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Now that I've been on the forum for a while (since Feb. 2020) I thought it would be good for me to share my story and the car I'm working to save. Before I get into the car I think it's important to share why this car and to do that I should share my background.
When I was 15 years old I purchased my first car, a palmy grey 1990 Acura Integra LS Sedan. This car, like for many boys purchasing their first car, was a significant car as it imprinted upon me. From that day I've always owned an Acura or a Honda (mostly Acuras). Since I was 15 I've owned the following cars
1990 Acura Integra Sedan LS in Palmy Grey
1992 Acura Integra Coupe GS in Milano Red
1995 Acura Legend Sedan LS in Canterbury Green
1995 Acura Legend Sedan GS w/ 6spd in Cashmere
1997 Acura 3.0L CL in Cyprus Green
1999 Acura TL in Nighthawk Black
2007 Honda Pilot LX in Silver
2017 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition (Still own)
2003 Acura 3.2 CL-S 6Spd
So why save a 2003 Acura 3.2 CL-S 6-spd? Because that's the year I lost a friend of mine to a drunk driver when I was in high school. We both were big on cars in high school and when I'm saving this car it feels like a i'm saving a piece of history both personal and for automotive history. I found this car in Feb of 2020 just on a whim. I had been looking for a project car, but honestly never considered a CL (honestly was looking for a DA). I had owned a first gen a while back and enjoy that, but never thought about owning another CL again, until one day I was looking online an stubbed across this car 16 hours away... and something just told me to go buy it regardless of its condition. So I purchased a plane ticket, flew in, purchased it after about 30min and drove it back home. The journey was one for the books! Mind you, i drove this car back to Vermont where I live in the middle of winter, but yet... I knew I could make it. Weird. I drove almost straight through with the exception of a 1 hour nap at a rest station that turned into a lake effect snow storm. I made it all the way back to Vermont after 16 hrs and immediately parked it in the garage for two weeks before I could even go look at it. Snow and cold snaps just kept me away, but then I started to work on it and found it needed SO MUCH! It's technically a two owner (but the second owner only owned it for 2 months- I think he found out how much work it needed) car that i have 90% of the service records for. It has officially 95,657 miles on it today and I'm planning on keeping it going for as long as I can. Starting the big work of dropping the subframe and replacing the headlights Oil pump reseal After detailing and conditioning the leather Replacing every piece of the exhaust As she stands today after a two day color correction process
The front rear subframe was completely rusted through to the point it was two pieces
new brakes all around
new headlights
oil pump reseal
vtec solenoid gasket
tie-rod ends
lower balljoints
upper control arms
lower control arms
sway bar links and bushings
timing belt
new gauge cluster bulbs
new air intake and box
Every piece of exhaust from the flex pipe back to the mufflers using 100% oem parts (some used)
repaint of the center caps
engine mount
professional detailing
color correction
All of these things have been performed and now I'm looking for more OEM parts to finish it out and from the looks of it, it will need a respray at some point.
Headlight difference (new oem) I dropped the exhaust 3-4 times during the whole process of restoration replacing bulbs night and day Cleaned Color correction All the records... and a lot added by me.
You probably already know this; however, if you desire a simple and cheap front brake caliper upgrade, the 95 Legend two piston ones will fit the CL-S brackets.
I just did this on my project auto CL-S because, after having them on my CL-S6 for so many years, I couldn't stand the feel of the factory single pots any more, lol.
Super excited to see another one of these cars saved. I am doing something very similar at the moment. I have a silver CLS 6mt project with 300k on it I’ve been bringing back to its former glory. Next on my list is the timing belt and oil pump reseal. The previous owner of mine started collecting a ton of OEM parts to start a restoration and I got them included with the deal. Looking forward to seeing your progress!
Super excited to see another one of these cars saved. I am doing something very similar at the moment. I have a silver CLS 6mt project with 300k on it I’ve been bringing back to its former glory. Next on my list is the timing belt and oil pump reseal. The previous owner of mine started collecting a ton of OEM parts to start a restoration and I got them included with the deal. Looking forward to seeing your progress!
That's exciting to hear! 300k is a monster amount of miles and I'm happy to hear that this car has the potential to live to that number. I wish you luck and hope you share your progress. It will be interesting to see if we have a lot of overlapping issues and what a 300k car has for issues compared to a 100k. If you need any information on anything too, reach out! I just did the timing belt and oil pump reseal so I can give you an idea of what you're in for.
That's exciting to hear! 300k is a monster amount of miles and I'm happy to hear that this car has the potential to live to that number. I wish you luck and hope you share your progress. It will be interesting to see if we have a lot of overlapping issues and what a 300k car has for issues compared to a 100k. If you need any information on anything too, reach out! I just did the timing belt and oil pump reseal so I can give you an idea of what you're in for.
Thanks! I've had a thing for these cars since they were new and this one deserves to be saved. it drives like it has 100k. I have no doubt it would crack the 500k mark with how well its held up and with everything you are doing to yours, you should easily get there too. All the suspension on mine is original and amazingly nothing needs done there. Besides the TB/WP/Oil pump, it needs a steering rack as its a bit rusty but it still functions fine. It will need the hard brake lines done as they have some rust on them too but I am going to hold off on those until it actually needs them. The amount of OEM parts I got with the car is insane. Everything is OEM Honda including the rack, brake lines, everything for the TB including a brand new in box Oil pump, gaskets, brakes, the list goes on. So far I've done the High Pressure P/S line and a fluid flush, 4 tires, spark plugs, cleaned the intake/EGR passages, filters, fluids, etc. Cosmetically its not perfect and can use some paintwork in spots which I may do eventually, but for now I detailed the heck out of it and doing little bits here and there and just enjoying it
Nice silver on black. That's a keeper for sure. 300958 miles, WOW! Good for you!
Good to hear you have all the OEM parts, I've been surprised how much I can get from Acura. Some items i've wanted have been discontinued but for the most part I'd say I've gotten 80% of what I've ordered.
Today's event was small, but helps to bring back that "showroom" detail I want this car to be. The interior is the highlight of the car and while it does have some more major flaws; this one can be checked off.
Driver's side mat from a donor car. As you can see the original one was badly worn and stained to the point it could be saved. I bought the whole set since they were mint. I shampoo'd all of them and awaiting them to dry.
It’s the little things that make such a difference isn’t it? Mats look great! I bought a used set of mats too and then I recently found a new in box OEM set and picked them up as well. How is your car rust wise besides the subframe?
It’s the little things that make such a difference isn’t it? Mats look great! I bought a used set of mats too and then I recently found a new in box OEM set and picked them up as well. How is your car rust wise besides the subframe?
I get the rust question a lot. Especially when I tell people this car spent 17 years in Connecticut before coming to Vermont. So, ya, it does have some rust but the rust is contained to small parts (nuts,bolts) and the suspension components which I'm in the process of replacing. The front (as mentioned) above has been completely replaced and has no rust. The unibody has some surface rust, but there is ZERO rust on the body. None of the typical honda fender rust. I do have some fairly significant rock chips and blemishes on the hood that will be solved when the car gets a re-spray. Otherwise, pretty mild rust for the age and location. How's the rust on yours?
I get the rust question a lot. Especially when I tell people this car spent 17 years in Connecticut before coming to Vermont. So, ya, it does have some rust but the rust is contained to small parts (nuts,bolts) and the suspension components which I'm in the process of replacing. The front (as mentioned) above has been completely replaced and has no rust. The unibody has some surface rust, but there is ZERO rust on the body. None of the typical honda fender rust. I do have some fairly significant rock chips and blemishes on the hood that will be solved when the car gets a re-spray. Otherwise, pretty mild rust for the age and location. How's the rust on yours?
Yours doesn't look bad at all, that's basically rust free. Looks like you are well on your way to getting every bit of it.
Mine is a little worse, but far from "rusty" especially for being an NJ/PA car its whole life and traveling the miles it did. I have the same under hood and suspension rust which I plan on cleaning up in due time. My subframe (thankfully) is clean. The only real body rust is the Left quarter, which is starting to get the typical Honda rust in the corner. Its not bad now but has the potential to be if I don't get to it soon. My drivers door had some funky rust on it due to a previous repair that went bad over time so I picked up a mint used silver door shell, swapped all my parts over and eliminated that. Paint match isnt perfect so thats going to motiviate me to get that part and the quarter fixed soon.
Yours doesn't look bad at all, that's basically rust free. Looks like you are well on your way to getting every bit of it.
Mine is a little worse, but far from "rusty" especially for being an NJ/PA car its whole life and traveling the miles it did. I have the same under hood and suspension rust which I plan on cleaning up in due time. My subframe (thankfully) is clean. The only real body rust is the Left quarter, which is starting to get the typical Honda rust in the corner. Its not bad now but has the potential to be if I don't get to it soon. My drivers door had some funky rust on it due to a previous repair that went bad over time so I picked up a mint used silver door shell, swapped all my parts over and eliminated that. Paint match isnt perfect so thats going to motiviate me to get that part and the quarter fixed soon.
I'm trying to get in contact with a guy in upstate NY that claims he's parting out an 03 6-spd. Read exterior and taupe interior. If him and I ever end up connecting I'll let you know so you can stake your claim at some parts.
Ok. My wife is going to laugh because i'm leaving "wood in the door" again. Long story that dates back to the 3.0CL I used to have. Quick end of it is, I used a piece of wood to prop up the d/s window in the door and i left it in the door by mistake. So my wife was driving it one day and she said, "every turn i make there is banging in the drivers door." Lo and behold... i left the wood in the door. My process for attempting this is to remove the piece First attempt First attempt results Second attempt The secret sauce? Second attempt results
Now, the issue why the first attempt didn't work is due to the fact that I removed the shims and the glue was removed with them. Gluing the shims and leaving them actually help support the material from pulling away. I was able to pretty much get it back to stock with the exception of one area and that is where the plastic "clip" inserts which I can't clamp because it will break the plastic.
the wood reinforces the outer edge to keep the form?
Why not use a piece of rigid steel?
The wood allows for the glue to adhere to something other than the foam and plastic and since the plastic doesn't go all the way up to the edge, you likely wouldn't get stabilization of the vinyl? and foam at the material edge. I noticed that when the glue was there and solid, but the wood was gone, the material pulled away after the first attempt. The wood is creating a material at the edge for the glue to bring me the door material to. I'm guessing if you could get a glue to bond to the foam and metal you could do the same I suppose. The shims I used were easy to work with and bond to
Anyone have thoughts on the suspension? I want to keep this car stock height, but I would like to replace the shocks/struts since someone put cheap APC ones on the car.
I'm thinking Bilstein B6's....
do a mild drop on the bilsteins so at least you'll see the benefit of getting something aftermarket...
SMALL drop...oe sports h&r or eibach...only like an inch drop will give the car a much more menacing look
and handle better.
do a mild drop on the bilsteins so at least you'll see the benefit of getting something aftermarket...
SMALL drop...oe sports h&r or eibach...only like an inch drop will give the car a much more menacing look
and handle better.
pretty please?
That route as opposed to something like a coilover setup that can be adjusted back to stock?
I am happy!!!
And you will be too when you get to dial it in!
If it makes you feel any better...I have a set of coils I transferred over from my black TL to my blue TL years ago...
by my count they have about 150K miles on them and they ride smooth as shit. I was told recently it's because
they are Tein Super Streets, originally manufactured in Japan...I paid like $1140 for them (not sure why I remember that
11 years later).
I am happy!!!
And you will be too when you get to dial it in!
If it makes you feel any better...I have a set of coils I transferred over from my black TL to my blue TL years ago...
by my count they have about 150K miles on them and they ride smooth as shit. I was told recently it's because
they are Tein Super Streets, originally manufactured in Japan...I paid like $1140 for them (not sure why I remember that
11 years later).
I think you made the right move!
Good to hear.
I was originally going to get BC Racing but read about their "issues" and I used to have Tein S-Techs on my Integra so I know and trust them.
Let's see when they come in and I'll post!
Super excited to see another one of these cars saved. I am doing something very similar at the moment. I have a silver CLS 6mt project with 300k on it I’ve been bringing back to its former glory. Next on my list is the timing belt and oil pump reseal. The previous owner of mine started collecting a ton of OEM parts to start a restoration and I got them included with the deal. Looking forward to seeing your progress!
Hey Greg, I see your in NJ. Would love to link up sometime if you're local. Always on the lookout for fellow Acura guys in north jersey. Feel free to hit me up by email m082986@gmail.com
I am happy!!!
And you will be too when you get to dial it in!
If it makes you feel any better...I have a set of coils I transferred over from my black TL to my blue TL years ago...
by my count they have about 150K miles on them and they ride smooth as shit. I was told recently it's because
they are Tein Super Streets, originally manufactured in Japan...I paid like $1140 for them (not sure why I remember that
11 years later).
I think you made the right move!
The flex Z's are fully adjustable, correct? Thinking of getting those also. Used to have the Tein S Tech's on my old CL in the early 90s and loved it.
The flex Z's are fully adjustable, correct? Thinking of getting those also. Used to have the Tein S Tech's on my old CL in the early 90s and loved it.
Yes, they have a damper with 16 adjustments and the front I believe have camber adjustment as well. When they come in (friday from the looks, yay!) i'll post the install. I'll likely do it this weekend since we have a stay at home order in this state.
When this COVID thing clears You, me and Greg should get a little meet together with the three 6-spds
Yes, they have a damper with 16 adjustments and the front I believe have camber adjustment as well. When they come in (friday from the looks, yay!) i'll post the install. I'll likely do it this weekend since we have a stay at home order in this state.
When this COVID thing clears You, me and Greg should get a little meet together with the three 6-spds
Haha CL quarantine meet. Would love to though in all seriousness once this passes. Im rocking the 5AT though not 6-spd.
04-06-2020, 06:58 PM
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