1986 RX7 base model resto-mod project

need RX7 · 09-04-2009, 05:01 PM

Well, I figured it was about time to start this thread since it might actually start going somewhere soon.

A little background; Pretty much ever since I bought my first FC in Febuary '08, I was looking for a cleaner shell to build up since the first one was fighting a losing battle with rust.

Fast-forward to March/April-ish of '09, I found a car on this very site that I really liked. A 1986 base model, with not a spec of rust on it, non-running, for only $500. The catch was, it was located in Texas (roughly 1300 miles from where I live). After a few weeks of researching shipping companies and contemplating spending hundreds of dollars to ship a $500 car, me and my dad decided to road-trip this bish.

We arranged to pick up a rental dolly from a U-Haul store in Texas (conveniently located minutes away from the seller's house). We had to tell them we were towing a 1965 VW bug to get them to let us rent it, but we got it

. We then started our trip. Long story short, the car made it home without incident in 3 days... Well, pretty much without incident. We did have a chain break and drag on the ground, throwing a shower of sparks for miles. By pure chance, this was witnessed by another forum member.

Who said XJs can't tow?

Only thing done to it is a trans cooler. (that's my dad in the pic, BTW. Taken somewhere in IL)

We arrived home about 11pm on the 3rd night

A couple shots of the cars together:

(Old on the left, new on the right)

In the next episode, we'll learn the true nature of the car's non-running problem.

09-04-2009, 05:01 PM	#1
need RX7 Clean S4 Nutswinger Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sterling Heights, MI Posts: 485 Rep Power: 18	1986 RX7 base model resto-mod project Well, I figured it was about time to start this thread since it might actually start going somewhere soon. A little background; Pretty much ever since I bought my first FC in Febuary '08, I was looking for a cleaner shell to build up since the first one was fighting a losing battle with rust. Fast-forward to March/April-ish of '09, I found a car on this very site that I really liked. A 1986 base model, with not a spec of rust on it, non-running, for only $500. The catch was, it was located in Texas (roughly 1300 miles from where I live). After a few weeks of researching shipping companies and contemplating spending hundreds of dollars to ship a $500 car, me and my dad decided to road-trip this bish. We arranged to pick up a rental dolly from a U-Haul store in Texas (conveniently located minutes away from the seller's house). We had to tell them we were towing a 1965 VW bug to get them to let us rent it, but we got it . We then started our trip. Long story short, the car made it home without incident in 3 days... Well, pretty much without incident. We did have a chain break and drag on the ground, throwing a shower of sparks for miles. By pure chance, this was witnessed by another forum member. Who said XJs can't tow? Only thing done to it is a trans cooler. (that's my dad in the pic, BTW. Taken somewhere in IL) We arrived home about 11pm on the 3rd night A couple shots of the cars together: (Old on the left, new on the right) In the next episode, we'll learn the true nature of the car's non-running problem. __________________ -Ted -1986 Mazda RX7 Sport [DD/beater]: engine finally let go at 205k. parts car status. -1986 Mazda RX7 base [resto-mod project]: S5 n/a swap in progress.