My "New" 1979! [Long Read]
1 Year Update. And PICS.
After a year of ownership, the car has been an absolute joy, and is going strong. I have sort of a running joke with my parents, because I can't seem to drive the car without people almost going out of their way to complement it. I'm talking men, women, and children from 8 years old to 83. This happens just about every day that I drive the car. Really....Every. Single. Day. LOL. I can't count how many times I've been stopped in parking lots by people who want to talk about the car. I've even had new 911 and C7 drivers go out of their way to let me know that they liked the car.
My parents laugh when I tell them this, and tell me that it looks as if "nothing's changed". They say that, for YEARS, they used to "compare notes" on how many compliments they would get on their cars, almost on a daily basis! I can distinctly remember people yelling out of their cars, while driving on the highway, just to tell my day "nice ride!" and little kids who used to point and say "that's my car!"
To get the same reactions some 35 years later is really incredible, and a testament to a great design.
PICS:
I made comparison pics of my mine with my dad's, as well as with my old GSLSE. I also came across an old 1979 pic of my Dad with his, when it was nearly brand new. It's actually the only pic I've seen with him and his car. He was usually behind the camera.
My parents laugh when I tell them this, and tell me that it looks as if "nothing's changed". They say that, for YEARS, they used to "compare notes" on how many compliments they would get on their cars, almost on a daily basis! I can distinctly remember people yelling out of their cars, while driving on the highway, just to tell my day "nice ride!" and little kids who used to point and say "that's my car!"
To get the same reactions some 35 years later is really incredible, and a testament to a great design.
PICS:
I made comparison pics of my mine with my dad's, as well as with my old GSLSE. I also came across an old 1979 pic of my Dad with his, when it was nearly brand new. It's actually the only pic I've seen with him and his car. He was usually behind the camera.
I hope to meet you and see your car at DGRR. I haven't made it down to an OGTA meet in over a year.
Nice back story with your Dad and all too. Always makes the car that much more special.
Nice back story with your Dad and all too. Always makes the car that much more special.
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 923
Likes: 36
From: Lillington NC
I put those same "gator backs" on my first 7 back in '87. After I got them installed I found out the hard way that they added just enough weight to allow the hatch to stay up for a moment then crown you on the way down!! Lol. Those rims would look outstanding on my black 85 five letter. Your lucky they're 110 x4 and not 114.3's or else I might be tempted to find out where you're staying at DGRR and swap em!! Kidding of course!
I put those same "gator backs" on my first 7 back in '87. After I got them installed I found out the hard way that they added just enough weight to allow the hatch to stay up for a moment then crown you on the way down!! Lol. Those rims would look outstanding on my black 85 five letter. Your lucky they're 110 x4 and not 114.3's or else I might be tempted to find out where you're staying at DGRR and swap em!! Kidding of course!
As for DGRR, I REALLY want to make it out, but won't be able to this year. I've never been, so I'm eager to check it out. Next year, for sure.
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 923
Likes: 36
From: Lillington NC
Lol. I hear you on the rims. As for the "gator backs", I used to have that problem with the hatch, but after installing new hatch struts, I have to watch my chin on the way UP, and use most of my strength to push it back down. Those things work GREAT!
As for DGRR, I REALLY want to make it out, but won't be able to this year. I've never been, so I'm eager to check it out. Next year, for sure.
As for DGRR, I REALLY want to make it out, but won't be able to this year. I've never been, so I'm eager to check it out. Next year, for sure.
it's to be my first as well. And my birthday is on Saturday the day of the "show" 29th April. I was really looking forward to meeting you and seeing your gem in person. Please please put it on the calendar now for next year. On my third FB in my life, (61 years young coming up). If you and your dad are anything like me.. we'll let's just say rotary's are a disease that one likes to be infested with!! Lmao. Great thread!! Keep em coming!!
I really think the pin-striping (?) at the bottom of the doors looks sharp. Was that a factory/dealer option or something aftermarket. Very 70's retro cool.
Also I think it's funny how small the RX-7 looks next to the Camero. These cars don't look small until you see them next to something.
Also I think it's funny how small the RX-7 looks next to the Camero. These cars don't look small until you see them next to something.
Last edited by hcaulfield57; Apr 15, 2017 at 06:08 PM.
On my '84, I used silver striped tape to mimic the look of my dad's. Several years ago though, I found an original, unopened metal trim set in the forum classifieds, and bought it. My plan was to replace the tape on my '84, when the time came for a re-paint. That time never came though, and I sold the car.
I kept the trim, and several other pieces though, because I knew I'd have another 1st gen. eventually. Mine is secured to the car with double sided tape, but I actually remember coming outside, as my dad was putting the trim on his. He drilled tine holes and screwed his on. I was about 3 years old, and I told him it looked like a race car.
Last edited by YELLOWGSLSE; Apr 15, 2017 at 08:46 PM.
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 923
Likes: 36
From: Lillington NC
Thanks. The trim on the bottom of my dad's, and my SA is actually grooved metal, and I believe it was a Mazda accessory. I have an old Rotary Rocket issue, and I believe the metal trim is included in the 1981 accessory guide.
On my '84, I used silver striped tape to mimic the look of my dad's. Several years ago though, I found an original, unopened metal trim set in the forum classifieds, and bought it. My plan was to replace the tape on my '84, when the time came for a re-paint. That time never came though, and I sold the car.
I kept the trim, and several other pieces though, because I knew I'd have another 1st gen. eventually. Mine is secured to the car with double sided tape, but I actually remember coming outside, as my dad was putting the trim on his. He drilled tine holes and screwed his on. I was about 3 years old, and I told him it looked like a race car.
On my '84, I used silver striped tape to mimic the look of my dad's. Several years ago though, I found an original, unopened metal trim set in the forum classifieds, and bought it. My plan was to replace the tape on my '84, when the time came for a re-paint. That time never came though, and I sold the car.
I kept the trim, and several other pieces though, because I knew I'd have another 1st gen. eventually. Mine is secured to the car with double sided tape, but I actually remember coming outside, as my dad was putting the trim on his. He drilled tine holes and screwed his on. I was about 3 years old, and I told him it looked like a race car.
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 923
Likes: 36
From: Lillington NC
Rotary Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 923
Likes: 36
From: Lillington NC
Random "Throw Back" vid of my old GSl-SE
This is from 5 years ago, with somewhat foreshadowing commentary by my wife
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8uQfDfUhw1w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8uQfDfUhw1w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Thank you for the link to your story. I remember reading the thread on the "Barn Find" and thinking it was awesome! I think I may have even posted in that thread. Sadly I haven't been using my RX-7 the way I would like to over the past few years. It is tucked in my garage in such a way that it is very difficult to get out, so sadly it sits unused. I think I've put maybe 400 miles on it over the past two years. I really love this car, but with work, kids, other cars, etc I just don't find myslef using it. It is my all time favorite car I've ever owned too.
I have to say that your story really touched me. Watching your fathers reaction really hit me in the feels. I think it got dusty in my house around the time I saw the elation in your fathers eyes while sitting in the car. Also watching you take your son out for a ride really hit close to home as I've taken my sons for several rides in the rear seats back when they were younger(10 and 14 now).
These SA's are really special cars, and I'm glad to see yours ended up in a great home, with a great owner. Keep up the good work, and take that kid for as many rides as you can. He will remember it like you did.
It's also very cool to see another low option early car like mine still on the road. Mine is a 5/78 build in Spark Yellow, no sun roof, and the rear seat as well. Only difference is mine has the black interior. Does yours have A/C?
I have to say that your story really touched me. Watching your fathers reaction really hit me in the feels. I think it got dusty in my house around the time I saw the elation in your fathers eyes while sitting in the car. Also watching you take your son out for a ride really hit close to home as I've taken my sons for several rides in the rear seats back when they were younger(10 and 14 now).
These SA's are really special cars, and I'm glad to see yours ended up in a great home, with a great owner. Keep up the good work, and take that kid for as many rides as you can. He will remember it like you did.
It's also very cool to see another low option early car like mine still on the road. Mine is a 5/78 build in Spark Yellow, no sun roof, and the rear seat as well. Only difference is mine has the black interior. Does yours have A/C?
Thank you for the link to your story. I remember reading the thread on the "Barn Find" and thinking it was awesome! I think I may have even posted in that thread. Sadly I haven't been using my RX-7 the way I would like to over the past few years. It is tucked in my garage in such a way that it is very difficult to get out, so sadly it sits unused. I think I've put maybe 400 miles on it over the past two years. I really love this car, but with work, kids, other cars, etc I just don't find myslef using it. It is my all time favorite car I've ever owned too.
I have to say that your story really touched me. Watching your fathers reaction really hit me in the feels. I think it got dusty in my house around the time I saw the elation in your fathers eyes while sitting in the car. Also watching you take your son out for a ride really hit close to home as I've taken my sons for several rides in the rear seats back when they were younger(10 and 14 now).
These SA's are really special cars, and I'm glad to see yours ended up in a great home, with a great owner. Keep up the good work, and take that kid for as many rides as you can. He will remember it like you did.
It's also very cool to see another low option early car like mine still on the road. Mine is a 5/78 build in Spark Yellow, no sun roof, and the rear seat as well. Only difference is mine has the black interior. Does yours have A/C?
I have to say that your story really touched me. Watching your fathers reaction really hit me in the feels. I think it got dusty in my house around the time I saw the elation in your fathers eyes while sitting in the car. Also watching you take your son out for a ride really hit close to home as I've taken my sons for several rides in the rear seats back when they were younger(10 and 14 now).
These SA's are really special cars, and I'm glad to see yours ended up in a great home, with a great owner. Keep up the good work, and take that kid for as many rides as you can. He will remember it like you did.
It's also very cool to see another low option early car like mine still on the road. Mine is a 5/78 build in Spark Yellow, no sun roof, and the rear seat as well. Only difference is mine has the black interior. Does yours have A/C?
