The ‘87 Integra
Posted on October 26, 2006
Filed Under Uncategorized |
The 1987 Acura Integra may be one of the most difficult cars to work on. The engine seems to have been designed by gnomes. Only an incredibly small person can work on that engine without having to remove large parts of it just to do simple things like replacing the block heater cord. (Technically, this doesn’t require removing anything other than the old cord, but it’s damn near impossible to get the amount of leverage needed to push the new one into place if you have hands larger than a midget-child.)
When snapped off by some unseen jackass, the antenna is apparently quite difficult to replace. Unlike most vehicles, it appears more complicated than a simple case of unscrewing the old one and screwing the new one on. It appears to require removing wires. Perhaps, in the clarity of daylight, this will not be the case.
Despite the difficult in working on the ‘87 Integra, it runs far better than most cars of its age. At nearly 20 years old, my particular Integra has few problems. Sure, I need to change the spark plugs and the alternator belt. And, sure, there is some rust and paint damage. Overall, though, she’s a beaut. Twenty years old and the ol’ girl runs better (and, despite her flaws, still looks better) than a lot of significantly younger cars on the road. I’m not ready to let this baby die. Not yet. She’s got at least a few more years in her, and I intend to let her live them out in as good health as possible.
I’m looking for a good (preferably inexpensive) mechanic. I have a few recommendations, but I’d like a couple more guys (or gals) to call. Better yet, is anyone out there willing to work for a case of beer?
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4 Responses to “The ‘87 Integra”
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I’d agree about cars from the ’80s there are a lot of them still out there and doing well. My 1985 camry is still on the road and doesn’t have a speck of rust on it. I sold it for what I paid for it and the new owner’s never had a problem with that car.
Cars from the ’80s and vacuums from the late ’70s are machines which won’t die.
Talk about cheapskates! Seems to me I spend considerable time and sweat helping with that %$#&ing block heater cord and then I supplied the beer!
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[...] I’ve got a new alternator (well, technically, it’s rebuilt, since they couldn’t find a new one–parts for my car seem to be almost all specialty parts) with a two year warranty, and I got them to put in my new spark plugs and alternator belt since the car was already in their shop. It wasn’t exactly the cheapest repair in the world, but having called around before taking my car it, I’m confident that I didn’t get screwed. It cost what it cost because that’s what it costs, not because the shop was trying to squeeze me dry. If nothing else, the ‘87 Integra will ride another day; and she’ll probably do it with greater fuel efficiency since some of the things that weren’t in peak condition now are. Posted by adam.snider Filed in Automoblies [...]