Project Steph's 1978 Honda Civic 1200

[Steph]

It really feels like Christmas this year. I picked all my chrome plating up the other day and it's been like Christmas day ever since. It took 2 days to polish and buff all the pieces, and that was working non-stop. I couldn't stop because it was that exciting. Anyway, it all came out close to perfect. I still have to spend some time getting into all the tight spot with a mini buff wheel/mop on my Dremel, but otherwise the heavy lifting has been done. You may notice the Russel Speed Bleed brake bleeder valves. I even plated the brake disc pads, and the tiny pins that secure the long (stainless) brake pad locating pins. I also chromed the aluminum camber plates.

Here are the first of many photos to come...

[Steph]

I put the hood/b0nnet latch back together tonight. I drilled and tapped the original rivets so I could pull the whole latch assembly apart for cleaning/servicing. Used a little teflon thread tape to keep the M5 screws in place. Seemed to work really well as a locking agent.

[Steph]

Reassembled the wiper motor today. Took a bit of fiddling to get the brushes back in place, but otherwise it was pretty simple to put back together.

[bob78cvcc]

Stunning Steph! Jewelry on wheels!
I can't imagine what the replacement insurance value on your Civic must be!!

[Steph]

Thanks Bob :)

I have agreed value insurance with our local classic car insurer, but it's nowhere near what I have put into the car. The great thing is they let you bump it up to actual value by providing photos of the car (once it's finished). That said, my car is never going to be parked anywhere where it can get pinched. Just the odd car show and for visiting family and friends. I could never relax while it was parked where I couldn't see it!

[Thor]

It truly is a work-of-art, your balance between painted finish and polished/chrome is exquisite.
I really do understand your reticence over leaving it out-of-sight, especially after the hit it took in its previous incarnation.
I cannot think of any other car, let alone Civic that has had more care lavished upon it, not even AX 201, THE Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost is not finished to the same exacting standard.
Superb,
All the best
Pete

[Steph]

Thanks Pete, that 'balance' has been something I've been keen to get right. Contrasting elements, etc. That's also the reason I'm going with metallic cobalt blue over a black base for the paint, as opposed to an RS-style orange (which I love). The blue will make the chrome pop and the black base will complement all the black parts (tires, hoses, plug wires, etc.).

My hyperactivity disorder won't afford me any rest. The rear suspension components are next... :P :)

[Steph]

A few years back I replaced the shifter isolation rubber bush using Sikaflex 227 (made in Japan). For ages I wondered if it was a bad decision, so a few weeks back I decided to remove the Sikaflex 227 and replace it with polyurethane. The thing is, as I removed the Sikaflex I was amazed at how well it had bonded, and how it felt and behaved exactly like rubber. This made me decided to use Sikaflex 227 again, except this time I bought it in black (last time I used white).

The first photo is of the 'old' bush.
Caulking gun is a Tajima Tools - Convoy Super 100

[amifsud]

Sikaflex 227 is actually a polyurethane according to their website. I recently used it when repairing the front guards on my 4 door. I used it to bond the filler panel to the outer skin of the guard.

[Steph]

Yeah, I realised that after I had already posted my reply. If you look in the photos it actually has 'POLYURETHANE' written on the bottom of the label.