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Index > @ the Pickup Bed (General Topics) > Thread: show tell
Thread: show tell
pdxdave


Newbie
Posts: 7
posted December 31, 2003 06:10 PM
Edited By: pdxdave on 31 Dec 2003 18:10

show and tell

Hello all, I wanted to show you my truck.

It is a 1974 rotor truck:


I found it in northern California, where it had been sitting in a field for 18 years:


I bought it for $250, the previous owner had died almost 20 years ago and I know nothing of this trucks history other than it was a survivor:



So now it lives in my garage:


So far I have gone through the suspension/steering/brakes and put some new tires and wheels on it:


I have it taken apart right now while I prepare to make it pretty again, (well 'pretty' is a relative term when talking about a rotary engined truck):


I am currently gathering parts for the bridgeport motor, and looking for a 5 speed.


         
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nwaco


Redlining
Posts: 407
posted December 31, 2003 06:35 PM

Welcome Dave...

Looks pretty good for sitting alone abandoned for 18 years. I've seen and had a few in much worst condition.

I think I've seen the first three pics earlier this year or so when you first got it I assume, but the last few are new. Good job on the effort so far.

Welcome to the group, and best of luck, and join in on the fun.

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Jeff20B


Moderator
Posts: 661
posted January 01, 2004 05:03 AM

Not bad! It reminds me of my recently acquired white truck. I'm throwing a ported R5 13B into it when the weather gets better.
____________
'74 REPU
'76 Cosmo
'77 MG Midget 13B
'81 RX-7

       
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kick


Hauling
Posts: 149
posted January 01, 2004 12:53 PM

Hey pdxdave,

Nice find, were about in portland do you live.
I live close to clackamas town center.
____________
1972 Rx2 - no enigne or trans
1974 Repu - runs and drives
1976 Rx4 - no engine or trans (klaus42 old 4)
1977 Repu - Parts

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brad


Rotorhead
Posts: 1672
posted January 01, 2004 02:24 PM

welcome!

A 79-80 Rx7 5-speed will fit right in there, only need to make a small plate to bolt the trans mount to the crossmember. This is because the rx7 trans mount is a couple of inches in front of the crossmember. Plate: 1/4" thick, about 6" x 6". Drill 4 holes in it and go.

Keep up the good work and thanks for showing and telling!


____________
-brad-
74 REPU Lawn Green
81 Rx-7 racecar. 12a J-
Bridge

       
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Klaus43


Rotorhead
Posts: 1259
posted January 01, 2004 07:38 PM

Indeed!

She will be pretty when you're 'done'! Happy New Year to you, and thanks for the pics!

       
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pdxdave


Newbie
Posts: 7
posted January 01, 2004 10:41 PM

Excellent info on the RX-7 5-speed, those are way more common than a '77 5 speed from a truck.

I live in Forest Grove, I just claim Portland cause nobody knows where Forest Grove is. There seems to be a lot of rotor trucks in the northwest. I have seen more trucks here than anywhere else that I have lived.

         
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rotarydave


Hauling
Posts: 108
posted January 02, 2004 11:02 AM

don't know about you guys but i have found the repu (rx4, cosmo, rx3sp) 5speed a little lacking they lose 5th gear really easy, as such i frequently do the 79-80 rxy 5 speed swap, also a little know fact is that you can even use the 81-85 5speeds as well. I do not remember the year parts necessary but if you have a bad 79-80 5 speed don't throw it away until you have removed some special parts ie the last set of shift dog on the ends of the shift rods and the tailshaft housing assembly. using these parts (if you get the right ones and they are out there) you can use any of the 1st gen 5speeds

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Peritrochoid


1st Gear
Posts: 44
posted January 03, 2004 12:35 AM

Funny you should mention that, I lost 5th in my REPU about 6 months ago and have been trying to decide what to do about it. Looks like a '7 tranny swap is the cheapest route.

Thanks,
Mike
____________
1971 R-100
1973 RX-2 coupe - too much to list -
1973 RX-2 sedan - project "infestation"
1975 REPU - big port 13B, race header, straight exhaust, RB "flying saucer" intake -
1983 GSL - streetported 12A, race header, dual straight exhaust -
1993 FD - project "crispy"

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rotarydave


Hauling
Posts: 108
posted January 03, 2004 09:32 AM

I use the rx-7 5-speeds in any old school that is in need of a 5th gear you have to be really careful on the pre74 stuff but everything after that it is an easy way to pickup 5th gear and not loose originality as you don't have to cut holes in the floor. just remember the differences in speedo gearing on the 77s there is not too much difference the rx7 is running a 3.90 and the 77 is running a 3.70 so the speedo will run a little slower than you acutally are going, more drastic would be for the 74s with the carzy gears. It only matters if you are afraid of speeeding. The other good thing is with the number of rx7s out there usually the trannies are a dime a dozen.

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Klaus43


Rotorhead
Posts: 1259
posted January 03, 2004 11:25 AM

Excellent Info! Thanks!

Curiously enough, I've never lost fifth in any oldschool 'ribcase' 5-speed... though 2nd and 3rd have gotten 'crunchy'... but I do have a GSL-SE tranny that lost 5th entirely.
No such issues with the '79-'80 5-speeds...
Wishing you a safe and timely return from your tour, Dave!

       
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