Hey guys I just wanted to introduce myself. I bought a 92 LX hatch last week for $1800. I just got her registered as no-op and I'm getting ready to fix her up a bit. The car has a few mods already but I don't mind. It's pretty hard to find a stock one for a good price anyway. Here's a picture of the car. Just one for now until I can get my camera back.
I've got a good bit of bodywork ahead of me. There's dents on the bottoms of the quarterpanels and I'll need new bumpers. I plan on doing the body work myself and then having my dad spray the car. Not sure on the color yet. I'm also not sure what to do with the motor. The motor and transmission feel fine (no smoke, the clutch doesn't slip, no grinds) and the car runs well though I think I noticed a bit of a surging idle. There's a little oil leak somewhere but that's nothing some fresh gaskets shouldn't fix. I've worked on 4 bangers both pushrod and overhead cam in the past but a v8 should be a real treat.
Anyway I was hoping to get some input on a couple things:
1. The first car I ever painted I stripped down completely but the builds I see here people tend to leave the doors and fenders on. I want to do it right, but I don't want to do work for nothing either. Any advice?
2. I'm considering some minor engine work. (E cam, new pushrods, and rocker arms) Is this necessary and will I get any benefit? At the least I was thinking just an E cam for a little performance boost. I'm on a bit of a budget and I'm not going to be building the motor.
3. I've got a grey interior at the moment but I wanted to switch to black since some things like the door panels and visors are in poor condition. Is it reasonable to buy all brand new black interior pieces save for the dash? What are my options?
I'm still trying to learn as much as I can about the car I have and any input I can get is appreciated. I'm hoping my budget doesn't run out but I really want to build this car right. My first project was a honda CRX which I restored (not riced out) and currently drive on a 60 mile commute to school. I spent $3600 on that and countless hours on the forums. Anyway, I'm glad to be here.
I've got a good bit of bodywork ahead of me. There's dents on the bottoms of the quarterpanels and I'll need new bumpers. I plan on doing the body work myself and then having my dad spray the car. Not sure on the color yet. I'm also not sure what to do with the motor. The motor and transmission feel fine (no smoke, the clutch doesn't slip, no grinds) and the car runs well though I think I noticed a bit of a surging idle. There's a little oil leak somewhere but that's nothing some fresh gaskets shouldn't fix. I've worked on 4 bangers both pushrod and overhead cam in the past but a v8 should be a real treat.
Anyway I was hoping to get some input on a couple things:
1. The first car I ever painted I stripped down completely but the builds I see here people tend to leave the doors and fenders on. I want to do it right, but I don't want to do work for nothing either. Any advice?
2. I'm considering some minor engine work. (E cam, new pushrods, and rocker arms) Is this necessary and will I get any benefit? At the least I was thinking just an E cam for a little performance boost. I'm on a bit of a budget and I'm not going to be building the motor.
3. I've got a grey interior at the moment but I wanted to switch to black since some things like the door panels and visors are in poor condition. Is it reasonable to buy all brand new black interior pieces save for the dash? What are my options?
I'm still trying to learn as much as I can about the car I have and any input I can get is appreciated. I'm hoping my budget doesn't run out but I really want to build this car right. My first project was a honda CRX which I restored (not riced out) and currently drive on a 60 mile commute to school. I spent $3600 on that and countless hours on the forums. Anyway, I'm glad to be here.