Starting point — what we're working with

Assessment of the vehicle condition before any work begins. Body rust, worn bushings throughout, subframe in better shape than expected.

Before touching anything, I wanted to document where the car actually is. It’s easy to forget the starting point once work is underway.

Suspension — current state

The original struts have been replaced by Tien Stree Basis coilovers. They look in great shape but the ride is rough. Every pothole (which Vancouver has a lot of) feels like it is about to send me to space. Not catastrophically bad, but clearly not made for daily driving.

The bushings are the bigger story. Left lower control arm and both rear trailing arm bushings are cracked and feel more loose than a button-up on a hot summer evening.

Plan: Full suspension refresh… is what I which I can say. This will happen with time and money. For now, making the car pleasant to drive is a priority. Thus, replace the left LCA, both bushings and find coilovers with dampening adjustability.

Subframe

Surprisingly solid. No rust or structural concerns. This was the thing I was most worried about — old Honda, Vancouver winters — but it’s held up.

Paint and Body Rust

The paint has seen much better days with many of the areas either having faded or flaking clear coat. Rusted wheel well panel and minor rust spots in the door frames. Nothing concerning.

Drivetrain

All four axle boots are torn and both axle seals are leaking. The clutch has been replaced by the previous owner, so overall it is a win.

Exhaust

HKS exhaust installed by previous owner. Loud and drones at highway speeds. Overall not the best pairing with the absolute lack of soundproofing on these cars.

Wheels and Tires

Both wheels and tires have seen much better days. 17in rims result in the tires rubbing everywhere the eye can see, in any steering position.

What’s next

First thing is to patch up the wheel wheel rust spot and replace the tires and the rims as I do not appreciate tire wires peeking out at me from beneath the rubber.

The car doesn’t need to be perfect. It needs to be right.