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Index > @ the Pickup Bed (General Topics) > Thread: What to look for when buying a Repu
Thread: What to look for when buying a Repu
Finnman


Newbie
Posts: 5
posted June 10, 2016 03:53 PM

What to look for when buying a Repu

I've been hunting around for a Repu for some time now and finally found a Repu on Craigslist. I just sent an email asking if the truck is still for sale. If I get a chance to go look at the truck and test drive it what recommendations do you have for what I should be looking for?
Ad says:
Mazda Pick-up Truck 1974 - $6500
1974 Mazda Rotary Engine
73,000 mileage
Custom lumber rack and tool box
Custom stainless steel battery box
Custom interior with Bostom Dark gray truck seats and door panels with black padded dashboard.
Outstanding BUY
Brand NEW pointless ignition
Extra Driver side door an added $800.00 value

Also the ad says its a 1974 however it has a manual transmission, I was under the impression that manuals were not offered until the 1977 model.

       
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roaddancer


Hauling
Posts: 127
posted June 10, 2016 04:29 PM

manuals in all years, 74 had a four spd. 79 Rx7 5 speed would bolt up with the adapter plate made from my drawing on this site, so could be either. It needs that 5 sp. Low rear end gearing in 74.
Rust was a big issue with all the cars of this era. Look for evidence of cheap patching. Watch for abnormal steam from the exhaust at startup. After it warms up during a test drive, run the engine rpm up in a low gear and let off suddenly. If it pulls oil past the seals from wear it will smoke. Other than that, it is worth whatever you are willing to pay.
____________
formerly
rx2/3/4/cosmo,repu,94 rx7,

       
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Finnman


Newbie
Posts: 5
posted June 10, 2016 05:20 PM

http://www.mazdarepu.com/Gallery/index.php3?album=Cappella&photo=uploads/IMAG0000.gif

This?

       
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roaddancer


Hauling
Posts: 127
posted June 10, 2016 06:47 PM

Yes, that's it. I did a conversion back in the early 80s and made a plate for that one. I have the original drawing in my toolbox. I used it again on a 75 a few years back. My little bit of immortality....
____________
formerly
rx2/3/4/cosmo,repu,94 rx7,

       
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Finnman


Newbie
Posts: 5
posted June 11, 2016 07:35 PM

I haven't done much work on a vehicle before so it will probably be some time before I tackle something like a transmission swap. However I will keep this on hand.


       
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Finnman


Newbie
Posts: 5
posted June 17, 2016 11:42 PM
Edited By: Finnman on 17 Jun 2016 23:43

Got some more information

NO a/c

There is rust damage on the drivers door that is why we bought the extra one

Yes you could drive it home it drives fine

Vin # PA136104217

Going to try to inspect/test drive it this weekend.

Also how does the adapter plate work? Never replaced anything that required one

       
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roaddancer


Hauling
Posts: 127
posted June 18, 2016 01:25 PM

The back of the transmission bolts to a cross member. The Rx7 transmission has a slightly different location. You just bolt the adapter to the cross member and bolt the transmission to the offset holes. The crossmember is bolted to the frame, so it can be dropped while changing the transmission. Pretty easy. There was a small adjustment when I put one in my 75, but it was within the range. Old front motor mounts likely to blame.
Assemble the adapter to the crossmember and leave bolts loose, then bolt it to the transmission, also loose, then bolt the crossmember to the frame. tighten eveything and good to go.
____________
formerly
rx2/3/4/cosmo,repu,94 rx7,

       
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Finnman


Newbie
Posts: 5
posted June 18, 2016 02:06 PM

That makes a lot more sense. For a while there I thought the adapter plate had something to do with attaching the transmission to the engine, but the drawing didn't make sense.

I'm guessing I'll find an Rx-7 transmission in a junkyard?

       
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