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Cox Engine of The Month
My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
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My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
My 1984 Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log
Not my first effort. A little history chronology.
1959 Corvette, Complete restoration. Nuts and bolts. Even took the speedometer apart.
1965 K code Mustang. Marks car. A shell when we got it. I painted it burgandy.
1947 MGTC Classic. Mostly done when I got it. Professional British body shop restoration, painted in pieces Porsche red. Mark and I assembled it.
1974 MGB. A rusty mess, but with overdrive. Engine, body, interior. Loved that car.
1980 MG-LE Cosmetic restoration. My best MG
1974 MG Midget. Engine a mess, body a mess. Re-did both. Anybody notice the major difference between the two years? 1974 and 1977?
1977 MG Midget. Killed MG's for me. $250 rusty mess, engine locked, differential locked. Water in transmission. Brought it back from the dead.
Enter 1985 RX-7GSL-SE
While looking up these pictures, I came across this picture. It's the extent of my model airplanes before I joined this forum. Expanded a bit since then.
More to come but I'll keep it brief. These off-topic build logs can get boring for those not so inclined.
Not my first effort. A little history chronology.
1959 Corvette, Complete restoration. Nuts and bolts. Even took the speedometer apart.
1965 K code Mustang. Marks car. A shell when we got it. I painted it burgandy.
1947 MGTC Classic. Mostly done when I got it. Professional British body shop restoration, painted in pieces Porsche red. Mark and I assembled it.
1974 MGB. A rusty mess, but with overdrive. Engine, body, interior. Loved that car.
1980 MG-LE Cosmetic restoration. My best MG
1974 MG Midget. Engine a mess, body a mess. Re-did both. Anybody notice the major difference between the two years? 1974 and 1977?
1977 MG Midget. Killed MG's for me. $250 rusty mess, engine locked, differential locked. Water in transmission. Brought it back from the dead.
Enter 1985 RX-7GSL-SE
While looking up these pictures, I came across this picture. It's the extent of my model airplanes before I joined this forum. Expanded a bit since then.
More to come but I'll keep it brief. These off-topic build logs can get boring for those not so inclined.
rsv1cox- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
Wow Bob, quite a fleet of old cars revived with your skills and magic spell! Way to go, keep us posted on how the Mazda rises from its ashes!
balogh- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
balogh wrote:Wow Bob, quite a fleet of old cars revived with your skills and magic spell! Way to go, keep us posted on how the Mazda rises from its ashes!
I just love automobiles Andras. In my lifetime I have owned over 75, some new, some used, some pretty awful. I enjoyed the pretty awfuls the most. When I was four or five my mother would set me out back on the sandpile with a couple of push cars and leave me for hours. Her baby sitter she said.
Days one through five:
Spark plug holes with ATF/MMO to lubricate apex seals on the rotors.
My first RX-7 injury. It won't be the last.
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Marleysky- Top Poster
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Marleysky- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
Marley, I think you nailed it! In Triumph-speak we call them "Dolly Partons." They are much more pointy on TR6s.
_________________
Never enough time to build them all...always enough time to smash them all!
944_Jim- Diamond Member
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
944_Jim wrote:Marley, I think you nailed it! In Triumph-speak we call them "Dolly Partons." They are much more pointy on TR6s.
Nah, That one is to easy/obvious guys.
Check out the rear wheel wells. MG lowered them for '77 for more body stifness.
Krylon gloss white rattle can paint job on that MG. No way I was going to waste money on a $250 dollar rust bucket. Fooled many people including the buyer. He just refused to believe me.
Know what this is? Chances are you have one right now on your car/truck.
rsv1cox- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
Bob, that connector on the left side is an odd tapered pin, appears to be electrical in nature, possibly to be butted up against another module of a sort. It's smaller size leaves me a little puzzled. Mazda's seem to be good about all sorts of little electronic / vacuum-pneumatic actuators, remembered some on my 1970 Mazda 1800, which set it apart from other cars. For emission controls, it had dual points on its 4 cylinder for idle spark retardation done by the second set of points.
You've got me, what is it?
GallopingGhostler- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
GallopingGhostler wrote:Bob, that connector on the left side is an odd tapered pin, appears to be electrical in nature, possibly to be butted up against another module of a sort. It's smaller size leaves me a little puzzled. Mazda's seem to be good about all sorts of little electronic / vacuum-pneumatic actuators, remembered some on my 1970 Mazda 1800, which set it apart from other cars. For emission controls, it had dual points on its 4 cylinder for idle spark retardation done by the second set of points.
You've got me, what is it?
It's pretty universal George. Got them on my Hondas.
The one on my RX-7
Unfortunately, the pin is rusted shut and I can't get the fuel filler door open. I have sprayed some penetrating oil in there (can't see it). The tab is there in case there is a failure. Pull back on the tab to pull back the pin. Works fine if it isn't rusted. So if your fuel door doesn't open, now you know how to open it.
I need to open the door to replace the gas in the tank when I drain it. It's about a quarter full according to the gauge.
That white stuff on the bumper trim came off with pressure washing. It's actually lichen. It was sitting garaged in SC for 15 years. So, everyone, keep moving.................
rsv1cox- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
Interesting, Bob, I would never guess it was an electric solenoid to unlock the fuel cap door. And, it was good that the Mazda engineers figured a way to operate the solenoid manually through the exposed linkage when opening the trunk during loss of electrical power or solenoid failure.
None of my current vehicles have that, my plain Jane Dodges and Chevy. They all have manually operating doors. My earlier vehicles that had them were manual cable operated fuel door openers.
But, in a way I am grateful to have these baseline brand vehicles. Seems lately, luxury type vehicles (Cadillac, Lincoln, especially Mercedes, Porsche, Volvo, BMW, etc.) are more susceptible to random vandalism, especially in larger cities. Wouldn't want to park somewhere while traveling, and have the unexpected happen. That big Mercedes star seems to paint a target on that vehicle.
The old Murphy's Law of Combat seems to hold truth: Look unimportant, the enemy may be low on ammunition.
None of my current vehicles have that, my plain Jane Dodges and Chevy. They all have manually operating doors. My earlier vehicles that had them were manual cable operated fuel door openers.
But, in a way I am grateful to have these baseline brand vehicles. Seems lately, luxury type vehicles (Cadillac, Lincoln, especially Mercedes, Porsche, Volvo, BMW, etc.) are more susceptible to random vandalism, especially in larger cities. Wouldn't want to park somewhere while traveling, and have the unexpected happen. That big Mercedes star seems to paint a target on that vehicle.
The old Murphy's Law of Combat seems to hold truth: Look unimportant, the enemy may be low on ammunition.
GallopingGhostler- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
Nice restores through the years Bob , You got a good jump on it already , cleaned up pretty good too .. Are you going to see if she will fire up before jumping head first into it?
getback- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
The old Murphy's Law of Combat seems to hold truth: Look unimportant, the enemy may be low on ammunition.
True George, the few times I have been pulled over for speeding was in flashy cars. My Camero Z-28 and my BMW 325is. The BMW was especially aggravating. Trooper pulled me out of a crowd all doing the same speed.
And Eric, yes, I have changed my mind and want to get it running first. Been turning it over with oil in the spark plug holes and a ratchet on the crankshaft bolt. Nice and smooth. I was worried about the apex seals on the rotors but they appear to be fine.
But, cleaning up the pretty stuff is a lot more fun.
True George, the few times I have been pulled over for speeding was in flashy cars. My Camero Z-28 and my BMW 325is. The BMW was especially aggravating. Trooper pulled me out of a crowd all doing the same speed.
And Eric, yes, I have changed my mind and want to get it running first. Been turning it over with oil in the spark plug holes and a ratchet on the crankshaft bolt. Nice and smooth. I was worried about the apex seals on the rotors but they appear to be fine.
But, cleaning up the pretty stuff is a lot more fun.
rsv1cox- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
Even though your interior is faded, that photo shows that the cloth velour interior is still in very good condition, which means that with a decent clean up, you can have it replaced at your leisure and still enjoy driving the car meanwhile.
If the rotary apex seals are in good condition, then if it isn't burning excessive oil, and all else internally is good, with a decent exterior repaint or good detailing, you got an enjoyable keeper for rumbling around, and more time for other things.
Yup, I scratched up my right hand really good fishing out and repairing the electrical wiring on my wife's 2013 Dodge Journey. Latest additional repair:
Broken monitoring wire on battery positive terminal connector.
Monitoring wire repaired.
GallopingGhostler- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
It has to be painted, that silver is well oxidized. The new paint has to fit the interior. I like this off-red.
I bought this Miata new while living in Florida, very similiar "Copper Red."
Only red car that I have owned outside my MGTC.
That bruise on my forearm, jammed between the fan shroud and the ratchet pictured above.
Mouse nest found under the spare tire. Just about every car of this type I have ever owned had one.
I have found them in glove boxes.
I bought this Miata new while living in Florida, very similiar "Copper Red."
Only red car that I have owned outside my MGTC.
That bruise on my forearm, jammed between the fan shroud and the ratchet pictured above.
Mouse nest found under the spare tire. Just about every car of this type I have ever owned had one.
I have found them in glove boxes.
rsv1cox- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
Us guys are a tough lot... smashes, mashes, cuts, gashes... bruises, abrasions and lacerations.. ( don't put your eye out... )
All kidding aside.. Robert, This most recent automotive adventure for you is IMHO very cool! Those Wankels can really spool-up some serious output-power.. albeit at the cost of efficiency and emissions .. but someone needs to stand-up to the current (no pun intended..) electric-vehicle trend.. and it might as well be you!
A cool vid.. that you've likely seen already Robert.. but I'll post for the benefit of those who may have not.. and are interested in the differences through the years up until your latest example.
All kidding aside.. Robert, This most recent automotive adventure for you is IMHO very cool! Those Wankels can really spool-up some serious output-power.. albeit at the cost of efficiency and emissions .. but someone needs to stand-up to the current (no pun intended..) electric-vehicle trend.. and it might as well be you!
A cool vid.. that you've likely seen already Robert.. but I'll post for the benefit of those who may have not.. and are interested in the differences through the years up until your latest example.
Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
Thanks roddie, I do have it but watched through it again. Always learn something new, but this guy is difficult to keep up with unless your familiar with both the 12A and the 13B.
I had a 12A when living in Florida in the late 90's. Biggest visual appearance difference is the wheels. A beautiful low mileage '82 GSL with leather. But, it did not have power steering making it heavy to drive not light on it's feet like my GSL-SE so I sold it. I should have just added the power steering unit.
I managed to get the fuel filler door open. Coming in through the back I wedged a screwdriver blade in the opening between the lever and the body and twisted backing the pin out and the door popped open.
I had a 12A when living in Florida in the late 90's. Biggest visual appearance difference is the wheels. A beautiful low mileage '82 GSL with leather. But, it did not have power steering making it heavy to drive not light on it's feet like my GSL-SE so I sold it. I should have just added the power steering unit.
I managed to get the fuel filler door open. Coming in through the back I wedged a screwdriver blade in the opening between the lever and the body and twisted backing the pin out and the door popped open.
rsv1cox- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
looking good.
RED! the new Mazda red would look VERY sharp on it. I've seen a few of the new miatas and even SUVs with it.
a bit sparkly, and deep.
RED! the new Mazda red would look VERY sharp on it. I've seen a few of the new miatas and even SUVs with it.
a bit sparkly, and deep.
cstatman- Platinum Member
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
cstatman wrote:looking good.
RED! the new Mazda red would look VERY sharp on it. I've seen a few of the new miatas and even SUVs with it.
a bit sparkly, and deep.
Yes, I love this color. Going to get the local paint shop to mix me up a batch according to Mazda's paint code and shoot it myself. About June/July I figure.
Evil gas. Drained the tank this morning and refilled with a couple of gallons of fresh and as it's on two jacks sloshed it around a bit by moving the body side to side, then drained that. Replaced the drain plug and filled it with three gallons of fresh. Now to replace the fuel filter, blow out the lines and get it started. Previous owner said - "Ran when parked." As the blind man said - We shall see.
What Ron is looking forward to Times 2! If his Triumphs have been sitting for any length of time.
rsv1cox- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
Looking good Bob…. My Z’s interior was about that exact same color….. Stereo facing was similar as well….I had to pull it out once to change the fuse in the back…. That’s where the little micro cassette was too that had the lady’s voice to remind you; Lights are on, Door is Open, Fuel Level Low, and a lot of other things….. Have fun but be safe
rdw777- Diamond Member
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
rdw777 wrote:Looking good Bob…. My Z’s interior was about that exact same color….. Stereo facing was similar as well….I had to pull it out once to change the fuse in the back…. That’s where the little micro cassette was too that had the lady’s voice to remind you; Lights are on, Door is Open, Fuel Level Low, and a lot of other things….. Have fun but be safe
Four jack stands Robert plus the jack. Still I'm cautious. Removing the skid shield and the fuel pump.
This is NOT the fun part, but somehow I get the same feeling of positive anticipation that I got the first time I turned a disassembly nut/bolt on my '59 Corvette some 45 years ago. Where is this thing going to lead.............The fun part is when you get all the new/refinished parts lined up ready for reassembly on a freshly restored chassis.
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getback- Top Poster
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rsv1cox- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
couldnt resist, had to google it
Soul Red Crystal - which sounds like it may be a bit more than I bargained for (like the ex-wives) may remove whats left of my soul?
but sure is pretty
https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/the-mazda-way/design/soul-red-crystal/
Soul Red Crystal - which sounds like it may be a bit more than I bargained for (like the ex-wives) may remove whats left of my soul?
but sure is pretty
https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/the-mazda-way/design/soul-red-crystal/
cstatman- Platinum Member
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
Mazda had some interesting colors. My oldest daughter had a very rare Miata in Evolution Orange. Then husbands RX-7 behind it.
When they visited us in Florida, I hadn't told her of my new Miata in Copper Red. When she saw it, her eyes lit up and she went home and traded it for a new hardtop in that color.
That was in 2007, she still has it.
Removed the fuel pump today. Not a pretty sight.
When they visited us in Florida, I hadn't told her of my new Miata in Copper Red. When she saw it, her eyes lit up and she went home and traded it for a new hardtop in that color.
That was in 2007, she still has it.
Removed the fuel pump today. Not a pretty sight.
rsv1cox- Top Poster
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Re: My Mazda RX-7GSL-SE build log with the occasional balsa inclusion
First, I loved the photo timeline. One that really stood out was painting the Mustang. Painting it outside, painting it right beside what appears to be a very light colored house..... And the fact it is a deep red! That takes guts, or a lot of permission..... Lol.
Hopefully you can get the pump all cleaned up and get the new addition fired up!
Hopefully you can get the pump all cleaned up and get the new addition fired up!
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