1972 rx3

[Toywagon82]

Hey guys, heres the newest addition to my fleet.
A one owner 1972 rx3 sedan. Sedans are the rarest body style of rx3s in the US so i am extremely happy to have found this. I was lurking the internet and came across a picture of an rx3 wagon on instagram. I messaged the girl trying to sell her some parts for her project, come to find out she had this sedan. We talked a little and worked a deal.on friday i loaded up and drove 850+ miles one way to colfax california to get it. I had an alternator die on me but luckily it was near an oreilys so i was able to swap it out in the parking lot. Afterwards we made the best of it and hit san francisco to spend a night over there. I made the 1000 mile trip in one shot because i was so excited to load up the car. After hanging out in san fran we hit La and spent the night there. We were happy we didnt run into any more issues.
I want to thank az hitman as usual for helping me out.

I took a quick peek through the car and noticed a little rust around the front and rear window. The trunk lid is pretty bad, but the floor boards and battery tray area are all solid and rust free. I am able to spin the engine by hand so im going to check for compression and try to start it up. The car was originally from monrovia Ca, which wasnt too far from where i grew up. Im hoping the original 12a will run so i can keep the car as original as possible. I was able to source a set of original rx3 wheels and hubcaps to throw on. The interior is pretty baked so i will need to send the seats and door panels out for upholstery if anyone has any recommendations for a shop please let me know!
Ill have more updates soon. Thanks fof viewing

[insitu_az]

That is an amazing find. RX3 is one of my favorite cars.

The 12A engine is such a plus to the car. So many of them were pulled out and replaced with 13B which has never been as robust as a good old 12A. Good luck on the restoration.
- Guy

[Racerx3110]

Looks like a cool project, I look forward to your progress reports

[Randalla]

Aaron, really cool project. Looks like it has good bones, and knowing you it will be running soon. Please keep us updated as you progress.

[Toywagon82]

That is an amazing find. RX3 is one of my favorite cars.

The 12A engine is such a plus to the car. So many of them were pulled out and replaced with 13B which has never been as robust as a good old 12A. Good luck on the restoration.
- Guy

Thanks man! Rx3s are on the top of my favorite car list too. This is an early twin distibutor 12a which is really hard to find parts for. My 1st 73 wagon had this same drive train and ran great so im hoping this one is salvageable. If not a later 12a will be going in it.

[Toywagon82]

Thanks for the kind words guys!
Im really looking forward to digging into this. A sedan has been on my must have list for a long time and im happy to finally have one. Lets hope she fires up!

[dat521]

nice find i have had a mazda or two in my lifetime but never a rx3 sedan. the guy who is painting my datsun 521 also does interior so hit me up when ready

[Toywagon82]

nice find i have a mazda or in my lifetime but never a rx3 sedan. the guy who is painting my datsun 521 also does interior so hit me up when ready

Ill definately keep that in mind. Thanks man!

[Toywagon82]

I started to polish the Rx today. Im working it by hand for now, it is looking 100xs better. Ive only worked the hood, roof and fenders. You can see the difference from the rrar end shot. Im removing those side moldings that were screwed on. Im not a big fan of the holes underneath but i think it looks alot better without the molding and rubbers. I was able to free up the window regulators and greased up all the door jambs and strikers and everything seems to function again. After i finish polishing im planning to take off the bumpers, lights and trims for straightening and polishing. I need to source a few lense for my tail lights and a side marker though. Ill eventually work my way into the engine bay and then into the interior. Small updates but progress is progress!

[insitu_az]

Phil's Rotary in the Australian ebay site has a set of replacement lenses that are fairly reasonable. Says he is going out of business now though. That's a shame

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MAZDA-RX3-S ... XQM6ZRFJSl