I'm going to look at a 1990 CRX - where should I be examining the frame for rot (beside the obvious answer - everywhere)

Let me know your 'good crx buying tips'

 

Spend a lot of time looking at the quarter panels. Also check the sunroof (if it's an Si) and the floor underneath the seats. Also crawl underneath the rear bumper and look up into the space between it and the body. Don't buy an Si that has holes in the quarter panels because the sunroof drain tubes are most likely rotted.

 

Here's some good tips:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=527823

 

thanks for the tips - any others?

I'm fairly certain this car will have SOME rust... but not too much.

 

Rust isn't that bad... I Like mine, but I'm odd... it adds to the whole "sleeper" approach that I love so much. So rust isn't the end of the world, and a lot of makers are coming out with polyurethane panels and fenders for a fair price... good luck with the car!

 

my rocker pannels where shot, check there

 

Where are you guys located? I'm just a little worried that an Ontario CRX will be rotted completely - afterall its a 1990, so the body can't be in that great shape, and ppl can just spray it to cover up all the rust - the whole thing could melt in a year.

Any ontario CRXers out there who drive their cars in the winter?

 

a crx in b-hills? shouldn't you be rolling about 24'' deep in a caddy?

 

Look for collision damage. Open the hood and carefully inspect the sheet metal that runs aroung the headlights and radiator support. In a front end collisions, this stuff easily bends and rarely gets fixed properly. Any cracks or broken paint at the bends means the car was hit.

In the back, remove the spare and inspect the spare tire well. Don't be shy, remove the sound deadning under the spare and make sure there is no rust or rot. Also make sure the sheet metal is wrinkle free. This rear pan area is another area when a collision is evident.

Take a pair of rhino ramps or a jack and jackstands with you. I always go under a car before I buy it. Looks for leaks and body damage. Be sure to check the frame rails that run along each side of the car. They should be wrinkle free. Also check the integrity of the under coating. When an old car like a CRX is crashed, the old dry undercoating tends to crack and break off where the body was wrinkled.


Good luck.