1983 Mazda Rx-7

[Mopar - D]

I’m planning on building a replication of my Rx-7 I bought brand new in 1983 and also again in 1990. I sold it to my mom in 85 and then bought it back from her. After buying it from my mom it was stolen and totaled in less than a year other wise I may of still owned it today. It was a very fun car to drive. For my build I’ve collected 3 Rx-7 kits the main one is the Tamiya SAVANNA Rx-7 for the correct body style for 83 but it’s right hand drive and curb side so I’ve also picked up the Monogram and Revell Rx-7 kits that are the same kit. I will be using the Revell interior and chassis with the Tamiya body. A couple years ago I found a guy who 3D printed the rims for me. I’m thinking about opening the hood up. The Revell body is not as wide as the Tamiya body so it’s going to be interesting to see how it is going to fit. I will be posting my daily progress your comments and support are always welcome and appreciated. Here’s some pictures of my old car back in 83 and the kits I’m going to be using. 

[absmiami]

Interested in a super detailed 2 rotar engine ??  3D printed ?

[ModelcarJR]

Very interesting project, Dan!  I'll be watching! 

[espo]

Sorry to hear of the loss of your RX7, but it can be fun to build a model of a car you have owned and enjoyed.  

[Mike C.]

A good friend of mine had a nice charcoal met. one of these way back in the day. Lost it in a flood. the ins, co. totaled it and he bought it back from them with the intention of restoring it back and found the whole thing was a bit too much work. He wound up buying a bran new one.

[Mopar - D]

23 hours ago, absmiami said:

Interested in a super detailed 2 rotar engine ??  3D printed ?

Thanks Andrew, I think I’m going to stay with the stock 12B rotary 

22 hours ago, ModelcarJR said:

Very interesting project, Dan!  I'll be watching! 

Thanks John 

10 hours ago, espo said:

Sorry to hear of the loss of your RX7, but it can be fun to build a model of a car you have owned and enjoyed.  

Thanks David,. I was able to get about 4 years with the Rx-7 and yea they were fun times with it. 

9 hours ago, Mike C. said:

A good friend of mine had a nice charcoal met. one of these way back in the day. Lost it in a flood. the ins, co. totaled it and he bought it back from them with the intention of restoring it back and found the whole thing was a bit too much work. He wound up buying a bran new one.

Thanks Mike when mine was stolen I was not in a position where I could try and keep it and fix it. 

[Mopar - D]

I’ve been working on Rx-7 I painted the rims with Model Master Aluminum Plate , I’ve cut out the engine compartment from the Monagram car and it’s going to fit with just a little of adjustments. I installed the rear spoiler and started on the front air dam. Still have some putty work to do on it. I’ve also had to lengthen the axles but still need to trim them back now. More progress to come. Thanks for everyone’s comments so far. 

[Oldcarfan27]

I like the wheels. Where did you get them, are they 3d printed?

[slusher]

I always liked the RX7 and I bought the last kit that came out. I will be following along Dan!

[Mopar - D]

20 hours ago, Oldcarfan27 said:

I like the wheels. Where did you get them, are they 3d printed?

Thanks Patrick. I ran across a guy who was 3D printing them about 5 years ago and I don’t remember who it was. 

18 hours ago, slusher said:

I always liked the RX7 and I bought the last kit that came out. I will be following along Dan!

Thanks Carl 

[Mopar - D]

More work on the front air dam I now have the shape to match what I had on the car. Now I need to find some driving lights. Still need to do some more sanding before it’s ready for paint. 

[Mopar - D]

More progress on the front air dam and after adding some primer I can see where I need to do some more sanding. I also started working on the interior by cutting out the door panels and the center console on the Monogram tub and replacing them with the Tamiya ones. I will also be using the seats from the Tamiya kit. So far everything is changing from one kit to the other with out to much trouble. After I get the air dam finished I will cut open the hood. 

[Dutzie]

Great work Dan. Thanks for letting me know about the thread. You do awesome work. 

[Mopar - D]

15 hours ago, Dutzie said:

Great work Dan. Thanks for letting me know about the thread. You do awesome work. 

Thanks Brian 

[Mopar - D]

Worked on the interior getting the center console installed and the steering wheel. I added a chrome bar behind the seats it was something that I added to my 1:1 car. I also was able to cut open the hood and did a mock up and it still looks like everything is going to line up nicely. I checked to see if the wheels are centered in the wheel well and they are. I still need to cut the axles down so the wheels will be inside the wheel wells. Thanks for looking and sharing your comments. 

[slusher]

Dan, I believe you can build anything. Keep up the good work buddy!

[Mopar - D]

Thanks Carl but I don’t think I can do the military models. 

[ModelcarJR]

Looking good, Dan!  I hope you can bring it to the HAMS contest! ??

[Mopar - D]

Thanks John I’m not sure if this one will be ready for the show next weekend. A lot will depend on how well the paint turns out when I spray it and the drying time. I’m going to use Model Master Black Metallic Enamel. 

[Mopar - D]

I’ve been working on the rotary engine and just need to paint the fan and attach it. I’ve wired the 4 spark plugs and 2 other wires that go over by the battery. I’ve painted the chassis and exhaust system and just have it mocked up for now. I believe I’m done with the interior the door panels will be attached to the body. 

[slusher]

Nice seats ? 

[Mopar - D]

22 hours ago, slusher said:

Nice seats ? 

Thanks Carl I ended up using a flat aluminum with black detailer wash to get the color. 

[Mopar - D]

Sprayed the body with Model Master black metallic I decanted it from the rattle can to use it in my air brush. 

[Mattilacken]

Nice, always cool with a personal replica project!

[Mopar - D]

Thanks Anton. It’s brought back a lot of good times I had with this car.