Pooby88

I just picked up a '97 DX hatch. It was hit lightly in the front end. It needs headlights, fenders, and front bumper.

Now here's my questions: I've never owned an 96-00 civic before, so I'm not sure of what my options are. I've heard of some people swapping headlights to the 99-00 style. What all is required to do the swap? Can anyone post pics of the two different style headlights? I'm not sure how they differ.

Also, can anyone recommend a good supplier to order the parts from? I know genuine Honda is best, but I want to consider going with cheaper stuff if it is comparable in quality. With what I need, I'm looking at about $700 from Honda. I've seen other websites offering the same parts for half or less than Honda. Has anyone used such parts? Do they look like ****? If anyone has pics of their car with the cheaper parts installed, that would be great to see.

Thanks.

hapexamendios 2.0

your best bet would be a junkyard so you get OEM quality but much cheaper and sometimes dont need to paint at all, another option is http://www.certifit.com they have really good prices and ive heard that the fitment is very good
EDIT: all your parts need to be 96-98 or 99-00 no mix and match, so if you have to replace all those parts anyways, you might consider going for the 99-00's nicer (imo) look, but any 96-98 or 99-00 body style will work, 2,3,4 door doesnt matter except the sedans have chrome trim around the frint grill

Pooby88

Thanks. If I go with the 99-200 style, will it be enough to replace the lights, fenders, and bumper? Will I need to replace, or rewire anything else, or is it all bolt on and easy?

ICU

You're also going to need to replace the hood and the grill.

Here's a write up:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=790135

hapexamendios 2.0

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ICU &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">You're also going to need to replace the hood and the grill.

Here's a write up:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=790135</TD></TR></TABLE>lol, i could have sworn i saw hood in his list of things to replace sorry dude, still worth it imo to change to 99-00, you could always sell the hood if its any good

mugenpowered

Obviously can't say that this will always be the case but I know that replica OEM bumpers often have problems fitting lips on (at the sides especially), if you are planning on that might want to test fit it at the least if possible.
And when doing the conversion you have to drill two more holes in the firewall if you want everyting to bolt up.
You could also do a 1.6EL front conversion but I hear that needs some different wiring.

KtHaNxBai

i dont care what people say, never but aftermarket parts,
buy oem.
certfit's parts are horrrible, and seem like there made outta sode cans. thin *** metal. its garbage.

JeffBro

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by galaxykid70 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i dont care what people say, never but aftermarket parts,
buy oem.
certfit's parts are horrrible, and seem like there made outta sode cans. thin *** metal. its garbage. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Thats one decent reason but there is a MUCH more critical reason to use oem parts. The oem parts have special "crumple zones" that allow them to smash up in a safe manner when you get in an accident. those aftermarket parts probably dont have those and whne you get in a accident don't blame us when your hood comes thru your windsheild and cleaves off ur head.