Extended Hiatus

2 Surgeries
10 Screws
2 Plates
2 Pins

Plus I had a baby. But with the help of my awesome partner Lucas, this project is back in action. Stay tuned.

Awesome 1st Gen Honda Civic Pickup Truck

 Reminder of what my Civic looks like:

Super awesome modification:

This car/pickup is currently owned by Mark Allen of Wheatland, CA. Word is, he picked it up in San Diego, and it was originally from Mexico. Mark is the sacred guru of old Hondas and has an entire warehouse full of parts for them. He's also super cool, friendly, and helpful. I talked to him today and can't wait to get my box full of hard/impossible to find parts (radiator, heat exchanger, steering column cover, timing belt cover…..oh my). 

What Does CVCC Mean?

Motortrend did a nice little write up on the 1st Gen Honda Civic CVCC. Learn what it's all about and a little history on my car here:
Motortrend Classics 79 Civic CVCC

eBay comes through with new pistons

Nobody makes pistons for a 79 Civic CVCC 1500 anymore. What are the chances I could find ones sized +.020" to fit my newly bored cylinders? Thank goodness for eBay. Found these for a 1975 Civic, but hopefully since they are both first generation Civics these pistons will work. The only noticeable difference is these pistons are flat on the top while my original ones are dished in. With any luck, the only change will be slightly higher compression. 

Block Work

If it seems like I haven't been working on my car much lately, it's because I haven't. The block and crankshaft are currently being machined by Scott Reed here in Bellingham. My piston cylinders are being bored +.020 to remove rust and pitting. The crankshaft is just being polished. My master rebuild kit arrived early in the week, but they no longer make my pistons so it's back to eBay for me. 

Step 7. Hoist Engine (VIDEO)

Bolt the engine to a chain hoist using two of the bolts from the bellhousing. Remove any final mounts. Be sure the transmission is supported. Hoist the engine from car. Don't forget a hard hat!

Step 6 & Pro Tip #2. Remove bellhousing bolts

Remove bolts connecting the engine to the transmission bell housing and starter (6 total bolts). Pro Tip #2: Number your bolts. They are different lengths, sometimes minisculey, which can be quite frustrating when you are putting things back together.