Restoration: 1978 Honda Civic (1200) Part 1

[Kurt]

Looking good! Sure feels nice I bet to get some fresh steel in there

[Randy]

Thanks Kurt

I finally got around to ordering new bolts and screws in stainless steel, a few sizes are on back order but I am in no rush.

[Steph]

It's a good feeling having all that hardware on hand. I just bought a batch of stainless studs to fasten the sump/oil pan in place. I'm using stainless acorn/domed nuts to fasten up the oil pan. I also bought another batch to replace the exhaust and intake studs.

Stainless hardware has got waaay cheaper than it was 10 years ago. Back then, the only place to get the fine thread hardware I knew of was the UK, but now the Chinese are knocking them out for peanuts. To be honest, in regards to finish, they look as good and sometimes better IMO.

[Randy]

Ordered some bolts to fasten the spare block to the engine stand. 3x M10 1.25 x 65 long and one about 100mm long with a nut. If you have and old motor you can get these off the head.
I bought them Fastenol, they have outlets in the US and Canada, but no stock here.

This is a mock up for the running motor, I need to clean it up and change the main seal upgrade a more powerful alternator, non Honda.

[Blue-Civic-Hybrid]

Wow, you are making me super jealous! Your setup looks amazing for all that new steel and that bead roller is awesome!

I'm going to have to copy all your ideas ASAP!

[Randy]

Thanks Blue
A little vacation time after a killer run in the heat this morning. What could be more relaxing than to fix the broken carbon fiber splitter on my SIR and to mount the motor on the engine stand. Little Steps!

I had to grind the bolt head off the flywheel, it got stripped and I found the source of the oil leak between the motor and transmission, I thought it was the main seal. Most likely the oil pan is the problem with all that sealant on there.

The front cross member needs some patching, it’s a little holy in places.

[Randy]

Not much getting done.

Managed to put one of the pipes in to stiffen the body for when I take the inner and our rocker panels out. It will most likely stay permanent after I fabricate the inner and put the aftermarket outer rocker on. I still have to work out replacing sections of the floor.

Big Plans but very little time. I still have not gotten my summer tires mounted on my daily driver sitting behind the car in bags. So noisy old rubber, I expect them to explode any time.

[Blue-Civic-Hybrid]

At least you are moving forward on your ride. Just take your time and keep us updated! I'm loving these body work updates.

[Realred96]

Randy:

Talk about a long term project! Looking good!

I had a question regarding your wood steering wheel. Was the original finish varnish? Also, do you remember what kind of clear coat you used on the bare wood?

I know I am reaching way back but any thoughts would be appreciated!

Jim

[Randy]

Randy:

Talk about a long term project! Looking good!

I had a question regarding your wood steering wheel. Was the original finish varnish? Also, do you remember what kind of clear coat you used on the bare wood?

I know I am reaching way back but any thoughts would be appreciated!

Jim

Hi Jim

Not sure if the original finish was varnish, but it was gooey, I sanded it with very fine sand paper and used a clear coat, and water sanded it between many coats. I don't think it's real wood, just my thoughts, the shift knob was for sure.
I used a spray spar varnish, but on the shift knob I used shellak first and sanded it before many coats of spar varnish. I hand painted the red on the knob before the varnish.