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View Full Version : clean '83 sedan - budget restomod build thread


Leroy Diplowski
09-03-2013, 05:26 AM
After owning an '83 civic and an '84 CRX I decided to keep with tradition and buy this '83 accord. It's pretty clean, but has a few small issues. It doesn't like to idle when cold (I'm pretty sure the brake booster is leaking like a sieve), there's some ghetto wiring, a few bulbs are out, and there's a few spots that need a bit of body work.

The plans are: fix current issues, 2.5" of drop, brake upgrades, weber carb, new wheels (I'm looking at these (http://www.hubcaphaven.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=HC&Product_Code=1244&Category_Code=401) bad boys right now. They are just so fantastically '90s.)

And of course drive the piss out of her.

This is how it looked when I first got it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/slapjack/DSC_0922_zps8cc7e2fb.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/slapjack/media/DSC_0922_zps8cc7e2fb.jpg.html)

so much wheel gap
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/slapjack/DSC_0923_zpsa3efd2cf.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/slapjack/media/DSC_0923_zpsa3efd2cf.jpg.html)

Anybody need any parts? (seriously make me an offer)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/slapjack/DSC_0918_zps3b9ad709.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/slapjack/media/DSC_0918_zps3b9ad709.jpg.html)

it's like sitting in a sea of red
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/slapjack/DSC_0928_zpsf5b42a72.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/slapjack/media/DSC_0928_zpsf5b42a72.jpg.html)

yep, it has an engine
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/slapjack/DSC_0933_zps31dc2f9c.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/slapjack/media/DSC_0933_zps31dc2f9c.jpg.html)

Well, this is creative
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/slapjack/DSC_0938_zps20d88077.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/user/slapjack/media/DSC_0938_zps20d88077.jpg.html)

I'll post more itt as I fix things or add things.
2geeSEi
09-03-2013, 08:36 AM
Great find! Welcome to the forum! Looks like you have some work cut out for you, but a solid foundation. The interior looks awesome!
Dr_Snooz
09-03-2013, 07:44 PM
What a gem! I love those 2g Accords. Can't wait to see the project unfold.
charliefowle03
09-04-2013, 11:28 AM
is that junk in da trunk, just stuff removed from the weber install? Im looking for the center console piece that goes around the shifter. What else you have in ther? Great looking ride btw! I am a owner of an 83 sedan with a weber swap and lowered. I chopped the springs a good bit to lower about 2-3 inches
Leroy Diplowski
09-05-2013, 05:24 AM
It's a whole 'nother engine in there with 3 spare carbs (two keihin and one mystery), and a whole shitload of unrecognizable engine components and odds and ends. basically a 2nd set of everything under the hood. I don't think I have a shifter surround 'tho. Also, the weber swap is going to be the last priority because I found the vac leak (it was right at the base of the line going to the brake booster), and now she goes like a scalded cat.
charliefowle03
09-11-2013, 12:43 PM
It's a whole 'nother engine in there with 3 spare carbs (two keihin and one mystery), and a whole shitload of unrecognizable engine components and odds and ends. basically a 2nd set of everything under the hood. I don't think I have a shifter surround 'tho. Also, the weber swap is going to be the last priority because I found the vac leak (it was right at the base of the line going to the brake booster), and now she goes like a scalded cat.

Hows aboout having the corner turn signals laying around in that trunk???

What are your plans with the car? Just some tidying up? get that baby LOWWWW :)
2ndGenGuy
09-11-2013, 02:05 PM
Love that red interior! And all around clean car! Keep us updated with more PICS! :)
Leroy Diplowski
06-03-2014, 08:07 AM
whelp, the engine started smoking pretty bad. Compression is 125 145 125 145, so I don't think I have a bad valve. Possibly bad valve seats? I would think piston rings, but it happened overnight. She still runs and drives ok, but with a lot of misfiring and backfiring. The exhaust also smells like gas, so maybe something is up with the carb? Anyhow, I got another daily driver, so I'm playing with the possibility of doing an EV conversion. Has anyone ever converted one of these cars before?
Dr_Snooz
06-03-2014, 07:00 PM
Your compression isn't great, but it isn't horrible either. I would be looking at that wonderful Keihin carb from hell. I'd guess you have a sunken float, which means a complete overhaul is in your future.

Good luck with that.
TheBlueBomber
06-11-2014, 11:39 AM
Love the red interior. As for the smoking, is the carb flooding at all? Take the air filter element off and have a look. You might have something just sitting in those needle seats, maybe not enough to flood but enough to make it tough to start cold and a bumpy idle
82hatch
07-26-2014, 05:00 PM
How much would you ask for that grille in your trunk? is it in good shape ? I am in Portland OR, shipping price $?

I am very interest as mine is broken
Leroy Diplowski
10-15-2014, 09:13 AM
How much would you ask for that grille in your trunk? is it in good shape ? I am in Portland OR, shipping price $?

I am very interest as mine is broken

They seem to go for $80 on eBay. How does that sound? I have a buttload of parts so let me know if you need anything else.

Also, I've been trying to sell this car as a project, and I've had no takers in 6 months. I finally have a little time and a little money, so I'm going to be fixing her up again. One thing I'm missing is the bracket that the torque rod engine mount attached to on the engine. If anyone has one I'd love to buy it.

Should I just got ahead and get a weber 32/36 and call it a day? I also have 3 other keihin carbs that came with the car. Do ya'll think it would be worth my time to play carb roulette or is there pretty much no chance of these carbs that have been sitting for ??? years working?
82hatch
05-17-2015, 04:14 PM
Still have this I am interested if it is in good shape and not broken. Grille that is.