52 replies to this topic

[The Matt]

Aaaaah! Awesome cars. My mum used to have a saloon one. I loved it as a little hack.

PS: Get on www.retrorun.co.uk/forums

We need runners for the Brands Hatch to Nurburgring run this year!

[cityspeed]

Thanks for the Invite I will defiantly think about heading along I have always wanted to do the ring!

here is what I have been doing this week,

[olds_kool_lews]

I got a set of 15" steels with the right pcd for this, ideal for banding ;)

[cityspeed]

The Mini's rear view mirror has been borrowed for the time being !

[cityspeed]

With the front end now lowered I decided to tackle the task of my rear arches and suspension,

After a mornings work I was left with this:




This is how it looked last weekend, after a cup of T and a search on the internet I managed to find some replacement rear arch panels from a supplier in Germany (http://www.seekpart24.com)

Much more material than I need not a problem though it should make things a bit easier,

[cityspeed]

This Spring has seen better days !


Not good! it was in 3 pieces! the top section made a mess of the spring hat or upper collar , meaning I had 2 inch long hole in the steel,

So another cup of T and a search on the web this time not being as lucky in finding a spare part, I could find the Rear strut support bearing but not the sping hat/ upper collar

This time around I had to fix the part as I cant imagine a part from a scrappy being in much better condition, I'm all for recycling!



After cutting out all the rust/ a small plate went down one edge,
The collar for the suspension boots to locate was completely missing!
So I made my own using the other side for a guide,


Rear Strut Boots were split/ perished So got these:

Edited by cityspeed, 09 March 2013 - 07:20 PM.

[cityspeed]

my housemate Henry is into his ICE in a big way

He also used to have a 323 similar to this but a 1989, fortunately he still had a set of his custom dash pods,



You can see his MAZDA FLEXING WITH THE BASS HERE!!!!!

Edited by cityspeed, 09 March 2013 - 09:58 PM.

[rally515]

Some people on here have problems with rusty rear subframe bolts shearing ect....think this is the cure for such a problem..

[cityspeed]

Yeh it would definalty loosen things up!

Those Orion subs eventually shook the car to pieces, the tank fell out + boot had to be welded on!

[Reetek]

I've just started stripping down my 323 for a full rebuild. Was trying out some slot mags on it in the summer!

[Reetek]

Started removing some more this week, engine should be out soon!

[rally515]

ohh love it, although id love it more if they were on rubber

[cityspeed]

Reetek, yours is looking great on those slot mags! love it!
Glad to have another member in the retro mazda club!
I've got some progress too!

[Reetek]

Will post some new photos soon as ALOT more has been stripped off now. I too ordered some new rear arches from germany, £13 each bargain!!! Got a new wing for £7 as well. Might split some opinions but i'm actually converting it to RWD. Measured up and should just squeeze a 2ltr pinto in with some fabrication for a gearbox tunnel. Back axle off a capri is a near match in width! Didn't think the mazda was so wide. Got a few other modifications but i'll save them for pictures. Are you keeping yours the V8 gold? I've been thinking of respraying it in the pastel orange they used for the escort mexicos. Its going to be a bit of a ford/mazda mashup!! Those slot mags would look better with rubber but they turned out to be a bit too wide. They're off a celica, same stud pattern. Anyway, looking forward to seeing your progress with the 323. Looks like yours has rusted far less than mine!

[cityspeed]

Great stuff, you got some good prices on your parts there, where did you order those from?
Rwd will certainly be quite interesting! I take it you plan to run the prop high up in the transmission tunnel etc, do you think you will have to make any modifications,
Also I may be interested in your old block if its a 1300,
here is some of my progress!: