I’ve been digging in to the Kansas Rx-7 to see if it’s worth saving. So far I’m leaning towards…yes. The worst of the damage from the hit to the front left is on part of the rail which supports the outer fender, and it looks like it can be straightened out. Fortunately the inner fender, frame rail, and bumper support are untouched. The front fender mount, fender stay bar, and lower support bracket are mangled, but replacements for the last two are available. The bracket itself will have to be removed, but I should be able to get it back in shape once it’s off the car.

That still leaves the the floorplan rust to deal with, so pulling the carpet is up next. But that’s the goal for next week. In the mean time I pulled the (wrecked) driver’s seat and gave the interior a moderately thorough cleaning. The dash is in rough shape and some of the other interior plastics are brittle and faded from sun damage, but otherwise it’s complete and in decent condition. If I do end up restoring it, a dash swap from my other Rx-7 is in my future.

My other project was replacing the rear carpet clips that release the cover for the spare wheel well. They’re a common failure item as the plastic ages and fortunately there’s a 3d-printable replacement on Thingiverse. This Rx-7 actually had both clips intact…until the first time I opened it. The replacements aren’t pretty up close, but are functional and look good enough from a distance. The picture is of a couple spares I printed for my other Rx7. Neither might be running, but at least the carpet will be firmly attached.