I've restored several cars in my lifetime. Just like this guy I have gone all out on 65-71 Mustangs and for the most part I spent more hours and more money on parts and supplies than that it is worth and I never blink an eye. Taking pride in your work, challenging yourself is just part of it. One thing most people don't get. Yes he spent more money on it than it's worth, or did he? The fact is that all that work will pay off over time. It advertises his skills and I bet he will get several new clients to line up at his door. I have.
Finding a correct Honda, and/or restoring one is way more difficult and more rare than buying a modern supercar. And satisfaction is also superior, because when a honda is good, it's useable, it's practical, etc.
If you are asking "Why?", you will never get it. Whoever did this restoration has NO fear of hard work nor attention to detail. Great work! One suggestion - fabbing a rotisserie is really worth the time and effort.
Drove a 1987 CRX-SI from 1987 to 1999. Loved every minute of it. Most fun car I've ever owned! Thanks for saving this particular CRX from the crusher. Happy Holidays To All!
Thank you so very much to "Build Diaries" for making this wonderful video! This was my son's car, and it was his amazingly detailed work, and his money, that were invested in it...for his own enjoyment. You have made an incredible keepsake for him! He would have disagreed with the title about it being a frame-off resto, perhaps, as that wasn't his actual intent, and it's a bit misleading...but who cares? It was his project, his fun. He wanted to make this CRX to be a stunning and original statement of his own...and he did. I loved that thing! Thanks for all the thumbs up from so many of you watchers, and this is by way of explanation to the haters who were stuck on the words "frame-off restoration".
I actually currently own this car over in North Dakota. Tell your son it's still driving great and being taken care of, and that if he ever wants it back to please let me know. :)
I am very happy to see someone restoring this car. The CRX like the Miata has been subjected to the ricer market and sadly a lot of them wind up getting beaten until scrap. Nice to see one looking fresh for once.
This one is a masterpiece. Not only the final, but also each one of the countless hours at each step this satisfaction, life is not more about goals than it is a pleasure along the path. This one is truly yours.
Absolutely perfect color combo! My personal favorite restoration of a crx all in one video. The rear louvers and jdm fenders are key also. I like the mudflaps having paint matched lettering. Attention to detail planning and execution is all top quality
Wow the degree of attention to detail is nothing short of crazy! Well done. I too am a proud owner of a restored CRX and I didn’t go nearly as far as how you did and I thought I did a lot. You are amazing. Well done!
What a beauty, great job. In 1990 I bought my first new car and I remember walking on the Honda lot and loving a red CRX SI , but I needed a small back seat so went with an equally beautiful Prelude SI. Great work, thanks for the memories.
This is great. I've got a 1990 that I'm holding on to. I'd definitely go another route with the drive-train, but the bodywork, undercoating, majority of OEM parts, and the red carpet is on point! Kudos to you. I'm sure it wasn't easy, and everyone should respect this.
Amazing! I wish I could find and buy back my 89 Accord LXi Coupe and do this! It was such a special car. But wow the amount of labor, love and money. As much as you would want to set it aside and admire it that would be a waste compared to doing what it was made to do. Drive, in style and take in the sublime goodness of that era of Honda.
I remember when I first saw the brand new 1988 crx. It was probably in 1987 and a neighbor a few blocks away pulled up in a brand new yellow si. I remember thinking wow. What is that. That looks awesome.
I had one of the 1rst Gen CRXs. Even though it was just an HF I loved that car! Great gas mileage. It was black so I was obligated by law to put some cool 17 inch wheels on it with Low Profile tires.Handled well and I could fit some crazy big things in the back. I actually moved with it!
I love almost everything about the build. I woulda dropped a k20 in it though. The styling and looks of a crx (especially this one), deserves more hp. Beautiful work.
Some people are talking about motor swaps or too much red, and that's fine. But my dude, this car is beautiful. While it might not be the quickest CRX, it's still going to be fun and look amazing. Well done sir.
We hate on Honda Boys so much these days, but its stuff like this that earns respect. Its done right, no fart can, no stupid camber. Very well done mate. Hope you enjoy driving it
Brilliant restoration mate. Glad u keep the motor stock from factory unmodified. That crx is the best restored stock clean cherry example i hav ever seen. Well done never sell it. But dont let it sit like a museum piece. It has 2 be driven. 👍
Absolutely gorgeous. That was my first car ever. I loved it with all my heart and one day I went outside and it was no longer with me I still remember the license plate number cuz every time I see one I think about it. Brought back some really good memories... I'll be awesome if one day I see my CRX and I get it back. . I'm sure it's in a million pieces tho....
I think people have the misconception of the word restoration. I can’t deny that I to disagree with the red in the interior. But man is it so satisfying to watch the hard work that this individual has put in. Great job !!!👍🏻👍🏻
Nice restore, very well done. I love my CRX, I have put tons of time and money into it and will continue to do so. It was my dream car when I was a kid. Its worthless to most people but for others, its money well spent. By far the funniest car to drive, especially with a swapped engine!!
+Jeff in Toronto Your reasoning is invalid. Depending how far you want to go down that rabbit hole, you'll eventually get to someone retorting about a newer, more powerful engine swap. How many at least average condition CRXs have you ever seen? The vast majority of the time, they're beat to absolute shit, maintained at a chronic "project car" status. Never owned a Honda in my life, however, I can spy arrogance fairly easily.
I do get it TechnoFreak. And Milesanamjaro - you're just brain damaged. You spend all the time and money redoing a CRX. It will never be worth as much as you have in it. I get that. My opinion is that if you're going that route because you love doing the work, or you love the car, why not get the better version of that same car, that had a better motor, better trim, standard sun roof etc., rather than the base model. The depreciated price for the the higher trim level would be negligible when finding one to work on. And Miles - I can spy ignorance even easier.
Jeff inToronto I can respond to you without insulting you - watch this: none of your response has any direct inclination for how I feel this guy's time or finances should've been invested. 100% agree. However, it's his car and his video, and the amount of effort and time displaced shows. My comment was in regards to how these cars seldom ever get this type of treatment. Then again, maybe I should just get my head checked instead of trying to hold an opinion about your comment or this content creator's video. ;)
Very, very tasteful work. As a 30+ year Acura/Honda tech I love that the project didn't go 'Fast and Furious', in fact OEM air filter went back on, sensible tail lights, and added side turn indicators in a quality fashion. Personally I would not have done HID as most aftermarket kits are poor quality, but only time will tell won't it? Great craftsmanship.
I owned an 85' and 88'. 88' was an SI. My CRX'S achieved 42mpg. My Brother had the 85' HF and achieved 60mpg. Great car for a young person. Could haul things other sedans could not.
Not gonna lie 19 year old ricer me is happy ... but 34 year old honda lover and mechanic is like "WHYYYY?" ...no disrespect to your build it's awesome but the stock d15b2 and the tweed and spray paint interior are so weak and dated! ... looks like the hero car from the straight to dvd hit "The Slow And The Curious" ...... OK now that it's out of my system, good job on everything restorative to this crx! I don't care what style you build it. I'm just happy to see that another one of these cars has a chance to hang around for a lot longer!
Couldn't agree more. The restoration itself is fantastic with great attention to detail. But the interior is just awful, there's just way too much red. It would look much better with an all-black interior with subtle touches of the outside colour brought inside, like red stitching on the shift boot or something small. This was just way too much, and the spray painted vent covers are straight out of the 90s.
Kick ass job in the garage. One tip from a factory painter , if using bc,cc between each coat of base let dry very well , rub hand over and wet sand lumps out w 1000, wd. Feal all over panel with hand ,wet sand w 1000 clean up w towel , when feel smooth clear coat. If done right, no buffing .
The why is obvious. I mean I drive a brand new 2017 vehicle as my daily, but I'm restoring a 96 F150 in my garage, putting a lot of attention to detail because I have a passion for restorations. There's just something very cathartic and unequivocally satisfying about seeing something old and nasty turned new and shiny.
Fucking AWESOME !!! My Dad have one of these and when it's my turn to " Restore " it.. I hope I can do it half the job I have seen here in the Video! 2 BIG THUMBS UP !!!!
I a agree it’s not about what it’s resale value it’s about the love of brand and cars overall. Great step by step process. Will you be doing a Honda Civic 2002-2005 range?
My father had 3 ED9 91year 125 bhp , 91year VTI 150bhp, and del sol 92 160bhp. Wonderfoul car. I remember there was xD plenty of place in the back xD when I was younger. At least my father thought so xD.
Those louvers were actually an original factory accessory. My wife had one in college and it came from the dealer with them when purchased. They were aluminum and rattled quite a bit, but were all the rage bitd, so if nothing else, they are 'period correct'. Those ricer headlights and random red painted bits though.......Ugh.
ronlp just because they were a factory option doesn't mean I HAVE to like them. I think louvers are butt-ugly on ANY car and disrupt the otherwise smooth body lines. Louvers can go but that's just MY opinion. If YOU like them, more power to you.
I've restored several cars in my lifetime. Just like this guy I have gone all out on 65-71 Mustangs and for the most part I spent more hours and more money on parts and supplies than that it is worth and I never blink an eye. Taking pride in your work, challenging yourself is just part of it. One thing most people don't get. Yes he spent more money on it than it's worth, or did he? The fact is that all that work will pay off over time. It advertises his skills and I bet he will get several new clients to line up at his door. I have.
When I saw the ricer lights...I was like "WHAT?!?! You have to be kidding!"..then I saw you put the OE ones...thank God! LOVE the car!
I just wrote a comment before reading yours....... you speak the truth sir
Most people want a Lambo, or maybe even a Pagani or McLaren. When I get rich, I'm getting a mint restored CRX.
Shane Smith wen these come out I knew 2 brothers that got white ones and they were awesome little cars, both 5 speed
Ditto except I'm going to have a 1991 civic SI too!
good luck finding one, crx’s are unicorn cars now
Finding a correct Honda, and/or restoring one is way more difficult and more rare than buying a modern supercar. And satisfaction is also superior, because when a honda is good, it's useable, it's practical, etc.
@@ethanvang4628 there are a bunch of low mile jdm ones for sale in the USA at a few different importers. Just looked today. $12k to $22k usa dollars.
So much beautiful work done. Only to be ruined by painting the interior panels red... fucking horrible!
And the drum paint, and the crappy fog projector headlights, and the bed liner...
You scared me for a second with those aftermarket tail lights, lmao!!
the moment I saw them was like "NANI?! NOO,NOOO!"
I was like "Whhhhhhhhhat?!" when I first saw them.... Noticed the took the Si symbol off too and changed it to he HC or something, sunno what that is
Hardcore life. xD
ThatOneDrummer my thoughts exactly the moment I seen them
Hahaha! good thing you went back with stock tail lights.
If you are asking "Why?", you will never get it. Whoever did this restoration has NO fear of hard work nor attention to detail. Great work! One suggestion - fabbing a rotisserie is really worth the time and effort.
Drove a 1987 CRX-SI from 1987 to 1999. Loved every minute of it. Most fun car I've ever owned!
Thanks for saving this particular CRX from the crusher. Happy Holidays To All!
It is a great resto, it's just really too bad about the red in the interior. That stuff was always my least favorite fad with modded cars in the 90's
ElGringo i love red interiors
ElGringo so true, 2 edgy m8.
Love this car to death anyways lol amazing restoration, im jelly
I agree, , a Gray & black interior combo would have suited the car better, but, each to their own I guess...
agree. gives off a real aftermarket vibe. but, nice restore all the same.
Fun fact, the car is my car and the interior has been changed to black :)
I did this to an 88si in black. Even found a new 88si interior when we recovered the seats. Bravo for saving another CRX.
Привет!! Просто слов нет.. работа огромная проделана!! Тоже очень бы хотелось со своим сивиком такое проделать.. вы молодцы!!
Should have did si disc brake for the rear tho
Thank you so very much to "Build Diaries" for making this wonderful video! This was my son's car, and it was his amazingly detailed work, and his money, that were invested in it...for his own enjoyment. You have made an incredible keepsake for him! He would have disagreed with the title about it being a frame-off resto, perhaps, as that wasn't his actual intent, and it's a bit misleading...but who cares? It was his project, his fun. He wanted to make this CRX to be a stunning and original statement of his own...and he did. I loved that thing! Thanks for all the thumbs up from so many of you watchers, and this is by way of explanation to the haters who were stuck on the words "frame-off restoration".
I actually currently own this car over in North Dakota. Tell your son it's still driving great and being taken care of, and that if he ever wants it back to please let me know. :)
I have to give props to the person that did this. That was a ton of love that went into that. With tons of attention to detail.
I am very happy to see someone restoring this car. The CRX like the Miata has been subjected to the ricer market and sadly a lot of them wind up getting beaten until scrap. Nice to see one looking fresh for once.
AMAZING! love it makes me miss my 91 Si
This one is a masterpiece. Not only the final, but also each one of the countless hours at each step this satisfaction, life is not more about goals than it is a pleasure along the path. This one is truly yours.
Absolutely perfect color combo! My personal favorite restoration of a crx all in one video. The rear louvers and jdm fenders are key also. I like the mudflaps having paint matched lettering. Attention to detail planning and execution is all top quality
WOW, this is way beyond amazing! How could you handle such a task? So unbelievable!
I love the shot of the cupholders. Every CRX owner's dream!
Wow the degree of attention to detail is nothing short of crazy! Well done. I too am a proud owner of a restored CRX and I didn’t go nearly as far as how you did and I thought I did a lot. You are amazing. Well done!
My mate had one of these over 20 years ago. It was freaking fast for its day. Thanks for the upload.
How does one do a frame-off restoration on a uni-body car?
There IS no frame.
Came to say this. not disappointed.
Although he did remove some of the subframe so.... maybe it should read "unibody and up restoration"
Mike OG K EXACTLY😂😂🤣🤣☠☠☠
Total Moronic statement by the maker of this video. 🗑
clicked vid just to make this comment lol
I want that car. I had an 89 Crx si and wanted to do the same thing but never did. That was some extreme dedication and love for that car!
What a beauty, great job. In 1990 I bought my first new car and I remember walking on the Honda lot and loving a red CRX SI , but I needed a small back seat so went with an equally beautiful Prelude SI. Great work, thanks for the memories.
What a Amazing work" am speechless 😶 looks so nice all done" beautiful work👍🏼👌🏼
Awwe.... I just got all nostalgic over my red '89 CRX I drove in high school... twenty years ago.
Awesome job.
Very nice job! It inspires me to find a shell I can restore and swap my parts into.
This was legendary, never seen something that good, he literally nonriced the car and made it amazing.great restoration
In 1990, I was in grade 10, and CRX si was my dream car, totally worth restoring it!!
This is great. I've got a 1990 that I'm holding on to. I'd definitely go another route with the drive-train, but the bodywork, undercoating, majority of OEM parts, and the red carpet is on point! Kudos to you. I'm sure it wasn't easy, and everyone should respect this.
Masterful use of an engine hoist. And that paint prep work.
Stop being nitpicky. It’s amazing work to fully restore a car. Beautiful cinematography.
Amazing! I wish I could find and buy back my 89 Accord LXi Coupe and do this! It was such a special car. But wow the amount of labor, love and money. As much as you would want to set it aside and admire it that would be a waste compared to doing what it was made to do. Drive, in style and take in the sublime goodness of that era of Honda.
I remember when I first saw the brand new 1988 crx. It was probably in 1987 and a neighbor a few blocks away pulled up in a brand new yellow si. I remember thinking wow. What is that. That looks awesome.
Thats a lot of love for that little car. Always have enjoyed the CRX’s.
Awesome build. My dream is to bring old Japanese cars from the dead. Happy to see Montana plates at the end!
I had one of the 1rst Gen CRXs. Even though it was just an HF I loved that car! Great gas mileage. It was black so I was obligated by law to put some cool 17 inch wheels on it with Low Profile tires.Handled well and I could fit some crazy big things in the back. I actually moved with it!
The pea shooter exhaust tip is brilliant. Respect on the oem-ness of this build
Perfect! Bravo.... one of the best CRX in the world now...
I love almost everything about the build. I woulda dropped a k20 in it though. The styling and looks of a crx (especially this one), deserves more hp. Beautiful work.
It is cool to see someone take the time to do this. Well done
Some people are talking about motor swaps or too much red, and that's fine. But my dude, this car is beautiful. While it might not be the quickest CRX, it's still going to be fun and look amazing. Well done sir.
We hate on Honda Boys so much these days, but its stuff like this that earns respect. Its done right, no fart can, no stupid camber. Very well done mate. Hope you enjoy driving it
Brilliant restoration mate. Glad u keep the motor stock from factory unmodified. That crx is the best restored stock clean cherry example i hav ever seen. Well done never sell it. But dont let it sit like a museum piece. It has 2 be driven. 👍
I can't hate on this....love the work and it came out beautifully !
its all about the love for the car ,,, awesome work that is my only regret in life not been able to do this to my vehicles
Amazing job. I would love to drive this Honda. You made alive again.
interior is too fucking red
Noah Rosenheck blood gang.
Noah Rosendick - Good thing its not your car then...
lol yeah i cringed a bit when i saw the red painted on the dashboard
agree
idk what honda were thinking, i think they changed it to grey in the later models
It doesn't come stock red.
now that is a thing of beauty!
Absolutely gorgeous. That was my first car ever. I loved it with all my heart and one day I went outside and it was no longer with me I still remember the license plate number cuz every time I see one I think about it. Brought back some really good memories... I'll be awesome if one day I see my CRX and I get it back. . I'm sure it's in a million pieces tho....
thats some awesome work!and omg the attention to detail you really gave that old crx a new life
Everyones hating because this man has enough money to do a "frame off resto" on a crx and made it almost completely back to factory.
11:10 now that's dedication. sub frames in the shower
I think people have the misconception of the word restoration. I can’t deny that I to disagree with the red in the interior. But man is it so satisfying to watch the hard work that this individual has put in. Great job !!!👍🏻👍🏻
Fantastic job. Important to keep some of the older cars for the future.
WOW. JUST WOW. Great job man. Honda's around the world need more men like you. 👍
Nice restore, very well done. I love my CRX, I have put tons of time and money into it and will continue to do so. It was my dream car when I was a kid. Its worthless to most people but for others, its money well spent. By far the funniest car to drive, especially with a swapped engine!!
you almost make me cry. it's a gorgeous job
Nice restoration but since you were putting in all the time and money, couldn't you have at least found an Si trim to do?
Lol you don't get it, it's not about if it's a Si or not. It's about the passion
+Jeff in Toronto Your reasoning is invalid. Depending how far you want to go down that rabbit hole, you'll eventually get to someone retorting about a newer, more powerful engine swap. How many at least average condition CRXs have you ever seen? The vast majority of the time, they're beat to absolute shit, maintained at a chronic "project car" status. Never owned a Honda in my life, however, I can spy arrogance fairly easily.
I do get it TechnoFreak. And Milesanamjaro - you're just brain damaged. You spend all the time and money redoing a CRX. It will never be worth as much as you have in it. I get that. My opinion is that if you're going that route because you love doing the work, or you love the car, why not get the better version of that same car, that had a better motor, better trim, standard sun roof etc., rather than the base model. The depreciated price for the the higher trim level would be negligible when finding one to work on. And Miles - I can spy ignorance even easier.
Jeff inToronto I can respond to you without insulting you - watch this: none of your response has any direct inclination for how I feel this guy's time or finances should've been invested. 100% agree. However, it's his car and his video, and the amount of effort and time displaced shows. My comment was in regards to how these cars seldom ever get this type of treatment. Then again, maybe I should just get my head checked instead of trying to hold an opinion about your comment or this content creator's video. ;)
Maybe he didn't like the Si trim, different strokes for different folks.
Thank you for taking me down memory lane with this rebuild!
Very, very tasteful work.
As a 30+ year Acura/Honda tech I love that the project didn't go 'Fast and Furious', in fact OEM air filter went back on, sensible tail lights, and added side turn indicators in a quality fashion. Personally I would not have done HID as most aftermarket kits are poor quality, but only time will tell won't it?
Great craftsmanship.
wow great job , love these cars had a 88 si . miss that car love to get another one
The Alan Watts narration in the background was a nice touch.
Wow, all I can say. Done right. Car will last multiple life times. Good work. .
Hot damn when I was in high school and just starting to drive I’d have killed for this hot hatch!
My first car 1989 crx si. Second car 1991 crx si. Third car 1989 crx hf, b16a etc etc etc. love the crx!
very nice clean restore. *thumbsup*
Amazing job beatuful car.im glad it wasn't another muscle built vid.great job hats off to you. Detail is key and you nailed it.
Car looks killer, it is in wicked shape by the looks now, love the interior! So clean! And d15b7 nice choice, reliable engine
I owned an 85' and 88'.
88' was an SI.
My CRX'S achieved 42mpg.
My Brother had the 85' HF and achieved 60mpg.
Great car for a young person.
Could haul things other sedans could not.
this is great better than when it was new love it i had 2 of these cars
It's obvious he has a deep connection to the CRX. That is fine - restore what you want my friend.
Wow... An all back interior would have been so much win on this one in my opinion, but an excellent restoration without a doubt.
Great restoration! Even the interior not original but nice pick, great on outside, lively inside
Wow! That is such a cool little car now!!
Not gonna lie 19 year old ricer me is happy ... but 34 year old honda lover and mechanic is like "WHYYYY?" ...no disrespect to your build it's awesome but the stock d15b2 and the tweed and spray paint interior are so weak and dated! ... looks like the hero car from the straight to dvd hit "The Slow And The Curious" ...... OK now that it's out of my system, good job on everything restorative to this crx! I don't care what style you build it. I'm just happy to see that another one of these cars has a chance to hang around for a lot longer!
It's about being as true to the original while still being restored to a like new condition.
Owning a Honda does not make you a ricer so i don't know why you said "the 19yo ricer in me"
Couldn't agree more. The restoration itself is fantastic with great attention to detail. But the interior is just awful, there's just way too much red. It would look much better with an all-black interior with subtle touches of the outside colour brought inside, like red stitching on the shift boot or something small. This was just way too much, and the spray painted vent covers are straight out of the 90s.
The D15 = immortal.
@@GIitchclan12 Ww go Honda CRX.Com
regret selling my 91 CRX SI everyday :-(
I'm sure it's sitting in a junkyard somewhere with a chrome gas tank cover and chrome windshield wipers and each panel is a different color...
I loved my 90 CRX. Mine was same color. Good job on the restoration.
Looks factory fresh. Fantastic restore.
The restoration is first rate, even the music and vidio has class
My first was an 85 Cr then moved into a 90Cr
Fuckin love the restoration... it was one of favorite cars...
wow. and for crx's everywhere. thank you!
Kick ass job in the garage. One tip from a factory painter , if using bc,cc between each coat of base let dry very well , rub hand over and wet sand lumps out w 1000, wd. Feal all over panel with hand ,wet sand w 1000 clean up w towel , when feel smooth clear coat. If done right, no buffing .
The why is obvious. I mean I drive a brand new 2017 vehicle as my daily, but I'm restoring a 96 F150 in my garage, putting a lot of attention to detail because I have a passion for restorations. There's just something very cathartic and unequivocally satisfying about seeing something old and nasty turned new and shiny.
very nice job bringing this back to life..
if you one of those people asking why he did it you aren't a car person
Amazing Restoration.. such attention to detail... amazing work.
Very nice resto, lots of attention on this. I dig it very much. Now do a prelude lol
OMG what a beautiful job........
Also this is probably my favorite restoration ever
Fucking AWESOME !!! My Dad have one of these and when it's my turn to " Restore " it.. I hope I can do it half the job I have seen here in the Video! 2 BIG THUMBS UP !!!!
I couldn’t have stuck with stock. If I did this to my Sedan it’d be completely over built. Looks amazing!
this was wonderful to see. far to many of these cars are destroyed daily. keep the dream alive!
I'm amazed on how you were able to get oem parts that have been discontinued
Nice work.. had me all the way till the headlights !!!!
I a agree it’s not about what it’s resale value it’s about the love of brand and cars overall. Great step by step process. Will you be doing a Honda Civic 2002-2005 range?
My father had 3 ED9 91year 125 bhp , 91year VTI 150bhp, and del sol 92 160bhp. Wonderfoul car. I remember there was xD plenty of place in the back xD when I was younger. At least my father thought so xD.
Pure dedication....awsome work.
Totally worth it. These cars are already classics, and clean ones are as rare as rocking horse shite.
This is a masterpiece.
Aside from the louvers, it's a beautiful restoration.
Those louvers were actually an original factory accessory. My wife had one in college and it came from the dealer with them when purchased. They were aluminum and rattled quite a bit, but were all the rage bitd, so if nothing else, they are 'period correct'. Those ricer headlights and random red painted bits though.......Ugh.
ronlp just because they were a factory option doesn't mean I HAVE to like them. I think louvers are butt-ugly on ANY car and disrupt the otherwise smooth body lines. Louvers can go but that's just MY opinion. If YOU like them, more power to you.