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Thread: What would you do?
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ovquick
Redlining
Posts: 253
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posted June 15, 2007 01:50 PM |
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What
I believe Klaus has got it.I didn't know "Techno Pheasants" were quite that eloquent. Way to go with the words Klaus.
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Manteca Mazda Asylum
where a boy and his cat live, without adult supervision
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Rotary_Pickup
Hauling
Posts: 117
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posted June 15, 2007 03:45 PM |
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My philosophy is if I can't start a project with a planned end date, then it should not be started. What generally happens is that someone will start a project, get part way into it, and then they don't have the time or money to complete it. EBay is full of "projects" that people have started and not completed. If you do plan of selling it down the road, it will be worth much more if you do not start the restoration. We see so much of this with restoration projects. If you plan on keeping the truck and do not have the time or money to dedicate to it right now, put it on the back burner and don't start it. I have two trucks that need restoration but I'm waiting until after my pole barn is built. I have a 1985 RX-7 project that has been in the basement for almost two years for lack of time to finish. Just my thoughts.
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KansasCityREPU on RX-7Club.com
85 GSL
77 REPU (1/1/2004)
75 REPU (7/10/2004)
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paulsrepu
Hauling
Posts: 107
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posted June 17, 2007 10:00 PM |
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My two cents worth is to keep both vehicles as long as possible. I have had my REPU for 21 years now, bought just after high school. Paint is faded so I want to restore it somtime in the future. My 4 year old thinks it is his as well. They are always useful, very rare and most likely will keep increasing in value. I also have a 50k original GS 1979 red RX-7 that looks like it is three years old. First gen RX-7 are getting pretty rare now as nice examples are hard to find. I sold a very nice 74 RX-4 coupe and a 72 RX-2 coupe in the past and I regret it. As long as you have the space, and do not desparately need the cash, keep them. You will be happy you did.
Paul.
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mazdarx605
Redlining
Posts: 314
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posted June 21, 2007 08:01 AM |
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Well I have sort of made a decision on this.Yesterday I was approved for classic car insurance on both my 79 RX-7,and the REPU,so now it is insured for a cash valeu of $5000 along with the 7 at the same value.I plan on trying to get it registered today if I can,and maybe I will start driving it as soon as I give it a once over,and an oil change.Heck maybe I will remember why it is I love it so when I start using it again.I may end up selling it anyway,but with the insurance at $160 for the pair of vehicles for a year it was hard to pass it up.I was paying $600 I think or better for my RX-7 through my regular insurance company for basic coverage that I am sure they wouldn't give me $500 let alone $5000 for if it was ruined in an accident. Now with that $600 premium I would only insure it for the 6 moths of spring/summer/early fall,and the premium would be half that really,but now I can insure it year round,and only pay $160 for the pair.Pretty good deal eh? It has some restrictions,but with the way I use the cars it shouldn't be an issue.
Chris
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bliffle
Revvin Up
Posts: 95
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posted June 21, 2007 08:46 AM |
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You got a good deal on insurance! I hate to tell you what I pay for 3 7s, a REPU and a 91 Alfa 164. And I only drive about 8k per year and have never had an accident.
You can let the market make the decision: advertise the REPU at a high price that will compensate you sufficiently to heal the pain. I don't know what condition the REPU is in and what the market is like there, but if I were considering the same with my REPU I'd list it for $3000 and see what happens. That way, while you're pondering what to do, a bluebird might fly in the window and give you some welcome money.
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Klaus44
Redlining
Posts: 365
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posted June 21, 2007 11:35 AM |
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Sounds Great!
(...and, thanks for the compliment, Orville!)
Might we inquire which Insurance Co. has such low rates for classic Mazda's...?
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mazdarx605
Redlining
Posts: 314
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posted June 21, 2007 12:11 PM |
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Thanks for all the help so far guys. I am still on the fence as to what I am going to do with the truck,but I may as well enjoy it while I own it still. I got the insurance through Hagerty classic car insurance,and they let you pick the agreed upon value of the vehicle,and they adjust the premiums accordingly.I just went twith the minimum $5,000 value as I figure I could replace either one with that sort of cash if they were a total loss. They have requirements that you must meet like you must have a regular use vehicle registered,and insured in your name,so you are not using the calssic car for evryday use,vehicles must be stored in a locked garage,or stoarge unit when not in use,and you must have a relativly clean driving record,etc... They don't cover certain types of vehicles like dune-buggys,pro street cars,etc,and I believe they frown upon racing of any sort.Now I have the piece of mind that if I was on my way to an event,and I go into an accident I will get enough money to replace the car unlike what I would have received if I was at fault with my old insurance which is nothing,or if I weren't at fault I would asume the book value of either one is very low. Also I can leave the cars insured year-round now even if I take the off the road during the winter like I have in the past.This makes me the happiest because some times I wish I had them on the road through the winter because there are a few days each winter that are nice after a rain that washes the salt away,and I could use the cars,and I live in the direct flight path of an airport which has small aircraft flying over my garage real low everyday.You never know what could happen.
Chris
74 REPU
79 RX-7 GS
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mwpayne
Hauling
Posts: 195
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posted June 21, 2007 05:04 PM |
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Cheap insurance
I added my REPU to my safeco policy, as they now offer classic car insurance. $48 bucks every 6 months.
Has to be weekend driving or shows.
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mazdarx605
Redlining
Posts: 314
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posted June 26, 2007 11:46 AM |
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Hey guys,
I registered the truck today,and hopefully I will get the oil changed some time today,and then take it for a spin.I was thinking abou calling my father,and asking if he wanted to go to the car show tonight,and have him take either the truck,or the RX-7,and I will take the other.
I realized today while I was waiting at the DMV is that while I have owned the truck for 4 years I have only put 2500 miles on it in that time.Man I need to use this thing more often.
Do you guys think I could find factory front springs for my truck to replace the cut ones I have on the truck from the previous owner? It seems I could take the block off the rear to raise it to factory spec in back,but the fronts are my biggest stumbling block.I like the look of it lowered,but I like the factory height much better.
Thanks,
Chris
74 PA13
79 SA22C
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mazdarx605
Redlining
Posts: 314
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posted June 26, 2007 02:01 PM |
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Hey guys,
Now I have problems. I went,and changed the oil in the REPU today,and when I did the oil that came out was very thin,and smelled of gasoline a bit.It didn't look right,or smell right,any ideas what that coud be from? I have not driven the truck on the street in well over a year,maybe 15 months.I have not changed to oil in some time,but then again the truck isn't driven,and is only moved under its own power a few times here,and there(usually I just push it around).
After I changed the oil I fired the truck up,and let it run on the choke for a miunte or two until it shut off the choke by itself. I let the truck cool down a bit,and put the plates on it,and then took it for a drive.Well this didn't go so well.The truck felt like it was running on one rotor at times,and would jsut brake up,and run like crap at times with anything more than 1/8 throttle.The truck seems to rev up okay in nuetral,but even then it breaks up at times,and under load it runs like total crap!! It ran great the last time I drove it,and I don't think anything should have changed while it was sitting in the garage for this amount of time. The truck even had a VERY LOUD backfire about a tenth of mile from my house,and it has never really backfired much more than any other rotary I have had in the past(not much backfiring).Any ideas as to why my baby is running like crap now? I guess I won't be bringing it to the car show tonight.
Chris
74 PA13
79 SA22C
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mwpayne
Hauling
Posts: 195
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posted June 26, 2007 04:36 PM |
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I'm betting (and hoping) you've got bad gas in the carb, or maybe ignition issues.
Pull the fuse for the fuel pump (not sure which one), pull the leading or trailing plug for the rear rotor. You should hear a pulsing 'Woosh, Woosh, Woosh' when cranking.
If that's ok, do the same for the front.
That'll eliminate an apex seal, then the fix should be an easy one.
If all that's ok, I'd do a complete tuneup (plugs, wires, fresh gas) and fire her up.
There's lots smarter people than me here on the forum, I'm sure they'll chime in and help out. Keep us posted!
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Klaus44
Redlining
Posts: 365
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posted June 26, 2007 05:15 PM |
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Smart? All I do is guess...:
...and, hopefully, I guess right(!)
Bad gas/varnish/crud from sitting sounds likely. Your gas in the oil/broken down oil would also be about right for the overall (dis)use/sitting/firing up to move you describe.
What do your leading plugs tell you when you pull them? Cleaning them may help... Also, I'd check all electrical/ignition connections, as well as take a look at the situation under the dizzy cap, just to be sure.
(Everything works, right up until it doesn't...)
When all else checks out, and after you've determined everything is spot-on, (before or after you rebuild your carb., your call--), Power Foam that sucker (an AmsOil product), and blow all that crap out, as per the directions on the can. Don't forget to keep her running, and *immediately* go on a 50 or more mile 'spirited' drive. Your neighbors will hate the cloud, but you'll love what it does for your REPU! Don't be afraid to rev her... ;)
Oh yeah: Try adding a bottle of Techron concentrate to a tank of fresh gas --the additive, not the fuel injector cleaner of the same brand--; it can help condition your oil seals -- just maybe preventing quite so much gas in your oil. Of course, they *hate* sitting... with only the occasional fire-up to move small increments... and that warm-up followed by shut off, followed by re-start was asking for trouble, if you ask me.
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mazdarx605
Redlining
Posts: 314
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posted June 26, 2007 06:49 PM |
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Hey Guys,
Thanks for the quick replies.I think I figured it out.I believe the gas in the oil is from lots of short cycling from moving it in,and out of the garage over the last year or so. I also think I found the breaking up problem.Shortly after making that post I went into the garage I popped the cap off the distributor,and found a nastily chewed up distributor cap,and a not so happy looking rotor as well. I have no idea how these got this way,and why it would run fine in the 2-3k rpm rage,but get funky beyond that.I plan on doing a full tune up on it ASAP,and I will probably change the oil again real soon.Thanks guys,I think I am going to keep it for now.
Chris
74 REPU
79 RX-7 GS
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Klaus44
Redlining
Posts: 365
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posted June 28, 2007 09:36 AM |
 Edited By: Klaus44 on 28 Jun 2007 09:37 |
Glad you got it diagnosed!
Sounds like you figured it out. Another observation: 'Short cycling', as you put it, can 'load up' the engine, much like a two-stroke, (which, in essence, it is), fouling your plugs PDQ...
(...then there's always the potential effects of carbon buildup --which the Power Foam serves to remove quite well--).
I'd change that oil immediately.
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mazdarx605
Redlining
Posts: 314
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posted June 28, 2007 03:53 PM |
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I realize now that by moving it out of the garage like I was isn't a good idea with any car especially a rotary.I don't plan on doing it anymore if I can avoid it.I can't imagine there is much carbon build up in this short time on a freshly rebuilt engine before I bought the truck.I however have no idea what sort of rebuild it got,and I do know it is a weird cobbled together engine using one GSL-SE housing,and another type of mystery housing.It is a 4 port engine,but I know it isn't factory,and it doesn't have the old school script on the MAZDA logos on the housing.
Do you think I should change the oil again so quickly,or just keep an eye on it?I figure even if I halved the life of the motor in it I will still have loads of time left on it with the way I use it.Thanks for the help.
Chris
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Klaus44
Redlining
Posts: 365
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posted June 28, 2007 04:59 PM |
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Well...
...as you mention, there are some unknowns/obvious 'oddball features'... One wouldn't think there'd be any carbon to really speak of -- unless, of course, the engine builder assembled it with uncleaned, used rotors... (?!?)
I'd guess that you're probably OK for now in that regard -- though if the engine broke in completely, and well, the Power Foam treatment (*after* the full tune!) surely couldn't hurt.
Gotta wonder about your oil seals, though -- wouldn't be the first time someone's 'rebuild' didn't feature properly lapped side steels, resulting in prematurely compromised oil seals... (something about the average grind job not being adequate...) <Rolleyes>.
Other that that, oil is cheap insurance! (And so are filters, and a bottle of Techron--.)
Best, K.
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Courierlenny
Newbie
Posts: 7
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posted July 01, 2007 09:57 PM |
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Should I sell it
Greetings: Many years ago, I sold my 1965 Barracuda, the wife was pregnant, and we needed a new washer and dryer. I have regretted doing that ever since, and I still keep a lookout for that car. In retrospect, I could have made more sacrifices in lifestyle to pay for the appliances and still kept the car. I took it on my honeymoon a few years earlier, so it had value that I didn't appreciate at the time. Hang on to the truck until the bitter end and then if necessary, sell it to someone who will sell it back to you, or use it as collateral for a loan from a close friend. There are ways around each problem, some not as obvious as others. I walked a picket line for 4 months in the middle of winter, November to March, we survived, it was a financial setback, but not disaster. Hope this helps.
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MAZDAMARK
Hauling
Posts: 139
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posted August 14, 2007 08:02 AM |
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Nice truck. Glad you decided to keep it.
One note: If the tune up doesn't work, you could also check the needle valves in the carb. They can dry out when left sitting and cause symptoms like what you describe.
Also wanted to add, if you have a 401K, you can generally borrow $ from yourself out of your 401K. You then pay yourself back over time, with no tax penalty against the $ borrowed. Just something to consider if you need $ to cover you and your family in the event of a strike.
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94 RX7
89 RX7 GTUs
85 GSLSE
88 323 GTX
1975 REPU
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mazdarx605
Redlining
Posts: 314
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posted August 14, 2007 01:12 PM |
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Thanks Mark,
I think I made the right choice so far while I have been enjoying the truck for the last month or so.I am not sure however I made up my mind totally yet on what I will do with it in the future.I would love to keep it,and restore it with my kids in the future,but with money so tight lately,and the uncertainty of the contract negotiations a year from now.
I still need to buy a new cap,and rotor for the truck,but I will need to do something soon.I need a new barke master cylinder for my RX-7 as well,so I think I will wait til I have some dough,and call Mazdatrix for everything at once.
Regarding the 401K I have taken loans on it before in the past,and currently have a small loan on it right now.I was thinking that could be a worst case scenario as far as a possible strike goes,but I would rather not take that money out.It kills me to not be putting the maximum 16% of my pay into it right now,let alone taking money out.I will let you guys know soon which way I plan to go with this.
Chris
74 REPU
79 RX-7 GS
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EricS
1st Gear
Posts: 48
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posted December 30, 2007 10:23 PM |
Edited By: EricS on 30 Dec 2007 22:27
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I know that this is late for the discussion, but just have add my $.02! I agree with everyone that said if it isn't costing you anything to keep it around, to keep it. One other thing to keep in mind though, if you are considering selling it, DO NOT take it apart or otherwise disable it. IMHO, it is worth more to a potential owner if it can be driven away immediately, extras and all! When I go to buy a rig and it is a clean cut deal (toss all the goodies in the back, title in hand, etc.) I am much more inclined to jump on it! I have boys around that are chomping at the bit to get their grubs on dad's toys, which is great, but they are gonna have to WAIT (or pony up!)!!!
Eric
'75 REPU
'88 GTX
'93 SHO
'90 SHO
'84 AcurHonda
'05 Subaru RS
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'75 REPU - gone
'74 REPU (long gone)
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