1st gen convertible?
I got a car set aside for that, probably closer to just no roof-summer pleasure car. it'll be tasteful though. I've heard of lotus and mg tops adapted. Miata possibly, I took measurements of one that came in work one day. not real far off, defintly some metal fab, custom canvas work. plus structual issues.
Really takes away the vintage hatch back sports car look, like that of datsun z's etc.
Seach the net for "avatar rx-7" to see prime examples.
Really takes away the vintage hatch back sports car look, like that of datsun z's etc.
Seach the net for "avatar rx-7" to see prime examples.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Cloud Nine & Peak of God
Numerous people have tried to turn the Gen 1 into a convertible, in the US Pacific Avatar produced 126. The only offical Mazda involvement with a convertible was Mazda Australia. The following is a brief outline of the project.
The story of the Australian RX-7 Gen1 convertible
"The Mazda RX-7 gen1 is a classic shape, and many people thought a soft top version would be great car.
In 1984 a project was developed by Convertible Cars Australia and Mazda Australia to build a prototype. The top of a stock RX-7 was chopped back from the windscreen to the rear of the hatch. The chassis was strengthened by two steel channels bolted and welded between axles, while to improve sideways rigidity steel plates were welded upright forward of the door and around the rear wheel arch. The steel work was fabricated from 6-5mm sheet. A Mazda 626 boot lid was added at the rear attached to a steel cross panel blended in to the curve of the sides. The soft top made from German fabric was attached to a folding frame, similar to the Mercedes Benz SL350, that stored behind the seats. To ensure good visibility there were side windows besides a large rear window. A ‘RX-7 Convertible’ badge was fixed to the left rear. Total weight was only 10kg higher than stock. After delivery, owners could have performance modifications, and body kits added.
The Department of Transport approved the project under Australian Design Rules allowing 25 new cars to be modified. Batch production was planned with Mazda producing the car as the top of the range version, CCA would make the modifications, a specialist paint shop completed a respray, and the car would be sold through Mazda dealers. The retail cost was in the order of $36,000 when the base car was some $25,000.
Unfortunately, other than the prototype only six were produced due to the high cost and the planned release of the gen2 version within two years. Two were sold to Singapore. The RX-7 gen1 convertible is an interesting part of Mazda history, and the cars are now very much a collector’s item.
My car was sold in South Australia, and I have the full service history including most invoices. The performance modifications include a sports header/exhaust system and bored out Nikki carb giving some 124rwhp.
The car is lowered with upgraded shocks, coils, bushes, sway bar, brakes and clutch. I have tried to keep it in 1985 condition, thus have resisted fitting a 13BT and 17 inch wheels.
The soft top version looks great, and gets frequent admiring comment. As a package it handles well and has good performance without attracting too much attention from the police."
There are three maj or problems in attempting it yourself, building a stiff structure, building thr rear end, and making the front of the top to fit the windshield. Each of these requires real bodybuilding skills. If you want any detailed information let me know.
The story of the Australian RX-7 Gen1 convertible
"The Mazda RX-7 gen1 is a classic shape, and many people thought a soft top version would be great car.
In 1984 a project was developed by Convertible Cars Australia and Mazda Australia to build a prototype. The top of a stock RX-7 was chopped back from the windscreen to the rear of the hatch. The chassis was strengthened by two steel channels bolted and welded between axles, while to improve sideways rigidity steel plates were welded upright forward of the door and around the rear wheel arch. The steel work was fabricated from 6-5mm sheet. A Mazda 626 boot lid was added at the rear attached to a steel cross panel blended in to the curve of the sides. The soft top made from German fabric was attached to a folding frame, similar to the Mercedes Benz SL350, that stored behind the seats. To ensure good visibility there were side windows besides a large rear window. A ‘RX-7 Convertible’ badge was fixed to the left rear. Total weight was only 10kg higher than stock. After delivery, owners could have performance modifications, and body kits added.
The Department of Transport approved the project under Australian Design Rules allowing 25 new cars to be modified. Batch production was planned with Mazda producing the car as the top of the range version, CCA would make the modifications, a specialist paint shop completed a respray, and the car would be sold through Mazda dealers. The retail cost was in the order of $36,000 when the base car was some $25,000.
Unfortunately, other than the prototype only six were produced due to the high cost and the planned release of the gen2 version within two years. Two were sold to Singapore. The RX-7 gen1 convertible is an interesting part of Mazda history, and the cars are now very much a collector’s item.
My car was sold in South Australia, and I have the full service history including most invoices. The performance modifications include a sports header/exhaust system and bored out Nikki carb giving some 124rwhp.
The car is lowered with upgraded shocks, coils, bushes, sway bar, brakes and clutch. I have tried to keep it in 1985 condition, thus have resisted fitting a 13BT and 17 inch wheels.
The soft top version looks great, and gets frequent admiring comment. As a package it handles well and has good performance without attracting too much attention from the police."
There are three maj or problems in attempting it yourself, building a stiff structure, building thr rear end, and making the front of the top to fit the windshield. Each of these requires real bodybuilding skills. If you want any detailed information let me know.
Last edited by fitzwarryne; Jan 22, 2004 at 04:49 AM.
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This is a GOOD Example of one.
Here's a whole bunch more Info:
http://www.winisp.net/gsl%2Dse/convertibles.htm
Here's a whole bunch more Info:
http://www.winisp.net/gsl%2Dse/convertibles.htm
I was thinking of adapting a smaller/shorter windsheild from like a mg or something, the stock windsheild has a lot of curvature. I'd like to see something more hot-rod like. Of course this triples the amount of work and fab involved.
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 1
From: up to my ass in alligators
I like this one...
Funny thing is, when they show up for sale, they always look pristine, have low miles on them, yet sell for way less than you would expect. Methinks they weren't such a good idea after all...
Funny thing is, when they show up for sale, they always look pristine, have low miles on them, yet sell for way less than you would expect. Methinks they weren't such a good idea after all...
Last edited by Mills; Jan 22, 2004 at 06:16 PM.
Heck Yes!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 0
From: Chatham, Ontario, Canada
Definatly made to have the top DOWN. The Idea is cool, but does it no look much like and Old Alpha Spider!!
From the side any way, the way the back is so long and flat...
From the side any way, the way the back is so long and flat...
Last edited by anthrax; Jan 23, 2004 at 09:15 AM.