Video Log Of The Restomodding Of My '76 RX-5 Cosmo (New Vid New Vid Jul 10/2024)
#701
Engine, Not Motor
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 29,791
Likes: 0
Received 113 Likes
on
95 Posts
Part 50: Electronic Instrument Cluster Conversion - Part 4
Episode 50 of my '76 Mazda Cosmo Restoration is packed full of detail and information. Possibly more than any other episode released. Because after all, there's a lot to say about designing and building an Atmel 1284 powered CANbus communicating, stepper motor driving, TFT screen displaying, addressable LED controlling, rotary encoder twiddle accepting, heart of an electronic instrument cluster, circuit. That's what this episode primarily concentrates on with a bit more thrown in the middle. It's heavy on the electronics of course, and the last installment before final assembly of the instrument cluster. You might want to pour yourself a drink, sit back, brace yourself (that's what she said). By the way, I made an obvious mistake in this video. Can you spot it?
Schematics, code and board patterns from this video: https://www.aaroncake.net/76cosmo/cluster
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aaroncake
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaroncake_/
The following users liked this post:
Relisys190 (04-16-22)
The following users liked this post:
Relisys190 (04-16-22)
#704
Engine, Not Motor
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 29,791
Likes: 0
Received 113 Likes
on
95 Posts
I'm editing my *** off for the final cluster episode (in the short term anyway). Honestly, this cluster has been a complete boondoggle and I am glad to wrap it in plastic and place it out of the way for now. It sucks knowing that this project has created a huge amount of future work for me as I have to now program the damn thing. So at best in reality even though it is "done", it is 50% done. Plus any future problems created by the fact it is a one-off prototype.
I'm not doing any more cluster videos until it is programmed and working. So this one will go until it is done.
I'm not doing any more cluster videos until it is programmed and working. So this one will go until it is done.
#705
Engine, Not Motor
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 29,791
Likes: 0
Received 113 Likes
on
95 Posts
Part 51: Electronic Instrument Cluster Conversion - Part 5
Episode 51 of my '76 Mazda Cosmo restoration is here! First, let's talk length. That's what she said. I know it's ridiculously long. The title of my sex tape. Thing is, this video contains the entirety of final assembly of the electronic instrument cluster and it was an ordeal. Stuff broke, mistakes were made, more stuff broke, and add a long wait for replacement parts.And then I had the joy of reliving it all while editing this monstrosity. I could have split it into two, but then that would extend the instrument cluster to 6 parts and I just wouldn't have it. So dear viewer, I implore you to have the same experience watching it as I had making it. But here's the thing: it worked out rather well and even though I have months of programming to make this cluster actually do anything more than twiddle the needles, I think it was worth it.
Schematics, code and board patterns from this video: https://www.aaroncake.net/76cosmo/cluster
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aaroncake
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaroncake_/
The following users liked this post:
driftxsequence (09-15-21)
#709
Engine, Not Motor
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 29,791
Likes: 0
Received 113 Likes
on
95 Posts
#710
Hey...Cut it out!
iTrader: (4)
Sorcerer Edit:
So I did some digging on similar suspension setups and found Mazda DID a solid axle setup with 5-lug hubs on the First Gen MPV (89-99). Pretty much a modified version of the HC Luce/929 4-cylinder rear suspension (6-cylinder/Rotary Luce got independent rear suspension similar to the FC). Only downside to the MPV setup is that the hub centerbore is 67.1mm like the FD and early MPVs (89-92) have drums in the rear (LA0x part number). For Discs, go with later (93-95) MPV axles, brakes, etc (LB4x part numbers). As long as you can get the length correct and have suitable bearings to fit, it should pop right in.
Last edited by Akagis_white_comet; 09-26-21 at 03:01 PM. Reason: Sorcerer Edit
#711
Engine, Not Motor
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 29,791
Likes: 0
Received 113 Likes
on
95 Posts
Part 52: Again With The Intercooler?! - Part 1 - My 76 Mazda RX-5 Cosmo Restoration
In any long running project, and no one will debate that this is a long running project, there are always things that one looks back on and reconsiders. And for years, there has been a big one in the engine bay: the intercooler. I was never happy with the angular placement and the almost improvised look of the plumbing. It seemed as though it was an after market kit made to fit a space. It was at odds with the engine bay. It ate at me. And after the instrument cluster I wanted to cut and weld! So I made the decision to seemingly go backwards and redo work already done. It was absolutely the correct decision.
The following users liked this post:
Akagis_white_comet (04-03-22)
#712
Hey...Cut it out!
iTrader: (4)
Fantastic stuff man. Re-work is a natural part of the process. It also shows that your skills have improved since the first incarnation. I was up till 3:30am this morning redoing part of the Eunos Cosmo Workshop Manual. Just wasn't happy with using what I made 2 years ago. Had to fix that before I started compiling everything together.
Now you got me wondering how the Power Steering will be addressed, but I guess that'll be revealed in the next part.
Now you got me wondering how the Power Steering will be addressed, but I guess that'll be revealed in the next part.
#714
Engine, Not Motor
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 29,791
Likes: 0
Received 113 Likes
on
95 Posts
Come again? That's ALWAYS what she said Speaking of fabrication, what do you have in mind for the rear suspension? Since the front was converted in awesome fashion to a 5-lug hybrid Cosmo/RX7 setup which can use regular FC struts/springs, I'm wondering what you have in mind for getting 5-lugs on the rear. There was a question in the New Owner section about doing so on a first gen RX7, as the front end 5-lug swap has already been documented. Stands to reason that a SA22 RX7's suspension would be similar to the CD Cosmo in the rear too. Possibly the HB Luce/929 and Cosmo too.
Fantastic stuff man. Re-work is a natural part of the process. It also shows that your skills have improved since the first incarnation. I was up till 3:30am this morning redoing part of the Eunos Cosmo Workshop Manual. Just wasn't happy with using what I made 2 years ago. Had to fix that before I started compiling everything together.
Now you got me wondering how the Power Steering will be addressed, but I guess that'll be revealed in the next part.
Now you got me wondering how the Power Steering will be addressed, but I guess that'll be revealed in the next part.
This is very much appreciated. The time it takes to film and edit is harder and harder to find. Plus the fact the YouTube algorithm is against me as I don't upload 6 times a day like they want. Videos won't end until the project is done.
#715
Hey...Cut it out!
iTrader: (4)
Well crap, it looks like the data I posted about what I found has vanished into the ether so I'll paraphrase it here.
Look at a 1994 MPV. Solid axle setup like the CD Cosmo, but available with discs in the rear and the desired 5x114.3 pattern you want. Only downside is they use the FD's 67.1mm centerbore vs the 59.6mm FC setup you have in front. Simple solution is a Hubcentric ring in front like FC guys use when going to FD wheels.
Brake discs are J001-26-251B, same as the Eunos Cosmo.
Axle Shaft with hub is LB40-26-111 (Right) and LB40-26-115 (Left)
If the MPV hubs could be transplanted to the Cosmo Axles, or MPV axles modified to fit the Cosmo axle housing it sounds like a simple, relatively cheap solution to get what you want in the back.
Look at a 1994 MPV. Solid axle setup like the CD Cosmo, but available with discs in the rear and the desired 5x114.3 pattern you want. Only downside is they use the FD's 67.1mm centerbore vs the 59.6mm FC setup you have in front. Simple solution is a Hubcentric ring in front like FC guys use when going to FD wheels.
Brake discs are J001-26-251B, same as the Eunos Cosmo.
Axle Shaft with hub is LB40-26-111 (Right) and LB40-26-115 (Left)
If the MPV hubs could be transplanted to the Cosmo Axles, or MPV axles modified to fit the Cosmo axle housing it sounds like a simple, relatively cheap solution to get what you want in the back.
Last edited by Akagis_white_comet; 04-09-22 at 10:54 AM. Reason: axle part number correction
#716
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Posts: 31,125
Received 2,790 Likes
on
1,976 Posts
Well crap, it looks like the data I posted about what I found has vanished into the ether so I'll paraphrase it here.
Look at a 1994 MPV. Solid axle setup like the CD Cosmo, but available with discs in the rear and the desired 5x114.3 pattern you want. Only downside is they use the FD's 67.1mm centerbore vs the 59.6mm FC setup you have in front. Simple solution is a Hubcentric ring in front like FC guys use when going to FD wheels.
Brake discs are J001-26-251B, same as the Eunos Cosmo.
Axle Shaft with hub is LB40-26-111 (Right) and LB40-26-115 (Left)
If the MPV hubs could be transplanted to the Cosmo Axles, or MPV axles modified to fit the Cosmo axle housing it sounds like a simple, relatively cheap solution to get what you want in the back.
Look at a 1994 MPV. Solid axle setup like the CD Cosmo, but available with discs in the rear and the desired 5x114.3 pattern you want. Only downside is they use the FD's 67.1mm centerbore vs the 59.6mm FC setup you have in front. Simple solution is a Hubcentric ring in front like FC guys use when going to FD wheels.
Brake discs are J001-26-251B, same as the Eunos Cosmo.
Axle Shaft with hub is LB40-26-111 (Right) and LB40-26-115 (Left)
If the MPV hubs could be transplanted to the Cosmo Axles, or MPV axles modified to fit the Cosmo axle housing it sounds like a simple, relatively cheap solution to get what you want in the back.
The following users liked this post:
Akagis_white_comet (04-14-22)
#717
Engine, Not Motor
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 29,791
Likes: 0
Received 113 Likes
on
95 Posts
Part 53: Again With The Intercooler?! - Part 2 - My 76 Mazda RX-5 Cosmo Restoration
In part 53 of my '76 Mazda Cosmo restoration, I finish the rework of the water to air intercooler I started in episode 52. With the ideal position established, all the tubing needed to be changed to match. And if I was doing that, well, I figured I may as well ditch the pedestrian silicone couplers and clamps for something much more awesome. This is another episode filled with cutting, grinding and TIG welding. The final product is exactly how it should have been from the start!
The following users liked this post:
Akagis_white_comet (07-12-22)
#718
Engine, Not Motor
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 29,791
Likes: 0
Received 113 Likes
on
95 Posts
Part 54: Better HVAC Bracket and Improved *****
Time to tackle two more aspects of my previous work I am unhappy with. In part 54, I'm re-fabricating the bracket used to adapt the Vintage Air Compac Gen 2 HVAC unit (parts 29-31) and fixing an issue with the front camber I created when I used Mazda 626 ball joints to allow use of FC RX-7 spindles (parts 39 - 40). Years of looking at my poorly designed HVAC brackets weighed heavy on my conscience and I knew I could do better. So too with the front suspension; I had come to the conclusion that there wasn't enough adjustability to allow proper alignment. This episode, I correct both these mistakes to end up with results I find truly satisfying.
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aaroncake
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaroncake_/
#720
Hey...Cut it out!
iTrader: (4)
Always a joy watching your latest work. Here's a little treat I found when watching Gosei Sentai Dairanger while taking a break from the Japanese FD Wiring Bible. Aired in 1993, it's the series that was adapted to become Season 2 of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. This is from Episode 29
I'd know those funky quarter windows from anywhere
I'd know those funky quarter windows from anywhere
#722
Hey...Cut it out!
iTrader: (4)
Hey Aaron, so I was doing a little homework on a RHD FD that a new member asked out and came across this. Pictures are from a Japanese 1976 Cosmo 1800, giving us an idea of what the interior above the window line should look like.
Here's the car in question:
https://www.duncanimports.com/used/M...86d2404416.htm
There was apparently an onboard Self-diagnosis system for certain functions like lights, brakes, etc. Pretty rad stuff for being 1976.
The self-diagnosis lights are the same style, fit and finish as on the cluster, so I'm thinking it's original. Did you come across anything like this at any time? Might be pretty cool to replicate the style with modern hardware. Maybe on the Nexteon screen?
Here's the car in question:
https://www.duncanimports.com/used/M...86d2404416.htm
There was apparently an onboard Self-diagnosis system for certain functions like lights, brakes, etc. Pretty rad stuff for being 1976.
The self-diagnosis lights are the same style, fit and finish as on the cluster, so I'm thinking it's original. Did you come across anything like this at any time? Might be pretty cool to replicate the style with modern hardware. Maybe on the Nexteon screen?
#723
Engine, Not Motor
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 29,791
Likes: 0
Received 113 Likes
on
95 Posts
Part 55: Air Suspension 1 - Rear Bags - My 76 Mazda RX-5 Cosmo Restoration
Episode 55 begins the project I've wanted to do since even before I bought the Cosmo: air suspension! In this video I modify the rear trailing arm to accept the air springs, create mounts to allow access to the bolts and fittings, then modify the frame rails with new spring perches. Lots of metal work and fabrication to get the rear end bagged. Enjoy!
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/aaroncake
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaroncake_/
The following users liked this post:
Akagis_white_comet (10-27-23)
#724
Hey...Cut it out!
iTrader: (4)
Welcome back! I still can't fathom how you jumped right into fabbing when everything surrounding the rear suspension has 40+ years of gunk and goo on it. Might not be a bad idea to take a cue from Past Aaron Cake during the Front Suspension Overhaul and clean everything up before going further. Fortunately, I've discovered the last word in de-gunking damn near anything on a car. In the Workshop Manual for the Eunos Cosmo, it says that steam is one of the preferred methods for cleaning aluminum parts. So I gave it a go with a $40 one on ebay and the worst possible conditions...a BMW
It works. Remember all of the filth, gunk and *insert noun and adjective here* from the front subframe? It sliced right through all of the filth under the hood of my E38. And for the THICK greasy buildup, spritz the area with Dawn Powerwash first.
It also works miracles on brake dust and the earthly bukkake better known as pine tree sap. And from what I've read, undercoating melts off just as well too. Just think of all the money you'll save compared to hiring that fabled intern, the one that was desperate for attention and approval
It works. Remember all of the filth, gunk and *insert noun and adjective here* from the front subframe? It sliced right through all of the filth under the hood of my E38. And for the THICK greasy buildup, spritz the area with Dawn Powerwash first.
It also works miracles on brake dust and the earthly bukkake better known as pine tree sap. And from what I've read, undercoating melts off just as well too. Just think of all the money you'll save compared to hiring that fabled intern, the one that was desperate for attention and approval
#725
Engine, Not Motor
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 29,791
Likes: 0
Received 113 Likes
on
95 Posts
Hey Aaron, so I was doing a little homework on a RHD FD that a new member asked out and came across this. Pictures are from a Japanese 1976 Cosmo 1800, giving us an idea of what the interior above the window line should look like.
Here's the car in question:
https://www.duncanimports.com/used/M...86d2404416.htm
There was apparently an onboard Self-diagnosis system for certain functions like lights, brakes, etc. Pretty rad stuff for being 1976.
The self-diagnosis lights are the same style, fit and finish as on the cluster, so I'm thinking it's original. Did you come across anything like this at any time? Might be pretty cool to replicate the style with modern hardware. Maybe on the Nexteon screen?
Here's the car in question:
https://www.duncanimports.com/used/M...86d2404416.htm
There was apparently an onboard Self-diagnosis system for certain functions like lights, brakes, etc. Pretty rad stuff for being 1976.
The self-diagnosis lights are the same style, fit and finish as on the cluster, so I'm thinking it's original. Did you come across anything like this at any time? Might be pretty cool to replicate the style with modern hardware. Maybe on the Nexteon screen?
I really like the overhead console with the diagnostic lights. It almost has an LCARS type feel and is right at home in the 80s. I kind of like the idea of recreating the entire thing in the same spot with an LCD screen. I had already decided to implement TPMS and of course signals to the ECU will be available for the status of every door and window. For the life of me I can't imagine how they monitored the rear brake linings. Perhaps just a mile counter.
Some of those functions will definitely be on the Nextion screen.
Welcome back! I still can't fathom how you jumped right into fabbing when everything surrounding the rear suspension has 40+ years of gunk and goo on it. Might not be a bad idea to take a cue from Past Aaron Cake during the Front Suspension Overhaul and clean everything up before going further. Fortunately, I've discovered the last word in de-gunking damn near anything on a car. In the Workshop Manual for the Eunos Cosmo, it says that steam is one of the preferred methods for cleaning aluminum parts. So I gave it a go with a $40 one on ebay and the worst possible conditions...a BMW
the earthly bukkake better known as pine tree sap.
The following 2 users liked this post by Aaron Cake:
Akagis_white_comet (10-29-23),
diabolical1 (10-29-23)