I've always wanted a CRX. Several of my friends had them back in the late 80s/early 90s but I got into VWs. I picked up a Hatch a few years back but what I always wanted was a CRX so I casually looked but never found anything that worked. I knew the problems that I had finding parts for my Hatch so I wanted a straight body and complete interior. After moving to Texas working a/c was also a priority. Because of my many other hobbies I did not want to spend $7k either. Recently I found a 1990 DX that fit the bill. It was a one-family car. Guy's sister was the original buyer and I got the manual with the original bill of sale. She eventually gave it to her son who surprisingly didn't tear it up or paint it neon green. He drove it for a few years but opted not to take it back to college last year so she sold it to him. He drove it for a year but recently decided to move and can't take 3 vehicles so it was up for sale. It has high miles (250k) but I'm not worried. Interior is complete and the body is straight. It needs paint. The clear coat was peeling bad so the guy tried sanding and getting it ready for paint. I checked it out and confirmed that it ran well enough, a/c worked, didn't need anything major and the title was good. Got it for $1200 and he threw in an extra set of wheels. Here it is as I brought it home...





The owner had just bought these wheels/tires and I thought that they were hideous. I put the steelies that he included in the deal on and sold them on craigslist to fund new ones. I'm also not a fan of the knock-off clear corners either. Here's a few shots...







I drove it a few days to determine what it needed and come up with a plan of attack. One of the tires would not hold air so I decided to accelerate my wheel/tire plan. The stereo was broken as well. I knew it needed service so my tentative plan was:

1. Get it up to date on services.
2. Get some solid rubber on it.
3. Replace the stereo.
4. Do a few aesthetic things to make it more enjoyable in the short-term.
5. Drive it for the rest of the summer until it cools down, switch back to the Hatch which does not have working a/c.

Over the winter:

1. Suspension, it's going to be a daily so 1 or 1.5 inch drop at the most.
2. Paint
3. Exhaust
4. Some sort of motor rebuild.

 

Time to do work...



Changed oil and filter. Changed coolant and transmission fluid. Replaced fuel filter and air filter. New plugs and wires. New distributor cap and rotor. Replaced the 02 sensor and PCV valve. Added some fuel injector cleaner too.

This is for fun...



A working stereo makes a difference on my daily commute.

 

New wheels/tires...Enkei Classic Compe (15x7) and Yokohama S-Drives (195/50/R15). I was leaning towards Rota Slips but decided that I wanted something "different".

 

One of my first mods...I have a DC2 console in my Hatch and cupholders are a must...so, I did the DC2 mod and relocated the lighter. I have another center console if I ever decide to return to OEM. I also installed a spare lighter/power port for my GPS. I run the cord up through the dash, out from the screw cover behind the cluster cover to my GPS. I hate cords showing in the way.

 

A little detail, I love the feel of these shift ***** and have them in both of my EFs...

 

Found some mint bumpers on craigslist. A guy put a body kit on his CRX 15 years ago and left these in his mother's attic. She was moving and wanted them gone. Near perfect condition and the front bumper has the OEM lip. On a local forum I found some Si seats so I made a day of driving around for hours picking up parts and hitting salvage yards. Scored an extra headlamp, an EK center console for a future mod and a spare DC2 cupholder. Best part was averaging 37 mpg running around the Dallas-Fort Worth area.



Headlamps were cracked and leaking as were the bumper lights...I also wasn't a fan of the fake JDM corners. I bought some amber bumper lights and corners off ebay. I know they aren't OEM but I like the way that they look and the fit is surprisingly good. I didn't feel like searching the world for Stanley turn signals. I did pick up a nice pair of OEM headlamps off craigslist from a guy parting out an Si. Free license plate frame from my Skunk 2 order.





Steam-cleaned these Si seats and patched a bolster hole. They will do for a while.

 

Momo Quark steering wheel and NRG quick-release hub.



Blackworks Racing shift boot

 

How she sits now...



I need to tint the windows as well. I'll probably do a few minor cosmetic things but nothing big until fall/winter. I'm still researching struts/springs and I got an estimate on paint. I still need to put the new bumpers on as well. Right now it's running well and is fun to drive. After the suspension/paint/exhaust I'm going to look into doing some sort of motor rebuild and MPFI swap. I want to retain the a/c so nothing too crazy. I just want a fresh, reliable motor for years to come.

Driveway is getting full...

 

sweet.

looking at the one interior pic... do you have the rear speaker pods? or am i mistaken? ether way, try to source a set.

oh, and can't go wrong with a gc/koni combo. look in the marketplace for deals. a good suggestion would be thmotorsports..... she really needs a drop.

 

Yes, it has the rear speaker pods. Konis/Ground Controls are my first choice but I may go with something more economical since this will be a daily driver and will not likely see any track use. I am holding off on any major work until it cools down and I switch back to my Hatch for fall/winter. Then I can take the CRX off the road and concentrate on the suspension, exhaust and getting it painted. Still doing research on suspension so any advice is appreciated. I need to look at a motor rebuild as well because I want it to be reliable for the long run. It's got high miles but no big deal.

 

It looks like you have a very good start on a great car! Love the wheels, they are a bit more interesting than traditional Panasports and that color really works!

 

Thanks! Yeah, I wanted something different and when I saw these I loved them.

 

Looks like you're off to a good start. Rims look good

 

well if it's just for a dd, next suggestion would be a set of progress coilovers. just get the standard 350f 350r, and you'll be set.

 

Nice progress! Keep it up

 

Nice little project you got going. Quality parts and all.

 

Not much exciting going on. Did the 9006 to 9005 headlamp conversion with mixed results, replaced the windshield wiper linkage (transmission) and I think my ac compressor is going bad. I know my ball joints are shot so I may accelerate the suspension plans. I'm leaning towards Koni SRTs with Eibach springs...about a 1 inch drop and a slight performance improvement over stock.

 

I have those shocks and I think they are pretty good for a daiy driver. I've had em on for about 4 months now with ground control sleeves and can't complain.

 

GIVE ME MOAR!

 

Boring stuff...I picked up a window regulator, EK center console and a spare cargo cover today. My passenger side window slips off if you roll it down so I need to fix that. I'm still mulling suspension options but I'm going to order something by the end of the month. Thinking about getting it painted sooner rather than later because it looks rough. Just need to take some time this weekend and prioritize my repairs and mods. I'll post pics when I get that console in.

 

Swapped out my bumpers today, new ones look a lot better. Taking the car in for paint tomorrow. Fixed my broken climate control. I'll post pics when I get it back.

 

It is coming along pretty good! It will be amazing after paint

 

Here's some pics after the paint job:

 

Here's some interior pics, new Recaros and Si door cards (panels):

 

Next I'm going to tint the windows and paint my wiper arms and window trim.