Hey guys. I just bought a 1995 Honda Civic EX a week ago with 3 months of long hard work at McDonald's. It's registered and licensed, and I am about to insure it. But before I dedicate it to be a full on daily driver (I plan to get a second job) I want to clean it up a bit. I got the car as a great deal for 1000 bucks. It is nearly immaculate. The only problems I know of:
1. Small rust patches on the rear quarterpanels
2. VERY small dents behind the doors
3. Intermittently functional speedometer.
4. Dysfunctional temperature gauge.
5. Entire air conditioning system removed.
6. Last owner installed a 5 inch exhaust tip, so it is really loud.

After using the built-in OBD-I system (Shorted the yellow/green wire harness under the glove box to use it) I got a Code 17.... which means a faulty speed sensor. And guess what? I already knew that.

Other than that it is mechanically sound. 5 speed, good clutch, starts up right quick, smooth clutch action, lights are all good, interior has a few cigarette burns on the seats, but it is in mint condition as far as 1000 dollar cars go. Hasn't given me a single problem yet, and I have driven it almost 200 miles now. (I did leave my lights on and drained the battery, but a friend's trickle charger fixed that overnight).

SOOOO..... my question.

The exhaust manifold is rusty, and I was wondering if I could take it off to sand it down and clean it. Is there anything I should know before doing this? Is this an all day job? Do I need a jack stand or need to get under the car? Will it throw a code or not start up when I turn it back on? Will I die?

Also, if anyone is curious as to how I scored such a deal, I went to Chicago to look at it after seeing it online. Turns out the place where they sold it dealt only with high end cars and muscle cars, and they got the Honda in a package deal, so they just wanted a quick flip. I believed them. You shoulda seen the Cobra and the Corvettes there. Anyway, I'm not complaining.

So if anyone can help me out here, maybe tell me exactly what to look out for, that'll be great.

 

honestly, i wouldnt wory about the manifold.... they are made of cast iron and if you manage to get the rust off, it will be right back liek that in a few months.. thats just how they are

 

I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT THE CAR HAS JUST UNDER 139K MILES ON IT. FOR A 95, THAT SEEMS QUITE GOOD.

 

i would fix the problems with it well before worrying about some cosmetic rust on a cast iron part. if you were really worried about it you could put the heat shield back on.

 

One year later and the header still looks exactly the same. Wow... what a year it's been with my civic. The only issue I had was a starter problem, and it just needed new terminals soldered on. 18 years old and still going strong. Thanks, OEM Honda starters.