Updates when I can get inspired and find the time but that brings us to the next round of fun! I managed to sell off some parts from the dashboard area that are rx3 specific and random bits and pieces that wont be needed for the resto-mod, doesn't hurt to have an extra 500 bucks in your pocket for basically trash!
Trying a little new school meets old school.

enter the 3d scanning. I wanted to learn more about this tech and understand it better and its tied to a "work" project so this is a good way for me to get exposure of the process while also using it for my own benefit. Its just a simple (older) Ipad Pro w/ LiDAR, the phone LiDAR would work too as I don't need this big screen to scan tbh

don't mind the reflection but it was pretty spot on for double checking measurements
the idea would be to build the tubes in CAD and get them pre-bent/notched to save on the fab work and equipment but it sounds easier than it is. much like when someone says "just 3d print it!" its far more involved than just clicking the go button - which is what i have just learned from 3d scanning, often times I have said "just scan it" but not realizing the steps it takes to get the detail/data you need... Maybe more to come here, maybe not. Definitely worth the hands on trial
so luckily this car is constructed fairly simply so time to start cutting away at it and adding structure back to it and build from there:

(the inner fender is just 1 piece of metal, the rx7 is 3-5)
and time for the exploratory cutting 
this is good practice for the new welder and get some beads under my belt before I get to work on the rx7 repairs. since that is on hold at the moment (in que) I can work a little bit on this and see if its still a bad idea or not. 10 bucks in scrap metal and I can fix these cab corners and tie them to the rockers then start the base for the tube front end from there.
some more rust removal and viola!

I'll do this on both sides as they have similar rust holes forming. .125" wall may be overkill but I didn't see any .095" anywhere for angle iron.
now considering powertrain options is where the scan packaging data will come into play @nonack had coined this great "its N64 goldeneye graphics" so hard to reverse engineer or fine detail things but for general space and packaging this can work. however I have to play by the rules so this will be tight:

I can do a 3" widebody but thats based on the internet measurements. I can put some big honking mirrors on them and call that the outside and measure from there and add 10% but all signs are telling me with some minor flares I could fit whatever I'm looking to swap under the body no problem. Frame rails are junk and will be re-created so they possibly can be moved too.
more to come