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Just got a 98 civic lx with 157k miles in mint condition completely unmolested and absolutly no rust! Ive been wanting a civic since I was a kid but always seemed to only own accords. Got some plans for it but its going to be my daily driver so nothing really crazy. Solid comfortable suspension light motor upgrades maybe a turbo just because I never had one lol. Just want a nice and clean looking civic thats fun to drive pics tomorrow. Thanks for looking!
I would hit the plastic with 303 protectant, buff down that paint and you would have yourself a rather clean starting point. Congrats on the fresh start
I would hit the plastic with 303 protectant, buff down that paint and you would have yourself a rather clean starting point. Congrats on the fresh start
So today I'm starting to scout for suspension parts. Is it easier to just buy new control arms or replace bushings and ball joints? I've heard mixed stories about this. Any help will be appreciated
New lca=save time during installation
bushings replacement = cost a lil less, need press for removal and installation
decide for yourself. Mix reviews mean just that. Decide what is best for you.
or buy all parts and have shop do the work.
So I've decided just to go the less expensive route and just rebuild it. Going to start with my brakes. New brake pads and rotors on their way to me now.
Update
Been busy with work but I did install the brake pads and rotors. Ended up having to drill out the rotor retainer screws, but got it done.
Buying another Civic so this one this one going full project lol. I'm not rich or even have alot of money and eBay has a wealth of mass produced parts for these cars so I'm going full eBay build. If it works great if not I'll just do it again. I've always heard people saying how bad eBay parts are but I've also seen many people have good luck with eBay parts. So I just HAVE to know for myself. So that being said the tie rods are shot so I'm going to go ahead and order a suspension rebuild kit.
Don't have any pictures from the brake job but will take a few for the suspension rebuild.
Update
I've always heard people saying how bad eBay parts are but I've also seen many people have good luck with eBay parts. So I just HAVE to know for myself.
One trick you can do to sort out some of the cheap crap from ebay is to goto aliexpress.com and do a search for the same part you saw on ebay.
I don't know how many times I saw the same exact parts/ads on ebay marked up for crap from aliexpress.
People buy a bulk from aliexpress then ebay it with some markup to make money but it's the same chinese cheapo stuff. If it's not cheap on aliexpress, then it's more likely to be quality made (like forged rods and pistons) but it's still a crap shoot.
One trick you can do to sort out some of the cheap crap from ebay is to goto aliexpress.com and do a search for the same part you saw on ebay.
I don't know how many times I saw the same exact parts/ads on ebay marked up for crap from aliexpress.
People buy a bulk from aliexpress then ebay it with some markup to make money but it's the same chinese cheapo stuff. If it's not cheap on aliexpress, then it's more likely to be quality made (like forged rods and pistons) but it's still a crap shoot.
Best of luck on your ebay build. Cheers.
Yeah, I do my research before I buy parts. However I know eventually I'll replace certain things with quality parts. Looking forward to the months ahead!
As of now waiting on suspension parts in mail and scouting for a k series block to start building. By the time the motor is ready the car itself should be ready as well. Giving myself plenty of time for this build just so I can make sure I don't overlook anything. Will post pics of the suspension parts when they come in any minute now. Went with Detroit axle parts. Come with 2 year replacement warranty and a human picks up the phone when I call them. So if all goes good here will move on to the rear suspension. Getting my windows tinted in 2 weeks as well (hate fishbowling lol) thinking about also selling the 2 15s I have in the trunk and getting some 12s since the box for the 15s only go in and out after removing rear seats and then it takes up whole trunk lol. Love my music and bass even though it adds so much weight.
So I changed the upper control arm and tie rods. Had the lower BJs inspected by Big O tires before getting an alignment. Said they was just fine. Had a problem getting it aligned so they didn't charge me... A few blocks from the tire shop this happened... No I did not change the lower BJs. Coming around the square in downtown and the car hit the ground and came to a halt. Ripped the axle out the tranny and all. After inspecting the bj, looks like it was cross threaded and the castle nut and pin was nowhere to be found. Tow truck driver even looked for it never found... Taking to to small claims court. So looks like I'm doing a tranny swap sooner than expected.
Where did it break at? the stud portion or the whole bal joint came off the base?
The ball joint looks to have been tampered with. Ball joint still in one piece but the threads are gone almost as if it were cross threaded. That's what I think happened.
Update- Going to be swapping the tranny just because it was already acting up and now that it's not on the road I have time to do so. Going to be swapping to a 5 speed. Saving up a few hundred bucks and going to go to upull it and get what I need. So that's where I stand as of now.
Finally got my First Civic!
