1986 RX7 base model resto-mod project

need RX7 · 10-21-2009, 06:06 PM

Today was a much nicer day than we've been having around here lately (sun was out and it was actually a little warm), and I decided I needed to do something to this car. So after I finished mowing the lawn (20 dolla, wut?), I threw the front end in the air and looked for something to do. My front subframe has a ton of surface rust, and is just generally crusty and in need of cleaning. So I went at it for a while, and about 2 hours later ended up with this:

It was just getting dark as I was figuring out how to move it around, so I'll leave it out for tonight (rolling it into the garage is not an option

) and go at it tomorrow. I figure I'll start out wire-wheeling and painting the subframe (unless I can find an inexpensive powdercoater locally with an oven big enough for it) then I'll pick up some nice new bushings for the front suspension. Hopefully I'll also be able to source a 5-lug swap before I put it all back in. This will also allow to get more thorough coverage when I paint the engine bay.

I do have a question, where should I put the jack stands now that the subframe is gone? I currently have them at the front of the 'rails' on the underside of the car, but to be honest, that spot makes me uncomfortable as hell. Also, how do I jack the front end up and down without the subframe?

10-21-2009, 06:06 PM	#9
need RX7 Clean S4 Nutswinger Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sterling Heights, MI Posts: 485 Rep Power: 18	Today was a much nicer day than we've been having around here lately (sun was out and it was actually a little warm), and I decided I needed to do something to this car. So after I finished mowing the lawn (20 dolla, wut?), I threw the front end in the air and looked for something to do. My front subframe has a ton of surface rust, and is just generally crusty and in need of cleaning. So I went at it for a while, and about 2 hours later ended up with this: It was just getting dark as I was figuring out how to move it around, so I'll leave it out for tonight (rolling it into the garage is not an option ) and go at it tomorrow. I figure I'll start out wire-wheeling and painting the subframe (unless I can find an inexpensive powdercoater locally with an oven big enough for it) then I'll pick up some nice new bushings for the front suspension. Hopefully I'll also be able to source a 5-lug swap before I put it all back in. This will also allow to get more thorough coverage when I paint the engine bay. I do have a question, where should I put the jack stands now that the subframe is gone? I currently have them at the front of the 'rails' on the underside of the car, but to be honest, that spot makes me uncomfortable as hell. Also, how do I jack the front end up and down without the subframe? __________________ -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. Last edited by need RX7; 10-21-2009 at 06:10 PM.