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Index > Interior > Thread: New Gauges
Thread: New Gauges
rotarynews


Moderator
Too Many Rotary Websites
Posts: 206
posted January 11, 2002 01:47 PM

New Gauges

I would like to update the gauges in the REPU.. the speedo, the tach (that doesn't work) oil, and fuel gauges. Does anyone have tips on how to wire this all up, know if I can use a cluster from an RX-7 (with mods), or have any other suggestions?

--dan
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Klaus43


Rotorhead
Posts: 1259
posted January 18, 2002 12:04 PM
Edited By: admin on 18 Jan 2002 13:40

new gauges, etc. ...

dan--
Don't despair, and don't chop up your dash!!! Stock gauges can (usually) be made functional--and you get to retain your REPU's uniqueness. If your tach's not working, it's probably 'cause of your trailing ignition... trace it to and from there. So your ignition switch is toast? Betcha corrosion of the contacts is to blame, if it's not entirely worn out... remove, disassemble as for as possible, and treat every connection (perhaps in your entire system) with the tiniest amount of a "miracle cure in-a-can": Cramoline or Caig brand "de-oxit"--available only at electronic parts(geek-type) supply houses--generally sold to electronics repair pro's only. The stuff rocks! Requires only the tiniest bit to do it's thing--don't hardly spray it at all--(spendy)--but worth it! Also remember to check all fuses, and clean all those contacts, too. Amazing things may yet be in store! If all else fails, this: Like most parts on a REPU, same year Courier stuff is usually the same, or near identical enough to use, with some exceptions--buyer beware--, but-"obsolete" ford parts are much more easily found than original Mazda REPU parts. This is the route I went for bushings, for example, and the way I'd go for an ignition switch that's totally toast. As for more time/hours in a day--I hear ya, and commisserate: my problem, exactly...
Happy Wankling! --KLAUS
(541) 683-6204

       
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repuguru


Redlining
Posts: 319
posted January 19, 2002 09:48 AM

Good call Klaus

All those little connections on the main cluster circut board get corrosion. I used a little brass brush to clean the terminals. I even got my amp gauge working this way. But, it didn't last long. I would like to try the stuff Klaus ws talking about. Sounds like it's what I need.
One thing I have notice with REPUs that I haven't really noticed with all my other rotary cars is that they seem to work better electrically when you clean and hook up the little tiny Gounding strap that goes between the firewall and the top of the motor. I have had gauges that wigged out until this strap was hooked up. In addition to the other grounds.
One thing I am contemplating is adding new sticker paper on the face of the cluster and the glove box. That wood sticker paper doesn't look all that great. I've never liked it. Maybe some carbon fiber sticker stock would spruce it up. Or that shiny stuff they used in Trans Am's from the 70's. Just some ideas.

       
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Klaus43


Rotorhead
Posts: 1259
posted January 19, 2002 08:46 PM

thanks, guru--
Nowhow do I get this response stuff to list in the proper section? Seems that last response of mine got stuck in the margin somehow...?
Anyhow, ya sure right about the ground(s). "More clean grounds mo' betta". Plus I neglected to mention, what can't be pirated from Couriers might be taken from RX-4's... tho I find it hard to justify parting anything with any amount of potential remaining.
By the way, just scored parts sheets w./ numbers for all REPU's off ebay--happy to share when they get here... of course, if you are who I think you might be, you might not need them...ever work for a Mazda dealer? I seem to recall getting some good advice/info from someone possibly in your area...(Texas, right?)
Anyhow, still dreaming of speed,
KLAUS

       
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repuguru


Redlining
Posts: 319
posted January 20, 2002 12:32 PM

Nope I am a Georgia boy. In fact there is great pic of a Georgia snowstorm, w/repu included of course, over on my web site. There is a link on the index page of this site.
I also didn't pull wrenches for Mazda. But, I have pulled alot of wrenches on my Mazda's. Which sorta counts..
You know the secrets to keeping a REPU rolling I see. Ford ignition switches pulled me out of the strait wire hell years ago. And all the rubber gaskets in the cab are via Ford. On top of that Ford seems to be cheaper on most items. That depends on Mazda even having it at all.
REPU/RX4 common items are like getting a kidney transplant from one of your siblings. It's gonna work 90% of the time.
Throttle cables are one good thing that I think is still available for the RX4 and not the REPU that interchanges.
About the only other thing you need is a part donor. I can't stress to you enough how having a spare truck for parts has made owning and driving one of these relics for 12+ years actually easy and cheap. With minimal downtime during breakdowns or projects.
I also agree that I don't like picking one apart if there is remotely any potnetial left. Thats why my donors are rotted rust buckets that are loaded with all sorts of little jewels for my daily driver and my projects. They still live on thru others.

       
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mazda-rotary


Newbie
Posts: 4
posted January 20, 2002 07:40 PM
Edited By: mazda-rotary on 20 Jan 2002 19:57

quote:

One thing I am contemplating is adding new sticker paper on the face of the cluster and the glove box. That wood sticker paper doesn't look all that great. I've never liked it. Maybe some carbon fiber sticker stock would spruce it up. Or that shiny stuff they used in Trans Am's from the 70's. Just some ideas.


I was planning to do the exact same thing. carbon fiber (even if it is fake) looks alot better than wood grain (definately fake) I am also contemplating a custom carbon fiber look climate/stereo surround. Mine was totally butchered by someone installing a cheap '80s Radio Shack stereo. I 'm thinking of a late model Mazda in-dash CD player and updated guages (air/fuel, water temp, oil temp, oil pressure, exhaust temp, volt meter...)

       
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repuguru


Redlining
Posts: 319
posted January 20, 2002 08:05 PM

Yeah there are just too many sticker materials out there to not at least try it. I think I have talked myself in going to the bike shop this week and order some Simulated Carbon Fiber sticker stock from one of the motorcycle aftermarket sticker makers. One of my old race bikes had some on the air box. Protected the plastic and looked good. So I know you can get it from sticker companies like One Industries, N-Style, Factory Effex, or any other Motocross aftermarket sticker maker.
____________
77' REPU plus a few spare parts
for it.
85' GSL-SE
83' GSL

       
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