This 1979 Mazda RX-7 was recently restored by two juniors at Medford Vocational Technical High School, Medford, MA.
The Mazda RX-7 is owned by 16-year-old Roberto Mendez Jr. All the major work was done by Roberto and 17-year-old junior, Joey Sun.
The Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a 12A rotary engine with a racing beat intake, 650 Holly carburetor, a nitrous oxide system, new headers, a 5-speed transmission with a bronze racing clutch and 488 gears.
That bodywork began in January, and work included removing all moldings, door handles, lift gate weather striping and all the paint. The team also repaired all damage, which included dents, rust and small rot holes. The car was given a coat of epoxy primer followed by four coats of PPG’s Shop-Line primer/surfacer, followed by a 220-grit block sanding and another three coats of Shop-Line surfacer.
The body was then sanded with 320-grit, followed by 500-grit.
Finally, the duo sprayed a 2004 Lamborghini Arancio Borealis orange with two coats of PPG white base. After waiting the proper time, three coats of DBC orange pearl mid-coat were applied, and then three coats of Shop-Line JC 630 Clear.
After being color-sanded and buffed to a mirror finish, the parts were reinstalled, making the Mazda ready for the track and shows.
In fact, this little RX-7 performs a 10-second quarter mile.
Submitted by Joe Kinch, collision tech instructor, Medford Vocational Technical High School.
