Overhaulin'

87 Integra; worth referbing, or get new?

Actually, a couple of questions rolled into one. I have had a 1987 Integra LS 5spd for 7 years. It has 82k miles, some minor body panel rust (no rust on under carriage), front right bumper mount is broken; rigged, straight thru exhaust (I was lazy haven't fixed), a broken center console (cosmetic), and the seats are torn crazy (I put seat covers over them). KBB puts it at $640 trade-in. 5 more years, my state considers this a classic car for registration purposes, adding to my annual taxes. Engine is very sound for a 20 year old car, I personally cleaned or replaced a lot of parts under the hood, but I'm wondering if it is worth continuing the referb process, or should cut my losses and trade in? I love how the car drives. The only parts I can find come from salvage yards, but no intact body panels to replace the rusted ones. The only referb body kit I can find that fits and looks good is made by Kaminari (#085+1809). Any ideas? Yes, I'm a member of TI net. JDM parts begin in '94. I can't use them.

Public Comments

1. The integra has a good reputation for being a dependable and long lasting vehicle, and although I empathize with your situation, being that I own a vehicle from the same year, even though it has the low mileage that it does, if you cant find parts for it, and everything but the engine is falling apart, you have to ask yourself whether or not your willing to put the time and money into trying to find new exterior and interior replacement parts. If you really like the vehicle and want to keep it, then go with body kit and start hitting the junkyards for those parts but if your itching for something new then trade it in and cut your losses. I personally opted to start refurbing mine, and I wouldn't get rid of it for anything. Besides, if the condition of the engine is good, then everything else is negligible. Good Luck.