how much did these avatars run back in the day? was there a price range since they were all custom?

 

Yes, from what I've read they ranged in price from around $38K up to almost $50K. It was all about what options you wanted. This one has pretty much every option you could get with the exception of the wide body fenders. From what the previous owner told me this car was right around $45K brand new.

 

wow you got lucky. thats a nice rex.

 

Thank you. I am very excited about getting it back to it's original glory.

 

im just glad i get to be involved with a restoration project like this one, im honered to help you in any way i can zac

 

Any updates? I know you jsut started though.Are you going to bring it to SS10, will it be done? I would like to see it in person

 

wow.That is beautiful. Can't wait to see the progress

 

srry zach i just woke up... long night mybe tomarrow or next week end

 

Thanks for the words of encouragement Wacky.

Preston, I know how it is bro. I got hung up X-mas shopping for the family today anyway. Damn holiday season!!

twinkletoes, if everything goes just right then I'm shooting to have the car at SS10. But that's only if every last thing goes perfectly. We'll just have to see how everything goes.

Zach

 

Be sure it is running right and will make the round trip back to NOrcal. You know how the Socal junkyard vultures when it comes to cars that are left unattended.

 

Well, yesterday was a wash thanks to finishing up my X-mas shopping. And today wasn't that eventful. But I did get a few things done. And I apologize in advance, but my camera's batteries died 5 pics into the day so I don't have any pictures after the amp rack removal.

First up I got back and finished removing the audio system. The amp board had about 14 screws holding it to the car. I guess they didn't want it to move. Other than finding a few screws that were hiding underneath the amps the removal was easy as can be. Here's a pic of the amp rack once it's out and you can see the faces of the amps and X-over.



Here's the "sub" amp face on.



Here are the two amps that powered the rest of the setup. They are the same model number in case anyone was wondering.



And here's the empty spot that used to have the amp board sitting there.



After that I went ahead and removed the center console. I found an old Cali vehicle registration belonging to Gloria Hays in the center console. So I know the car lived in Cali for a few years at least. That all came out easily of course. Then I pulled the shifter surround, radio surround and the lower center portion of the dash. The radio surround is actually in very good shape. The lower center portion of the dash broke as I was removing it though. But hopefully I can find one at a good price. I'm going to need that as well as a perfect condition black dash. So the parts list is starting there.

I found a company to do the veneer work for a good price. The work I have seen from them so far has been really nice. And if they do that good of a job on my car then I'll gladly spread their shop's name everywhere.

Sadly, this is all I was able to get accomplished this weekend. Hopefully next weekend the weather will be more agreeable and I won't have so many things on my plate that take time away from my new baby. Thanks for checking in on my thread and I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

Zach

 

Zach. Don't bother with those old Amps. They are hidden anyway and really don't add any value to the car to have them "original". Tape Decks and 8 tracks are original too yet many restorers still use "hidden" stereo upgrades.

Just get a couple of 4 channel amps and call it a day. Keep it "Alpine" if you must..

 

Can't wait to see more. See 100K cars everyday, but not a PA 1st gen.

Great updates.. makes us all "feel" like we're there cheering you on Zach! Keep up the great work... and go go go go!

 

Thanks guys. And Directfreak, I have been thinking the same thing lately. Especially when I started taking a closer look at the amps. All of the wiring is hardwired inside the amp. And I'm not sure if I can get the same type of signal cables from Alpine that were used on that system. We'll just have to wait and see I guess.

Rotary13B1, I sent you a PM.

Zach

 

an aftermarket system is the way to go. this way you know the equipment is good, will sound good, and will be a tad eaiser to wire up. a 4 channel or two would be nice to power your speakers and if you choose to keep the subwoofers, you may need to make a custom box. personally, i wouldnt want the woofers, just 8 speakers, one set being components, instad of coax. the PA you have is amazing! keep us updated on your progress!

 

http://www.rx7city.com/FEATURED_old.HTM
Nice conversion I thought you all might enjoy!

 

That car is actually the first image I found when I started searching for info on the PA. It's a gorgeous car and he did an incredible job on it.

 

well i also just remembered that im leaving for New Mexico once again on saturday for the holidays, but ll be back on the 30th so some time after that i guess

 

Zach, is that bottom piece the soft vinal(sp?) of the hard plastic like the SA's?

 

****, if you're talking about the piece that I broke like a dumbass, it's the soft vinyl type. Not hard plastic. You got something laying around that fits that description or something?

Zach

 

I do have one in Pristine condition, but it is in my car right now. If you are not in a hurry, hold out. See, I am looking to complete my brown interior. Very difficult to find. So, the bottom half is black right now. Give me a month and lets see what I can find. I promise not to part with it unless it goes to you.

 

Dunno Zach, I'd at least make an effort at getting all that audio gear working again, with the possible exception of the head unit. That was one sweeeeeeeeeeet setup back in the day... you've probably got $10,000 + worth of audio gear at 1980's prices. I remember looking at a lot of stuff like that and it was so far beyond a starving Army guy turned college student that I could only fanticize about most of it. I had a set of the LOW end Alpine door speakers in one of my 1st Gens (the '79 as I recall) and I believe they set me back 4 bills. And those were the LOW end version... what you've got were a couple hundred more.

This isn't to say modern equipment won't sound better and cost less... it probably will. Just realize the value of what you're considering tossing.

 

Hey Omnicron - want a buy a "Top of the Line" (in 1984) IBM 386SX PC?
Only cost 6 grand back then... I can get it to you for a steal...

 

Yeah yeah Only if you'll buy some of my 2MB SIMMS that cost $750 apiece. :

 

Paul,

Even if I can't get the stock audio gear to work I'm not going to get rid of it. I'll send it off to Alpine and see if they can refurb it or something. I'd prefer to use what came in the car instead of getting new stuff. We'll just have to see, the connections are going to be the biggest PITA though. It looks like I'm going to have to cut up the wiring going to the head unit and see if I can splice in regular RCA cables. I think that I should be able to though.

Zach