1985 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE
A Restoration Project


The day after Thanksgiving, 2003, I rented a U-Haul trailer and brought home an '85 -SE which was known to not start, but assumed to be running.  The following are my own notes, detailing the progress of the car as I bring her as close to her orignal glory as possible.  I apologize for the lack of pictures, but I'm still in the dark ages when it comes to photography -- I have to take actual film to the store, then scan actual pictures into the computer.  When I have them, I'll put photos on-line.  For now, you can browse my notebook.

For the record:  My goal with this project is to keep the car as stock as I can.  While I'm not going to go too crazy and insist on OEM parts only, I'm also not interested in lowering the car, upgrading the steering, switching to a single high-flow cat, or anything like that.  I may very well change my mind about that as the project progresses, however, if keeping a particular item stock means spending an obscene amount of money on a replacement, compared to a quality aftermarket upgrade.

First Week
Second Week
Third Week
Fourth Week
Fifth Week
Sixth Week
Seventh Week
Eighth Week
Ninth Week
Tenth Week
Eleventh Week
Twelfth Week
Thirteenth Week
Fourteenth Week



This is a view of the car from the front, right after towing it home. You can see the oxidation of the paint on the hood, and the few dings and creases in the fender. Overall, the body is straight and there's no rust problems.


From the back. Excuse the messy garage. The picture quality isn't very good, but you can see more oxidation on the roof (it looks like a dent, but it's just some oxidation), and the other side of the car.


The engine compartment, from the left side. All stock, except the K&N induction system over on the right side. It's there, this is just a bad picture.


Other side of the engine. You can see the K&N filter a little better here.


The seat is cracked up, so it's going to have to go. I have since installed a steering column cover and obtained an original radio and speakers. I have the radio surround trim piece, but that's in a very safe part of the garage. The carpet needs some cleaning, but is in suprisingly good shape. You can also see the power window switches coming up a bit there. I have already obtained and installed a good switch panel that clips into place.  It even has the stereo fader joystick on it.


There's a hillbilly stereo wire that I'm in the process of getting rid of. The left side, lower dash panel is cracked near the steering column, so I need one of those, as well. It really looks, in this shot, like the carpet is grungy beyond belief, but it is actually not bad. I think it's just a lighting issue with this picture.