Newbie

[fil_auto]

Nice looking 1st Gen bud... you\'ve got a 323f too right ?!

Phil

[mpk490p]

you still got yours Phil?

[fil_auto]

what 323f bud? Indeed... tis my daily

[Marcrs]

1st gen steering is notoriously vague due to the steering box setup which is inherently less precise than a rack and pinions setup.
It wears over time and goes out of adjustment.

The 1st thing to check is the idler arm bushes which don\'t last 5 minutes and will cause vagueness in the steering.
The steering box itself can be adjusted but a better option is to get a steering box and column from a series 2.
They are more precise and easier to adjust.
The last thing is to look at the various ball joints and links whilst someone turns the steering wheel lock to lock and look for any slack.
...
I\'d go for a refurb of the idler arm bushes and a series 2 steering box first, that should tighten things up a treat.

So, is a series 2 box better than a series 3 one? Sounds like some good old backwards engineering :3Confused

Might be a daft question, but can you point me in the right direction re the idler arm bushes - best place to buy etc please


To answer other questions, yes, it does look really good in the pics, camera hides most of the surface rust pretty well :2Rolleyes

and yes, I do have a 323f or two

my garage currently stands at this...

[Garath]

Hi All,
 
I just thought I\'d say hi, I\'m the friend that marc is talking about, we are both really looking forward to getting started on the car tomorrow, by the time we are finished marc will be an expert welder

[David Nock (RIP)]

Got my Idler bushes from Rotechniks, Grazeley, Reading. Mazda bushes, not expensive.
Telephone 0118 988 8555
Here\'s one link, also search under \'idler\'

//www.mazdarotaryclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62835&highlight=idler

[Marcrs]

Thanks David, I\'ll give them a call in the week


Went over to see Garath today, and took him some shiny metal to fit :lol:

Decided to tackle the drivers side rear first, as this looks like the worst part

Started off by getting her up the air, seats and carpets out etc

(that\'s another of my 323s in the background )











Time to assess the rust monkeys...







Then Garath started to grind it back...







First panel was pretty complicated to fabricate...







But it fitted perfectly







Then it was back out with the cardboard for more templates





and some nice panels - including a joggled edge to follow the original lines of the sill







After some work to brace up the inner panels (missed that bit, I had to go buy lunch the outers went on, and I\'m really pleased with the result










Needs some panel seal and some paint, then on to the next bit...


Biiiiiiig thanks to Garath, without his time, effort and talent, this car would probably never make it on the road!

[syebba]

That\'s an intricate job your doing there,you\'ve shaped the metal well,how many grinder/welding burns did you get on yourselves?
Years ago i was grinding surface rust off on a chassis,my leg got warm,ignored it,then my jeans caught fire!
ta stu

[Ian65]

Hi All,
 
I just thought I\'d say hi, I\'m the friend that marc is talking about, we are both really looking forward to getting started on the car tomorrow, by the time we are finished marc will be an expert welder

good work guys!!
nice to see someone getting stuck into their car to return it to the road and making your own panels as well.
Respect!!

[David Nock (RIP)]

That Garath is a star. You seem pretty useless Marc, but hey, with Gazza on board so what......Joking mate, Great job both and thanks for the pics.

[Marcrs]

Had another full day at it today - again a massive thanks to Garath, dunno what I\'d do without you mate

Back up in the air...




Where did I leave that screwdriver? In the car mate, literally, in the car :lol:




small hole in the floorpan




and another in the chassis rail




and one in the front...




which turned into several large holes :roll:




and a big bit for the chassis








Then it was time for panel seal, and some underseal paint As Garath had done all the hard work, I felt it only fair I did this bit








and, somehow, in just one weekend, the drivers side is finished :shock:






We\'ll start on the passenger side next weekend, if the weather allows

[Ian65]

Top stuff guys,
you don\'t hang about do you!

[clive]

Welcome to MRC Marc,

Keep the pics coming, thats going to be a real nice car by the time you have finished   :3gears-rh

[syebba]

g8 work guys & fast too.
Keep pics coming it\'s interesting to see.
The metal shaping/fabrication is an art,i\'d have to buy pre-formed pieces!
ta stu..

[syebba]

when u have a chance take a peek at Ian\'s resto,link on his posts.
ta stu..