By Jon Meadowcroft ( - 24.72.53.13) on Sunday, April 23, 2000 - 10:08 am:

Okay guys lets face it our are kinda like a
pug(a kind of dog) they are ugly and cute at the same time. As far as looks go our cars are very simular to the first gen. cars. I have found body kits for every Gen. of hondas but ours. If any one knows were to find anything to improve the looks of these lil cars please tell me.

By John S. ( - 216.89.156.17) on Sunday, April 23, 2000 - 01:43 pm:

A good paint job...(does not half to be an
orinional color)...good looking wheels/tires...
Kamei and (fohi)? both made front air dams...if you can find one...beyond that you just must be creative...hopefully with good taste, though
that is supposed to be in the eye of the beholder... but I bet we've all seen cars where one had to think, "what the heck is that guy thinking?"
For a cheap set of alloys go after VW-Audi...
my personal favorite being the ones off of the early 80's Audi 4000...13x5.5...nice offset...
German made...and all the 4000's had them
so they are currently plentiful.
This gives me an interesting idea...why don't we all send in pics of the uglist car we've seen
(just for fun) Heh?

By John S ( - 216.89.156.17) on Sunday, April 23, 2000 - 01:48 pm:

Oh yeah, I just remembered, another cheep
way to go on wheels is the stock ones off of
the 84-85 CRX and/or Civic 1500S...they are
steel, but not bad looking...13x5" and the offset
really fills up the wheelwells.

By Jon Meadowcroft ( - 24.72.53.117) on Thursday, April 27, 2000 - 12:51 pm:

What about 14 or 15 inch rims would they fit or would they rub to much. How big can you go without having to use elastic bands for your tires. I need something that works good in all weather conditions. From summer to rain, sleet, ice, and snow.(or am I dreaming)?

By Dave Hardy on Thursday, April 27, 2000 - 08:56 pm:

I can't really tell you what fits, but the tires I use and love are Dunlop SP4000's. I have them in a Z-Rated version, and they are a wonderful all-weather performance tire. I don't do much snow driving here (Atlanta), but we get plenty of rain, and they do good.

By Jon M. ( - 24.72.51.125) on Friday, April 28, 2000 - 09:22 am:

I live in Canada so the snow is a big one; about half the year and lots of it to. What size rims do you guys run? I've seen most guys run 13inch. I'm curently getting a sohc vetec installed and I don't know how well 13's will hold my car on the road.(that is until I save up enough to get some sweeeeeeeeet rims.)


For now on I'm gonna just write Jon M for my name it's easier than my hole long A$$ name.

By Jon M ( - 24.72.52.39) on Friday, April 28, 2000 - 12:17 pm:

Also I'm intrested in hood scoops I've seen some first gen civics with hood scoops I don't have one:( I want one. Will those hoods bolt up to my car? Does the second Gen. civic 1500cc have a scoop? Mines a 83 1300cc. Do I have to get somthing custome done?

By thaddeus ( - 204.201.255.250) on Saturday, April 29, 2000 - 08:38 am:

you'd have to get something custom done as far as i can tell. the second gens have slats cut in the hood where the first gens have the scoop. it's just for the vents.

By Jon M. ( - 24.72.50.209) on Saturday, April 29, 2000 - 12:14 pm:

I,m looking at some nice audi rims they have a 4-100 bolt pattern. They are a 14 inch rim; and are a 16 spoke rim. They only had 2 though, but they said they would try to track down 2 more to make a complete set. They quoted me $25.00 each. thats about $15.00 U.S. I hope they find the other 2.

By John S. ( - 208.188.193.102) on Saturday, April 29, 2000 - 08:25 pm:

Can you belive how cheap that is, for alloys of the quality as those off of Audi or VW, but there are still lots of them out there!
I'm in the process of polishing the rim portion on one set of mine, then I'll paint the centers bodycolor and clearcoat the entire wheel...makes them look completely different.
The set I'll run on in winter will still stay fully painted. I paid an average of 25.00 US for mine, but usually they still have servicable tires on them and I just pop them on the car.
Jeeze, around here they want 15-20.00 just to mount and balance.

By Jon M ( - 24.72.53.169) on Sunday, April 30, 2000 - 03:46 pm:

I'm gonna polish mine up to. My rims don't come with tires so I'm buying some tires from Wal-mart(: my work :). They actualy have some good stuff there and cheap to.(I sound like a comercal). For remounting your rubber check with wal-mart it would cost $13.00 here in Canada. Wal-mart will match or beat any competadors price; find another company that will do the same thing and go to the one that will go the lowest

By Charles R. ( - 207.104.139.221) on Monday, May 01, 2000 - 12:44 am:

As far as tire sizes go. I run 15x7 inch Konig Tuners on my '80 wagon. This wagon is also lowered 2 inches (a little much for the back end). When I was running 195/45-R15 Yokahama AVS intermediates (great tire) I had no problems with rubbing. Those tires are done, so I switched to some 195/50-R15 Toyo's. They rub. I've rolled the fender lips and even flared them a little. They also rubbed on the inner wheel well till I clearenced that with a big hammer. The ride quality is much better with the Toyo's though.

Charles R.

By Jon M ( - 24.72.52.108) on Tuesday, May 02, 2000 - 05:16 pm:

Hey what is involved in polishing and clearcoating the rims. The only place around where I live quoted me $375.00 to do all 4 rims. Is the job a possible do it your self? Or are special tools needed? Like if you do the math buying the audi rims, polishing, clearcoat, and then new tires I'd be spending around $850.00 when I can get new aftermarked rims with rubber for that. But if I can do them at home I'll take the audi rims, if not I'll go all fancy for the same price.

By quikrick on Tuesday, May 02, 2000 - 05:26 pm:

That is the going rate even here in California, These guys X ray the wheels and make sure that they are round and if not, they repair them. So it isn't just aesthetics but also function.

By Jon M ( - 24.72.53.170) on Wednesday, May 03, 2000 - 05:25 pm:

But what about just the polish and clearcoat. The rims look round enough to me :) remember I'm from canada and we soooo crazy. :) We are cheap too, so I don't wanna pay all that cash on some used rims but I do wanna look good so does any body know a cheap way to get old rims looken nice and pretty?

By quikrick ( - 63.204.16.66) on Wednesday, May 03, 2000 - 05:32 pm:

You Canadians are not the only cheapies! I have a set of old 4x120 Accord alloys. I spent hours with fine steel wool and good aluminum polish, they look OK, but not great. That is why I am considering going the expensive way. I am sure that you could do it, just a lot of work.... with so-so results.

By Racecraft ( - 137.219.16.31) on Wednesday, May 03, 2000 - 06:05 pm:

Alloy rims look fantastic with a light beadblast and clear coat. This makes them look nice and new, covers up imperfections and costs very little considering you no longer haver to maintain them (other than a wash).

Unpainted alloys can allow air leakage (as the alloy is porous) so always cover over your alloys.

By Charles ( - 137.219.16.31) on Wednesday, May 03, 2000 - 06:06 pm:

When I say light I mean with fine grains.

By John S. ( - 208.188.193.230) on Wednesday, May 03, 2000 - 09:40 pm:

OK,
We are opening a serious can of worms here...
First off I would not recommend using steel wool on alloys, because the steel filaments are harder
than the alum alloy and tend to embed...and can then rust...plus those two metals are not directly compatable, and electrolysis can occur.
Better to use fine wet/dry sandpaper in steps up to 600 grit then go to a wheel with tripoli polish.
It's worth doing some research first...it's not difficult, but it is time consuming and must be done in progressive steps...
As far as a clearcoat is concerned there are two basic aspects of importance.
First, the polished surface must be clean and free of fingerprints etc.
Second, it is wise to use a clear primer/sealer
designed to promote adhesion of the final topcoat.
Third, whatever clearcoat you use must be designed to go over properly prepared bare metal.
Best stuff I've ever used is made by the Matthews
Paint Corp...i.e.
1) clear primer-sealer..."Spraybond" this stuff sticks like glue...you don't need to use very much of it...just a dust coat really.
2) "Braco" clear...2-part Urethane clear designed to go directly over any bare metal incl. one with high polish.
The reason it costs so much to have wheels polished/ painted, is because to do it properly...i.e. so it will last...is because it must be done as right as can be...sort of like building a motor etc.
Even if you go the glassbeading route, you still must prep the bare metal and use a proper clearcoat, or you'll be doing the job over in no time.
If you live where the winters are harsh, it really makes sense just to paint the wheels...
which is why most factory wheels are painted...
a heck of a lot less trouble...just make sure you use a primer designed to go over bare aluminum if
you strip the alloys to bare metal.

By mojoworkin on Thursday, May 04, 2000 - 05:29 am:

Do you guys think this process will apply to magnesium wheels as well? I have 13" 5 star factory rims from an '80 prelude on my 1500GL and they look great but could use a little attention. I am 99% sure these are magnesium but if anyone knows how to tell for sure, I'm all ears. Just want to give them a good polish and maybe clear coat. I live in Ohio so I am constantly fussing over them in the winter.

By John S. ( - 216.89.156.39) on Thursday, May 04, 2000 - 09:23 am:

Mojoworkin,(great handle)
Those are aluminum alloy...you will never find factory wheels made from Magnesium...too expensive...too prone to breakage...oxidizes as fast as you can polish it...only high dollar racing wheels are found in Mag where weight savings is worth the cost. The stuff also burns white hot.
Get a catalog from the Eastwood company... they have a full line of stuff to help you with your polishing project...and some technical info to boot. As has been stated earlier it's enough of a job to make you want to buy new...all the more reason to:
1) once you polish them...epoxy clearcoat them
2) get some respectable painted wheels to drive on in the winter...as the salt EATS your alum. alloys.

By John S. ( - 216.89.156.39) on Thursday, May 04, 2000 - 09:31 am:

Mojoworkin,(great handle)
Those are aluminum alloy...you will never find factory wheels made from Magnesium...too expensive...too prone to breakage...oxidizes as fast as you can polish it...only high dollar racing wheels are found in Mag where weight savings is worth the cost. The stuff also burns white hot.
Get a catalog from the Eastwood company... they have a full line of stuff to help you with your polishing project...and some technical info to boot. As has been stated earlier it's enough of a job to make you want to buy new...all the more reason to:
1) once you polish them...epoxy clearcoat them
2) get some respectable painted wheels to drive on in the winter...as the salt EATS your alum. alloys.

By Jon M ( - 24.72.52.186) on Thursday, May 04, 2000 - 10:26 am:

Is there a alloy colored paint?

By Charles ( - 137.219.16.31) on Thursday, May 04, 2000 - 03:45 pm:

Yep, and thats what I get. Jon S is right. It is a painfully hard job to nicely clearcoat wheels. There are a few aluminium paints available off the shelf. I get my wheel painted in 2 pak to be the same colour as the aluminium. This way they are well sealed.

By John S. ( - 208.188.193.130) on Thursday, May 04, 2000 - 05:46 pm:

Most major auto paint manufacturers will have a paint code for Mercedes "Wheel paint" it is the nicest silver mix I know of, and is not too bright, which makes them look phony...
Try Ditzler, or Sikkens, or any other brand that can mix to that paint code, and use a hardener...for best results clearcoat over the silver... and use a respirator.

By quikrick ( - 209.247.244.23) on Thursday, May 04, 2000 - 06:36 pm:

Hey John,
Do you refinish wheels for a living???

By mojoworkin on Friday, May 05, 2000 - 05:40 am:

Aluminum eh? Learn something new every day. Thanks for the help.

By John S. ( - 209.223.82.67) on Friday, May 05, 2000 - 09:52 am:

Actually, I've been a sign designer/painter since '76
so what i've learned was companion info for my work in Signs...I have refinished several sets of my own wheels(steel and alum.) also done several all
over paint jobs on my own vehicles, so am very familiar with the products available and the application involved, but unfortunately I don't have the facilities to do wheels and stuff like that on a commerical level. What I can say is that if you are patient...do the research to find out how to do the stuff right, and buy the right tools almost any one can learn to do an excellant job of it. But many of the materials are highly toxic thus it is extremely inportant to treat all of them with respect, and use means to protect your health when you use them.

By Jon M. ( - 24.72.51.34) on Saturday, May 06, 2000 - 10:28 am:

Once these rims are looking sweet then I need rubber. The rims are a 14 inch would a 185/60R14 tire fit or would they rub? Would I have to drop down to a 55?

By Jon M ( - 24.72.51.34) on Saturday, May 06, 2000 - 10:39 am:

Hey do any of you guys have Pics of your car? I'm sure everyone else would like to see them. Do you guys have them posted any where? I'd send in pics. of mine but I haven't even seen my car for a month now(the day I bought it). Besides it still needs cosmetic work, but from the way it sound you guys have some sweet cars.

By Anonymous (168.99.166.2) on Thursday, March 01, 2001 - 09:50 am:

david here. i am very computer illiterate so if some one could tell me how to get a picture of my car on this site that would be great. as for body kits there is a magazine called JC Whitney, im sure you guys have hears of it but if not then go to their website and check out their stuff. they have an airdam that is very cool. i had it on my car but i lost it in the snow(a little too low). they also have side skirts and spoilers for the rear. for some reason my email isnt working but if any one wants more info on body kits or can give me advice feel free to call or try email. i have an 82 civic hatchback and i found a 94 integra engine and tranny for $240.00can anyone tell me if it can fit? the car would be a rocket!

david marshall
typeS82@hotmail.com
425-672-1379(seattle, WA)