Fl
In the old Mazda manuals that the Mazda Techs used, it explains how to separate the windshield from the body with a piano wire. I personaly have not tried this but it looks like it beats the windshield removing tool that pretty much breaks every windshield it comes in contact with. Has any one on here tried the piano wire technique?
I
Took the dash apart in preparation to removing it so it can be reupholstered. It appears that the dash can not come out until the windshield is removed. There are little pins on the bottom of the dash that will not clear when the dash is raised, because the top of the dash hits on the inside bottom of the windshield. Another half inch or so and it would be enough to get the dash out. I'm not looking forward to removing the windshield because there is always the potential of cracking it. How easy is it to get an RX4 Coupe windshield, when you need one?
Took the dash apart in preparation to removing it so it can be reupholstered. It appears that the dash can not come out until the windshield is removed. There are little pins on the bottom of the dash that will not clear when the dash is raised, because the top of the dash hits on the inside bottom of the windshield. Another half inch or so and it would be enough to get the dash out. I'm not looking forward to removing the windshield because there is always the potential of cracking it. How easy is it to get an RX4 Coupe windshield, when you need one?
You can remove the dash with the windshield in tact. In fact, you can remove it as one piece (including metal frame). The dash frame is screwed in into the body, 4 or 6 spots. Be sure to spray/soak the screws with PB Blaster or WD otherwise, you will strip them if rusted.
Exactly, there is no need to remove the windshield to remove the dash. Just remove the screws at the very front of the dash at the windshield and loosen the bolts on each side under the dash. The whole dash will then tilt down and you can lift it out. I had mine out a couple of times until I got everything put back together right. Result of trying to put it back together after someone else took it apart.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 8
From: Mommy’s basement
The dash is completely free of all connectors (screws, bolts) that fasten it to anything. It is completely wiggle-able and has up-down mobility. I've had another set of eyes look at it and they also thought the windshield would need to be removed. The other set of eyes belong to a professional auto body and painter, and he has no incentive to see the windshield removed. BUT, if you have taken the dash out without removing the windshield then I will proceed; expecting to find a way to remove it without taking out the windshield.
The main impediment's the brackets that are at each side (driver/passenger) about knee height, that support the dash. They are not part of the dash but the dash rests on these brackets. There are small holes in the brackets that receives a small pin. I call it a pin but it is immovable like a guide pin on the end of a shaft or leg and is attached to the dash.
The main impediment's the brackets that are at each side (driver/passenger) about knee height, that support the dash. They are not part of the dash but the dash rests on these brackets. There are small holes in the brackets that receives a small pin. I call it a pin but it is immovable like a guide pin on the end of a shaft or leg and is attached to the dash.
I banged on the REPU rear axle bearing retaining nut to no avail. That thing won't budge after some heat and kryoil. And it keeps spinning in the vise. And bought a new rear (inner) pinion bearing from MAZDA that should work better than the Timken one with the bad part # on rockauto.com
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,154
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From: Mommy’s basement
A little touch up after just 36 years
Here are some pictures of the 74 RX4 GTR after it was given a fresh coat of paint. Pearl white with gold metal flake on both the black and on the pearl.
I used to work in auto body and used piano wire always when the glass was good so it could go back in, if the glass was already damadged I used the cuter. poke the wire thru at bottom edge at cowl (3' lengh if u have a helper 6' if solo) i like to use a small vise grip on each end (be carful with angle on inside so you dont damage dash) use a sawing moshin as u pull along(use safty glasses as somtimes the wire will break) good luck
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,154
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From: Mommy’s basement
Got the front bumper for the yellow '73 RX3 Wagon.
I don't have bolts for it yet, so in the mean time; the age old question is asked again: duct tape or zip ties?
I don't have bolts for it yet, so in the mean time; the age old question is asked again: duct tape or zip ties?
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 8
From: Mommy’s basement
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 8
From: Mommy’s basement
A little lipstick on the 74 GTR
Looks a little better than it did before; and goes faster too!
ps
I got the dash out of the 76 RX4. I'll post some pictures of it later.
ps
I got the dash out of the 76 RX4. I'll post some pictures of it later.
My Project
Moved my car from bushes to access to my car to bring home.
