apexkiller

Hey guys I am new to the Mazda World. After wanting one for many years I finally got a '84 GSL-SE that will be used as an open track/street car. The ATF treatment got it running and everything is coming together really good, that is until last night. I was gutting out the rear of the car and just got the rear assembly removed that houses the storage boxes and there is was, RUST. On the inner fender well. On the driver side it is bad on the right side it is light. I found the starting place, a little hole drilled through each well. So here is my question. I am not a great body guy so I don't know what to look for. Is this usually a problem and can it be fixed for a decent price?
I appreciate any help.

cjf

iTrader: (1)

yeah, common problem, especially on cars in the rust belt like pa..that is one thing that all "7" owners will tell you to check before you buy one...the storage bin area. I am not a ody man either so I acn't help you there..Hope you like the car..I love my 84 gsl-se...good luck with it....cjf

apexkiller

Do you know if it can be fixed? Again for a decent price.

mwpayne

I'm having this exact thing fixed right now. I was lucky enough to find 2 dead rexes in the junkyard, between the two of them there are 2 good wheel wells. They cut them out ($50) and a body shop is going to weld them in ($100), so that's not too bad. I found a great step-by-step article on the net on fixing this with fiberglass if you want to spend a weekend on it. PM me or email at mwpayne@chartertn.net and I'll send it to you. I cpoied it into word, don't remember the URL)
I think its the best way to go if you can't find good metal.
Good Luck!

Sterling

Don't forget why it rusted...
On the hatch frame at the bottom, are two drain holes- one in each corner. Looking inside, there is a hose attached to each one that gets snaked down through the rear end and out. But these drains fill with ****, and then the water rots around the hole and little piece of pipe on the inside that the hoses are connected to. Then in starts to dribble the water, which of course, finds it's way to these lowest areas, where there just is no evaporation possible.

A garden hose, and a straightened wire hanger can unplug the "most-caked-with-****" hoses. Just go easy with the hanger, and let it take its time.

Also it should be noted that this is a strength point on the car's rear end. It needs to be fixed properly, even if the cost makes a dent in yer wallet. If it is'nt fixed, and you sustain a minor hit, you can fix the hit but have suspension adjustment problems forever after.

apexkiller

I removed the rear wheels last night and the upper and lower arm mounts are pretty good. A bit of surface rust but nothing to bad that can't be fixed with a bit of labor. So I am not as worried as I was yesterday. The inner weels will need to be replaced and I am looking into all the options now.
Thanks for all the help guys.