Restoring a vx

[hondaguy72]

Not really a how-to so much as a project page. I acquired this beaten up vx a few months ago and want one that looks and runs like new. I'll keep a photo journal on progress. Currently the car is torn down pretty far down as it needed a drivers quarter panel and a new/rebuilt transmission. So far:

The car as it sits


Motor out to detail the engine compartment and swap transmissions


Getting ready for a new timing set and water pump. 180k and original belt in good shape


Many of the parts under the hood have poorly weathered so into the blasting cabinet they go

[GasSavers_TomO]

Oh man, let me know if you want some help. I can swing by just about any weekend, maybe our kids can play and we can talk shop and work on your car.

[suspendedhatch]

I love these kinds of threads.

[hondaguy72]

I may just need some help on that lower pulley bolt. It's getting on my nerves. I'll probably be dropping it back in and using the starter to break it loose. It'd be fun to have you out, Tom.

[GasSavers_Erik]

Crank pulley bolt- an air impact wrench should get it

Or you can hit the end of the socket handle with a quick hammer blow.

Some people have threaded a long rope into the cylinder through the spark plug hole to keep the engine from turning.

[hondaguy72]

I've got an impact tool and air gun which did not work. I really beat the piss out of the impact tool, too. I'm 6ft 210 and lift often, so I'm not under driving the tool. In the car at least I'll be able to crack it with the starter. With the zero balance pulley there is no place for a crank tool like on most Hondas. I have easy access to the tool, too. I'll get it with some work.

[GasSavers_TomO]

there is a tool made for the type of pulley that is in the VX, but not worth the $$$ to buy it, you can make it yourself or use a torch and heat up the bolt for a bit and try the impact on it again. I've used a chain wrench or strap wrench on the pulley as well to hold it during bolt removal.

[hondaguy72]

Here's what a battery powered toothbrush and Simple Green can do for plastic parts.


I started with tar remover on the wheels and decided that they needed more elbow grease than I was willing to invest. I found a local guy that sand blasted them completely. They will get silver on the front and I'll sand and clearcoat the inners.


New struts arrived yesterday and I already had the springs. I'll be blasting and painting the rear drums. Pictures to come after completion.

[suspendedhatch]

Do you have a BEFORE pic of the timing belt cover? Did it look just like the lower half? I find it hard to imagine that I could get mine looking that nice.

[hondaguy72]

That's the point. It looked damn near the same as the lower half. When I complete the lower half I'll post the picture.

The process is to spray the part and soak it in a diluted solution for an hour or so. A little help with the toothbrush and she comes out near perfect.