saving an ugly duckling...the RX5

RestoreMaz · **Posted:** Sat Feb 16, 2013 5:20 am

A friend of mine bought this car . Its been sitting in the weather since 2000, but its held up very well.

Hes taking out the motor to put in an Rx3 and said he was throwing the car to scrap :shock:

I couldnt let that hapen, So ive decided to save it from the bin and get it going again. Ive already found an Rx4 early 13b with auto to put in it. it needs a few little things here and there and has some rust, but it dosnt deserve to die.

gypsy · **Posted:** Sat Feb 16, 2013 5:31 am

I'm tipping you'll be getting a call from Dennis next week !

He has been looking for an Rx5 for ages, I told him about an immaculate red Rx5 I see around Gladesville and Five Dock from time to time but havent seen it for a few months now... old guy drives it, looks surprisingly good.

A shame the original motor isn't staying with the car but better than nothing. Rick has 2 or 3 variants in 121 guise at the moment if you need anything. Is that the original colour ?

RestoreMaz · **Posted:** Sat Feb 16, 2013 6:06 am

I sent him these pics earlier today...i asked him what the colour is but i havent got a reply yet.

Yes i offered the guy money to leave the motor in it but hes promised it to his nephew with the rx3....

The motor ive got for it is the exact same with auto, and this car was originally auto.

They really do have a nice shape... the more i look at them the more i like them.

beans161 · **Posted:** Sat Feb 16, 2013 3:00 pm

wicked Dave!! I'm sure it'll be something special once you do your thing on it.

jdm10a · **Posted:** Sat Feb 16, 2013 3:52 pm

Ive always had a soft spot for the rx5 even if at times I wouldnt openly admit it. Great to see you are going to save it and another car for club rego. :tu:

-djfizz- · **Posted:** Sat Feb 16, 2013 5:13 pm

Nice point to start with. That red one looks great.

Just a question though. Does anyone know if that plastic radiator fan shroud would fit my 12a rx3?. They look quite similar in shape and design.
Might have better luck finding a rx5 one other than rx3.

Regards Kurt.

ewokracing · **Posted:** Sat Feb 16, 2013 7:36 pm

Nice to see one that will get your magic touch Dave.

I'd love a 121L or even a 929L. It's a sickness, but it's sad to see cars unloved.

Chuxa · **Posted:** Sun Feb 17, 2013 3:39 am

Actually looks really good with factory aircon option

and not cracked dash

its a big plus

i wish mine was in such condition

RestoreMaz · **Posted:** Mon Feb 18, 2013 2:40 am

Got the motor and box today from this rusty Rx4.

I had this 929 sitting at home since october last year, not much was going on with it , so i swapped it for the 13b and auto from the RX4 above.

The motor in this car is the same as the RX5, so it will be back to the way it was.

It seems to run ok, but could use a tune up.
Vid of it running here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zoLzI1ot_4

Out of the car. i dont know if this engines ever been pulled apart? it dosnt look like anybodies ever tampered with it. most of the time the rear counterweight nut has been hacked to bits with a chisel!

djfizz

Quote:

Just a question though. Does anyone know if that plastic radiator fan shroud would fit my 12a rx3?. They look quite similar in shape and design.
Might have better luck finding a rx5 one other than rx3.

Kurt i have two of these now...the guy i gave the 929 to is putting a 13b bridge port in it and may need it. but hes been talking about buying an aluminium radiator for it with thermo. if he dosnt use it, give me some measurements, and if it looks like it will fit your Rx3 ill send it down.

CamanoRx2 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 27, 2013 9:48 pm

SAVE EVERY OLD SCHOOL MAZDA YOU CAN. PERIOD.

Good on ya!

EggBath · **Posted:** Sat Mar 02, 2013 12:00 am

RestoreMaz wrote:

Hes taking out the motor to put in an Rx3 and said he was throwing the car to scrap :shock:

Story of almost every Rx-5 that came to Aus... :td:

Good luck with the spray job man!

RestoreMaz · **Posted:** Sat Mar 16, 2013 5:10 am

Some late nights this week with the RX5. stripped the bay, and got it ready for paint. I also got a better condition nose cone and drivers gaurd from a mates rx5...

this is a mates Rx5 ...his has some bad rust in the firewall we are working on.

more low quality samsung galaxy pics soon!

jdm10a · **Posted:** Sat Mar 16, 2013 1:54 pm

i love how fast you work, no messing around. keep the pics coming.

RestoreMaz · **Posted:** Mon Mar 18, 2013 2:31 am

Ive got no time for my own stuff, so i have to work fast late at night to get anything done. I wish i could work all day on it but i have too much work on.
How ever i did manage to finish this 25 year old trail bike i started on last year. just got a blue slip for it today after a quick resto.

Mo's · **Posted:** Mon Mar 18, 2013 6:11 am

lockeddiff · **Posted:** Thu Mar 21, 2013 1:06 am

holy shit your bike looks awesome :mrgreen:

RestoreMaz · **Posted:** Thu Mar 21, 2013 2:39 am

Looks better now with the new seat!! finished today and registered. And now back to the RX5.

Rex272 · **Posted:** Thu Mar 21, 2013 5:57 am

Dave,

You work constantly amazes.. You make me want to get back into a classic Mazda just so you can give it the treatment it deserves.

Well done!

Simon.

zionfarm · **Posted:** Thu Mar 21, 2013 6:32 pm

I agree with you, Dave your work has amazed me since I joined this forum along with ausrotary.com.
I so wish I lived in Australia or you lived in the US so my Cosmo/RX5 could get the love it deserves.

Rex272 wrote:

Dave,

You work constantly amazes.. You make me want to get back into a classic Mazda just so you can give it the treatment it deserves.

Well done!

Simon.

zionfarm · **Posted:** Thu Mar 21, 2013 6:46 pm

Here is my Cosmo after I buffed out the paint.

saving an ugly duckling...the RX5

Who is online