I love my 89 EF project (with B18C), but when I go to the dealer and find that a part I want is no longer available, it drives me crazy! I may just go postal when the next parts guy tells me that they don't keep parts available for the "old cars".

But you have to ask what makes a car "old". It's all a matter of being able to keep the car looking and running good for a reasonable price.

I know that Honda isn't alone in stopping supplying parts on cars that are 15 years old. <U>Most manufacturers are only interested in making the initial new car sale.</U>

What has prompted this post is that I've been thinking about building a 1990 BMW M3 and didn't want to get into the same situation of parts availability. So, I went to the local dealer and started asking about what parts are still available.

It seems like BMW stands behind it's cars and the heritage they represent. As an example, I asked if it's possible to buy a new grill for a 1970 2002. The answer is yes, there are 4 in the US and even if they were not there, they could be gotten through the German supplier.

Need a replacement rear quarter panel for a 1991 CRX that was in an accident? They are no longer available. A body shop would have to use an aftermarket panel (ill fitting and would require more time to get straight) or get one out of a junk yard (additional time required for removing the sections not needed).

<U>I'm not asking for Honda to sell parts at a loss, just to make them available!</U> If they feel that they are manufacturing a quality automobile, then they should make an effort to keep them on the road and in good condition. Are they of the opinion that after 15 years, the cars should just be thrown away?

<U>BMW can do it, why can't Honda?</U>

This doesn't even bring up the concept of "brand loyalty" that should be thought about when dealing with a sizable amount of people that are dealing with their first car and would be looking for a new car, once out of college.

Thanks for listening and please post your opinions.

Wes Vann

 

there is just not a demand. Most cars that get in a accident bad enough to need a new quarter will get totaled anyways.

We're in the tough years between the manufacturer stopping production of parts and the aftermarket realizing the demand and producing quality reproductions. 10 yeras from now i'm sure i'll be able to call someone up and get a brand new quarter panel just like you can for a Chevelle or Barracuda.

 

When a car is "totaled", it's just function of the fact that repair costing more than the value of the car.

As for reproduction parts, they will never be made available for our cars and even if a company stepped up to make them, Honda would sue them for copywrite infringement (I know this from building older performance cars).

Wes

 

I'm sorry about being "testy" but the situation really bugs me.

Wes

 

That's cause BMW breaks down more often than a Honda.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EL Vap133 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That's cuase BMW breaks down more often than a Honda. </TD></TR></TABLE>

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EL Vap133 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That's cause BMW breaks down more often than a Honda. </TD></TR></TABLE>


see bart arn't you glad you didn't sell the krx and got that bmw you said you got. lol.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Wes V &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">When a car is "totaled", it's just function of the fact that repair costing more than the value of the car.

As for reproduction parts, they will never be made available for our cars and even if a company stepped up to make them, Honda would sue them for copywrite infringement (I know this from building older performance cars).

Wes</TD></TR></TABLE>

Of course, but our little "scene" isn't exactly a huge demand for parts at this time, especially at Honda prices.

As far as reproduction parts... how do companies like Year-One get away with it? And there are already patch panels made for the Civic. No idea on how they fit but i've seen pictures that looked like they were close.

Not arguing but it's a economics thing. A company is required to keep stock parts available for 10 years and Honda's policy is 15 years.

 

Actually, it is because cars are so disposable in Japan. In Japan it is cheaper to buy a new car than to keep an old one on the road. They are very strict with vehicle inspections, and even minor body damage is a reason to make a car "unsafe". Most guys in Japan who do have older cars, either do the work themselves, own a shop, or have the money.

Some cars with a cult following contine to have parts produced, ie corolla's and 180's.

There is a lot of love for old american heritage and therefore companies have gotten permission to reproduce parts under license. Until someone does it the right way with Honda and demonstrates demand without cutting into new vehicle sales, we're kinda up a creek. That is why it is even more inportant to take care of what you have an not hack it up.

 

I totally understand that the situation in Japan is different in regards to the regulations covering older cars, but I don't feel that's a good excuse when we are talking about the US market.

I also know that Honda isn't alone in this practice.

As for companies making reproductions (sold through places like Year One), normally the part is slightly different in order to dodge around the copywrite issues. If it's an exact copy, then they have to pay royalities to G.M. (or whomever). I know this due to my last project having been a 64 Chevelle 2 door wagon (and got to know people in the industry real well).

And in regards to El Vap's comment about BMW's breaking down more than Honda's, he is just being funny and pulling my chain at a time when he knows I'm pissed. (an easy target, just aim for the shiny bald head)

Wes

 

I know exactly what you mean. My 88 M3 never stays down for long because I can source parts for it fairly easy, not cheap but fairly easy. When something goes wrong on my HF, I cringe.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by EL Vap133 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That's cause BMW breaks down more often than a Honda. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Usually I would agree but my CRX breaks more than my E30 and the bitch is 2 years younger.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Wes V &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">And in regards to El Vap's comment about BMW's breaking down more than Honda's, he is just being funny and pulling my chain at a time when he knows I'm pissed. (an easy target, just aim for the shiny bald head)

Wes</TD></TR></TABLE>

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Kalokohan &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I know exactly what you mean. My 88 M3 never stays down for long because I can source parts for it fairly easy, not cheap but fairly easy. When something goes wrong on my HF, I cringe.


Usually I would agree but my CRX breaks more than my E30 and the bitch is 2 years younger.</TD></TR></TABLE>


Actually I was being somewhat serious. I have only had three incidents of "breaking down" on me in the whole time I have owned Hondas. One was a timing belt on my Teg, the other two times were a blown radiator.

 

You have to look at it from the Dealer's point of view. They arent going to stock everything made 15 yrs ago for every single part.
But on the other hand, that person on the sales counter may have just been lazy to order the part for you. While some parts for older vehicles are already out of production, there are still plenty of parts in the Honda warehouses that are still available for the dealer to order. It just may take several days to get but its still available.

Even new parts such as main and rod bearings. No honda dealer will stock these parts since there isnt alot of demand for these for regular people. We probably stock more Honda bearings than most dealers. In this case, when we get them from our source, it takes several days to restock our pile and theyre obviously getting them from their own main Honda warehouse.

 

exospeedAMcrx;

I'm not talking about the dealer! I agree that it wouldn't be fair to them to stock a lot of stuff. What I'm talking about the is manufacturer and what they keep in their main distribution hubs.

I've got no problem with waiting a couple days for a part (due to my Honda not being my main transportation).

Heck, certain parts I'd be willing to wait for them to come from Japan (or Canada, which is where my hatchback was assembled). And I'm not talking about JDM only parts.

Wes

 

what parts were you looking for anyways? Maybe I can help in sourcing some parts out.

 

exospeedAMcrx;

Your offer is very generous but doesn't address what I feel is that Honda is washing their hands of us.

Examples of what I'd like to be able to walk in and buy are things like the black plastic trim piece that goes on the drivers side glass (the type without the seat belt mounted on the door). This is something I can find in a junk yard after digging around or searching on E-bay. But I'd like to just be able to buy one at the dealer. It's the type thing that breaks when taking the car apart for painting.

Another is a set of replacement EX hubs. As I understand it, the spindle is already discontinued and has always been rather hard to find here in Calif. The DA hub may work, but once again, I'd really like to be able to just buy one at the dealer (in reality, the hub may still be available).

I guess what I'm getting at is that locating parts to keep the car looking good and running well shouldn't require having a circle of friends or salvaging parts off of another car.

Wes

 

I guess another way to state my point of view would be to make the question;

How would you feel if you had a car that was only 4 years old and the factory started discontinuing parts for it? If it got into a fender bender and you couldn't buy a replacement fender and the dealer told you to just get one out of a junk yard?

Wes

 

I've been wondering what you've been up to lately Wes. As it turns out, you've been sitting in the corner shining your head and hyperventilating about Honda! hahahaha

But yeah man, I agree that it would be highly preferable to be able to get a new Honda part for our cars from Honda, rather than digging one up at a junkyard or on Ebay.

The one time I've had to deal with aftermarket replacement parts (new front bumper from Cert-i-fit) I had fitment problems so bad that I couldn't even use the part.

 

Yeah BMW is pretty good about supplying parts although some have become NLA, rare and really expensive. Sure you can get E30 M3 parts but don't expect them to be cheap. The factory raced the M3 and it was a big success for them so I think they have a sort of appreciation for it, at least those who remember it. The new guys at the parts counter might think the first M3 came out in 95 though.

As stated earlier, Hondas especially pre early 90's were consider disposable cars. They'd service their owners, be used, eventually get wrecked and crushed. Honda probably didn't see that years later we'd be doing engine swaps, upgrading electronics and racing these tiny econo cars. The CRX turned out to be cult car that has always been popular, too bad they aren't supporting it anymore.

 

That does indeed suck. But just as it took a while for quality replacement parts for old VW's, Datsun's and eve a few old Toyota's - we may have to wait our turn until someone realizes there is a cult following for such a great little car we have.

I almost got a Del Sol for just that reason, newer, more parts available and all the little daily extras you might want in a DD. Then I thought about it and said screw that, I want my raw little CRX that is just a hell of a lot more fun.

Until then gentlemen, we may have to make do with poor repro parts and just make friends with a damn good body guy. Otherwise, we may all end up with 4 or 5 parts cars waiting to be culled. There are far too many CRX's being taken to the junker for no real good reason. Even a partially rusted shell is worth a few panels.

 

With older cars, I feel like you should buy them in pairs. One to drive and the other for parts. Unfortunately, not everyone has room for that in their yard (and nix that if you're from a city).

But look on the bright side, discontinued parts gives you an incentive to swap in parts of newer Hondas. You'll have no problems finding parts for a K series!

But I know what you mean.

 

&lt;----Currently bummed about car being sidelined for an extensive period of time awaiting Corrado rotors to arrive in the mail from NAPA.

No store anywhere near me carries them in stock.

Also, I ordered an E-brake cable through NAPA and they cancled the order due to them not being able to find the part. The parts are just not there anymore.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Wes V &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I guess another way to state my point of view would be to make the question;

How would you feel if you had a car that was only 4 years old and the factory started discontinuing parts for it? If it got into a fender bender and you couldn't buy a replacement fender and the dealer told you to just get one out of a junk yard?

Wes</TD></TR></TABLE>

it's starting with the ITR's already...

 

I feel your pain, I'm looking at $1800 for a new auto tranny and a rebuild from aafco transmissions for a 92 chevy cavalier.

 

I remember a couple of years ago, someone was selling oem, unused CRX rear quarter panels for a few hundred dollars. I regret not buying those to this day.