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

Wide body, side skirt, ground effect, fiberglass enchancement.

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Old Nov 21, 2008 | 01:44 PM
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Wide body, side skirt, ground effect, fiberglass enchancement.

Hello. It is just about a time to document the next process in the game. This one will include enhancement of Mariah body kit. Per my opinion I've always thought that this amazing kit was under designed, missing a crucial element which was a connection of the flairs. Without these car look fragile, and not balanced. I am deciding to alter it a bit. I will add "volume" to the body by connecting the flares with a side skirt. Also it has a very important practical value for me. Since i will panel a whole bttom of the car w/ plain panel for aerodynamics, as well to force it down at movement, this extension will allow me to create mounting points for the panel.

This is a basic brainstorming done off a foam core and hot glue gun, as discovered, the best materials to run such of analysis. This can also be used as a template for positive glassing. If doing such, remember to work "smaller", allowing for fiberglass and bondo build up. This process will take weeks before i lay fiber, and will be much longer that last: "3 beam lenses project" (https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generation-specific-1979-1985-18/3-beam-light-sleepy-eye-hd-headlight-conversion-800210/).

Also i am at preliminary stage, where i am fighting with curvilinear vs rigidity/geometric lines. I don't want to go too soft, but there is a limit to geometric shapes for this body. Therefore what you see is just a stage, but i am open to comments.











Thank You. Bartok

Last edited by drifted; Nov 21, 2008 at 01:57 PM.
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Old Nov 21, 2008 | 02:39 PM
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Any eventual girlfriend you may acquire will not thank you for making it nearly impossible for her to get out of the car without flashing her panties at the valet.
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Old Nov 21, 2008 | 02:50 PM
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interesting
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Old Nov 21, 2008 | 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by DivinDriver
Any eventual girlfriend you may acquire will not thank you for making it nearly impossible for her to get out of the car without flashing her panties at the valet.

However, we will thank you.
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Old Nov 21, 2008 | 04:07 PM
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Now its gonna come down to paint colours to make it work, black is good for these widebody styles...
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Old Nov 21, 2008 | 04:57 PM
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Originally Posted by rx-7ames
However, we will thank you.
Well, that goes without saying.
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Old Nov 21, 2008 | 08:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Jimbo II
Now its gonna come down to paint colours to make it work, black is good for these widebody styles...
I say Nordic Green thats used on the 04-05 RX-8's Would look good with those rims too. Is a very dark green with awesome shimmer to it. At night it almost looks black.
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Old Nov 21, 2008 | 11:48 PM
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Yeah, a Nordic Green would look awesome on a widebody...
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Old Nov 22, 2008 | 12:41 AM
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1) I don't believe that's a true Mariah Kit.
2) Mariah sells a rocker panel for it's Mode 4 (non-widebody) kit.

I bought the rocker panels to integrate with my Mode 1, eventually when I can afford to do it again.
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Old Nov 22, 2008 | 10:03 AM
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From: nyc

replacing crooked section of the curve

puma

you can shave foam core to transition volume of the add on


diamond plate?


geometrically, the focal element will be the tip of the skirt. Like a wing, slim, but rigid at the very tip

Last edited by drifted; Nov 22, 2008 at 10:10 AM.
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Old Nov 22, 2008 | 12:04 PM
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Originally Posted by drifted
diamond plate?
I think diamond plate would scream redneck. I don't think that's the look you are trying to go for.
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Old Nov 22, 2008 | 12:13 PM
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Old Nov 22, 2008 | 12:13 PM
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From: nyc
Originally Posted by rx-7ames
I think diamond plate would scream redneck. I don't think that's the look you are trying to go for.
or polished aluminum. this element will be repeated few locations, sides of the lights and the bumper (rubber replacement) tip of the skirt wing, handle to the door and the kick plate. it will not be an application, but independent section possibly tilted an angle to the wing. it will be classy!

Last edited by drifted; Nov 22, 2008 at 12:19 PM.
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Old Nov 22, 2008 | 12:16 PM
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From: nyc
Originally Posted by Directfreak
xxx
nice finishing job!!

i've seen couple of these straight skirts, but i want something with more "kick"...more angles and energy and the feel like the wind is being captured, not only transfered
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Old Nov 22, 2008 | 12:36 PM
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Originally Posted by Directfreak
That has to be the sexiest thing to grace this Earth, ever.
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Old Nov 26, 2008 | 10:53 PM
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I have the same kit, and it's not a Mariah product. Mine was made by the infamous CP Racing. Same kit is now offered by Black Dragon, made in Ohio. Both of which I believe are knockoffs of the old Pacifica kit.

I considered doing something similar to my rockers, until I cracked my lower shin on the lower front lip of the rear fender, ouchie.

My widebody is in the following link.

https://www.rx7club.com/build-threads-293/unvieling-12a-bp-widebody-462184/
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Old Nov 27, 2008 | 12:18 PM
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From: nyc
yeah, after directfreak comment i have realized it is not mariah. i knew it was fairly similar to red dragon, but for a long time i was under impression that mariah and red dragon is the same thing. thanx for bringing some history to my knowledge, and thanx for the link- nice job. i see you've had the same dilemma with the wheels size. also i am considering narrowing the front flares a bit, or maybe just the first curve of the fenders, but i have to wait until skirt is done so i can see overall. are you having any more body modifications coming up? good luck

ps: perhaps someone could edit the title, and put panama sport instead of mariah as i like the name a lot

Last edited by drifted; Nov 27, 2008 at 12:20 PM.
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Old Nov 28, 2008 | 07:15 AM
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hello.
now the other side



transfer the curve, here done on this corrugated sheet of plastic. its transparent, but hollow- easy to cut



i run short on the material on the tip of the wing, so just added a bit. Also look: about 3/8 inch recesses along the side, as well little triangle piece is set in- thats for a build up of material (epoxy and fiber)


also as you look on the bottom of the triangle piece, the foam core is notched, that's the trick to gain larger angles than material flexibility.

thank you

Last edited by drifted; Nov 28, 2008 at 07:21 AM.
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Old Nov 28, 2008 | 01:45 PM
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that looks nice low
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Old Nov 28, 2008 | 06:54 PM
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With this little ground clearance how do people get the jack under there? Seems like it'd be a PITA.
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