1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

1st Gen Convertable????

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Old Feb 3, 2006 | 10:02 PM
  #1  
SCCAIT7's Avatar
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1st Gen Convertable????




Is this a kit??? This is the first time I have seen one...
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Old Feb 3, 2006 | 10:08 PM
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Nope, it's custom. It was done by the owner and some co-workers at Disney I believe. Can't remember the guy's name at the moment.
There was a guy that started a company back in the '80's, Pacific Avatar, that did 180 someodd cars. Most of these custom cars include using a modified 323 trunk lid, an X brace underneath, a U brace along the rear of the cargo area as well as strengthening of the A pillar and body. I plan on doing my own at some point. But that's a while off yet.
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Old Feb 3, 2006 | 10:11 PM
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Bass's Avatar
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Ah...I found it. Go to the bottom RX7 mail link at the bottom and follow it to RX7city.com link. It's the feature car.
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Old Feb 4, 2006 | 12:09 AM
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From: Cloud Nine and Peak of God
Originally Posted by Bass
Nope, it's custom. It was done by the owner and some co-workers at Disney I believe. Can't remember the guy's name at the moment.
There was a guy that started a company back in the '80's, Pacific Avatar, that did 180 someodd cars. Most of these custom cars include using a modified 323 trunk lid, an X brace underneath, a U brace along the rear of the cargo area as well as strengthening of the A pillar and body. I plan on doing my own at some point. But that's a while off yet.
Pacific Avator made 126 conversions between 1979 and 1987, in several versions including widebody and a 13B turbo engine with water injection. On a minor point the trunk lid was a modified 626 not 323. The cost was double that of a stock RX-7.

Mazda Australia had six made, using a outside body specialist, which were engineered for government approved design prior to registration. Instead of an X brace they used two steel channels bolted and welded underneath as the Pacific Avatar design flexed too much. The design of the top was taken from a Mercedes 450SL.

Modern safety requirements are for a much stiffer construction which requires the trunk to be built higher which explains the shape of current convertibles.
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Old Feb 4, 2006 | 09:39 AM
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Anyone know how much a conversion would be???
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Old Feb 4, 2006 | 10:03 AM
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didnt the same company also make a few targa models?
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Old Feb 4, 2006 | 03:13 PM
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what converts?

If it has no roof at all, it is not a convertible, (or convertable).

By the way the GCA-modified convertibles also have the longitudinal stiffening members. I don't know how many of those were made.

Last edited by cosmicbang; Feb 4, 2006 at 03:16 PM.
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