Heyo everyone!

I recently acquired a 2000 4WD 5 speed in Sebring Silver Metallic from a friend for (nearly) free. The caveat is that it has sustained some front-end damage as a result of hitting a pole/tree. The airbags didn't deploy, however the hood, grille, radiator and radiator support will certainly need to be replaced. Frame damage isn't apparent (usually isn't) but I’ll leave that to be determined when it gets its first alignment after it’s roadworthy.

My buddy had also suspects that the head gasket had blown, but I haven’t yet had a chance to pull the head and verify. Lastly, the rear gate doesn't want to open which appears to be due to the opening mechanism not engaging correctly as the handle feels really weird. The trim around it needs to be replaced as well, but the rear glass unlocks and pops right up.

Before tackling any of the body work, I’d really like to crack the motor open to determine its overall health. I pulled the plugs yesterday and they looked great, it doesn't appear to be running lean or rich nor does it look like there was any oil or coolant being burned. Here's hoping that this motor still has satisfactory compression. I’ll be taking a good look at the cylinder wall hone as well for any signs of weirdness.

Overall, the car is in fairly decent shape and while cleaning it out yesterday I was stoked to find some neato features that Honda built into this car. Most notable was the card table underneath the rear carpet in addition to the rear 12v outlet. I also really like how the rear seats contain a center arm rest. All in all, I’m really impressed with the functionality that Honda built into this car and I think it’s a well-executed design considering it was Honda’s first purpose-built SUV.

I've driven nothing but Preludes (primarily 5th gens with a 2nd gen as my first car) for my entire driving career and I’m excited to see how much of that knowledge transposes into the B-series world. I've been lurking this forum for a couple of months now and it sounds like the aftermarket has begun to wake up and acknowledge the 1st gen’s existence which is is pretty cool I think. Similarly, Preludes have had this problem for nearly their entire existence lol.

Anyway, long post is long. I’ll be updating this thread as the project progresses. Feel free to throw up any suggestions or comments if you’d like. Pics to come soon, thanks for reading.

 

Pictures!

 

 

^ Too funny

Welcome

 

Finally got around to uploading a few pics for everyone

A few of how it sat when I found it:













Here's a few of my progress thus far:









The radiator and A/C condenser have been pulled and are totally useless/damaged. Both fans are in ship-shape. Power steering pump/bracket removed and set out of the way. Bumper and bumper cover have been removed as well. When I removed the headlights I noticed that they're manufactured by TYC and not OEM Stanley. That, along with a brand new passenger front fenderwell cover and main bumper indicate to me that this isn't this car's first rodeo

I'm beginning to think that the motor is in better shape than previously thought. I think the previous owner might have confused a valve cover gasket, distributor seal or cam cap leak for a blown headgasket. When I drained the coolant there didn't appear to be any evidence of contamination and with the serious amount of oil all alongside the passenger side of the motor I'm supposing that there's simply a very bad oil leak present. Nonetheless, I'm pulling the head hopefully this weekend to investigate and clean, anyway.

The damage to the radiator support is substantial and will require an entirely new unit. For that task I'll need copious amounts of beer and the help of my g/f's uncle. More on that later!

For now, here's the link to the entire photo album on G+ for those who are interested:

https://plus.google.com/photos/11656...58513504848593

 

well if you ever need extra cash, the skid plate under the front end is worth quite a bit of money since they're pretty rare.

 

That's certainly good to know but I have every intention of keeping it! I'm curious, was that unit a factory option? Never did see any identifying marks on it.

 

yes it is. stainless steel piece. probably the hardest USDM option piece to find

 

Whoa that's pretty rad, all the more reason to get this thing back on the road. Thanks for the info noname.

 

On Saturday I was able to remove the header (which was slow going) and began preparations for removing the intake manifold. Hopefully this week I can have my g/f's Uncle take a look at the radiator support to get his input.

On that note, I've found a non-OEM replacement unit for about $83 new. With shipping however it comes to about $200 total since it has to go freight which kind of sucks, but it is what it is.

More updates to come soon

 

Good eye didn't even notice it

 

haha it might sound bad, but any time i see a crv i look to see how much money in accessories it has on it. i always look for skid plates and spoilers. i saw a first gen in terrible shape with a factory spoiler on it yesterday on the way back from vacation