I have spent countless hours on Google searching for imports, preferably Hondas,
which have qualities that I like. Anywhere from color, stance, or rim style, to
meticulous wire tucks or interior transformations. This entry is going to focus
on body colors that I would be interested in painting my CRX.
"Battleship Grey" let me start by saying that unless we are
talking about the paint that the Navy uses on their ships, this color is
completely open to interpretation. There are some supposed BSGs that I
absolutely love, and others.... not so much. I am in love with this
representation. It looks nice. I'm not a huge fan of flake so this basic color
is really pleasing to me.
This color was guessed to be Battleship Grey. Technically the guy who
guessed that isn't wrong because its more of a description of a gloss grey with
minimal flake instead of a true paint color. Going off of the knowledge that
this car is located in Japan and they really like to mimic euro car colors
there, I'd be willing to guess that this is either the grey black color Porsche
offers on the GT3 or one of the dark greys that Lamborghini offers. Regardless
of what this color code really is, I am a fan!
This is the stock pewter grey metallic color the CRX came in. I like
this color quite a bit, but I kind of feel underwhelmed at the thought of
changing my CRX's color from its current stock color, to a different stock
color.
Supersonic blue. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this color. I get excited just looking at
it. This is such a beautiful color that I cant help but drool over it when I
see it in person. However it is such a bold color that it doesn't offer much
wiggle room in color coordination with performance parts. I know, what a girly
reason to shy from this color... but its hard to accessorize with that. The
other issue with this particular paint is how pricey it is! I want only the
best for my CRX but the unfortunate reality is that no one will respect my car
as much as I do. I cant tell you how many times I’ve seen a girl at a car show
put her little Pomeranian or Chihuahua on the hood or roof of whatever car
they happen to think is pretty and take pictures of it. Complete disregard for
the fact that the paint costs more than the pedigree pooch that’s on it. Thats just one scenario, as many car lovers know, you just cannot trust people around your vehicle. I need
to pick a paint color with the full intention of touching it up every so often.
Rio Red! This color is fantastic. Its just so popular with this car. A
huge number of fixed up CRX's are this color. Its easy to see why, its just so
pretty! It'd be soooo easy to just freshen up the body with a new coat of Rio,
but that's one reason why I am hesitant to do it. Its the easy way out. Its
also the popular choice. If I were to go with the popular vote, I would have
bought a Subaru STi and called it a day years ago.
Chianti Red. This is a Honda red that is not as well known. I love it,
its a richer deeper red than Rio. It looks so nice; I am a fan of the darker
reds. The issues I have with it are: Its red, it lacks originality, it makes
your insurance go up, (Side Note: I understand why it goes up but its such a superficial reason; it'd be like making a blonde's health insurance go up because they are more likely to get in an accident its discriminatory, point blank) and it doesn't play well with other colors so you are
very limited with accent color options.
This is really more of an honorable mention. Milano Red, because well.... its
iconic. Also the CRX that really inspired me to get moving with my own project was
this color.
The car as it is now is all original. Its got its original SOHC D16 with
251,000 miles on it, decently clean for 88 original Si interior, and lucky me,
it came stock from the dealership (back in 88 of course) with an SiR front end.
I know nearly all of the car history because my grandmother bought the car in
89. I remember riding in the trunk on a pile of pillows staring at the
sky through the hatch window when I was 5. There is most definitely sentimental
value here. It still has its original Rio Red paint..Its in need of new
fenders, hood, and door panel due to some irreparable dents.
Every time I go to an import show I search for the 88-91 CRXs. I get so
excited when I find one that is done tastefully and brings out the original
heart of that car. Prime example, Import Faceoff, Baytown, TX Oct 2012, I had
the privilege to see a very minty CRX in milano red. Gorgeous leather, JDM Back
Seat, B16A swap. Not many people paid it much attention because it looked too
stock. not many noticed how much labor this guy had to have put into his car.
My boyfriend and I spoke to the owner for a good 45 minutes about his car. I
found my inspiration for my grandmothers CRX. I wont be copy catting, but that
car gave me hope for mine.
Now, to the exciting part! I ordered the engine swap and suspension for my
88 a few days ago! I decided I want to do what in my opinion is a legendary
build. I don't want to spend the next several years building my way up to what
I know I would ultimately want. Also the particular engine is going to be
increasingly rare and difficult to find the longer I wait. For you Honda fans,
if you haven't already guessed, I am getting a B18C ITR swap. The Integra type
R was, and still is in many eyes, the pride and joy of Honda. The developers
poured their hearts into this engine and it is renowned to all Honda fan-boys
(and girls).
