I just bought a 1990 Civic Si, and I love her. She's in pretty good mechanical condition for such an old car, but she's got a few dents and dings and rust spots and could use a new coat of Rio Red paint. Also missing a few plastic trim pieces. I would love to be able to fix the minor stuff, or even take on a more ambitious project like dealing with the rust hole in the driver's side rocker panel. Unfortunately, I'm pretty inexperienced with anything beyond touch-ups and tiny rust spots. Anyone in this forum know of good books/videos/how-tos that could help me out? I would ask family or friends but none of them share my interests (and they all seem pretty confused as to why I would buy a car that's older than I am.) Also if anyone knows where to get replacement trim pieces and more Rio Red paint, that would be super helpful. I don't think my local auto parts store has it, or if they do, it's only the little touch-up size.

Sorry for rambling...I'm busy packing for a move to VT but I'll try to post pics when I get a chance

 

With the trim pieces, check on ebay. For learning, finding a mentor is the best way, then maybe youtube videos. For paint, most companies will match if you give them the code. You probably could get rio red in an aerosol can if you don't mind it not being perfect. Some companies have come out with more advanced gun-less paint but don't know them off the top of my head.

I'd do everything else before painting though. Engine and suspension first, then finish with paint. Paint isn't something you can take off and use on another car. If there is something majorly wrong with the car, you want to find it before painting. But, that may just apply to top tier paint jobs.

 

The internet is a great research tool. Youtube and this site should be more than enough to at least get you started. Pictures would definitely help to understand what kind of damage you have.

 

Engine and suspension are in good shape, no issues there, and I plan to keep both stock. I'm not really knowledgeable enough to deal with the mechanical problems it has (there's a few things it needs before inspection) but I do know a great mechanic, so it's at the garage atm. as soon as I get it back I will post pics. The biggest non-mechanical issues are a rust hole in the rocker panel on the driver's side and a weird dent in the fender that scrapes against the driver's side door when I open it. It looks like there is also a good amount of Bondo on the rear wheel arches (both sides) and I cringe to think about what's under it. I'm also probably forgetting a few minor dents and dings that will need to be taken care of before I think about painting. Any recommended YouTube videos? Also, I'm hopefully visiting my grandparents before the move, my grandfather might be able to help me. Or he might just laugh at me for buying a 25 year old car. Probably both.

 

Rust in the rear quarter panels is going to be a car killer. Worst case it is affecting the shock tower and that could be a disaster. Definitely inspect that bondo work and look at the rust. Rust is definitely a problem that should be handled ASAP.