'79 SA... My first Old School Ride!!!
#51
Happy Rotoring!
iTrader: (13)
The rear hatch trim panel is unique to the 78-79 (early) SAs and is pretty near impossible to find in even YOUR SAs condition. I think (and Banzai can step in here with better detail) a light sanding to remove the scratches on the latch cover and a color-respray is going to be your best option.
I consider these plaid interiors a rare and a unique version of the breed. Someday I believe they will be coveted and more desireable.
From the factory, floor mats were not offered but could be bought from the dealer or aftermarket. These were pretty basic back in the day and finding survivors in good condition today is impossibile. Here's a like to some info on some nice matts and even a rear compartment cover. I believe Jason still pokes around on here.
https://www.rx7club.com/group-buy-ce...up-buy-958363/
#57
Thanks for posting the info. If I had a little more available cash it would be cool to buy that car and have a matching set (auto and 5 speed)
#58
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Posts: 30,829
Received 2,597 Likes
on
1,845 Posts
Interesting. That low mileage auto is nearly identical to mine, except it was obviously a later in the model year car due to dual mirrors, doors with map pockets, etc. Of note though is the "41" chalk mark on the fan shroud in the engine bay. Mine has the same mark. Anyone know the significance of this mark and number? Was the number applied always "41"? Just curious to know if others have seen and what it means!
Thanks for posting the info. If I had a little more available cash it would be cool to buy that car and have a matching set (auto and 5 speed)
Thanks for posting the info. If I had a little more available cash it would be cool to buy that car and have a matching set (auto and 5 speed)
Mazda does this even with the FC parts
#59
red89fc
iTrader: (3)
Of note though is the "41" chalk mark on the fan shroud in the engine bay. Mine has the same mark. Anyone know the significance of this mark and number? Was the number applied always "41"? Just curious to know if others have seen and what it means!
Thanks for posting the info. If I had a little more available cash it would be cool to buy that car and have a matching set (auto and 5 speed)
Thanks for posting the info. If I had a little more available cash it would be cool to buy that car and have a matching set (auto and 5 speed)
The "41" may have been the worker that installed the fan shroud on the assembly line. Or the quality control guy that did the final check on the car. IDK but it's cool all the same.
This thread has awakened a desire in me to find a low mileage SA. I really love the interiors and tail lights and the fact that the first rx7 I ever drove was a red 79 with black and white plaid seats. Wifey says I have to sell one of my cars though.
#60
RX HVN
iTrader: (2)
Don't forget the carpet and the softer trim around the cover - ALL plastic (yep, even the carpet) and may react more to the heat before you get the results to the cover you want. Bit of a PITA but I think the cover is just clipped to the rest of the panel? Maybe best to separate it for the heat-treatment.
BTW, the heat demo video shows this work on a side molding restoration. For those specifically I have found there are some FABULOUS applications for restoring them.
Specifically:
3400 Urethane Supply Company Bumper & Trim Black 3oz
Urethan Supply Company's "Bumper & Trim BLACK 3400"
It applies like a shoe-polish applicator. Just mask around the trim, clean with alcohol, apply - done. Like NEW! I use it every 2-3 years. Takes about 1/2 a side to do.
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
BTW, the heat demo video shows this work on a side molding restoration. For those specifically I have found there are some FABULOUS applications for restoring them.
Specifically:
3400 Urethane Supply Company Bumper & Trim Black 3oz
Urethan Supply Company's "Bumper & Trim BLACK 3400"
It applies like a shoe-polish applicator. Just mask around the trim, clean with alcohol, apply - done. Like NEW! I use it every 2-3 years. Takes about 1/2 a side to do.
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
#61
Don't forget the carpet and the softer trim around the cover - ALL plastic (yep, even the carpet) and may react more to the heat before you get the results to the cover you want. Bit of a PITA but I think the cover is just clipped to the rest of the panel? Maybe best to separate it for the heat-treatment.
Hey, they're getting snow in Sedona this morning. Finally, a nice blanket of snow in the AZ high country! You should come down some year for Christmas!! Also, I'm "considering" getting the car repainted at some point in the future, so I've been checking out the Mazdatrix website to see what trim pieces are still available. Noticed that "some" of the body side moldings are NLA. Just curious, would a body shop be able to remove and reapply the side moldings for those that are NLA??
#62
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Posts: 30,829
Received 2,597 Likes
on
1,845 Posts
The "41" may have been the worker that installed the fan shroud on the assembly line. Or the quality control guy that did the final check on the car. IDK but it's cool all the same.
This thread has awakened a desire in me to find a low mileage SA. I really love the interiors and tail lights and the fact that the first rx7 I ever drove was a red 79 with black and white plaid seats. Wifey says I have to sell one of my cars though.
This thread has awakened a desire in me to find a low mileage SA. I really love the interiors and tail lights and the fact that the first rx7 I ever drove was a red 79 with black and white plaid seats. Wifey says I have to sell one of my cars though.
as for which to sell and which to keep, its pretty easy. the SA is the best, and it goes downhill from there... the SA's are fun and funky, and the FD is pretty but boring.
#63
i've seen different kinds of markings, some times its a date, sometimes its just a mark to denote model (GSL-SE's have a yellow paint mark on the struts, 12A's are orange), and then sometimes its not very clear. maybe we should do a weird Mazda Markings thread?
as for which to sell and which to keep, its pretty easy. the SA is the best, and it goes downhill from there... the SA's are fun and funky, and the FD is pretty but boring.
as for which to sell and which to keep, its pretty easy. the SA is the best, and it goes downhill from there... the SA's are fun and funky, and the FD is pretty but boring.
#64
I have a '79, RX7 too.
I have one, too. It's similar to yours, except it's automatic and is in better shape.
It has always been garaged and the original paint job is great.There's no rust. It has 48,800 ish miles on it and all the original parts (not counting batteries, tires, upgraded shocks and such.)I love that car, but never really drive it anymore.
My husband is going to take pictures of it.
I've been having trouble on the site, as I am a luddite as far as technology is concerned. I'd like to sell my RX7, but don't have as many posts as I need and I can't figure out how to do the quizzes or whatever they are to up my count.
I want it to go to someone who will love it.
I'm in the Philadelphia area.
Deena Yachymiak
It has always been garaged and the original paint job is great.There's no rust. It has 48,800 ish miles on it and all the original parts (not counting batteries, tires, upgraded shocks and such.)I love that car, but never really drive it anymore.
My husband is going to take pictures of it.
I've been having trouble on the site, as I am a luddite as far as technology is concerned. I'd like to sell my RX7, but don't have as many posts as I need and I can't figure out how to do the quizzes or whatever they are to up my count.
I want it to go to someone who will love it.
I'm in the Philadelphia area.
Deena Yachymiak
#65
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Posts: 30,829
Received 2,597 Likes
on
1,845 Posts
I have one, too. It's similar to yours, except it's automatic and is in better shape.
It has always been garaged and the original paint job is great.There's no rust. It has 48,800 ish miles on it and all the original parts (not counting batteries, tires, upgraded shocks and such.)I love that car, but never really drive it anymore.
My husband is going to take pictures of it.
I've been having trouble on the site, as I am a luddite as far as technology is concerned. I'd like to sell my RX7, but don't have as many posts as I need and I can't figure out how to do the quizzes or whatever they are to up my count.
I want it to go to someone who will love it.
I'm in the Philadelphia area.
Deena Yachymiak
It has always been garaged and the original paint job is great.There's no rust. It has 48,800 ish miles on it and all the original parts (not counting batteries, tires, upgraded shocks and such.)I love that car, but never really drive it anymore.
My husband is going to take pictures of it.
I've been having trouble on the site, as I am a luddite as far as technology is concerned. I'd like to sell my RX7, but don't have as many posts as I need and I can't figure out how to do the quizzes or whatever they are to up my count.
I want it to go to someone who will love it.
I'm in the Philadelphia area.
Deena Yachymiak
#66
RX HVN
iTrader: (2)
Thanks Stu. Yea, I pulled it out of the car and tried the "heat treat" method. Although not perfect, it definitely improved the look. I'll take a pic this weekend so you guys can see how it changed the look. Eventually I'd like to find a nice replacement piece.
Hey, they're getting snow in Sedona this morning. Finally, a nice blanket of snow in the AZ high country! You should come down some year for Christmas!! Also, I'm "considering" getting the car repainted at some point in the future, so I've been checking out the Mazdatrix website to see what trim pieces are still available. Noticed that "some" of the body side moldings are NLA. Just curious, would a body shop be able to remove and reapply the side moldings for those that are NLA??
Hey, they're getting snow in Sedona this morning. Finally, a nice blanket of snow in the AZ high country! You should come down some year for Christmas!! Also, I'm "considering" getting the car repainted at some point in the future, so I've been checking out the Mazdatrix website to see what trim pieces are still available. Noticed that "some" of the body side moldings are NLA. Just curious, would a body shop be able to remove and reapply the side moldings for those that are NLA??
Blackdragon Auto still lists the side moldings for sale (tho actually HAVING them could be another matter…):
Datsun 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX & Mazda RX7 iCatalog - Black Dragon Auto
If they DO have them and you are serious about the Deep Dive into a repaint, then I would grab them quick! If typical of Mazda, Old Stock parts are just listed and sold till US inventory drys up. These are looong pout of production. As far as using the originals go, I have not tried this personally (since I have spare NOS mldgs) but there are most certainly others here that have reused them. No reason NOT to really. From what I see the trick is to use a heat gun to soften up the adhesive (its a 2-sided strip mounted to the back of the molding) then gently pull away from the body. Secret is not to bend or kink the molding as you peel it away. Door ones are the trickiest because they are so long. It should come off cleanly this way, then use 3Ms dble-sided molding tape to re-apply after the paint. I would personally pull these myself rather than some Shop Jockey. Ideally you would want the repaint to cure (45 days-ish) before re-applying the moldings anyway.
As to the repaint itself, may be worth having a Pro do a proper machine polish and see what pops up first? I mean, your paint looks pretty nice. If there are just certain panels that are a problem, maybe you can get away with just matching up those to a nicely-polished OE paint? I suggest this only because I managed to do this with my SunRise Red. I painted the nose and bumpers, after polishing up the body. the shop matched them nicely.
Sedona snow - YEP! We follow the weather there religiously (since it will be our new home at some point, for LOTS of christmases). Have to Laugh tho - I mean, it lasts, what? a day or 2?? then its 50F or 60F again and everyones out golfing. Honestly, you have no idea what actual winter IS!
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
#67
_________
Blackdragon Auto still lists the side moldings for sale (tho actually HAVING them could be another matter…):
Datsun 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX & Mazda RX7 iCatalog - Black Dragon Auto
If they DO have them and you are serious about the Deep Dive into a repaint, then I would grab them quick! If typical of Mazda, Old Stock parts are just listed and sold till US inventory drys up. These are looong pout of production. As far as using the originals go, I have not tried this personally (since I have spare NOS mldgs) but there are most certainly others here that have reused them. No reason NOT to really. From what I see the trick is to use a heat gun to soften up the adhesive (its a 2-sided strip mounted to the back of the molding) then gently pull away from the body. Secret is not to bend or kink the molding as you peel it away. Door ones are the trickiest because they are so long. It should come off cleanly this way, then use 3Ms dble-sided molding tape to re-apply after the paint. I would personally pull these myself rather than some Shop Jockey. Ideally you would want the repaint to cure (45 days-ish) before re-applying the moldings anyway.
As to the repaint itself, may be worth having a Pro do a proper machine polish and see what pops up first? I mean, your paint looks pretty nice. If there are just certain panels that are a problem, maybe you can get away with just matching up those to a nicely-polished OE paint? I suggest this only because I managed to do this with my SunRise Red. I painted the nose and bumpers, after polishing up the body. the shop matched them nicely.
Sedona snow - YEP! We follow the weather there religiously (since it will be our new home at some point, for LOTS of christmases). Have to Laugh tho - I mean, it lasts, what? a day or 2?? then its 50F or 60F again and everyones out golfing. Honestly, you have no idea what actual winter IS!
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
Blackdragon Auto still lists the side moldings for sale (tho actually HAVING them could be another matter…):
Datsun 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX & Mazda RX7 iCatalog - Black Dragon Auto
If they DO have them and you are serious about the Deep Dive into a repaint, then I would grab them quick! If typical of Mazda, Old Stock parts are just listed and sold till US inventory drys up. These are looong pout of production. As far as using the originals go, I have not tried this personally (since I have spare NOS mldgs) but there are most certainly others here that have reused them. No reason NOT to really. From what I see the trick is to use a heat gun to soften up the adhesive (its a 2-sided strip mounted to the back of the molding) then gently pull away from the body. Secret is not to bend or kink the molding as you peel it away. Door ones are the trickiest because they are so long. It should come off cleanly this way, then use 3Ms dble-sided molding tape to re-apply after the paint. I would personally pull these myself rather than some Shop Jockey. Ideally you would want the repaint to cure (45 days-ish) before re-applying the moldings anyway.
As to the repaint itself, may be worth having a Pro do a proper machine polish and see what pops up first? I mean, your paint looks pretty nice. If there are just certain panels that are a problem, maybe you can get away with just matching up those to a nicely-polished OE paint? I suggest this only because I managed to do this with my SunRise Red. I painted the nose and bumpers, after polishing up the body. the shop matched them nicely.
Sedona snow - YEP! We follow the weather there religiously (since it will be our new home at some point, for LOTS of christmases). Have to Laugh tho - I mean, it lasts, what? a day or 2?? then its 50F or 60F again and everyones out golfing. Honestly, you have no idea what actual winter IS!
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska
Paintwise, you'd have to see the car in person to understand. While some panels are VERY nice and show little fading, on others (especially the rear deck and roof) the clear coat is nearly gone. I agree on your suggestion to get a detailing PRO to look her over and give me an honest assessment before proceeding.
Your statement about Sedona is spot on. Occasional "photo-op" days this time of year, but in a day or less it's usually gone. Still, makes for some beautiful mornings. I spent the first 26 years of my life in Minnesota, so I'm no stranger to snow and cold (hence the reason I now live in AZ) Take care, and stay warm over this Holiday Season! Thanks again for your guidance!
Tim
#72
Oh, for others, does anyone know where one might source some "wine" or red interior screw caps? A few of mine are missing. I'm guessing that I should just add it to my list of "treasure hunt" items??
#73
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Posts: 30,829
Received 2,597 Likes
on
1,845 Posts
car looks great! i really like the color too.
the screw caps were used from 79-85, although the colors change, so if you're willing to dye one, used should be pretty easy to come by.
or the cheapskate (me!) would look behind the panels, and under the carpet, the missing one is probably still in the car somewhere
the screw caps were used from 79-85, although the colors change, so if you're willing to dye one, used should be pretty easy to come by.
or the cheapskate (me!) would look behind the panels, and under the carpet, the missing one is probably still in the car somewhere