Hi,
My Prelude got stolen and I'm thinking of buying a Del Sol. Apparently, though, the removable roofs leak during heavy rain. Is there a known fix for this? It's a 93 si.

Also, if you guys think there's anything else I should know about Del Sols, 1.6L SOHC VTEC, feel free to educate me!

Thanks,
-Dan

 

Get new seals (not the correct word) or they might be called window lining or something, go to honda and find out, i still have to do that also.

 

Adjust the top to seal up tighter,have to look at it and see if the seals are shot or what the deal is.

 

So then, normally it doesn't do this when the seals are new? This problem is just due to age?

 

there's no trunk lid opener for 93-94

 

^thats a good thing, i put my steering wheel in there.

 

You'll be very happy with the car, trust me.

The interior just wraps around you like a cockpit almost, its just a good feeling that I like about it.

There's no backseat but who cares? I never liked giving ppl rides anyhow so this is a plus in my opinion, it instead is replaced with a nice little storage area. I plan on replacing mine with a custom sub box which ill post up if and when I ever get it finished.

As for the seals its normally an easy fix, Adjust the top to fit down tighter or give it the old silicone treatment. The seals go bad over time its not a common thing. The seals on the top are the common ones to go bad first, Those will run you about $125ish for a new set. The rear which is more Uncommon to go will run you around $400+ but that one covers the top and left and right windows its about 2 meters long. Ive replaced all mine and spent more then i had to because i changed the rear first and then the top when all i needed was the new top seal.

There's also a leak proplem with the trunk, I never had the proplem myself but from the how to's I've read it can be fixed normally for under $20 in parts.

As for the no trunk release for the 93 BIG DEAL, I have one on mine and I rarely use it if ever, do to the fact I leave my top off often in the summer so i don't want to make it to easy to get in my trunk. So i simple disable the thing and use my key to open it.

The SI has a nice little kick to it power wise, its nothing that will blow you away by any means but for the small car im happy with my D16z6. Sure id like to get a B-series for more power but for now the D series is nice.

Modifying the car isn't the easiest thing to do. Engine wise, and suspension its the same as the Civics. the shift linkage is different along with the engine mounts. Other then that the fenders and interior is all different and made for the Sol's only. So if your looking to customize it there, be prepared to spend a good chunk of change or do a lot of customization. Personally I like mine the way it is, did some stuff to it only to put it all back stock.

Anything else feel free to message me!

 

the engine mounts are the same as a civic....

 

Thanks for the long reply, with price numbers and everything. Good to have some solid feedback.

I would get a little thrill out of having two seats, I've more often regretted having passenger-legal rear seats in my Prelude than been glad about them. It was kind of nice to have a clothes-hanger hook, but whatev.

The lack of a trunk popper is annoying because you have to turn off the car to get in there.

I do like the little cockpit feel. This car has no A/C, so it's quite minimalist, and I dig that. It's kind of funny how it's clearly a JDM car that was perfunctorily modified for USDM sale: large sun visors with little ones tucked in for tall Americans, etc.

The VTEC in this car barely does anything. You can kind of feel it in first, barely in 2nd, and if you listen really close you can hear the change in the taller gears. I wonder if the engine is in great shape.

Also, this car is dropped on Tokico suspension but it doesn't handle that great, even with Falken Azenis. My all-stock Prelude S with 153,000 miles and shot shocks weighed more and rolled around a lot less. This car's handling is borderline ghett0-fabulous. I raced autox for two years and this is really important to me.

Dan

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by LudemanDan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">So then, normally it doesn't do this when the seals are new? This problem is just due to age?</TD></TR></TABLE>

The 93-94 roof seals were redesigned in 95. The new seals for your 93 will be with the new design... they are a PITA to replace (or even adjust - as others have suggested but it rarely fixes the leak).

The trunk-popper from a 95 will bolt up. Not having one saved my amp.

 

For the del sol leaky targa top issue (which was there from day one really) I simply put 1/2 inch wide by 1/8 thick rubber seal strips on the top itself where the top sits on the existing rubber seals. I got a 16 ft roll of this stuff called Thlevel 16/5M Automotive Weather Seal from Amazon for $12. No more putting up with Honda and their parts shortages. It is self adhesive and attaches to the top not the existing weather strip. Took 5 minutes and done.

 

It's.....not a parts shortage.....it's discontinued......