New DB2 Acquisition. . .the restoration begins

GENERAL General G2/G2IC Discussion
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Hi, everybody! I just picked up a '92 Milano Red DB2 a couple of weeks ago (EBay). This car was a hot number for me when I was 16, and now I can finally own one. I’ve had a bunch of cars over the years ranging from BMWs to Chevys. First car was a '79 Accord LX hatchback. Now I own boring family cars, but hadn’t owned an Acura product and nothing this interesting. So, my first midlife toy!

This one needs a bunch of mechanical things (mostly minor), paint (seems like they all do these days), and some minor touches. This is my stock restoration project, so the goal is to make it look pretty much new at the end. I checked out this board before buying–nice DB2 threads! I read sethman2000’s thread with great interest–that was some seriously nice work. Hope I can do the same here. I’ll post one image here, but if you want to see more, I made a public album where I hope I’ll stay disciplined and post progress every month or so.
https://plus.google.com/photos/102353785923181230335/albums/5780683780397482929?banner=pwa&gpsrc=pwrd1#photos/102353785923181230335/albums/5780683780397482929

I’m hoping 9-12 months and this thing will be done.

The plan for now is:
exhaust (leaks and rattles)
high idle, running rich condition fix
abs speed sensor
brakes all around
ALL fluids, filters, complete maintenance
timing belt/water pump
belts/hoses

I’ll keep you posted on what I find–I’m sure more problems will crop up. I’m thinking about using this shop since some folks have recommended them highly, in Annapolis, MD:
http://www.accurateautoservice.com/about_us

Thinking ahead to body and paint, I’m prepared to spend the change to do it right, I think, but the trim worries me–a lot of it is peeling and losing the black plastic that goes on top. Ideally, I’d like to source all the trim and rubber seals now. I’ve checked hondapartsunlimited and they seem to have very little of the rare trim (like window trim, etc.) I did go ahead and buy new logos, except the “INTEGRA” logo on the back which they didn’t have. If anybody knows a good source for the trim stuff, I’d love to know.

Overall, it runs well (despite rich and high idle) and the trans feels good. Clutch is very high, but it seems very solid. Only has 94k on it. Motor and valvetrain sound good. Interior is very good despite all the sun exposure. Car was obviously painted on the left side, which is now flaking off below the rear window. Not sure why it was repainted–might have been keyed. It doesn’t look like it has taken any serious hits. Any thoughts and pointers VERY welcome!

David

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Good luck!

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Good luck with your restoration… I picked up a db2 as well earlier this year, and I’m just getting around to it. The little things can be annoying but when u drive the car is great, although there isn’t much power there atleast IMO, but it’s a fun car regadless

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I know what you mean. This car is no match for a lot of SUVs, let alone modern sports cars, and you really have to thrash it to get at the power. I do remember when 160 HP was a big deal–a friend of the family had just bought a 1990 Maxima SE, and that car felt so seriously quick back then. At least since I’ve done so many power downgrades over the years, this thing ought to feel pretty quick compared to my beater 2002 Civic LX! Even if it’s not, like you say, it’s a fun car anyway, and hopefully the nostalgia will make it all worth it. . .

David

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It seems restoring these things is common nowadays. I’ve been through and done things on Sethman’s DB2. I also recently picked up my 3rd DB2 and am in the process of restoration. Mine is pretty close to done for now with the exception of paint.

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common restorations

That’s good to know. I haven’t seen any other true “restorations” to stock except sethman’s, so if you have any good links, I would love to take a look! I did see pictures in the DB2 main thread of a pretty perfect Aztec Green one, but that one looks more like a perfectly preserved one (and I don’t think the owner is on here). I’m especially interested in what kind of mechanicals have been replaced–i.e., what’s the stock failure rate on certain things like pumps, gaskets, ECUs, etc. Stay tuned. . .I’m saving up for the big trip to the mechanic. I don’t mind minor wrenching, but the major stuff I’ll put in professional hands. Should be about a month.

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this is awesome. I will be keeping a watch on your progress!! Thanks for the nice comments on my ride. I think I will take it of the garage tomorrow…been a few weeks! Just sold my Tacoma and bought an 06 Accord Sedan V6 Six speed. Fun car and damn, hard to find too. mrDb2, Nelly…you have been a huge help in my progress and I was so excited when you pulled the trigger and bought another DB2, this time not a DD! We should all go out for a beer

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Glad to see another resto. good luck!

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Damn, looks just exactly like my old db2 I used to own back in 03’ paint fayded and all oem nice find. I still regret selling it to this day, but you can live the dreams of those who wished they owned a part of history.

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Sorry so long in checking in. . .I’m hoping to get the mechanical done soon. When I do, say in 6 months, I am totally up for an east coast meet-up! BTW, that fantastic preserved aztec green DB2 was on EBay last week. He wanted $8000+, no sale. Soft market. Hope he keeps it. . .

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I’ve talked to farber about a met around MD/PA border. Tried to get one started with Neil last year but it never got much interest. Would still like to see it happen. Glad to hear you’re making progress.

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Have a meet closer to Asheville, nc and I will be there!

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wow, its nice to see such an OEM example of a db2. i had a chance to buy an rusty aztec green peral one in my area. sadly i spent a month going back and forth with the owner, which ended in the owner backing out. I really hope to see this car when its done! good luck, and dont give up.

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Glad to see another Milano Red DB2 resto going on!

I have one ongoing but really haven’t gotten around to doing too much. Keep us updated!

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dmorga1, email me… sethman9100@yahoo.com gotta a question