I posted this in the classifieds a week ago and no hits so far. I'm trying to keep this car as original as possible...I still have the original Clarion am/fm tuner. I'm looking for either a 2 post am/fm cassette exact fit or the original tape deck that would mount in what is currently a storage bin. I'm guessing that all the wiring to hook up the tape player is there...2 unused wiring harnesses back there (please correct me if I'm wrong). Thanks.

 

Is there a difference between the 80 tape deck and the 84/85 vintage tape deck? If not, I have 2. I do not know if they work.

 

Yeah, 79-80 deck is unique. And they made 2 version of those, one with, one without Dolby. Either will work-
Have you tried thepartstrader.com under the rx7 section? A few guys stripping SAs there. Shouldn't have to pay more than $15 for one. Just be warned that the deck you get will likely not be working properly since the drive belt in it gets so stretched over time that it plays at the wrong speed, if at all ;p. And the 2 extra plugs in the back should be all you need to hook 'er up.
Congrats on trying to keep your 80 in its original form!! Usually these cars get so modded by the time we purists get them that its a real battle to find all the original bits AND undo the "improvements" previous owners have blessed them with! Feel free to contact me off-line if you ever need help with your 80 (aull@alaska.net).
cheers
Stu Aull
80GSs
Alaska

 

You can have mine out of my '79 I just got if that will work. It'll be at least a week before I can get it out to you though.

 

I got one with Dolby(tm) but i'm sorry to say it stays in the display room....
If i get one extra I'll let you know.

 

Mschafe...thanks a million for the reply. I'm in no rush on the tape deck so whenever you can get to it. Do you know if it works? PM me when you're ready and we'll make the arrangements.

Stu...do you drive your 7 in Alaska winters?

 

on my 82 i went to great lenghts to restore the clerion(mazda) push button stereo
(tuner) and autoreverse dolby tape deck(mazda) i've been on the look out for the EQ
that goes with this system. there are stereo surrounds that have a larger space for the stereo/EQ above and the tape deck down lower. the ash tray and lighter are in the same place. i think the metal 'frame' behind and the suround are required. what i hope is not required is the 'joy stick' .. i've got a working, dolby, mazda autoreverse tape deck the size of the 'cubby' hole. in 83 the gsl could come with a clerion (mazda) stereo/tape deck combo. fits in the 1 space opening and allows you to keep the 'cubby' hole. fyi

 

i figured that this is what's wrong with mine. would you be able to get the parts to repair a factory at someplace like Radio Shack or something? it's funny that i cam across this thread because i was just bitching the other day about having to get a radio for the car simply because i have to park outside when i'm at school and after some tool stomped all over my MR2, i'd be pissed if i bought a radio for the Rx-7 and had some crackhead piece of **** rip it out - i figured they're less likely to want the original unit - and i really don't mind it, to be honest.

 

My thought was that if it's a belt then I should be able to pull the old one(s) out and match by eye. Or there is a good repair shop close by that is really good with car audio.