Baby - 1989 Acura Integra
Just about every guy has their "First Car Story" so here is mine. I was 17 years old when I discovered this new car company, Acura. Basically a fancied up Honda, I grew fond of the Integra after seeing a few around town. At 17, every teenager is itchy to get their own car, so on June 16, 1990 I did. I bought my car at Wayne Acura with absolutely no hassle and a nice price (the new models were completely redesigned, so I am sure they wanted to get rid of the 1989 models). The only problem was this: they didn't have any white cars and guess which one I wanted? The salesman, Peter, drove a blue Integra 80 miles to swap with another dealer down the Jersey shore (no wonder this guy had twice as many sales as the rest of the salesmen). Peter was anything but a typical salesman creep and made it fun for all involved. He eventually became the manager for that dealer. Oh, by the way, my brother-in-law, Manny, had to drive it from the dealership, because I did not know how to drive a manual transmission (I learned the following afternoon).
Although she is not a collectible car like the other ones I own, Baby has been a blast to have. I learned to drive a manual transmission, cruise the avenue for chicks (back in the old days), and just enjoyed her comforts (gotta have a moonroof). Unfortunately, this car has been an accident magnet - people have hit this car parked on the street, in parking lots or while just minding my own business. Somehow, the car has survived and looks great. Baby received a complete on-body restoration in July of 1999. She is still a fun car to drive and has proven to be a dependable driver. I still get offers from various fans who want to buy her - no, she's NOT FOR SALE!
Above: Baby as she appeared new.
Above: My copilot & good luck charm since 1990 - a stuffed piglet.
Acura vs. Garbage Truck:
Garbage Truck wins.....but pays!
Ouch! Thanks a lot!
Restoration Report:
Well, it really doesn't feel like a restoration, rather ongoing repairs of a daily driver - but what the hell, even the HOG has a restoration section. There has been a lot of regular maintenance already done, not to mention the car has been hit several times.
June 27, 2001: New a/c compressor & freon (or whatever they call the freon replacement). As of today, 2 of the 4 cars have working a/c. Actually, make that 1 of 4...damn cars!
July 2001: I got a used set (4) of white Acura Integra aluminum (painted) wheels from a 1988 Special Edition Integra. Sooner or later (probably later) I will have them repainted & put 'em on.
August 2001: Guess what? More a/c work! Wahoo - I wanted to get rid of that extra cash in my pocket!
September 2001: New ignitor & spark plugs will hopefully make that mystery stalling thing disappear!
May 3, 2004: The red Acura gets a new home - but still hangs around!
----- Last Updated on October 12, 2006 -----
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