Project Phil's 1975 Honda Civic 1200

[Phil]

So close I can nearly hear the engine purring. Pictures will speak louder than words here. Hammering out full weekends worth of work because I'm looking forward to driving again!

Engine and gearbox ready to drop in

Starting to come together!

Radiator and fan ready to go in.

[Phil]

I went to test fit the radiator last week and found I had the incorrect clearance due to the tank bracket location. Without hassle, the local radiator shop adjusted the brackets for the correct fit.

much better!

In moving the the brackets, the fan needed to be spaced out from the core, so I ended up using a couple of nuts as spacers. The fan now has 2mm clearance from the core.

successful fit

Outside of the workshop, I have removed the gauges from an old spare cluster to make room for my mechanical deluxe gauges. I cleaned the housing up using a basic car wash and rise method to remove the excess grime. I left the housing to dry overnight and proceeded to test a trim detailer in a inconspicious spot the following day. To my relief, it was an improvement over the original faded surface. upon confirmation, I continued to lightly apply the solution using a microfibre cloth to the remaining suface.

Unfortunately I do not have the centre pod gauges that belong to the deluxe set. As a temporary solution am planning to fabricate a pod or bracket to house the original temperature and fuel gauge. This could look great, but more likely extremely sketchy! Jay is sending me a mechanical tacho drive cable from the UK, so I can actually use them.

[mielko]

I see turbo'd engines in you garage.

[Phil]

I've cleaned up and master cylinder reservoir and surrounds. Found and Installed the brake junction, along with the brake lines.

Clean bits

Junction

Master cylinder

Also, during my down time, i made some rubber washers for the hood support, added a stainless washer and new split pin. The original support clip holder was broken, so I improvised by using a washer to hold it down firm.

hood support

A quick touch up job on my headlight surrounds for an appealing result.

How they looked before

After

[Phil]

Driveshaft is done and installed and the car is now rolling on all fours!

Starting on the exhaust as can be seen below. I decided on mild steel to support my current budget. More support brackets to come.

Secondaries

A trip to the wreckers to go visit a 4 door 1200 and wagon.

The loot

My spark lead bracket replaced and painted!

[Phil]

After a long years wait, i pulled an 18 hour day on Saturday though Sunday. I finally made it to All Japan Day on a trailer (the biggest Japanese car show in Adelaide).

Trailer civic

Push push!

It was a great day out, regardless of my 30 minute sleep. I met Ron, the owner of an original s600 convertible. He introduced me to another parts collector Ian, who I plan to visit soon.

S600

Ian's find from a country Honda dealer

[Phil]

Back to the workshop, after purchasing a bunch of hose clamps, block offs and a radiator cap.

With the cooling system completely sealed (or so I thought) I began pouring water through the radiator. To my dismay i discovered a rear portion of the intake manifold Whoooosh out with water. I initially blocked off the orifice, after recieving some advice from Adrian F. The final solution was using a brass T piece for decent circulation (another drive to the local auto supplier).

Before

After

The following session comprised itself of sway bar installation, inclusive of extra grease and excessive swearing.

The next portion of the day was draining the fuel tank. The tank bolt head has seen better days and it was tightened to the point of no return. Well, unless a breaker bar and blood sacrifice were involved :/. The year old fuel was putrid and strong, and yes I managed to spill some on myself. I jacked the car up at the front to ensure it was well drained and topped up the tank with 15 litres of fresh 98.

Getting high off the year old supply

The last part of the day was spent reconnecting all the electrical goodies. Indicators, Headlights, horns, alternator, starter, coil etc.

Finally it was time to turn over the engine. On a positive note, it turns and is building compression. However there is currently no spark. My mechanic believes it has something to do with resistance of the coil vs En1 electric distributor. (I bought my coil to suit the MSD). Originally my coil was hooked up to the EB1 distributor (points). The ballast resistor and heatsink are currently removed too. We're going to keep troubleshooting this week, but if anyone can assist here I'd greatly appreciate it.

[Phil]

Well it's been a good month since my last update and things have been interesting due to covid19. I'm currently not working, which has given me plenty of time to spend on the SB1. The car is now running with the msd. It will need a carby rebuild and definitely a service on the alternator due to a noisey bearing.

The last job I completed at the workshop was installing the rear coilovers. I'd like to say this went smoothly, although I did bust a metal brake line in the process . A week later the replacement went in and a re-bleed commenced.

She's home!

In the driveway

Engine bay

[Phil]

Some photos today.


The custom EN1 mount:






That engine bay:

[Randy]

Phil, nice pictures, the car looks great.

Do you have anther view of the custom EN1 mount from the top?
I am looking for ideas when I re-do mine.

Thanks