i have a really cool old honda accord cvcc 78 with 70,000 miles. it has sat a little and i think the carb must need a good rebuild because it smokes a little every time i start it. i was thinking of putting in a webber carb, but i have never installed a new carburetor before and was wondering how difficult it is to get the thing in, get the timing down, and all that.
i have also been looking for some new/used wheels, the 78's have the rare 4x120 bolt pattern. is it possible to do a wheel bolt pattern conversion?

 

Not mine.....here some old Accord wheels, no caps, kinda pricey though.
I used to have 2 sets of there, sold there way cheaper than this ad.
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/pts/1726581312.html

 

Here's a link to how I upgraded my '79 Accord to Honda's newer 4x100 stud pattern including CR-X vented front disc's & Prelude rear discs but obviously it becomes a pretty thorough exercise... But if you find the brakes need work anyway.....
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2051977/3





As noted period Accord alloys can sometimes be found, the dealers known for adding accessories to justify charging more for a car that was in demand and hard to get when new, and there are the factory limited edition '81 Accord SE wheels in the US (in the craigslist link), though you will be limited to 13".

The cylinder heads rubber valve seals may have expired & be a factor in smoking.. As of course might worn valve guides & general engine wear regardless of mileage if an engine has not been cared for.... & do remember early Honda odometers clock themselves at 100,000 so it becomes difficult to tell if a car has done 70,000, 170,000 or 270,000 if it has been cared for.

The Carburetors often leak if left unused for a long period with their seals drying out & shrinking, some stop again after soaking up fuel again?
The CVCC carburetors are renowned for their added complexity for their lean/rich stratified fuel mixing to meet emissions requirements, so webber conversions aren't unheard of though might pose problems matching original emissions targets without the addition of a cat-converter & would obviously need appropriate jetting & tuning.
I can point to this thread for a tiny bit of info but I am sure there is more about. Possibly on the 1stgencivic forum if not the Accord forum.
http://www.3geez.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63628

 

thanks a lot. now that accord looks good!
I am still at the point where i have to get the car running well. I think i am going to stick with the stock carb, and have a professional look at it (a Honda certified tech, who is a friend of the family).... he says the same thing you did about the valves being old.
there are very few 1st generation hondas in kansas, so info is hard to find, so thank you