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My 1982 mobile project
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 5:52 pm
by ARX7
Drove it about 15kms from the sellers home to my parents place where space is available. The piston engine sounds very coarse in a huge contrast to a buzzing rotary. The gearbox (not sure if it's original, although it's a 5 speed) is notchy again in contrast to usual snick snick Mazda 'boxes. The steering is heavy and has a huge play and loses resistance when turned left.
It's got power windows (not working), Light pop up nicely though and rear suspension is rattly and bouncy.
It was dark when I parked her so will get more pics and close ups when I visit there next. Comments please
Re: My 1982 mobile project
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 10:28 pm
by chc
Looks in pretty good condition for her age - rear spoiler is somewhat different.
Rear lights to me seem to be from a series 1(Sa) and the central reflector is similar to the American variant so perhaps imported ?
The wayward steering is typical and you can expect to have to change the idler bushes (polypropylene replacements are considered by some to be the better option) maybe anti roll bar bush assemblies and perhaps track rod ends in worse case scenario and steering is usually heavy also - remember these are old school cars after all.
Having said this they are fantastic to drive.
and enjoy
Re: My 1982 mobile project
Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2014 12:08 pm
by codge
Get some fresh synthetic oil into the gearbox. These boxes can be notchy.......mine is.
The steering yeh.....always very heavy at low speeds. And always some play - like a tractor - the farmer gets used to it. You will get used to it as well.
Corrective work on steering - 1st step is deffo check the idler bushes, as Cliff says. Then check tyres and tracking. Then check steering joints for wear & play. Then and only then look at adjusting the box. The fact it goes light on left turns suggests someone may have dived into adjusting the box before the other things and mucked up the adjustment??
Window switches......threads on here about cleaning them inside to make the windows work.
Re: My 1982 mobile project
Posted: Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:32 am
by ARX7
Thanks guys. My first task on the list is to get a rotary engine. Any pointers?