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79 restoration

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Old 10-20-23 | 03:04 PM
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From: Lafayette
79 restoration

At the last Mecum in Indy, a restored 79 rx7 was sold. Does anyone know who did the restoration?
Old 10-21-23 | 10:38 AM
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Try posting this topic in the Midwest forum.
Old 10-21-23 | 07:42 PM
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You mean this one?
https://www.mecum.com/lots/1088274/1979-mazda-rx7/

Looks like an early 79 that has had a few liberties taken with it. It's painted a non standard color and the interior is significantly altered. It has a 1980 rear bumper and if you watch the video, the under hood presentation leaves a lot to be desired. I admit, I prefer more of a stock refurbishment and this isn't my cup of tea.

No idea on its mechanical condition, I did notice there was no belt on the A/C compressor. Judging by the configuration of the rats nest and the xtra vacuum switch on the fire wall, this was originally a California emissions equipped vehicle. Not to offend anyone, but It feels a little like "a pig with lipstick" to me. Looks like it sold for pretty good money considering all its inaccuracies.

Last edited by Banzai; 10-21-23 at 07:46 PM.
Old 10-21-23 | 09:15 PM
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They either changed out the rear bumper with a 1980 or it's really a 1980. Also have the "chrome" molding on the dash. Looks like a dash cap also. Someone did a mash-up on this RX-7. It is clean.

The VIN is SA22C525012, so this isn't an early 1979. I have a March 03, 1978 build date one and it's VIN is SA22C501673.

If your looking for someone to do a restoration, there are a few folks on this forum I would trust. I can't speak form them so I'm not going to name names. You need someone that knows RX-7s, What kind of work do you want done?

Last edited by KansasCityREPU; 10-21-23 at 09:21 PM.
Old 10-22-23 | 12:40 AM
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i had heard/read that the 80 had chrome pieces at the top of the interior door handle.
Old 10-22-23 | 07:58 PM
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Originally Posted by KansasCityREPU
The VIN is SA22C525012, so this isn't an early 1979. I have a March 03, 1978 build date one and it's VIN is SA22C501673.
S/N 525012 would have been assembled in Oct of 78. So technically, I guess I'd classify it as a mid production- 1st year car. It still has the RH hood prop, early 2 stripe dash / door trim, the A/C switch w/o the center on-off button, early style center dash vents and HVAC *****.

I have 2 early cars also built in March, 501256 and 502402, just before and after yours. Right about 3000 export cars built that first month or approximately 750 per week. I'd say yours (1673) was likely assembled the beginning of the 3rd week of March 78.

Yes, one of the 1980 only parts was the chrome trim caps on the upper door handle pull.



Last edited by Banzai; 10-22-23 at 08:06 PM.
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Old 10-22-23 | 09:19 PM
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Thanks for the info. Of all the SA owners, I know you know your stuff. Your cars are really nice.

I got the VIN numbers wrong. I would consider this a somewhat early VIN (525012).

Originally Posted by Banzai
S/N 525012 would have been assembled in Oct of 78. So technically, I guess I'd classify it as a mid production- 1st year car. It still has the RH hood prop, early 2 stripe dash / door trim, the A/C switch w/o the center on-off button, early style center dash vents and HVAC *****.

I have 2 early cars also built in March, 501256 and 502402, just before and after yours. Right about 3000 export cars built that first month or approximately 750 per week. I'd say yours (1673) was likely assembled the beginning of the 3rd week of March 78.

Yes, one of the 1980 only parts was the chrome trim caps on the upper door handle pull.



Last edited by KansasCityREPU; 10-22-23 at 09:24 PM.
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Banzai (10-23-23)
Old 10-23-23 | 11:53 AM
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Thanks KC, appreciate it. Yes, I have an SA problem. Just happy to share my useless knowledge while I still have two brain cells to rub together.
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j9fd3s (10-23-23)
Old 10-23-23 | 04:59 PM
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It makes me laugh when an auction photo shoot really curates their background...the giant mansion or the very slick epoxy floored garage with the car on an immaculate lift. These Mecum guys, though, porta-potties in the background really add to the ambiance!
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j9fd3s (10-24-23)
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