July 16th, 2021 - Summer Update

July 16th, 2021 - Summer Update

Summer is in full swing. Many projects on the go, both for the CR-X and around the house. It’s been busy but it feels great.

I made my self-imposed deadline of having the CR-X on the road for July 1^st, even managing to get it back in working order a few days ahead of schedule. I removed the rear Mugen bumper that I’d hastily installed last year and made some improvements all around. 

I found some exhaust hangers on Amazon that lowered the exhaust enough to allow enough space between the bumper cut-out and the giant exhaust tip. I hate the tip on the Tanabe but I’ve compromised in order to get the sound that I want.

I wasn’t able to use the North American license plate brackets like I could on the OEM Honda bumper (JDM). I am forced to use the JDM plate bracket on the car to screw the plate into. Using the Blox JDM plate adapter, I was able to install the plate but my bracket is a little bent so I’ll need to straighten it out eventually to get the fitment I want. Also, I eyeballed the placement of the lower JDM license plate brackets since they’re nearly impossible to get to from behind once the bumper is installed. Well, I chose poorly, and the plate sits a little too high for my liking.

Also, the 5mm bolts and nuts for the license plate lights haven’t arrived yet and aren’t due to arrive until August from China so I’m running without license plate lights for the time being.

I did, however, take the lower license plate brackets in to get powder coated before installing so they’re looking minty fresh. I got some washers to spread out the tension from the license plate bracket nuts on the backside. I also purchased some more of those seals for the bumper bracket from Honda to sandwich in between the brackets and the bumper and the washer and the bumper. Hopefully this will help avoid any cracking damage to the bumper. I also replaced the bolts for the side brackets for the bumper so it’s using a regular socket style head. It’s awkward enough getting in there with a socket let alone an allen key.

What I really should have done is bought some touch up paint for the bumper and a clay bar to try and get the residue from that stupid “JDM Symbol” for new drivers that the previous owner of the bumper had on there. Oh well, there’s plenty of summer left.

I’m still hoping there will be enough time to try getting the ViS front bumper installed this season. I kinda messed up the cut outs for the front license plate. I followed the existing hole templates without double-checking them and it turns out they are not level. Hopefully it can be repaired easily.

I seem to have an obsession with license plate hardware. Not too sure how it started, but I can't seem to stop myself. When I see some hardware that catches my eye, I pick it up. When I saw these imitation License Plate Seals from Vistec R Motors, I knew I had to have one. Since they were sold out of the Tokyo seals, I opted for one that says Japan.  

Imitation "Japan" License Seal

Some of the other License Plate bolts/trinkets in my garage are below. Looks like I am spoiled for choice.

Honda EL Plate Decoration

Genuine Okinawa License Plate Seal

Imitation License Seal

Wing bolts

Imitation "Honda" License Plate Seal

Honda Access License Plate Locks

Mugen License Plate Bolts

Imitation "Honda Motors" HM License Seal

Remember, this blog was written in chronological order so, you will need to click OLDER POSTS to move forward in time, and click NEWER POSTS to go backwards.