This isn't exactly a "build" thread. More like a "Restore it, Tweak it" thread. I am hoping this adds motivation for me to continue my efforts. Other build threads have been very inspirational, although they also let me know how far I have to go.
A little history on the car. It is a 1979 Honda Accord LX 5-Speed. I purchased it from a guy in Gulfport, MS (next town over) about a year ago. He had bought it about 3 years before that in Utah and drove it home.
The good:
California car - Went from the Cali desert to the Utah desert to here on the Gulf Coast, so pretty rust-free.
Complete and well documented service history back to new.
57000 miles on the odometer, backed up by the service records.
Unmodified and fairly complete.
Ran like a sewing machine...in a good way.
A/C works
New tires
The not so good:
California car - so a few extra lines and doodadss to deal with under the hood.
Paint was shot. Clear was gone on most of the hood and roof.
Upper front skirt (that panel under the grill that also supports the trailing edge of the bumper filler strip) was perforated with rust. About the only significant rust issue on the car.
Interior upholstery was shot from the desert sun. Just falling apart on the seat backs, front and rear.
Windshield and hatch window weather seals were pretty crispy.
The goal is to preserve the car, get it looking as good as it runs...at least to driver level quality but probably never going to be a show car. Also find nice upgrade bits.
The challenge: No old honda experts around here. And few if any 1G examples at any local wrecking yard. So parts will be hard to come by. Fortunately the Internet exists.
Unfortunately I did not think to get a lot of "before" pics. But here is one that gives an idea of the condition of the paint.
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