Ok, so we all know that there is a limited number of FDs that made it into the states, and there is even a less number of FDs rolling around.

Does anyone know if Mazda has ever considered to cease importing FD parts? I started wondering about that today and was like "Damn". I don't want it to get to the point where it is going to become a bitch to order parts directly from Japan.

 

god i hope that doesnt happen......

 

why think of all the bad things that can happen?

1FAST7

 

naw, jkust like how there will always be parts for FC's, etc. they cant stop importing/distributing parts. they can certainly decrease supply, and jack prices up like a ****, but i doubt they can stop completely. . . .at least i hope not.

 

They could stop importing parts, but I bet they make a lot off you FD guys who are always breaking down.

 

Many manufacturers have policies on the stocking of parts for discontinued models. It's not unusal, for instance, for them to stop stocking trim parts 10 years after they stopped making a particular model. Engine blocks and driveline parts may be available for a much longer period of time. And of course the aftermarket usually steps in to provide the more wearable parts such as clutches, brake pads and rotors, etc. But trying to get an interior door handle for something like a '73 Dodge Dart can prove to be virtually impossible. That's why so many owners of classic cars go to swap meets.

10 years from now interior trim bits and maybe things like certain body panels may be very difficult to come by.

 

i always think of that whever i buy something for my FD..whats gonna happen if parts become unvailable. damn i hope it never happens

 

Its already started to happen. I tried for months to get ahold of a little plug that goes in the back of the stock radio. I removed my CD changer and the plug connected the pins that went into the changer. I called several dealers and their database showed it was on backorder, and that no dealers in the US had any in stock. So I order it, and after a few months I find out its no longer available. I ended up paying someone $20 for theirs, and it took about 2 days to get ahold of one. Money talks . The good thing about all this is that the RX-7 was just discontinued in Japan this year, and many parts are interchangeable. I have a feeling we'll start to see more series 8 parts filter into US market cars as they become equally affordable as new series 6 parts.

 

welp, looks like the 93-95 front ends are no longer available, so everyone will just have to upgrade to the 99 spec front ends. Oh bummer, and we were looking forward to keeping the retro look. . .

Would anyone really complain if they had to use 99 spec parts? I mean the poly front for the 99 are cheaper than the poly front for the 93's.

 

I started a thread about this about a few months ago and honestly i think that Mazda would stock the parts for a while. The last year that they were here was 95 so i think it is mandatory for car manufacturers to still stock the parts at least 10 years after they stop or change production. Emissions reasons and for availibility to repair accident cars with O.E.M. parts to satisfy warrenties.

You have to look at the bright side Mazda knows the RX-7 has a large following and if they cannot satisfy their customers (us people) i dont think they will have much success establishing brand loyalty among the other car companies. There is always going to be aftermarket parts but there is still going to be dealer only parts made also. A good friend of mine has a 87 GXL and he practically restored his damn car and had no problem going through the dealer for parts.

And if all else fails you could write Mazda a letter stating your question and hopefully get a response. I dont think this will be a problem besides when we are older what kind of cars do you think that people our age will choose to restore? Some people will go after Supras, RX-7's probably miata's, 300Z's, NSX's, its going to happen and i think the car maufacturers know that this market exists for the future.

 

Before i get flamed about how Joe-shmo went into a dealer and couldnt get a certain part, all i can say is find a good dealer with good connections with Mazda's parts warehouses. There is a dealer in the south i dont know which state but the name of it is Malloy Mazda they really know their ****. I highly recommend them.

 

I always thought Malloy was up North near KDR's shop?

 

it doesn't matter if they have connections or not, once its gone its gone. there shouldn't be a problem for normal parts for a long long time (you can still build a 74 rx2 motor out of new parts) the stuff that is going to get hard is the unusual stuff, like interior trim, accesories, the lhd only stuff. we can look at 1st gens, the only things you cant get, are the vacuum rails, seats, carpet, radio, taillights, but the whole rest of the car you can still get

mike

 

Good Job FlyBye! Now we're all jinxed

...wait...now YOU'RE all jinxed

 

That was the easiest $20 I ever made! It really is all about supply and demand though. I mean $1,000 for a door panel, or $300 for the pistol grip! C'mon, they know they've got us by the short hairs and it's only going to get worse.

 

I'm pretty sure that it is around the Northern VA / DC area. At least that is where the 703 area code (from their phone number) covers. Just thought I would chime in on that.

As for parts. I agree that after 10 years Mazda is no longer required to carry the parts. As to how long the parts will be available. I think you will really have to ask Mazda that one. I think that probably the basic engine parts and other mechanical (metal) parts will be around. I don't think they will stock the plastic parts though. Just my two cents.

- Cody