My birthday is coming up in late June, and I'm trying to decide what to ask for from my parents and grandparents. Obviously, it's all going to be rex-related, but my parents don't know much about cars, so I need to point them in the right direction. Basically, I'm trying to find reputable locations from which to buy parts, determine which brands are worth consideration, and find some decent prices. I have a stock '91 Si that needs tension adjustment on the alternator belt and new calipers, pads, and rotors in the rear. Here's what I'm thinking:
1) Factory Service Manual. From what I've heard, this is a necessity if I plan on personally maintaining a project car. I found one here for $62 that seems to have what I'm looking for:
CLICK HERE
Is Helms a reliable distributor, and is this a good price for a manual? Is there another site that I should consider?
2) Tool kit: Obviously, I can't work on my car if I don't have any tools. Presently, I'm limited to a hammer, a tape measure, 4 flathead screwdrivers, some vise-grip locking pliers, and 6" joint pliers. Any recommendations concerning brand, price, and location for a decent tool kit? Would this:
CLICK HERE
or this:
CLICK HERE
suffice? I've read "Kwicko's Honda Toobox" over on the Resource several times; should I try to get all of that stuff at once, or piece it together over time? Also, I don't have an jackstands; are these an immediate necessity, or can I rely on the car jack for now?
3) My rear brakes are crapped out. As I've mentioned before, there's a horrendnous squeaking sound from the right rear wheel well that seems to get worse every time I drive the car. The rear calipers are badly rusted, and I think the pads are worn down. I also think my front rotors are warped because the steering wheel shakes when I apply the brakes at high speeds. I'll probably go for OEM calipers, but while I'm replacing pads and rotors, I'd like to upgrade to something more performance-oriented. Any recommendations for upgraded pads and rotors that won't break the bank? Is it ok to fix the rear and leave the front rotors until I have more money?
Please bear in mind: there's no way that I'll be able to get all of this for my birthday, but I'm getting a job this summer, so I hope to get most of it by the end of the summer. If you had to prioritize the above in order of importance, how would you do it? I apologize for the torrent questions, but I'm trying to form a "plan of attack", if you will, to get the CRX back up and running in good condiiton. Thanks in advance!
1) Factory Service Manual. From what I've heard, this is a necessity if I plan on personally maintaining a project car. I found one here for $62 that seems to have what I'm looking for:
CLICK HERE
Is Helms a reliable distributor, and is this a good price for a manual? Is there another site that I should consider?
2) Tool kit: Obviously, I can't work on my car if I don't have any tools. Presently, I'm limited to a hammer, a tape measure, 4 flathead screwdrivers, some vise-grip locking pliers, and 6" joint pliers. Any recommendations concerning brand, price, and location for a decent tool kit? Would this:
CLICK HERE
or this:
CLICK HERE
suffice? I've read "Kwicko's Honda Toobox" over on the Resource several times; should I try to get all of that stuff at once, or piece it together over time? Also, I don't have an jackstands; are these an immediate necessity, or can I rely on the car jack for now?
3) My rear brakes are crapped out. As I've mentioned before, there's a horrendnous squeaking sound from the right rear wheel well that seems to get worse every time I drive the car. The rear calipers are badly rusted, and I think the pads are worn down. I also think my front rotors are warped because the steering wheel shakes when I apply the brakes at high speeds. I'll probably go for OEM calipers, but while I'm replacing pads and rotors, I'd like to upgrade to something more performance-oriented. Any recommendations for upgraded pads and rotors that won't break the bank? Is it ok to fix the rear and leave the front rotors until I have more money?
Please bear in mind: there's no way that I'll be able to get all of this for my birthday, but I'm getting a job this summer, so I hope to get most of it by the end of the summer. If you had to prioritize the above in order of importance, how would you do it? I apologize for the torrent questions, but I'm trying to form a "plan of attack", if you will, to get the CRX back up and running in good condiiton. Thanks in advance!