87 Wagovan. Nothing special, but she is mine!

This is my '87 Wagovan that I accidentally fell into.

The Story:
I was driving from Florida when the transmission in my Dynasty decided to die. I went to a small town in West VA and went to a dealer and a private garage to see what could be done. Prognosis: $2000+ for a new tranny. I then went to a used car dealer to see how fast I could blow a paycheck plus my savings on a replacement car. He (The dealer/mayor of the town) had nothing that cheap ($500) but made a few calls and called in a favor for me that put me in the Honda for $500 + $150 the next week's paycheck + The old Dynasty, which cost me $150 in the first place. So she cost me a total of $800 + a new set of front tires and struts on the Dynasty. call it $1100...

I drove her home, and to work the next night with no problem except the brakes seemed to get squishy. After a couple of months of this, I finally replaced a rear caliper and a dead muffler.

Since then, all I have done is replace a battery (I left the headlights on) and a new set of tires.
She has been as reliable as a new watch and started on the first try after being left in the snow (with a jump) after a rough 5 month winter, then I had to replace the back hatch when some idiot threw a rock through my back window. (This was cheaper and easier than the $400 they wanted for a new back glass.)

I have had her for 4 years now, and although she isn't the prettiest car in the world, She is my HondaChan.

I have some minor projects to pull on her, including LED tail lamps, HID headlights, minor rust repairs, making the rear wiper work as the original didn't have it, but the door does.. any advice?
I also want to get a roof rack and one of those bumper bars for her, as well as installing the head unit I have into her. New seat covers and some other minor cosmetics.
Engine work will be, if I can find it, a replacement performance carb for the 12-valve that is in her, a cold air intake, fuel pump upgrade, major tune-up, a major grease and lube and the possibility of a cleanup and paint job in the engine bay.
I want to keep her as original as possible, with a good spray to get the tailgate to match the rest of the car and new side trim as well as a new carpet. She's a rolling project, but I have the patience for it.

Comments

  • :mrgreen: ?
    so it's called HondaChanel or what.!.
    :shock:

    it's your's, thats very very special...

    phew...nice, very very nice...
    ?! the car ofcruz
  • MustaucheRiderMustaucheRider New Wagonist
    I also picked up a wagon for 800 bucks, its a wonderful thing being able to rely on something so cheap to maintain.
  • Doctor DETHDoctor DETH Band Wagon
    Chan: a Japanese honorific, or suffix added to the end of one's name. chan is usually used when: 1. the person is a small child, ie; younger sibling or friends sibling 2. the person is cute, usually younger, usually a girl 3. can be used on pet cats, dogs, etc..

    My sister started calling the car WagoChan or HondaChan, and it stuck.

    Yes, I agree, She's mine and thus, very special, otherwise, I would have bought another car after I came back. She's polite on road trips, is good in snow, and has a lot more room inside than it appears. Even if I do get another car, I will probably keep her.
    Just needs a good paint job and some rust work for the minor blemishes.
    Bill
  • ReaccionReaccion Senior Wagonist
    My compadre bought one of these. He is lucky that he got it just $300. He is doing a B20 swap on it (Off a CRV All Wheel Drive)... Take a look: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=8743&start=60
  • ReaccionReaccion Senior Wagonist
    By the way, I noticed that you need a passenger side taillight to pass inspection. I found this one on eBay. It is the same one for your vehicle, check it out: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HONDA-CI ... ccessories
  • Reaccion wrote:
    By the way, I noticed that you need a passenger side taillight to pass inspection. I found this one on eBay. It is the same one for your vehicle, check it out: *eBay link deleted*

    Found-Bought-and a HUGE thank you!!! A lot less than the $70 to 100 that the salvage yards wanted!

    *runs around in circles w00ting loudly* The only 3G Wagovan in an area yard is the one I got my tailgate from. The yard won't let anyone in, and they have a habit of trying to make a profit on the whole vehicle with one sale... Most of the other yards insist on no vehicles older than a certain date...

    Bill
  • ReaccionReaccion Senior Wagonist
    LOL... Your welcome. I am glad that I could have helped you out.
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