Whomever Keeps Changing my Info on the 1980 LS Editions on Wiki, Please Stop
09-11-12, 08:24 PM
#1
Whomever Keeps Changing my Info on the 1980 LS Editions on Wiki, Please Stop
I know I am not on here that often, so I apologize up front for what will surely seem like an outsider making a fuss over nothing, but to those of us who try to keep the info about the cars and the history accurate, my point will be well taken. I have had to rewrite my info on the 1980 LS Editions on Wikipedia three times this year alone already because someone (or more than one person) insist on changing it to reflect inaccuracies, and delete key facts about the cars. My assumption is they may think their car is an LS, and change facts I have listed to reflect what their car has. My post was just redone on Wiki a few minutes ago and is quoted below. What the people keep changing is production figures, colors (they keep adding Sonic Bronze as a fourth LS color), they delete my specifics on the stereo system, the power mirrors, some of the pinstriping detail, and some of the standard equipment.
Now, while this may be trivial, it is nonetheless annoying to any of us that know and own the cars, much like the misinformed people that still think any white 1988 model is a 10th Anniversary. Not too long ago, I tried to correct an eBay seller who was passing off incorrect information about his LS, claming the car was much more rare than it was, and that it was very special because it had rare 'factory equipment' (later model options and equipment a previous owner had installed). He had gotten his false information- you guessed it, from wikipedia (before I originally went in and cleaned it up last year).
Here is what I just re-wrote on wiki:
"In May of 1980, Mazda released 2500 special North American models known as the LS (Leather Sport). This package was essentially an uprated GS model with added LS badges on each B-pillar, unequal width dual gold pinstripe detail (off-black on Solar Gold cars), and LS-only gold painted wheels (with polished outer face and wheel rim), All LS editions came equipped with special LS-only full brown leather upholstery, leather wrapped steering wheel, removable sunroof, LS-specific four-speaker AM/FM stereo radio with power antenna, remote power mirrors, and other standard GS equipment. Two primary options were also available; three-speed JATCo 3N71B automatic transmission and air conditioning. Other GS options such as cassette tape deck, splash guards, padded center console arm rest and others could be added by the dealer. The LS model was only ever available in three different exterior colors: Aurora White (1000 made), Brilliant Black (1000 made) and Solar Gold (500 made). Production estimates in parenthesis are widely accepted estimations per color, though no official production records are known to exist or to have been released, aside from the total combined production figure of 2500 units."
More info could have been said, but as before, I tried to keep it to obvious determining characteristics. I guess the point of my rant is if you are one of the people that keeps chaging the info, while you are obviously free to do so, please know what you are talking about and only post factual info so no one gets mislead, especially in case they are looking to buy an LS and are trying to determine if it is real or not.
Thanks,
Neal.
Now, while this may be trivial, it is nonetheless annoying to any of us that know and own the cars, much like the misinformed people that still think any white 1988 model is a 10th Anniversary. Not too long ago, I tried to correct an eBay seller who was passing off incorrect information about his LS, claming the car was much more rare than it was, and that it was very special because it had rare 'factory equipment' (later model options and equipment a previous owner had installed). He had gotten his false information- you guessed it, from wikipedia (before I originally went in and cleaned it up last year).
Here is what I just re-wrote on wiki:
"In May of 1980, Mazda released 2500 special North American models known as the LS (Leather Sport). This package was essentially an uprated GS model with added LS badges on each B-pillar, unequal width dual gold pinstripe detail (off-black on Solar Gold cars), and LS-only gold painted wheels (with polished outer face and wheel rim), All LS editions came equipped with special LS-only full brown leather upholstery, leather wrapped steering wheel, removable sunroof, LS-specific four-speaker AM/FM stereo radio with power antenna, remote power mirrors, and other standard GS equipment. Two primary options were also available; three-speed JATCo 3N71B automatic transmission and air conditioning. Other GS options such as cassette tape deck, splash guards, padded center console arm rest and others could be added by the dealer. The LS model was only ever available in three different exterior colors: Aurora White (1000 made), Brilliant Black (1000 made) and Solar Gold (500 made). Production estimates in parenthesis are widely accepted estimations per color, though no official production records are known to exist or to have been released, aside from the total combined production figure of 2500 units."
More info could have been said, but as before, I tried to keep it to obvious determining characteristics. I guess the point of my rant is if you are one of the people that keeps chaging the info, while you are obviously free to do so, please know what you are talking about and only post factual info so no one gets mislead, especially in case they are looking to buy an LS and are trying to determine if it is real or not.
Thanks,
Neal.
09-11-12, 10:16 PM
#3
So if I buy a white 88 I can haz 10th anniversary status? 
On a serious note, i have had the same issue with the Mitsubishi Starion page on Wiki, so its not just you.
Sent from my iPhone using RX7Club
On a serious note, i have had the same issue with the Mitsubishi Starion page on Wiki, so its not just you.
Sent from my iPhone using RX7Club
09-11-12, 10:17 PM
#4
Lives on the Forum
I would guess that Neal is taking a shot in the dark. Chances are pretty good that anybody serious enough about these cars to make those sort of changes would also hang out here. Like he said, probably a good samaritan who is confused about the details.
Neal isn't on here much, but he's a standup guy. You should see the collection he's got.
.
Neal isn't on here much, but he's a standup guy. You should see the collection he's got.
.
09-11-12, 10:27 PM
#5
I would guess that Neal is taking a shot in the dark. Chances are pretty good that anybody serious enough about these cars to make those sort of changes would also hang out here. Like he said, probably a good samaritan who is confused about the details.
Neal isn't on here much, but he's a standup guy. You should see the collection he's got.
.
Neal isn't on here much, but he's a standup guy. You should see the collection he's got.
.
I'm pretty sure my '93 is a rare LS model though. Someone better edit that in. *runs and hides*
09-12-12, 05:23 AM
#6
DD- Fair Question
DD had a fair question and point, and kentetsu hit it right on the head. I (and, yes, perhaps incorrectly) assumed someone who would even read the info on Wikipedia (let alone change it) would have eventually found their way on here, if nothing else as a lurker. There is a bunch more info on the Wiki site about the 7s (and other Mazdas) that is incorrect, but I only ever took the time to edit the LS section because of the "friendly disagreement" with the eBay seller awhile back. He took a stand of he was right and that was that because of what he had found on the internet. That was what got me in a twist about it in the first place. My whole point is that I really don't give a hoot if someone changes what I put up on Wiki, just don't change it to reflect inaccurate information- it cost me another addition to the collection!
So, I've now had a decent night's sleep, and am down off my soap box. Thanks for wasting your time reading my little tantrum... all done now.
Neal.
So, I've now had a decent night's sleep, and am down off my soap box. Thanks for wasting your time reading my little tantrum... all done now.
Neal.
09-12-12, 07:10 AM
#7
as a former LS owner for many years, i have done extensive research on the LS. i personally know two original LS owners that still have their LS, both of which are solar gold. i find what you had stated to be completely accurate. i will have to do some more research, but i'm not sure that the 3spd auto trans was available on the LS. i can't say that it wasn't wither. i have never personally seen a TRUE LS with the auto trans, but that's not to say that they don't exist.
one thing that is that the pinstriping was an optional $75 package on the LS. it unfortunatly was not standard. i believe that a/c was standard. i will have to reconfirm that though. thank you for keeping the wiki page updated!
one thing that is that the pinstriping was an optional $75 package on the LS. it unfortunatly was not standard. i believe that a/c was standard. i will have to reconfirm that though. thank you for keeping the wiki page updated!
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09-12-12, 08:25 AM
#8
Dave,
Fair points you make, however from what research I have uncovered (some in conjunction with Meditz), I can verify the auto trans did come on some LS Editions- I have personally verified three in the past (two Brilliant Black, one Solar Gold). I would provide you with VINs, but honestly, I have no idea where the info is right now. My "library" is currently occupying two filing cabinets, seven full bookcases and eight stacks of paperwork in the living room each about two feet high.
Air conditioning was an option, though from what we can determine, not necessarily a buyer-selectable one, if that makes any sense. Have come across two cars thus far that were verified to have come from the port new without A/C. Keep in mind, that almost all of the SAs with A/C had it installed at the port of entry, not at the manufacturing plant. If the port was terribly backed up, cars would sometimes go out without A/C, or if a dealer was after say a white GS without A/C, they may get that request filled with an Aurora White LS, sans A/C.
Also, while the pin striping may be shown as a separate line item, and therefore perceived as an "option", Meditz and I have uncovered that there is some interesting (and sometimes conflicting) info about this. First, from all info and marketing materials I have found, all LS Editions were advertised and listed in internal memos as coming with the pinstriping as standard. Now, to your point, and to some of what Meditz and I have learned just in recent years, is that there were 'technically' three LS striping packages, which were assigned part numbers, and even sold to and through dealers, yet two of them (which were fairly "out there" designs) were never applied at the port to any LS cars (that we can verify as of yet). Meditz has the label kits NOS and the paperwork to back it up. I have some of his kits here now, so I can personally verify they exist. I think that since there were these three striping packages, one of which being the "standard" dual pin stripe I mentioned, that may explain why there would be an invoiced line item showing it as an option. That said, my assertion is based on what I have already stated, as well as the fact the only LS Editions I have ever come across in person that did not have the dual pin striping had been repainted, and were on their second, third or more owners, so fact checking back to origin was not possible. If we can find an original owner LS that can verify the car came as new from the port (i.e. no changes made by the Dealer) without any striping, I will stand corrected. Until then, there is no evidence otherwise.
For what it's worth, I would never post options/standard equipment, production figures, etc. based purely on speculation, unless stated otherwise.
Thanks for the input.
Neal.
Fair points you make, however from what research I have uncovered (some in conjunction with Meditz), I can verify the auto trans did come on some LS Editions- I have personally verified three in the past (two Brilliant Black, one Solar Gold). I would provide you with VINs, but honestly, I have no idea where the info is right now. My "library" is currently occupying two filing cabinets, seven full bookcases and eight stacks of paperwork in the living room each about two feet high.
Air conditioning was an option, though from what we can determine, not necessarily a buyer-selectable one, if that makes any sense. Have come across two cars thus far that were verified to have come from the port new without A/C. Keep in mind, that almost all of the SAs with A/C had it installed at the port of entry, not at the manufacturing plant. If the port was terribly backed up, cars would sometimes go out without A/C, or if a dealer was after say a white GS without A/C, they may get that request filled with an Aurora White LS, sans A/C.
Also, while the pin striping may be shown as a separate line item, and therefore perceived as an "option", Meditz and I have uncovered that there is some interesting (and sometimes conflicting) info about this. First, from all info and marketing materials I have found, all LS Editions were advertised and listed in internal memos as coming with the pinstriping as standard. Now, to your point, and to some of what Meditz and I have learned just in recent years, is that there were 'technically' three LS striping packages, which were assigned part numbers, and even sold to and through dealers, yet two of them (which were fairly "out there" designs) were never applied at the port to any LS cars (that we can verify as of yet). Meditz has the label kits NOS and the paperwork to back it up. I have some of his kits here now, so I can personally verify they exist. I think that since there were these three striping packages, one of which being the "standard" dual pin stripe I mentioned, that may explain why there would be an invoiced line item showing it as an option. That said, my assertion is based on what I have already stated, as well as the fact the only LS Editions I have ever come across in person that did not have the dual pin striping had been repainted, and were on their second, third or more owners, so fact checking back to origin was not possible. If we can find an original owner LS that can verify the car came as new from the port (i.e. no changes made by the Dealer) without any striping, I will stand corrected. Until then, there is no evidence otherwise.
For what it's worth, I would never post options/standard equipment, production figures, etc. based purely on speculation, unless stated otherwise.
Thanks for the input.
Neal.
09-12-12, 09:16 AM
#9
i do personally know an original LS owner that has original paint and no pin striping. i will ask him if it came without the pin striping or if he had it removed. i concur with your information and i also find it to be accurate and thorough.
09-12-12, 09:37 AM
#10
Just to clairfy: I wasn't challenging the OP, I was just curious if perhaps the edit history at Wiki-p had contained clues to the origins of the changes or something.
Wiki's strength is also its weakness: anybody can edit it, whether they know what they are talking about or not.
Wiki's strength is also its weakness: anybody can edit it, whether they know what they are talking about or not.
09-13-12, 08:26 AM
#13
Wankeled 86
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Though Wiki gets high traffic (not necessarily affirming its content fidelity), a personal website offers more data stability with built in security in its owners hands. It just has to build up its reputation as a dependable source by interested members of the public at large.
09-13-12, 08:38 AM
#15
Originally Posted by dr.occa
Though Wiki gets high traffic (not necessarily affirming its content fidelity), a personal website offers more data stability with built in security in its owners hands. It just has to build up its reputation as a dependable source by interested members of the public at large.
Sent from my iPhone using RX7Club
09-23-12, 09:03 PM
#16
1908 LS information
Kansei,
I have some info to provide regarding the 1980 LS package. I am the original owner of my 80 LS and reading from the original window sticker of my Solar Gold 1980 LS it indicates the LS package consists of the following:
Air Conditioning
Removable Sun Roof
AM/FM Stereo W/6 Spkrs
Gold Anodize Alum Whls
Special Striping
Leather Shift ****
Leather Strng Cover
Remote Control Mirrors
Leather Seats
That’s the exact wording as it appears on the window sticker and adds $1965 to the base price of the base GS price.
Additionally the pin stripe on my Solar Gold car is Dark Brown and a shade of Light Copper/Gold not “off black”. It consisted of two parallel lines of unequal thickness on the window lines and three stripes on the belt line. This pin stripe kit was available in the 80’s as Mazda P/N 0000-88-0748 (I have two hanging in my basement). I can provide pictures to clarify any of this.
So based on the original window sticker the stereo had 6 speakers and air conditioning was part of the LS package.
Mazda Dave has seen my car and the associated documentation and can attest to the originality. Oh and by the way I’m not the one changing the info and thanks for trying to keep the LS info up to date and correct. If I can provide any additional info please let me know.
I have some info to provide regarding the 1980 LS package. I am the original owner of my 80 LS and reading from the original window sticker of my Solar Gold 1980 LS it indicates the LS package consists of the following:
Air Conditioning
Removable Sun Roof
AM/FM Stereo W/6 Spkrs
Gold Anodize Alum Whls
Special Striping
Leather Shift ****
Leather Strng Cover
Remote Control Mirrors
Leather Seats
That’s the exact wording as it appears on the window sticker and adds $1965 to the base price of the base GS price.
Additionally the pin stripe on my Solar Gold car is Dark Brown and a shade of Light Copper/Gold not “off black”. It consisted of two parallel lines of unequal thickness on the window lines and three stripes on the belt line. This pin stripe kit was available in the 80’s as Mazda P/N 0000-88-0748 (I have two hanging in my basement). I can provide pictures to clarify any of this.
So based on the original window sticker the stereo had 6 speakers and air conditioning was part of the LS package.
Mazda Dave has seen my car and the associated documentation and can attest to the originality. Oh and by the way I’m not the one changing the info and thanks for trying to keep the LS info up to date and correct. If I can provide any additional info please let me know.
09-24-12, 07:25 AM
#18
Ed,
Thanks much for posting the info up! I should have quite a bit to add to what you said, but want to wait until I get back home (on a business trip through Wednesday) and have some of my paperwork in front of me. Really looking forward to exchanging info with you and the other members!
Neal.
Thanks much for posting the info up! I should have quite a bit to add to what you said, but want to wait until I get back home (on a business trip through Wednesday) and have some of my paperwork in front of me. Really looking forward to exchanging info with you and the other members!
Neal.
09-24-12, 07:37 PM
#20
1980 LS information
Neil-- Glad to help. Let me know if i can provide any other data.
Banzai - Milage 65, 511. The two extra speakers are actually in the rear cargo compartment. The rear speakers have a traditional shaped speaker and then a cone style center (I looked once when working on the antenna). So I guess the marketing department at Mazda considers that two speakers.
Banzai - Milage 65, 511. The two extra speakers are actually in the rear cargo compartment. The rear speakers have a traditional shaped speaker and then a cone style center (I looked once when working on the antenna). So I guess the marketing department at Mazda considers that two speakers.
09-24-12, 10:16 PM
#22
1980 ls
Banzai, pictures are posted in the "Post pictures of your 1st gen" subject header, page 29, fifth up from the bottom of the page. Let me know if there is something specific you want to see.
09-25-12, 06:12 AM
#24
It's cool that you've owned this car since 1980. Says something in my book. Just curious if you know what you plan on doing with it in the future? Pass it down, keep it forever or playing it by ear? Not necessarily an easy question to answer.
