Whizbang's RX-2

[Whizbang]

So I got wind of this car from my friend James a while back, but I finally decided to pick it up!

Its a 12/1971 Rx-2 coupe! Last time it ran, according to the owner, was about 79 or 80. I would be the third owner of the car. Now, it has been sitting outside for 34 years so the paint is beyond faded, some rust where water got in and sat (but nothing too major), and dent and dings. BUT the car is dead straight, never hit, and the doors shut perfect. Also got to sort some bits from the back half of an RX2 sitting on the site that was cut in half a long time ago. (good for a rear bumper and taillights!)

I dont recognize the wheels on the car at all either.

Game plan is to take it down, get it on a rotisserie and give it a good working over. Eyeing up some RE speed bits that can work with some left over FB stuff I have. Etc etc. We shall see. Lots of body to do in the meantime! Maybe a 3 year project.

Pics below!

[Rotary Evolution]

that rust is going to be a bit of work and it's likely deeper than you think. the glass looks like it's held in by threads or rotted iron.

good luck, you will need it. anything is salvageable with some effort.

[Whizbang]

i expect it to be work but considering i got it for 400 (and being from Ohio, i see rust differently)

[Rotary Evolution]

lol true, i'm glad i live on the west coast where cars can last almost a century outdoors.

i did pass on a cosmo RX5 that was in similar condition/price. too much work for me for the ugliest rotary car ever made.

[Whizbang]

idaho cars are generally pretty solid. seems like the seals dried out (they are like powder) and the rare water we do get got down in there and just sat.

hell the run made the laminate in the windshield bubble between the glass layers.

[speedjunkie]

Sweet! Can't wait to see this project progress as well.

[Whizbang]

[WE3RX7]

Nice project, but agreed on the windshield channel and rear glass. After doing a few repairs on the RX3, that steel is beer can thin and flimsy. Anything is repairable, but that will def take you some time. Keep at it though, we need more old school!

[chibikougan]

Oh Rx2 fun.

[Whizbang]

and she is home! no keys and seized to rotor caliper required some attention but when smoothly otherwise. Got a clean set of rear tails and a bumper along with it from some spares he had! (score). Paint code is "B6". any ideas what that translate to in the color charts?

and now! to vacuum.

[Whizbang]

Started swapping the FC subframe into the RX-2. all the old, worn out, garage of a suspension and steering. Made the front brackets are they are welded in. Took forever to get them right using the dial caliper so they should be as close as possible.

Need more cutting discs to clearance the rear. then i can box that and make the rear mounts.

[GySgtFrank]

Originally Posted by Whizbang

Started swapping the FC subframe into the RX-2. all the old, worn out, garage of a suspension and steering. Made the front brackets are they are welded in. Took forever to get them right using the dial caliper so they should be as close as possible.

Need more cutting discs to clearance the rear. then i can box that and make the rear mounts.

Are the RX2 frame rails the same width as the FCs?

[Whizbang]

Originally Posted by GySgtFrank

Are the RX2 frame rails the same width as the FCs?

negative.

i had to make mounts that are outboard of the frame. the Rx2 is far narrower. This WILL require some kinda over fender shenanigans. This is also cause some issues with the coilovers. A stock FC coilcover probably wont work since it will cause all of the camber ever, since the hubs are much farther.

So with that, I have a guy who builds custom coilovers (he did my rally ones) so ill have that made for the application.

but considering there is nothing for the rx2 for suspension, the brakes ubersuck and the steering is hilariously poor, i am more than willing to make this work.

[GySgtFrank]

I thought I had heard they were narrower. I can certainly understand the need for better suspension and steering though, not to mention real brakes.

This should be interesting.

[mattallac]

here is an easy resto tip : everyone is talking about your rusty window channels ; have them metal sprayed ( its zinc) i had mine done and it came out great