Hi! Linda, here from Minnesota!

As the title of my post reads -I am a NERVOUS Rx7 Mom! why?? because, under extreme duress; I am finally letting both my children drive my 1980 Rx7 GS. OK, sure they are not teens, at 21 and 23 -but what if they dent my "baby"? I just could not stand to listen to the pleading and whining any longer!

So, both have had lessons -a car with no power steering or power brakes is a revelation! So, both pass mom's test, but only barely.

In the past two years, I have replaced the brakes, hoses, had the carb cleaned, carb gasket replaced, fuel line flushed/fuel filter replaced, and new Falken tires finally replacing the 2nd set of old Bridgestones. Put new window weather strips, too - to stop the rattling window glass. Someday I need to do a few other things - heck, my baby is almost 31!

I bought her new in October 1979. Sunrise red, black/gray interior. I still have all the paperwork - including window sticker, a May 1978 Car & Driver reprint that the dealer gave me, a small 8x10 poster, invoice, dealer handouts and brochures.........and more! Sounds like I've kept a detailed "baby book" - yep! she's the one-and-only "brand new" car I have ever bought.

So now, I am quivering and worrying...........my babies will be taking my baby out on a road.......alone??!!! Oh, dear, oh, dear....I would appreciate any hand-holding posts, or consolation words. Thanks for listening!

 

I wish the best for all your Babies! ;-) I could feel your grief in my gut, but just keep thinking positively. It sounds like you've taken good care of each and every one of them and they'll take good care of it as well. Just remember to breath. hehehe

 

Young drivers typically want to "test the limits" but at 21 & 23 perhaps they have matured past that.

Have they been driving on a regular basis up to this point?

It sounds like you have taken excellent care of your babies, and I'm sure they have developed a mutual respect for you as well as each other. I know I never personally felt comfortable testing the limits in a car that wasn't mine, hopefully they share that sentiment.

 

wow thats amazing that you've kept the car so long and have all the "baby books" hah

 

Thanks for the kind words! I'll probably do just fine as will the human babies -but I have noticed that daughter is starting to behave like the Rx7 is hers..................hmmmmmm..........it's time for a life lesson, I see. This is MOM's ride!

 

lol..im 18 and have had 3 first gens..theyll be fine then again..i have been thru 3..kinda makes u wonder why...lol

 

Hope your experience is better than mine was earlier this year. I let my nephew take my PRISTINE Mustang BULLITT to prom. It was a 2001 dark highland green, production number 04385. I overestimated his maturity level, and it ended up under an F 350. He and his girl friend walked away and I am grateful for that.

I would love to see pics of your beauty. I love a car that has been maintained. I am in the process of bringing an 84 back to life.

 

If I were you, I'd get them to buy their own. Stuff happens and they are still young enough to be testing the boundaries of a new toy.

 

i know if my mom had an rx7 she would get it back with bald tires

 

lmao!

 

I, too, have a 20 something child begging to drive my baby (Paige). You are braver than I!! I told her only 3 people had ever driven Paige since I have owned her and I intended to keep it that way. Good luck!!

 

This thread just put me in the right mood. I am 21 and also from Minnesota. My rx7 is my baby but you are on another lever and have my respect. Like Gracer7-rx7 said, I would encourage them to get their own baby because if my mom had an rx7 she too would get it back with bald tires. Then again you are not my mom... Maybe welcome them to the club.

Goodluck

 

I've let plenty of people drive the 8, but no one has ever touched my 7.

But wow, very big props for buying it new and having it for that long. Keep her well!

 

Know how you feel, I have a 13 year old son that races off road and he is already eying ALL my vehicles.

 

WOW,

a mom on the forums? thats crazy! lol... amazing that you've been the only owner of the rx-7 and kept it very clean.

part of being a mother also means being able to trust your children! you have to pass down some things to your children some day down the line, so why not give them the 1980 rx-7 and pick up an FD or FC for yourself?

you wouldn't have to deal with the carb engine, and you'd be able to move onto the more legendary rx-7's (imo)!

how cool would it be driving a newer fc or fd alongside your children for a summer cruise?

 

have the kids buy an fc to share they are very inexpensive these days just try craigslist..
btw post some pics of the rx7 we would all love to see it

 

be careful, they will want to drift, brakeboost, peelout, and race with an rx7. Make sure to make them listen to Elton Jon and not NWA when they drive, this will calm them down.

 

+1 ^ hahahaha

 

Maybe sneak in a camcorder the first time they drive it to see what happens? =)

-Taranis

 

you are a much nicer parent then me, when my kids are old enough to drive they will not be touching my fc....... haha but i do commend you and your relationship with your kids has to be pretty good if they were 16 you should worry but it should be fine just tires like the one guy said. good luck mom im from MN as well fergus falls area i no how crappy the roads are i pray for the best for you!

 

nothing wrong with drifting your parents vehicle :P

 

I understand how you feel. Even thou my daughter still has 6 years before she can drive, she already says she wants a 7. It has taken almost 4 years to get mine up and running to drive on the road. And my husband's 7 is getting the engine fixed for the 2nd time. so she is not driving either one of ours...lol Best of luck to you!

 

your car will be fine. They are old enough to know how to treat someone elses car.

 

Nervous Mom here! So far, it is going well! Both have been treating Mom's baby with respect -although there has been a couple harrowing moments!

Major tornadoes rolling in one evening.......and upon arriving home - NO Rx7 in the garage!! Weather sirens wailing, Mom frantically callling cell phones!! Daughter returns call, "Mom, the car is in Katy's garage and is just fine! WE are safe in her basement, if you were worried about me and not just the car!!!"

Both have been putting gas in her AND even checking oil!!
I am wiping my brow with relief! If we can just make it to October, when my little red baby goes back in the garage for the cold MN winter season of road salt.

 

give us youngsters a break hahaha im 24 and i know that as long as they respect the car and its power then all will be fine