Ossman14's Nighthawk Factory A-Spec
09-22-2017, 12:38 AM
#1
Ossman14's Nighthawk Factory A-Spec
Finally getting around to doing some mods since I had some extra money laying around so I figured I's throw a progress thread together.
I bought this back in September of 2016. We needed something to fit a baby in rather than my Civic and I found this for a good price, with only 50k miles. Come to find out it was a factory A-Spec model which was pretty awesome to find out what a gem it was.
Had the normal cracked dash and the previous owner curbed up all the wheels pretty good and damaged the front lip. Few dings and some spots where the clear coat is damaged, but it was what I wanted.
The only thing I have done so far is paint the Brembo's and gotten some fresh brakes with Hawk HPS pads (I was going tot get powdercoated but the guy didn't tell me until last minute it was going to take him too long to get the materials to fit my time frame). The just recently I added on 15/20mm spacers and the HIC window visors.
I just got my Tein SA coilovers in the mail, and have the HIC rear window visor coming Monday. So will get some pics once I have the car at the point where it looks different.
Only goals for this car is to have a nice looking daily to haul the baby around in while maintaining some semblance of fun when i'm alone in the car. Plan on getting the fenders rolled and the A-Spec wheels repaired from all the curb rash. J-Pipe, paint/ding repair, and fix the cracked dash for now at some point in the hopefully not too distant future.
Few pics of the old Civic. I took the pics but have no idea what I'm doing with a DSLR. Just thought some pics came out OK
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
And some recent ones of the TL after the spacers and visors I recently put on: My sister took the pics and was trying some stuff out. And her tripod broke so she couldn't get too many pics.
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
by https://www.flickr.com/photos/159177883@N02/, on Flickr
I bought this back in September of 2016. We needed something to fit a baby in rather than my Civic and I found this for a good price, with only 50k miles. Come to find out it was a factory A-Spec model which was pretty awesome to find out what a gem it was.
Had the normal cracked dash and the previous owner curbed up all the wheels pretty good and damaged the front lip. Few dings and some spots where the clear coat is damaged, but it was what I wanted.
The only thing I have done so far is paint the Brembo's and gotten some fresh brakes with Hawk HPS pads (I was going tot get powdercoated but the guy didn't tell me until last minute it was going to take him too long to get the materials to fit my time frame). The just recently I added on 15/20mm spacers and the HIC window visors.
I just got my Tein SA coilovers in the mail, and have the HIC rear window visor coming Monday. So will get some pics once I have the car at the point where it looks different.
Only goals for this car is to have a nice looking daily to haul the baby around in while maintaining some semblance of fun when i'm alone in the car. Plan on getting the fenders rolled and the A-Spec wheels repaired from all the curb rash. J-Pipe, paint/ding repair, and fix the cracked dash for now at some point in the hopefully not too distant future.
Few pics of the old Civic. I took the pics but have no idea what I'm doing with a DSLR. Just thought some pics came out OK
And some recent ones of the TL after the spacers and visors I recently put on: My sister took the pics and was trying some stuff out. And her tripod broke so she couldn't get too many pics.
Last edited by Ossman14; 09-22-2017 at 12:42 AM.
09-25-2017, 07:55 PM
#4
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Looks very clean 
09-26-2017, 08:05 PM
#5
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Looks great....enjoy!
09-28-2017, 10:48 PM
#6
Thanks for the kind words guys
So had a bit of bad luck
One of my tires had a nail in the sidewall that couldn't be fixed. But that wasn't the worst part. When I went to take off the factory wheel lock that was on the car, the damn thing broke. The teeth stripped right off the key. I was not a happy camper to say the least. I had to slam a socket onto the lock to get it off just to get the spare on there
So I went to get a couple new tires. Decided to get a couple 225/40 and toss them on the front. But I still have the 245s that came on the car on the back. They had some good tread so I didn't want to get rid on them just yet. However I have some wheel gap that is needing to be handled now...
On the plus side, I have my Teins in and waiting installation. I have a buddy coming over Tuesday to help me get them on. And I also got my HIC rear window visor to match the window visors that I already installed. Looking to see it all come together after I get her lowered!
So had a bit of bad luck
One of my tires had a nail in the sidewall that couldn't be fixed. But that wasn't the worst part. When I went to take off the factory wheel lock that was on the car, the damn thing broke. The teeth stripped right off the key. I was not a happy camper to say the least. I had to slam a socket onto the lock to get it off just to get the spare on there
So I went to get a couple new tires. Decided to get a couple 225/40 and toss them on the front. But I still have the 245s that came on the car on the back. They had some good tread so I didn't want to get rid on them just yet. However I have some wheel gap that is needing to be handled now...
On the plus side, I have my Teins in and waiting installation. I have a buddy coming over Tuesday to help me get them on. And I also got my HIC rear window visor to match the window visors that I already installed. Looking to see it all come together after I get her lowered!
09-30-2017, 12:17 PM
#7
Safety Car
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looks good man! i would wait until you lower to see if you need to roll the fenders, i'm pretty sure you won't need to with your spacers you listed.
i had the same thing happen with the oem lock and got rid of them right away. ended up using gorilla locks and will never use the oem ones again. looking forward to some dropped pics, it will do wonders!
i had the same thing happen with the oem lock and got rid of them right away. ended up using gorilla locks and will never use the oem ones again. looking forward to some dropped pics, it will do wonders!
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09-30-2017, 06:46 PM
#8
I think it's the 245s that I still have on the rear. When I go over a bump I think I can hear them rub against the fender well. But I'll try to use them for as long as I can.
Came up on a factory service manual for $20 today. So I swooped that up. I don't think he knew how much they were worth
Came up on a factory service manual for $20 today. So I swooped that up. I don't think he knew how much they were worth
10-13-2017, 10:41 PM
#10
So been a little behind and not a real big update. Decided to order everything for the top hats new so I don't have to goof around with disassembling and reassembling the old stuff. But finally got all the bits and pieces in!
10-16-2017, 11:09 PM
#11
So I got everything assembled and installed tonight. I did not get pics of the car after install since I finished and it was dark. So I will get those soon. But I'm pretty happy some of the wheel gap is gone!
10-19-2017, 09:19 AM
#13
Safety Car
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looks great!! my only comment is to lower the front a little so that the rear isn't lower than the front the way it looks now.
also for whatever reason your current post crashes every time on my phone, i can only view it from a computer.
good job on the updates!
also for whatever reason your current post crashes every time on my phone, i can only view it from a computer.
good job on the updates!
10-19-2017, 08:39 PM
#15
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Came back for a 2nd look!
10-20-2017, 10:17 PM
#16
Thanks for the kind words guys
Yeah I think I was hoping the fronts would settle a little lower. Part of the issue is I'm running a 225 in the front a 240 in the rear and it seems a little awkward. I kinda wish I would have gone with a 235 but ill deal with it for now. Maybe Ill get some time to get it down a few coils this weekend.I'm having issues on my phone too. Not really sure what's up with that
I got some black vinyl to try to wrap the molding above the door frame. All 4 doors are peeling up or already ripped. And ordered some butyl and silica packets. Over my vacation I'm hoping to get the window trim wrapped and the headlights done to clean the car up a bit.
I got some black vinyl to try to wrap the molding above the door frame. All 4 doors are peeling up or already ripped. And ordered some butyl and silica packets. Over my vacation I'm hoping to get the window trim wrapped and the headlights done to clean the car up a bit.
10-27-2017, 11:55 AM
#18
So I wanted to see what you guys think.
I'm in the process of doing my headlight housings and I figured I should hit up the lens' with a kit since I didn't seal them with anything last time. These are a couple pics of one lens in the light to try to see all the little scratches. Should EVERY SINGLE scratch come out or is it expected to see some when you look real close? I mean it looks better than the yellowing for sure but I have the time this week and seems it'd be best to do it now if needed.
Any input is appreciated!
I'm in the process of doing my headlight housings and I figured I should hit up the lens' with a kit since I didn't seal them with anything last time. These are a couple pics of one lens in the light to try to see all the little scratches. Should EVERY SINGLE scratch come out or is it expected to see some when you look real close? I mean it looks better than the yellowing for sure but I have the time this week and seems it'd be best to do it now if needed.
Any input is appreciated!
11-01-2017, 12:06 AM
#19
So I got the headlights together and back on the car.
The insides came out really well I think. I used VHT Black Pearl paint, which seemed to match the part of the insides that were already black. I hit the shroud and the inside of the blinker reflector. Then did the ring the same Burnt Copper I did the brakes in since I had some laying around. I thought it may be a tad too ricey but it doesn't look bad. Also replaced the silica packs and used new butyl to seal it all up. Washed the car today and no condensation on the inside but I wont get my hopes up until we get some rain, which could be a while here in AZ.
The only thing I wasn't happy with were the lenses themselves. I goofed while using a restoration kit. The drill attachment got too hot and caused some marks on the light. And when I went to try to even it out, it made a lot of it worse. I ended up having to got back and redo one of the lenses and it came out ok. What really bugs me is I cleaned the lenses and had everything clean and apart so the next morning I could toss everything together. I didn't see any sort of haze or film on the inside if the lenses at this time. So the next morning I didn't think to look again and just tossed everything together and got them sealed up, and didn't notice the hazy film until everything was sealed up. I don't know if I'm being too critical or what. I guess I was just hoping for super clear lens.... They look good from a few feet back, just up close you can see some imperfections.
Anyways, here are some pics I took of them.
The insides came out really well I think. I used VHT Black Pearl paint, which seemed to match the part of the insides that were already black. I hit the shroud and the inside of the blinker reflector. Then did the ring the same Burnt Copper I did the brakes in since I had some laying around. I thought it may be a tad too ricey but it doesn't look bad. Also replaced the silica packs and used new butyl to seal it all up. Washed the car today and no condensation on the inside but I wont get my hopes up until we get some rain, which could be a while here in AZ.
The only thing I wasn't happy with were the lenses themselves. I goofed while using a restoration kit. The drill attachment got too hot and caused some marks on the light. And when I went to try to even it out, it made a lot of it worse. I ended up having to got back and redo one of the lenses and it came out ok. What really bugs me is I cleaned the lenses and had everything clean and apart so the next morning I could toss everything together. I didn't see any sort of haze or film on the inside if the lenses at this time. So the next morning I didn't think to look again and just tossed everything together and got them sealed up, and didn't notice the hazy film until everything was sealed up. I don't know if I'm being too critical or what. I guess I was just hoping for super clear lens.... They look good from a few feet back, just up close you can see some imperfections.
Anyways, here are some pics I took of them.
11-01-2017, 03:50 AM
#20
very nice job on the recent headlight customization; that burnt copper looks so good.
I must admit my jaw dropped when i saw the pictures of your civic (im a sucker for civics) its a beauty.
sounds like you have a good plan for this car and are following through.. keep it up!
I must admit my jaw dropped when i saw the pictures of your civic (im a sucker for civics) its a beauty.
sounds like you have a good plan for this car and are following through.. keep it up!
11-01-2017, 08:36 PM
#22
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Damn, those look great!
11-03-2017, 12:16 AM
#23
very nice job on the recent headlight customization; that burnt copper looks so good.
I must admit my jaw dropped when i saw the pictures of your civic (im a sucker for civics) its a beauty.
sounds like you have a good plan for this car and are following through.. keep it up!
I must admit my jaw dropped when i saw the pictures of your civic (im a sucker for civics) its a beauty.
sounds like you have a good plan for this car and are following through.. keep it up!
Yeah not going to lie I look at that thread a lot when deciding to do similar mods to see what that look like lol but not trying to copy...it just happens. Thank you though!
11-03-2017, 07:45 AM
#24
I didn't want to ask, but I was wondering because there were a few shots that literally I was like, is that my picture?
Everyone has their own style, but I really dig how you're going about putting the car together. That burnt copper just looks SO good as a compliment to black and I think that not removing the amber was a great way to keep that theme.
Seriously missing my old car these days.
11-03-2017, 11:55 PM
#25
I didn't want to ask, but I was wondering because there were a few shots that literally I was like, is that my picture?
Everyone has their own style, but I really dig how you're going about putting the car together. That burnt copper just looks SO good as a compliment to black and I think that not removing the amber was a great way to keep that theme.
Seriously missing my old car these days.
Still can pick up another one and make a 3.0! Would love to see another build from you
11-04-2017, 07:24 AM
#26
Thanks, man...
funny, I almost picked up that super cheap one on the BM but I had just bought the Audi and decided to pass...
In a way, even after the type S, I felt kinda "done"...like with all the efforts, it was the same car I'd had for nearly 8 years when I stood back and looked at it.
Figured it would be fun to put my efforts into something new.
Nostalgia and the feeling that no car payment and being satisfied with what I had get the best of me though, sometimes.
funny, I almost picked up that super cheap one on the BM but I had just bought the Audi and decided to pass...
In a way, even after the type S, I felt kinda "done"...like with all the efforts, it was the same car I'd had for nearly 8 years when I stood back and looked at it.
Figured it would be fun to put my efforts into something new.
Nostalgia and the feeling that no car payment and being satisfied with what I had get the best of me though, sometimes.
01-10-2018, 10:25 PM
#27
Not much to update. Installed a little present I got for Christmas. I'm usually not a fan of colored lugs but I gave them a try. They have grown on me for sure. I dig em now. BUT I do think I'm don't with the orange accents on the exterior.
Still haven't installed the J pipe
Still haven't fixed the peeling lower window vinyl
I have an extra set headlight and tail lights to mess with now, but just sitting at the moment
Also picking up some engine covers so I can get a little project done on those. Pretty excited to get these done...
Will post more pics when I have something to post lol
Still haven't installed the J pipe
Still haven't fixed the peeling lower window vinyl
I have an extra set headlight and tail lights to mess with now, but just sitting at the moment
Also picking up some engine covers so I can get a little project done on those. Pretty excited to get these done...
Will post more pics when I have something to post lol
01-16-2018, 07:34 PM
#28
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01-17-2018, 11:24 PM
#31
01-30-2018, 11:15 PM
#32
I haven't gotten to do much for the car for myself recently.
But I did do a set of headlights for a guy local. He didn't want much done, basically just remove the amber and paint the chrome strip. He was happy with them though.
But I got the ball rolling on these.....I have only gotten few pics from the guy doing them and haven't actually gotten to pick them up. Just a teaser until I pick them up...
But I did do a set of headlights for a guy local. He didn't want much done, basically just remove the amber and paint the chrome strip. He was happy with them though.
But I got the ball rolling on these.....I have only gotten few pics from the guy doing them and haven't actually gotten to pick them up. Just a teaser until I pick them up...
01-30-2018, 11:17 PM
#33
Ugh, does anyone know what I can do to get my pics to show up when looking at this thread on a mobile device? Myself and another member have said they cant see pics unless on a PC.
02-02-2018, 06:33 AM
#34
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
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Those engine covers looks really awesome!
02-02-2018, 01:53 PM
#35
When you took your headlights apart, did you happen to do or need to do any polishing on the inside of the lenses? Or was inside mostly fine?
It mighhtttt have something to do with how many pictures are in this thread, and how many terabytes needs to load hahaha
Even on my computer this thread took a solid 2 minutes to load, took me back to the old 56K dial-up days
Even on my computer this thread took a solid 2 minutes to load, took me back to the old 56K dial-up days
02-02-2018, 09:25 PM
#36
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Nice job so far, any updated pics of the whole car with everything you've done up to now? BTW, really nice Civic; I haven't seen a clean EG in years, they're all pretty much have been trashed three times over.
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Ossman14 (02-10-2018)
02-10-2018, 10:33 PM
#39
Thanks man!
02-10-2018, 10:44 PM
#40
So first time I've had some pictures since I did the headlights and my newly acquired engine covers. I was really happy with how they came out and this was definitely something new for me. I usually keep things simple but I keep adding more orange with the hope it doesn't end up looking like garbage, and I think so far I have been successful.
Unfortunately, my sister forgot to charge her camera but we grabbed a few good pics. The covers look way better in person and I will try to get some in some better lighting. But I will say this has me considering so carbon fiber accents...
Unfortunately, my sister forgot to charge her camera but we grabbed a few good pics. The covers look way better in person and I will try to get some in some better lighting. But I will say this has me considering so carbon fiber accents...
