1a. [Passanger Seat Leather] it's cracked and even broken at some parts...overall it's not disgusting and it's still comfortable to sit in...but it's nowhere near as nice as the rest of the car...how much does it cost to have it restitched/restored? Or should i just look into buying a whole new seat?
Do a search on leather kits. You can buy all new leather seat covers for $600 and either do the installation by yourself or have someone do it for you. It is not hard, but it is very time consuming. You will probably pay $1000 total if you let somebody else do it. Alternatively you could find a seat in better condition at a junkyard (www.car-part.com) or eBay.
2a. [Odometer] this seems to be a common problem with the Legends...it's not completely broken, but it's random in when it captures my miles...sometimes I'll take an entire trip and log 200 miles...other times I'll drive for an entire week and the thing won't budge. Is there an easy fix? Or do I need to replace the whole cluster?
I have no idea about this, and have not heard of this as a problem. Do a search, I believe there is a thread currently on top today that is dealing with an odometer problem. Replacement clusters are cheap, go eBay if you decide that route, but it will not show correct mileage.
3a. [Idle] after reading the "coolant" thread, this had me sweating because I've dealt with blown headgaskets before and they murder my wallet. My Legend idles generally around 300-500rpms...but sometimes at a stoplight or when I come to park, I notice it bounce up to 600-700rpms for a split second...then back down to 400 or so for 10 seconds...then back up to 600-700 and so on....I went behind my car after startup and white smoke was coming out of the tailpipe (and my heart dropped)...but then when I went onto the road I noticed half of the cars out there had white smoke and I realized it was about 50 degrees that day. What's your take?
That is normal behavior. RPMs have fluctuated on my car at idle since my car was purchased in 1993. Some will say that is caused due to low coolant or air in the system. You could try bleeding the air. Try searching for user 'jetdoc' and you will find a post with detailed instructions on bleeding out air.
White smoke is normal at startup and until engine gets up to operating temperature. No need to freak out unless it smells like coolant.
4a. [Gauge Cluster] something really common in the Honda scene was to pull out the cluster and then replace 3 or so bulbs so the whole cluster lit up a different color. The stock color isn't doing it for me and I want to stick some red bulbs in there...can anyone tell me what size bulbs light up the main parts of the cluster (speedometer, tach)? Also, my Climate Control lights seem to be out (they don't light up when the headlights are on), is a fuse blown or do I need to replace the bulbs behind the buttons?
This might sound stupid, but have you adjusted the guage console brightness via the dimmer knob? It also controls the lighting of the climate control when the lights are turned on. Could be yours is turned all the way down.
5a. [Mileage] i normally wouldn't buy a car with 157,000 miles but I was too in love to say no. Given that the odometer has been broken since the previous owner had it (he owned it for 9 months), it's probably safe to assume this car is well over 160,000. I checked the FAQ but is there any immediate service that I should take care of?
You should make sure that the 90,000 mile service was done, and it's probably time to do it again anyway pretty soon or now. That involves the timing belt and the water pump. These are interference engines so if the belt brakes the engines is screwed. Technically you are due for timing belt service at 180k, but if you don't have a record of it being done, then you should have it done immediately. Also check your radiator for leaks, bleed air out of the system, inspect brake fluid, make sure no calipers are sticking, changing the oil and filter, go underneath the car and check out the CV boots and the tie rod boots for tears.
2b. [Painted Trim] Another common theme with Hondas in general is this nasty black exterior trim that all of our cars seem to get from the factory. Duplicolor paint in a can with 3 or 4 coats nice and even then top it off with a Duplicolor clear coat. They mount it back on their car and nobody can tell the difference. Has anyone done this with their Legend? Pictures? Furthermore, where was the paint purchased (Kragen didn't have it)? And most importantly, is there anywhere with instructions on how to remove these exterior pieces
The short answer is NO. Don't go the duplicolor route. The Legend paint is hard to match is most cases and it will not look good. Also the Duplicolor will chip off eventually. Get it done at a shop, it won't cost too much. Most shops will not guarantee it because they can't figure out what kind of plastic it is and are afraid it will chip immediately. Tell them to use the same flexible primer as is used on the bumpers, seems to work well.
3b. [Headlight and Taillight Touchup] The first thing (and probably only thing) that I disliked when I saw the Legend was the amber that's all over the car's lighting. The corner lights are obviously going to get the ebay special clear treatment, but the bumper lights and taillights are what concern me the most. I read on another site that there is no replacement for the bumper lights and if you want the amber gone you have to chisel it out yourself. Is this true? Something we did a lot with our Integras was put red vinyl over the amber parts of our taillights or mask off the white reverse portion and then spray the rest red. Can any of you offer any solutions for getting rid of the amber in my taillights? Lastly, I was thinking of baking my headlights and then spraying the inside black like my friend Greg did in...
Hahh.. bumper lights are on eBay in clear form too. No worries. Members here have blacked out headlights. You might also look into JDM headlights. Do a search for both these things. As for the back, a member here used to sell proper red tape but I believe he does not anymore. Sprung17 is in the process of making red/clear/red tails but that is mainly for the sedan and not expected for another year at the price of $300-$400/pr because of custom work. Either black out the tails or live with the amber. Its not that bad. Red tape just looks stupid iMHO.
4b. [Lower It] Most people make the mistake of buying rims first and because larger rims usually raise the car up a little AND have smaller tires, it just doesn't look as good as it should. I want to slam my Legend about two inches all around...maybe 2.5. However I know from experience that going that low will require a camber kit if I don't want to buy new tires every three months. Does anyone have reccomendations for which camber kit to go with? For that matter, which spring + shock combination retains the most ride comfort? I understand lowering your car reduces ride quality, but I'd still like somewhat of a nice ride...it is a luxury car after all.
Lowering a Legend 2-2.5 is stupid. Many disagree with me here, but the fact is the Legend has wide weel arches and when you lower the car you change the porportions to being very small clearance on top and a wide clearance on the side, which makes the car look stupid and looks like its packed full of people or riding on blown shocks.
You have several options for a more reasonable drop. You will need a camber kit for any kind of drop.
Konis & Stock Springs - not recommended. Search.
Koni Sport Kit - $618 on eBay, 1" or so drop. Members have reported positive experiences. You can set the Konis on full soft for OEM ride. Search.
Koni + H&Rs - Closer to 2" drop. Search.
Koni + Eibachs - ? drop. Search
Ground Controls - imitation coilovers. Work pretty well, but a pretty stiff ride, not luxury, adjustable drop.
JICs - hard to get Japanese true coilovers for $1200-$1500/pr. Jarring ride, evidentally.
You will need a camber kit. Ingalls camber kit is a piece of crap. SPC ball joints are the way to go, I believe $150 for the front axle, and you will need some shims on the back.
6b. [Wheels] so far back on my list simply because they are so expensive and because this is the one upgrade that I'm still completely undecided on. It's hard because the Legend is a luxury car, so I definitely don't want "racing" wheels with thin spokes and aggressive designs...but at the same time I'm not a stunna so I don't want "bling bling" wheels that are all chrome. I'm looking for some 16 inch wheels (17s would be pushing it and 15s are too small) that are clean with a thick design, maybe 5 or 6 spokes...not too aggressive..a chrome lip is okay...but generally I just want them to flow with the design of the car and don't take away focus from the whole car. I'm completely lost because that is a very selective type of wheel, so I'm hoping you guys will have some good suggestions.
Search. Alot of threads about this. You might like the "GS" wheels that alot of people positively love. They are 16. Remember Legend wheels are 65mm offset stock. You need at least 48mm offset on the larger sizes. Legend center bore is 70.1mm. You can get wheels bored out to fit. Bored IS300 and TSX wheels are popular, I don't know for the coupe though.
7b. [Flip Up LCD Screen] I'm looking wayyy down the line, but I think for the "complete" luxury package, I'm going to have to have a 5-7 inch screen coming out of my dash. I haven't put any serious thought into it nor is my heart set on it but any opinions/ideas/experiences are more than welcome.
I don't like flip up screens. Better to remove the OEM radio and install a carputer. Lookup member chris_gog and see his install. Very nice. Lilliput screen where the OEM radio used to be, very nice.
Do a search on leather kits. You can buy all new leather seat covers for $600 and either do the installation by yourself or have someone do it for you. It is not hard, but it is very time consuming. You will probably pay $1000 total if you let somebody else do it. Alternatively you could find a seat in better condition at a junkyard (www.car-part.com) or eBay.
2a. [Odometer] this seems to be a common problem with the Legends...it's not completely broken, but it's random in when it captures my miles...sometimes I'll take an entire trip and log 200 miles...other times I'll drive for an entire week and the thing won't budge. Is there an easy fix? Or do I need to replace the whole cluster?
I have no idea about this, and have not heard of this as a problem. Do a search, I believe there is a thread currently on top today that is dealing with an odometer problem. Replacement clusters are cheap, go eBay if you decide that route, but it will not show correct mileage.
3a. [Idle] after reading the "coolant" thread, this had me sweating because I've dealt with blown headgaskets before and they murder my wallet. My Legend idles generally around 300-500rpms...but sometimes at a stoplight or when I come to park, I notice it bounce up to 600-700rpms for a split second...then back down to 400 or so for 10 seconds...then back up to 600-700 and so on....I went behind my car after startup and white smoke was coming out of the tailpipe (and my heart dropped)...but then when I went onto the road I noticed half of the cars out there had white smoke and I realized it was about 50 degrees that day. What's your take?
That is normal behavior. RPMs have fluctuated on my car at idle since my car was purchased in 1993. Some will say that is caused due to low coolant or air in the system. You could try bleeding the air. Try searching for user 'jetdoc' and you will find a post with detailed instructions on bleeding out air.
White smoke is normal at startup and until engine gets up to operating temperature. No need to freak out unless it smells like coolant.
4a. [Gauge Cluster] something really common in the Honda scene was to pull out the cluster and then replace 3 or so bulbs so the whole cluster lit up a different color. The stock color isn't doing it for me and I want to stick some red bulbs in there...can anyone tell me what size bulbs light up the main parts of the cluster (speedometer, tach)? Also, my Climate Control lights seem to be out (they don't light up when the headlights are on), is a fuse blown or do I need to replace the bulbs behind the buttons?
This might sound stupid, but have you adjusted the guage console brightness via the dimmer knob? It also controls the lighting of the climate control when the lights are turned on. Could be yours is turned all the way down.
5a. [Mileage] i normally wouldn't buy a car with 157,000 miles but I was too in love to say no. Given that the odometer has been broken since the previous owner had it (he owned it for 9 months), it's probably safe to assume this car is well over 160,000. I checked the FAQ but is there any immediate service that I should take care of?
You should make sure that the 90,000 mile service was done, and it's probably time to do it again anyway pretty soon or now. That involves the timing belt and the water pump. These are interference engines so if the belt brakes the engines is screwed. Technically you are due for timing belt service at 180k, but if you don't have a record of it being done, then you should have it done immediately. Also check your radiator for leaks, bleed air out of the system, inspect brake fluid, make sure no calipers are sticking, changing the oil and filter, go underneath the car and check out the CV boots and the tie rod boots for tears.
2b. [Painted Trim] Another common theme with Hondas in general is this nasty black exterior trim that all of our cars seem to get from the factory. Duplicolor paint in a can with 3 or 4 coats nice and even then top it off with a Duplicolor clear coat. They mount it back on their car and nobody can tell the difference. Has anyone done this with their Legend? Pictures? Furthermore, where was the paint purchased (Kragen didn't have it)? And most importantly, is there anywhere with instructions on how to remove these exterior pieces
The short answer is NO. Don't go the duplicolor route. The Legend paint is hard to match is most cases and it will not look good. Also the Duplicolor will chip off eventually. Get it done at a shop, it won't cost too much. Most shops will not guarantee it because they can't figure out what kind of plastic it is and are afraid it will chip immediately. Tell them to use the same flexible primer as is used on the bumpers, seems to work well.
3b. [Headlight and Taillight Touchup] The first thing (and probably only thing) that I disliked when I saw the Legend was the amber that's all over the car's lighting. The corner lights are obviously going to get the ebay special clear treatment, but the bumper lights and taillights are what concern me the most. I read on another site that there is no replacement for the bumper lights and if you want the amber gone you have to chisel it out yourself. Is this true? Something we did a lot with our Integras was put red vinyl over the amber parts of our taillights or mask off the white reverse portion and then spray the rest red. Can any of you offer any solutions for getting rid of the amber in my taillights? Lastly, I was thinking of baking my headlights and then spraying the inside black like my friend Greg did in...
Hahh.. bumper lights are on eBay in clear form too. No worries. Members here have blacked out headlights. You might also look into JDM headlights. Do a search for both these things. As for the back, a member here used to sell proper red tape but I believe he does not anymore. Sprung17 is in the process of making red/clear/red tails but that is mainly for the sedan and not expected for another year at the price of $300-$400/pr because of custom work. Either black out the tails or live with the amber. Its not that bad. Red tape just looks stupid iMHO.
4b. [Lower It] Most people make the mistake of buying rims first and because larger rims usually raise the car up a little AND have smaller tires, it just doesn't look as good as it should. I want to slam my Legend about two inches all around...maybe 2.5. However I know from experience that going that low will require a camber kit if I don't want to buy new tires every three months. Does anyone have reccomendations for which camber kit to go with? For that matter, which spring + shock combination retains the most ride comfort? I understand lowering your car reduces ride quality, but I'd still like somewhat of a nice ride...it is a luxury car after all.
Lowering a Legend 2-2.5 is stupid. Many disagree with me here, but the fact is the Legend has wide weel arches and when you lower the car you change the porportions to being very small clearance on top and a wide clearance on the side, which makes the car look stupid and looks like its packed full of people or riding on blown shocks.
You have several options for a more reasonable drop. You will need a camber kit for any kind of drop.
Konis & Stock Springs - not recommended. Search.
Koni Sport Kit - $618 on eBay, 1" or so drop. Members have reported positive experiences. You can set the Konis on full soft for OEM ride. Search.
Koni + H&Rs - Closer to 2" drop. Search.
Koni + Eibachs - ? drop. Search
Ground Controls - imitation coilovers. Work pretty well, but a pretty stiff ride, not luxury, adjustable drop.
JICs - hard to get Japanese true coilovers for $1200-$1500/pr. Jarring ride, evidentally.
You will need a camber kit. Ingalls camber kit is a piece of crap. SPC ball joints are the way to go, I believe $150 for the front axle, and you will need some shims on the back.
6b. [Wheels] so far back on my list simply because they are so expensive and because this is the one upgrade that I'm still completely undecided on. It's hard because the Legend is a luxury car, so I definitely don't want "racing" wheels with thin spokes and aggressive designs...but at the same time I'm not a stunna so I don't want "bling bling" wheels that are all chrome. I'm looking for some 16 inch wheels (17s would be pushing it and 15s are too small) that are clean with a thick design, maybe 5 or 6 spokes...not too aggressive..a chrome lip is okay...but generally I just want them to flow with the design of the car and don't take away focus from the whole car. I'm completely lost because that is a very selective type of wheel, so I'm hoping you guys will have some good suggestions.
Search. Alot of threads about this. You might like the "GS" wheels that alot of people positively love. They are 16. Remember Legend wheels are 65mm offset stock. You need at least 48mm offset on the larger sizes. Legend center bore is 70.1mm. You can get wheels bored out to fit. Bored IS300 and TSX wheels are popular, I don't know for the coupe though.
7b. [Flip Up LCD Screen] I'm looking wayyy down the line, but I think for the "complete" luxury package, I'm going to have to have a 5-7 inch screen coming out of my dash. I haven't put any serious thought into it nor is my heart set on it but any opinions/ideas/experiences are more than welcome.
I don't like flip up screens. Better to remove the OEM radio and install a carputer. Lookup member chris_gog and see his install. Very nice. Lilliput screen where the OEM radio used to be, very nice.
. I can't find any freaking parts for it on ebay. It's is extremely good shape for a 91 but there are some parts I would like to fix. I can't find any floor matts b/c they don't make them anymore and no one has any sell, that is driving me crazy.
