rx787b

Was it rare for the SA to not have a sunroof? I'm looking for an SA and all I can find for sale are cars with sunroofs. I want to just give up and buy a car with a sunroof, but I know I'll always wish I got one without.

rxtasy3

iTrader: (2)

yes some did come without. the one i have doesn't.

KansasCityREPU

iTrader: (9)

I also have an SA without a sunroof. It's a GS model. In 1979 there where only two models, G and GS. G had a 4 speed and no sunroof. In the GS model, you go the 5 speed and the sunroof was an option.

Banzai

iTrader: (13)

KC is correct ^^^ However, the base model was an "S" not G. Sunroofs, were an option that were available on both the S and GS models, but most saw their way the higher optioned GS cars. You couldn't really "order" a car with or without the roof as the factory built them according to numbers they internally decided. About all you could do was to either put your name down and wait for the car configuration you wanted or purchase what the dealer had in inventory. The problem was, the inventory didn't last long. Most were sold that first year before the dealer got them.

The S model was a base or stripped down version that came with a 4 speed instead of a 5 along with a few other feature deletes. And since the base models were designed to be more affordable, not many sunroof chassis were built up into S's on the line back in Japan.

t_g_farrell

iTrader: (1)

My SA has no sunroof, so glad too. I hates sunroofs, they always become a problem when they age. Plus more structural rigidity without one.

7aull

iTrader: (2)

My 2¢. I was SA -hunting back in the day and stumbled across a couple of nice ones (GSs) that did not have the SRoof. Once I drove one WITH a SRoof it was for me a revelation! These are pretty tight-cockpit cars (which is OK only so far...) and esp since most are dark or black trim, I found them to be VERY claustrophobic without the Sroof.
A step further, which I recommend highly, is the glass replacement roof panel. It transformed the driving experience for me and I would have kicked myself if I had just gone with the first SA I found that had no SRoof. It is rock-solid and if there is a chassis-stiffness issue with these, I have never noticed it in the 14 yrs of driving around Alaska roads.
The SRoof option is actually pretty common, to the point I would suggest there are likely MORE SAs WITH than without. Be patient. You will want to own the car a long time, so be sure you are happy about being inside it

Stu Aull
80GS
AZ

KansasCityREPU

iTrader: (9)

Most of us have been around RX-7s long enough to be able to spot a good car. My rule of thumb is that when if find a gem and the price is within reason, regardless of features, I buy it. Good first gens are hard to find so I'm not picky when it comes to AC/No Ac, sunroof/no sunroof, etc.. It's hard finding one that hasn't had a bunch of owners or is ragged out.

I made a mistake when I looked at an RX-2 one time because I thought they were asking to much. Never again. That is the one car I regret not buying.

j9fd3s

iTrader: (3)

i'm not exactly sure how this worked. the initial batch was certainly mostly built by what Mazda decided (coins work well for this). i think the dealers, or certainly Mazda USA's regions could certainly order certain numbers of different colors/options, probably not per car, but they may have ordered 100 GS's, and 100 red cars, or something like that.

it was only by the late 90's that the dealers could actually order specific cars, although they sill need to use the regular option packages.

eprx799

iTrader: (8)

rx787b

I'm gonna hold off and wait for the right SA without a sunroof. Years ago I had an Acura Legend with a sunroof that leaked and I've just hated them ever since.

eprx799

iTrader: (8)

7aull

iTrader: (2)

No worries if you truly are indifferent to having a sun-roof or not; as others wisely point out, it certainly opens up more options. But. I have never heard of a complaint about any
OE RX7's sun-roof leaking. Ever. So don't let your Honda experience dictate that "all sun roofs are bad". The SA/FB roof is a very simple, reliable design. You will have no problems other than those self-inflicted...

Good Hunting. Post your Buy when you get it!

Stu Aull
80GS w SRoof
AZ

rx787b

99% street driven car maybe auto x down the road. Doesn't need to run, must have nice body. I'd like to find one for under $3k. I don't want one too pretty because eventually I'd want to swap to GSL SE drivetrain.

Mazdax605

iTrader: (5)

I also have a non-sunroof equipped SA. I love it! I think I read somewhere that a lot of the early production cars(mine being one) came without the sunroof as it was quicker for the factory to make the car that way. The quicker they could make them the more they could get one ships to be sent over seas. There was waiting lists for these cars, and the original owner of mine ordered his in 77. He was the second in line at the dealer, and they called him, and said we got our first shipment on, and there are a few GS's so come pick out the one you want. He chose wisely in my opinion. 79 GS in YU Spark Yellow with non sunroof, no A/C, and black interior.

Ckforker

I love my sunroof car. All four of my current cars have sun/moon roofs. I'll never buy a car without one. The RX is a very different experience without the roof in, lots of fun.

Never had a roof leak before in all my years of owning cars.

Banzai

iTrader: (13)

I would file this under personal preference, no absolute right or wrong. I have both with and w/o the sunroof. I like the open airy-ness of a "moon roof" or the option of removing it. I've never had a problem with them leaking, but they can become loose and rattle / squeak over bumps. At least the 1st version with the front hinges and rear flip latch. Never owned the screw up roof with the tab and slot front connection. If I'm in my non-roof car, it doesn't really bother me. It feels more personal and in a way, a more focused driving experience.