Driving the Audi reminded me that I miss having a project car in the garage. The 2.0T has a surprisingly tempting aftermarket, so before I went too far with what’s supposed to be my daily I decided I needed to haul my Rx-7 out of storage and start work on it again. It didn’t take long to realize that FC Rx-7 parts have skyrocketed in price since the last time I looked, so the only practical solution was to pick up a parts car.

This one showed up on facebook marketplace, it’s a 1989 GXL with only 65k miles. It looks like it sat outside in the Kansas sun for the past 15 years and every seal (as well as the paint) has deteriorated. Water pooled in the floorboards and there are good sized holes on both sides, as well as in the spare wheel well in back. It also took a hit on the driver’s side fender at some point, though fortunately the damage seems to be limited to the fender itself, the bumper mount, and the headlight support. The dash and seats are sun damaged, with the driver’s side showing the worst of it.

Otherwise it’s in ok shape and is shockingly complete. It has the cargo tray, clean speaker covers, mostly dry sunroof, plastic undertray, FTP lenses, etc.. which are nearly impossible to find outside of outrageous ebay pricing. I’m still undecided if I’m going to strip it and junk it, or fix it up and throw the turbo driveline in it. So far the rust seems to be more isolated than on my other Rx7, but it’ll be hard to tell until I pull the carpet out.