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- Thread starter dang
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definitely a fun car Dan ... time to get busy on this thing. values are up. but you need to get it right and go out and enjoy it - a LOT!!!
It's staying in the family so value doesn't matter really. Just makes everything more expensive. I'm dropping the drive train with the subframe to do the clutch, timing belt, water pump, rebuild the muffler, clean the fuel system, replace all the stuff needed after sitting and also replace the seats. Paint the top, it's not that much work really, just going to take my time and work it in between other projects.
I love those cars!
How many degrees of separation to consider me extended family?
Nice!!!
Great project. The restoration will be time well spent and you will have an amazing car to enjoy!
Cheers!
Cheers!
Looking at the worn seats, this one has been well enjoyed. Care to share a bit of its history? Have you had it since new?
The driver bolster wears because it's so pronounced. It's a common problem with these seats although the car is now 32 years old with 180k on it. I bought it from a co-worker when I worked at HP years back. I parked next to it every day and it sparked my need for one. The owner, Ed, used it as a daily driver and I told him if he ever sells it to please ask me first. He worked in a different building and I'd stop by every six months or so and remind him. One day he showed up at my desk, and there was only one reason why he would do that. I said, "Is today the day!!", and he said yes. He told me his price, we went for a test drive and I bought it. It had 176k on it and I only put 4k miles on it in the four years I drove it, but it was an exhilarating 4k miles.
The car was parked for 12 years (not intended) and some rats had their way with it somewhat. The passenger seat damage is from a rat, and also a small area on the passenger door pull handle. I knew the risks so I'm not that upset about it, plus, a good friend is an expert with upholstery so he'll help me out. I think I got lucky with the rest of the car as far as rats go.
If you've never been in one they're kind of a paradox. When you sit in it you definitely know you're in a Honda. A 90's Honda. Then you start the motor and it rumbles to life BEHIND you and everything changes. They're small, light and a total blast. Sitting next to a Ferrari or Lambo they look like toys.
Great story. I think we all dream of hearing an exceptional car's owner knock on our door saying "Do you want it?"
Thanks Dan
Thanks Dan
Dropping the motor/subframe wasn't all that bad, but I'm finding that pulling the transmission while it's on the cradle is a PITA. I've decided to put the motor on a stand and since the transmission has the lifting bracket I'll have to put the engine stand collar on the motor and lift it with that, then build a cradle for the motor so I can put the transmission back on it, then put the motor/trans back on the subframe. Yeah baby.
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Wow, it almost feels like it's more work getting the engine and trans in a position to work on than to do the actual work. The engine and trans are supported by mounts to the subframe but the transaxle has to come out the bottom and the engine out the top, so once you disconnect a mount things become a challenge. I finally managed to get the trans off and the engine on an engine stand last night. Now the work can begin. Oy.
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its always so much fun to get things out or back into an exotic car - there is just so much extra space that simply was given away to some other car. question is, how many knuckles did you bust open?
Yeah I spoke a little too soon on the "now I'm ready to work on it" part. I couldn't get the crank bolt off, which I found out is pretty common with these motors. It took two people holding the motor down on the stand and a young strong guy pulling on a long breaker bar. NOW I can start working on it!
Just seeing this thread, Dan. So jealous… I missed the boat when used ones were $35,000. I’ve always listed for one. Hope yours goes back together easily and you can rip through the hills with it soon.
Ed Z
Ed Z