CRXFi Build Thread (Geo Metro XFi drivetrain in Honda CRX) - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Wonderboy · 12-18-2009, 12:41 AM

I asked them about buying whole cars/motorcycles once and they said absolutely not - the VIN number of each chassis is logged with the state as "junked" and its apparently impossible to reverse that flag in NY's system. I may be mistaken, but I remember this conversation pretty clearly - "you can buy anything and everything you can pull off a car, but the chassis must stay"

It's a cryin' shame too, but I wouldn't want that HF unless I got it for the right price - even if Gary's allowed people to buy whole cars, the interior smells so frickin' bad I don't think it could ever be restored.

I tried to call Ben when I found the two CRXs sitting back to back there to see if he needed anything, but no response.

Are the cargo panels those things that open up to reveal about a softball sized storage compartment, or is it that big thing below the hatch that covers up the cargo area that I didn't notice on either of the CRXs at Gary's?

Christ · 12-18-2009, 12:44 AM

Directly in place of the rear seat, there is a handle. Pull up on it. It's a "secret" storage area. The things directly to the sides of it are "glove" boxes, also of value, but not nearly as much.

If you can find a "trunk" cover, or cargo cover, those are also valuable, but harder to sell, unless you find someone that wants OEM parts in a non-ricer build.

But yeah, directly between the side pods, that thing is a mint.

Usually, you can get up to $100 for it. Some places, they sell for much less. If the one in either car is black or in mint-ish condition, you should be able to pick a price between $50 and $100.

Christ · 12-18-2009, 12:54 AM

There's also the cargo separator panel set, which appears to be a back rest and cover panel for the "trunk" area. Those are OEM options, and you're not likely to find them in the junkyard.

If you find any other random bits, like a OEM car cover, an OEM tool kit, (not the jack/tools), any service manuals, etc... they're also worth money.

RobertSmalls · 12-18-2009, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wonderboy

I asked them about buying whole cars/motorcycles once and they said absolutely not - the VIN number of each chassis is logged with the state as "junked" and its apparently impossible to reverse that flag in NY's system. I may be mistaken, but I remember this conversation pretty clearly - "you can buy anything and everything you can pull off a car, but the chassis must stay"

I can speak to that. All of the vehicles in the 'yard should have a Salvage title, which can be turned in to a Restored title by making an appointment for a NYS Salvage Vehicle Inspection. It takes a few months and costs ~$250.

I offered to buy that green Insight out of the junkyard. The guy said no, and I've since bought about $500 in parts out of it, and I haven't touched the motor, tranny, and interior. Not selling whole cars is a business decision, not a legal requirement.

Christ · 12-18-2009, 01:09 PM

Similar to PA.

They're doing it because they believe there could be a legal implication for them selling vehciles under a salvage certificate, and on top of that, they lose money from the parts that could have sold.

If you were to drive that vehicle on a Salvage Certificate, the trouble you cause goes back on them.

MetroMPG · 12-21-2009, 05:50 PM

1.3L SOCH Swift was gone. Woulda been a little uncomfy doing work on it anyway in recent temperatures. I need somewhere I can "hibernate" a dead car or two while waiting for the return of more civilized tinkering weather.

Christ · 12-21-2009, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

1.3L SOCH Swift was gone. Woulda been a little uncomfy doing work on it anyway in recent temperatures. I need somewhere I can "hibernate" a dead car or two while waiting for the return of more civilized tinkering weather.

Alas, I'm waiting for slightly more than just the weather, but at least I've got the cars. (Neither of them is a Metro, though.

)

Gasoline Fumes · 12-22-2009, 09:02 AM

Here's one of the Swifts that should have the 3.52 final drive:
http://watertown.craigslist.org/cto/1517499326.html
Not mine and I don't know more than what's in the ad.

If anybody here gets it for parts, let me know. I might want a few things.

Wonderboy · 02-02-2010, 11:49 AM

Stricken with curiosity, I tried fitting a XFi axle into my 91 civic's wheel hub.... success! It fits perfectly and the CRX's front track is only 1.6cm wider than the metro.... This could mean business. I've been on the huntdown for a cheap CRX shell in good shape. I'll post a thread when/if I get one and this project will officially begin!

Gasoline Fumes · 02-02-2010, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wonderboy

Stricken with curiosity, I tried fitting a XFi axle into my 91 civic's wheel hub.... success! It fits perfectly and the CRX's front track is only 1.6cm wider than the metro.... This could mean business. I've been on the huntdown for a cheap CRX shell in good shape. I'll post a thread when/if I get one and this project will officially begin!

If you need longer axles, the 1995+ Metros have them. The track is 0.8" wider on the newer cars. So I guess each axle is about 1cm longer. Just avoid the 4-cyl axles, they won't work with the 3-cyl engine. If you need any measurements, I have a complete '98 Metro here.