Restoring Lori's Honda Accord, 2/96
In February 1996 Lori's long-time paddling coach Dr.David Jones gave her his 1978 Honda Accord coupe. It was in terrible shape and we were surprised it got us back from Atlanta. The next morning we took out all but one seat, removed the carpet, headliner, door pads and all removable electronics and took it to a self serve car wash and washed it inside and out. There were large holes in the quarter panels, roof, and other areas and lots of damaged rubber seals etc. We decided to take on a complete restoration as a family project. We removed as many parts as possible, started searching for parts, and started body work. Lots of fiberglass was needed to fill in holes. The entire driver's side rain gutter had to be remanufactured. Mechanical work on the engine and drivetrain was the easiest part and went well. Finally we had it all primed and Lori drove it to Peach Auto Painting and Collision for orange paint. The final details yielded a delightfully-fun car for Lori! What a great family project!
The car as we received it was pure junk.
The insides were in terrible shape.
There were holes through the sheet metal.
We removed everything we could to take it to the car wash.
Through and through rust
More parts were in the basement to be touched up and fixed than were in the garage on the car.
Lots of metal had to be ground away.
Lots of fiberglass work was required...
...top and bottom.
Taking shape!
Priming and sanding for hours at a time.
All primed and ready to paint.
All painted and ready to trim out.
Putting on chrome, rubber, and lights.
Detailing the inside.
Shining and beautiful! A thing of true beauty!
Our body work paid off.
Adding boat carriers etc. to make it really Lori's car.
And of course an ICTHEUS fish symbol.
/hugh