CIVIC: Almost Alive

Well, the Civic is almost alive.  It runs, and I've driven it almost 20 miles since the swap.  However, it's only legal right now because I have a permit on it.  The reality is - it failed the safety and the emissions checks.

Emissions Inspection :

When I finally snuck it in to get it inspected, I had completely forgotten that if you disconnect the battery for any extended period, the computer's memory completely resets, and all of the emissions equipment settles into a "Not Ready" state until you have enough regular driving conditions on the car for it to figure out how it is doing.  So, it failed the emissions because everything was in a "not ready" state.

Safety Inspection :

The safety inspection wasn't as bad as it could have been.  Shoot, the last time it was inspected, I was surprised it passed because the tires were so worn out.  I didn't expect them to pass this time, and wasn't shocked when that didn't happen.  I'll get it to Les Schwab in the next few days and then get it registered.

Result :

Today's drive was a good, longer than 9 months of driving kind of drive.  I put 15 miles on it in a half hour, but none was freeway.  I have a 15 day period to get the good driving results in, and get it registered.  Then I'll be completely back on my feet.  It was good city driving, and the car didn't want to move as easily at first, but slowly started to loosen up again.  I think it will be back to normal within a week with my driving habits.

That said, it's allowed me to work on the Corvette a little bit - and I was able to get that alarm key set up, and duplicated.  Now, I just need to install the switch and wiring, and then hit the electrical with some probes to ensure things are lined up in the right places.  Perhaps after a good day of work on it on Monday can get me feeling better about it.  I might be able to get the steering column put back together.  Hooray!

Corvette - Alarm Key Working

So, I had purchased an alarm switch off of eBay a while back for the Corvette (while working on the Civic).  I finally got around to having a lock smith take a look at the switch (I had no key, and it was advertised as "filling a hole" and was in "rough shape" according to the photos).  I had held the thing in my hand numerous times, and I've been wondering if it's possible to restore it to functionality.

Well, I finally overcame my fear and headed to the lock smith.  $26 later, I had the following :

• A functional key to fit the switch - I needed to have them re-key, but didn't have that key with me.
• Electrical testing operates as designed.
• A feel good "That's the cleanest set of tumblers I've ever seen on something that old - I think they just never used it."

I'd install it, but I have one thing left to do - get it re-keyed to match the new ignition keys. Once that is done, it's time to install it, check the electrical, and then connect a battery so that I can get the window glass adjusted and the door and dash panels installed.  One small step, but it's been a hurdle.

Civic Status: running, SRS/CEL both clean

Okay, after breaking the valve cover bolt, I had to drill the bolt without touching the valve train/head, and then back it out.  I was successfully able to do that, dropped in the replacement bolt, tightened things down (very carefully, this time), and then crossed my fingers.....

... the car started, no CEL (not even the SRS, this time, either), and it seemed to be running much better.  Next up - grease the bearings on the wheels, pull a lug bolt and replace it, and go get it registered.  I don't know if the tires will pass an inspection, but if they don't, that would be it to be back on the road.  An A/C recharge would be next on the list, but it's workable without it.  So, three things to do before I can get back to the Corvette :

1. Lug bolt/nuts
2. Tires replaced
3. Recharge/oil the A/C lines

This is phenomenal news!