My other project car: Daily driver Honda civic (pics!)

OK, so as some of you know a few months ago I bought a civic as a reliable DD.
Heres some background on the situation:
At the beginning of the year I bought a 1995 Honda Civic EX with 213k miles on it off of my sister's friend for 1,500 cash. She bought the car when it was brand new back in 95 when she was 16. She was tired of it. I bought it with every intention of selling it for profit. So I got it and de-riced it and sold it for $2800 a few weeks later and spent the profit on the turbo build for the eclipse.
But I liked the car so much that I bought a lower mileage 95 coupe dx from my home boys dad (hes got like 10 hondas) a few months ago for a DD. Had 140k on it. Been wrecked before, ugly as sin, something to drive.
So I got it and like 3 weeks later it starts overheating due to the headgasket seaping. So much for reliablilty....:rolleyes: . So me and some of my mechanics tore it down and put on a new fel-pro HG, resurfaced the head, Dayco T-belt (lol), waterpump, intake mani gasket, valve cover gasket, and put on a megan racing UDP while we had it apart. So now the cars running good, and is way peppier than it used to be. Time to address the looks.
When I got it the paint was pure do-do. It was hardly red anymore...it was part red and part pink. Since the car was previously wrecked we put on the white front bumper, white hood, white passenger side fender, white rear bumper from our white DX parts car.
Anyways I painted the car myself! First full car I've ever painted.

We worked all day blocking/buffing the car and will be done tomorrow. So I will post up pics upon completion.

Here is the current mod list and a few pics of the car when I first got ( I'm debating on whether or not to post up the tease pics of my progress,lol)

1995 Honda Civic coupe DX
Mods:
Ebay intake
Megan UDP
Rice pipe
DIY paint job
Painted moldings/handles
little bit of bodywork
Eibach sportline springs (donated from the wrecked 94 civic coupe SI, RIP)
EX/SI wing
EX/SI rear specker deck (donated from wrecked SI)
Cheap door speakers
Old ass boo-boo head unit
Ebay chrome halo headlights
14" EX wheels/caps
Soon: 15" Rota slipstreams with dunlop tires (donated from 90 civic hatch project)
Got more mods but can't think of them right now!

Enjoy pics(sorry about quality...used the old poo-poo bo bo camera):

Front at night:
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/civicfrontnight-2.jpg

Ass end shot, in the shop
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/civicbackside.jpg

Workin on it
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/frontapart.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/frontapart2.jpg

One of my mechanics wiring the boo-boo head unit, being his retarted self
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/Raywiring.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/raywiring3.jpg

Looks pretty good. Cant tell how good the paint looks in these pics but at least its one color. Doesn't have to be perfect.

Thats the before pics of when I first got it. You can tell how the clear is coming off, especially on the roof. The car is now a totally different color which I wont reveal yet, but in the next few days when I finish blocking/buffing, I will post up pics of the finished product...you won't be able to tell its the same car. Won't be red anymore!

Teaser pic:
Current state of the car:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/DCP_0019.jpg

ooooo shes lookin perdy!! Nice color choice as well, more pics is deff. necessary for a successful thread.

Doesn't look to bad. Weren't you going to turbo it?

Yeah I love the color! And more pics are coming soon cause I'm gonna try and finish it today.

No this isnt the civic thats gonna get boosted. The 1990 civic hatch is though.
http://a558.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/114/l_acbe2d0b10de3735d93842b6b92da215.jpg

Yeah I love the color! And more pics are coming soon cause I'm gonna try and finish it today.

No this isnt the civic thats gonna get boosted. The 1990 civic hatch is though.
http://a558.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/114/l_acbe2d0b10de3735d93842b6b92da215.jpg


Ahh same car my friend drives with his LS-Vtec

Overall the civic is looking nice. You could always do a motor swap if you wanted something a bit peppier. They can be pretty cheap too depending on how and where you get the motor (and what motor it is). I'm sure you could probably atleast put a 1.8 LS motor in there. That'll be cheap as crap and it'll be a lot more peppy.

As far as my civic coupe goes, it won't be getting anymore mods, leaving the engine as stock as possible. Its a d15.

As far as the hatch goes, we've already pulled the d15 and swapped in a d16z6 vtec from the wrecked 94 si. The hatch will get turboed, probably t25 with supporting mods on factory internals.

But anyways here are some pics of yesterdays progress on my coupe:

This is my home boy Ray about to polish the roof after I just blocked it.
http://a997.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/126/l_6d1d0c3f46a271bc059b2a985a2da6dc.jpg


http://a963.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/69/l_915aa2e46946dcc051c1e2aab11e8b52.jpg


http://a394.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/45/l_4eb531fe0ef86a62d66584d50f32bce1.jpg

This is me blocking the wing, lookin all dirty and nasty
http://a22.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/107/l_b139418cda826b803fb0796189b8dc85.jpg


Dexters lazy ass.
http://a237.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/128/l_a775f46d886881112ceab8d9d955609c.jpg


Dexter pretending like he's painting
http://a112.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/51/l_aeb5409b1b750c379763e1b1f09f1317.jpg

Handpolishing FTL

I know yall didn't hand polish the whole damn thing?

Awesome color! Do you have a wiper/ rain tray to cover up the red?
Also, be careful, it's not good to wax a car w/ fresh paint.

ok I see the buffer now. How did the paint turn out polishing it with an orbital buffer?

Kittay - They aren't waxing the car, they are polishing the paint to remove the scratches from sanding

Yeah I got the stock plastic wiper cowl but it was off in the pics because I painted it black with some trim paint.

The paint looks pretty good so far. I have yet to block and buff the entire car. I blocked the entire roof and trunk and some areas where there was heavy spots. After that we buffed with some cutting compound then with polishing compound. Worked real good. The paint blings nicely.

I'm going to go outside and take some pics while I'm thinking about it.

10 minutes later:

Ok heres some pics as it sits now. Ignore the red bumper, its temporary. I'm in the process of painting the bumper off the white car green to go on this car. Also I forgot that this car has eibach sportline springs on it donated from the wrecked red 94 si.


http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/civicback-1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/civicback1-1.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/civicbackdriverquarter-1.jpg




http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/civicfrontthreequarter.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/civicfronttop.jpg

Looks nice, what'd you paint it with? Dupont, PPG? I'm assuming it wasn't rattle can because of the pics, and it looks like you know what you're doing, but it's not as shiny as it should be if you used the "right" stuff (not taking down your work, something just doesn't look right to me). Just be sure that you do not, I repeat, do not put sealable wax on that car for at least a couple months. If you have to wax it, use breathable stuff, otherwise the paint will not cure properly and will age like a mofo.

EDIT: I guess it's cloudy out in the pics, so that could be why.

Damn dude, you paint good! Any chance you want to come to MN and paint my car? :p

Did you guys do any body work? Any previous experience painting? Was it hard? I would love to have a fresh coat on my baby, but I dont want a shit job from Maaco, but I sure cant cough up several grand for a nice paint job either. Regardless, its going to be a couple years before I can do one or have one done.

Looks nice, what'd you paint it with? Dupont, PPG? I'm assuming it wasn't rattle can because of the pics, and it looks like you know what you're doing, but it's not as shiny as it should be if you used the "right" stuff (not taking down your work, something just doesn't look right to me). Just be sure that you do not, I repeat, do not put sealable wax on that car for at least a couple months. If you have to wax it, use breathable stuff, otherwise the paint will not cure properly and will age like a mofo.

EDIT: I guess it's cloudy out in the pics, so that could be why.

Thanks. Its PPG paints. Its deffinatly not rattle canned. Its base/clear. The car is actually very shiny, shinier than I thought it would come out.
It blings real nice, trust me:smokin: . It was cloudy outside on the day I took the pics, it was about to rain. The whole car hasn't even been buffed yet, I only wetsanded and buffed the heavy spots.
I'm glad it looks like I know what I'm doing, because the truth is I didn't know a whole lot going into this project. I knew a good bit but I'm not a pro by anymeans. As my shop teacher would say, "I know just enough to be dangerous". But no I havent waxed it.

Thor-
Thanks alot! And no I'm not painting for you. My homeboy is getting a late 80's 300z turbo that I'm gonna do up for him for more practice. I think once I get a few more under my belt I will be pretty skeet. As far as bodywork goes.... The cars front bumper, hood, and passenger fender were destroyed beyond repair. Good thing we got a white DX parts car, thats where those panels came from. The hood is kinda poop though, but better than what was on it. But I didnt do any metal work, I did some light body filler work, but no metal work or anything, don't know how to do that yet, nor do I have the tools, but one day I will learn.
Do I have any experience painting? No, not on a car. I have done some minor work like painting door handles, and touching up bumpers and what have you, and other small stuff. When I was younger I built alot of 1/25 scale model cars. I done somewhere over 100 of them. I painted all of those by rattle can, but I got so good with rattle can painting that you can't tell its rattle canned. I have also done probably 10 or so lexan r/c car bodies. SO basically this was my first large scale project, and I'm very pleased with the outcome.

Damn son, thats awesome. After I get my shit fast I am going to have to make a run at it myself (expect multiple very extensive PM's in like 2 years). :smokin:

The paint on the purple people eater looks pretty good. A good buff would probably make a good difference. But yea send all the PM's you want. 2 years from now I should have a couple more under my belt, so I will be able to help you some.

Ha ha, yeah, I figured I would just touch it up.... fix the rust and dings, respray them, throw a couple extra coats of clear on it all and buff the bitch until she shines like Mr. Clean's head. :p

Well if you got the hands for it man you'r gonna do good for yourself. I thik it looks BAMF! My paint looks like ass, got tear drops right under my headlamps.:banghead:


I paid a guy $300 to do my paint job, If I would have known it was going to turn out the way it did, I would have gone for it myself. I bet it would have come out sweet as balls.

Wow, been almost 2 years since I updated this car. I got some things coming for it in the next few weeks, so before I get into all that, I wanted to show what I have done to the car recently.

This is the way the car has been for the last year or so:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/Captured2009-4-500006.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/Captured2009-4-500007.jpg

So basically since you guys seen the car last time, I just added some different wheels, tinted the windows, smoked the tails, and some small other details here and there.

A few months ago I got tired of looking at the boring paint so....I bought 2 new paint guns, and a new air compressor and went to work.

This is how it looks right now. I need to finish painting the sideskirts, paint and install the moldings, and wetsand and buff the whole car.

Tell me what you think, so far:

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/l_67d7395b810a475d9681d22ed3131d12.jpg

I think the black rims look better then the new ones. But other then that, looks good.

wow, you put those two cars next to eachother and it makes realize how good those 2gs look. People still think my car is from like 2002.

I like it, although the white looks a little flat compared to the green, have you buffed it yet?

Thanks, but no, as I stated in my previous post, I have yet to wetsand and buff the car. I work very slowly, lol.

I needed some new tires on the white rims, so I decided while I have the tires off is the perfect time to repaint them. So, I stripped them down, primed them and painted them in Toyota Super White. Let me know what you think.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/PHTO0002.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a228/nilla_pimp/PHTO0001.jpg

There super duper sexy!!!1!

Thanks!!1!
The photos, just do not portray the full essence of the beauty of these wheels.
I really am suprised at how good they came out. Especially since I had never sprayed a single stage paint up until now. I just got the paint to lay down so perfect. Almost made me believe that I knew what I was doing.

You did that in only one spray? Nice!1!!

Did!!!!1! thank you

Ya those look really good. Going to clearcoat them or leave as is?

Single stage paint has clear in it. On 2 stage you spray your base coat then clear that

jason is right. There is no need to add a clear. Even if there was the recoat window is far gone. They are on the car now so i will post up pics later.

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/42/l_f3ce4a3856bd43dfa46f7447d3282050.jpg

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/83/l_1629c2e3049841bca2168f7f21da7d73.jpg

http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/69/l_c401f6b5302b47b792e63307047e5947.jpg

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/78/l_ee546df7ee10440b99eca7138fe5a70d.jpg

Looks great! Nice work.

Paint mine black now!

Thanks alot man, I appreciate it.

Lol, prep your car (and I mean ready to spray) and drop it off at my house with the paint and plenty of masking tape, and pick it up in two days. And bring $100 bucks.

But I'm supposed to be painting one of my buddie's cavalier's. Its one of his cars but his wife drives it and he wants to fix it up. He wants to go some crazy exotic color. He says he will get it to me in about a month, but he is just as big of a procrastinator as I am, so we probably wont ever get around to it, lol.

Lol, prep your car (and I mean ready to spray) and drop it off at my house with the paint and plenty of masking tape, and pick it up in two days. And bring $100 bucks.


How about I drop the car off to you with $250 cash for supplies (keep the change) and you do all the work, and then I'll give you another $250 when done? Sound good?

Oh ya, BTW, I need that dent and the scratches from the fence fixed as well. Thanks.

Sounds good to me. I cant gaurauntee the quality of the work (especially the metal work).

Sounds good to me. I cant gaurauntee the quality of the work (especially the metal work).

You like being able to walk? Then you can gaurauntee the quailty :chair:

j/k :cheers:

Lol, considering I have a titanium rod in my left leg with a bunch of screws and shit, and went through physical therapy for 4 months....Yes I really appreciate the ability to walk.

Lol, considering I have a titanium rod in my left leg with a bunch of screws and shit, and went through physical therapy for 4 months....Yes I really appreciate the ability to walk.

And of course now I look like a dick. My bad

And of course now I look like a dick. My bad

You dick....




























:smooch:

Lol, its cool. Its not like you hurt my feelings or anything, I was just trying to make you feel bad.....and look like a dick. Job well done I guess, lol.