2001 Honda Insight ZE1 - Citrus Yellow
Discussion
Someone on the Insight FB UK group did polish the rims with a rotary then scuff them up with scotch bright pad to give a machined finish. Finished off with a lacquer.
I think it's as close as you can get to the original style without buying new.
Btw, she looks fantastic in the sun after a good wash.
I think it's as close as you can get to the original style without buying new.
Btw, she looks fantastic in the sun after a good wash.
Great to read of all your trials and triumphs, OP (and I enjoy your turns of phrase - "Inside, a cackling parliament of fragile clips await you" ... I know that feeling well).
In my 6 1/2 years of Insight ownership ( https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... ), I tackled a few of the same issues as you, though my car had been kept by a few careful owners including its titled first lady who presumably had it garaged overnight, and even at 13 years old, it had only 35,000 miles on the clock when I bought it. New IMA battery at Honda fitted on about its 10th birthday too.
Getting the wheels refurbed does make a difference (no point in trying to replicate the diamond cut effect, IMHO; just a flat silver still looks better, or at a minimum you can paint the centre caps by removing the metal cover, spraying, applying an H logo and then lacquering the whole lot).
I also had plastic undertray panels missing (or bodged by previous attempts at servicing) and bought a k3cyl full belly aluminium undertray to compensate. I loved my little Insight but during the 2020 lockdown, it hardly turned a wheel and its somewhat porous nature meant I decided in a fit of pique to get shot of it. The guy who bought it off me was a trader and immediately tried to flip it at significant uplift
https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-spottedykywt/h...
but in the end he had to settle for a good chunk less
https://carsonline.bonhams.com/en/listings/honda/i...
In my 6 1/2 years of Insight ownership ( https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... ), I tackled a few of the same issues as you, though my car had been kept by a few careful owners including its titled first lady who presumably had it garaged overnight, and even at 13 years old, it had only 35,000 miles on the clock when I bought it. New IMA battery at Honda fitted on about its 10th birthday too.
Getting the wheels refurbed does make a difference (no point in trying to replicate the diamond cut effect, IMHO; just a flat silver still looks better, or at a minimum you can paint the centre caps by removing the metal cover, spraying, applying an H logo and then lacquering the whole lot).
I also had plastic undertray panels missing (or bodged by previous attempts at servicing) and bought a k3cyl full belly aluminium undertray to compensate. I loved my little Insight but during the 2020 lockdown, it hardly turned a wheel and its somewhat porous nature meant I decided in a fit of pique to get shot of it. The guy who bought it off me was a trader and immediately tried to flip it at significant uplift
https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-spottedykywt/h...
but in the end he had to settle for a good chunk less
https://carsonline.bonhams.com/en/listings/honda/i...
roadie said:
I really like these and the direction that Honda had at the time with the spaceship style Civic as well.
It's great to see the time, effort and passion going into keeping it running. It is a massive shame that light and aero is not more prevalent at this time.
I think that light and aero will return (as much as it can do with the crash regulations of the present day)…It's great to see the time, effort and passion going into keeping it running. It is a massive shame that light and aero is not more prevalent at this time.
Thanks all - yes I will eventually refurbish the wheels, just reviewing lots and lots of options...
Easter weekend prompted a short notice getaway to Wales. With the promise of fixed leaks and less of a damp canine smell, my wife agreed to use the Insight, and after a quick top up of tyre pressures and a check of the liquids it was ready to go.
Significant rain en route failed to derail the Insight. The last time I drove it in this downpour was just after purchase, and while it may have been my experience with the car, the newer tyres I believe provided a lot more confidence.
Fortunately the wettitude broke somewhere near Hay on Wye, and the next three days were spent ambling amongst bookshops, rambling and generally faffing about in the countryside.
We stayed in a timber house, actually built in the 'Zakopane' or Polish traditional style, which we loved.
Some other notable daily drivers:
Average mpg 71mpg, including lots of twisty bits and some traffic back in London.
Most importantly - no leaks!
ewand said:
I also had plastic undertray panels missing (or bodged by previous attempts at servicing) and bought a k3cyl full belly aluminium undertray to compensate. I loved my little Insight but during the 2020 lockdown, it hardly turned a wheel and its somewhat porous nature meant I decided in a fit of pique to get shot of it. The guy who bought it off me was a trader and immediately tried to flip it at significant uplift
https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-spottedykywt/h...
but in the end he had to settle for a good chunk less
https://carsonline.bonhams.com/en/listings/honda/i...
Thank Ewan - and appreciate your guidance throughout some of this journey! I definitely need to get an undertray.https://www.pistonheads.com/news/ph-spottedykywt/h...
but in the end he had to settle for a good chunk less
https://carsonline.bonhams.com/en/listings/honda/i...
Easter weekend prompted a short notice getaway to Wales. With the promise of fixed leaks and less of a damp canine smell, my wife agreed to use the Insight, and after a quick top up of tyre pressures and a check of the liquids it was ready to go.
Significant rain en route failed to derail the Insight. The last time I drove it in this downpour was just after purchase, and while it may have been my experience with the car, the newer tyres I believe provided a lot more confidence.
Fortunately the wettitude broke somewhere near Hay on Wye, and the next three days were spent ambling amongst bookshops, rambling and generally faffing about in the countryside.
We stayed in a timber house, actually built in the 'Zakopane' or Polish traditional style, which we loved.
Some other notable daily drivers:
Average mpg 71mpg, including lots of twisty bits and some traffic back in London.
Most importantly - no leaks!
I always liked these more than that hateful Prius. I'm glad it's being a trooper for you and bring some smiles and happy motoring!
Something a bit cheery about this even though it's clearly not for everyone.
Shame about the slight fade on the bonnet otherwise the colour really pops in that sun!
Something a bit cheery about this even though it's clearly not for everyone.
Shame about the slight fade on the bonnet otherwise the colour really pops in that sun!
Edited by TikTak on Wednesday 3rd April 11:27
Small but important improvement to the Insight - the strusts for the hatch have been replaced, thanks to SGS, reducing the risk of skull fracture that had terrfieid me since purchase.
The original struts have an L shape non-standard bracket welded on the the lower end, which SGS cut and reattached to the new set at no extra charge.
Very happy with their service and communication throughout. My skull is now a little safer.
The original struts have an L shape non-standard bracket welded on the the lower end, which SGS cut and reattached to the new set at no extra charge.
Very happy with their service and communication throughout. My skull is now a little safer.
Oh good to hear they helped you in a similar fashion!
It was mainly to check the door seal treatment... and also the estimated fuel cost couldnt be ignored.
The Alfa GTV did a road trip last year, we have one in the MG planned for later in the year.... the 164 is laid up and the Saab 99 is not long distance material. Its good to spread the mileage!
It was mainly to check the door seal treatment... and also the estimated fuel cost couldnt be ignored.
The Alfa GTV did a road trip last year, we have one in the MG planned for later in the year.... the 164 is laid up and the Saab 99 is not long distance material. Its good to spread the mileage!
Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 5th May 21:24
With all the engine swaps, trialling and significant works going on in Readers Cars with the advent of 'the second fake summer', I'm likely lowering the standard by posting up some paint touch up efforts...
In the spares pile I found a battered can, and realised it must be left over from the bumper respray. Faded citrus vs new citrus concerns were trampled over given many of my scapes were down to the black plastic or bare aluminium.
The fresh paint looked like Predator blood, but was good enough and went on with a well used Winsor and Newton No.7 brush (Mrs Spinakerr restored oil paitnings for 15 years, so no pressure getting this right...).
Happy with that. Many light coats the key - I'll do soem more afetr the next wash.
Confidence buoyed, I tackle the scratch down the side and the botton of the door.
Right... next.. erm... some suitably impressive engineering. Oh, the fuel level sender and a full interior removal! Yes. That'll be much easier in fine weather.
MOT in June - SRS light still on, must tackle the seatbelt units and clear some codes...
In the spares pile I found a battered can, and realised it must be left over from the bumper respray. Faded citrus vs new citrus concerns were trampled over given many of my scapes were down to the black plastic or bare aluminium.
The fresh paint looked like Predator blood, but was good enough and went on with a well used Winsor and Newton No.7 brush (Mrs Spinakerr restored oil paitnings for 15 years, so no pressure getting this right...).
Happy with that. Many light coats the key - I'll do soem more afetr the next wash.
Confidence buoyed, I tackle the scratch down the side and the botton of the door.
Right... next.. erm... some suitably impressive engineering. Oh, the fuel level sender and a full interior removal! Yes. That'll be much easier in fine weather.
MOT in June - SRS light still on, must tackle the seatbelt units and clear some codes...
Top brush work - any update is a good update! Hope clearing the light goes well and that the MOT gods smile upon you!
Nice work on the seals too, it must be very satisfying to drive through torrential weather and not suffer leaks, knowing it was your work that solved it. Given the state of the AX’s carpet, you must tell me how that feels….
Nice work on the seals too, it must be very satisfying to drive through torrential weather and not suffer leaks, knowing it was your work that solved it. Given the state of the AX’s carpet, you must tell me how that feels….
darkyoung1000 said:
Top brush work - any update is a good update! Hope clearing the light goes well and that the MOT gods smile upon you!
Nice work on the seals too, it must be very satisfying to drive through torrential weather and not suffer leaks, knowing it was your work that solved it. Given the state of the AX’s carpet, you must tell me how that feels….
Thank - wet carpets are standard fitment on a lot of 80s and 90s cars now, so yes always a relief to solve something! My main concern was how much of the original sealant I was removing, as it came out in chunks! Fortunately any weight gain from a half tube of sealant will be offset by my anxiety.Nice work on the seals too, it must be very satisfying to drive through torrential weather and not suffer leaks, knowing it was your work that solved it. Given the state of the AX’s carpet, you must tell me how that feels….
There are two warning lights to go on the Insight - present since purchase - fuel sender and SRS.
Insight community knowledge points to a combination of a stuck float in the tank being the main culprit for the fuel gauge; grot and damp in the seatbelt connectors a prime cause of SRS alerts. Both require a strip of the midship - the area between the seats and the hatch.
Seat was an easy 4 13mm bolts, plus a tough 14mm on the seatbelt. No connectors or wires.
Wafer thin carpet removed after careful plastic clip and plug extractions.
Hmm... are those speaker holes? We'll come back to those...
Inner door trim unclipped without fuss - a collection of long nosed pliers, proddy implements and screwdrivers aids this process considerably.
A number of 11mm bolts later... one final tough one behind the handbrake cover.
We're through the ionosphere...
Lingering damp evidence all needs to be cleaned up... mould is everyone's favourite.
Some retained water in the foam below the seatbelts too... delightful.
Four more 11mm bolts. The factory in Takanezawa must just be full of 11mm socket sets and plastic clip tools.
Right! Let's have a look at the fuel pump...oh...
But of course. Its a mousehome. In fact its likely the 'granny annex' to the main abode that was in the engine bay.
Before the float, this little gnawed-through wire might just be the cause of the fuel sender failure...!
Gloves on, vacuum out...
Much better. Liberal antibacterial plus rags applied throughout, and we have a bit more of a scene to assess. One wire has been completely cut by tiny teeth, the other three have marks but appear intact. Fancy Honda plugs abound with covers, clips and Crystal Maze release mechanisms.
Electrical repairs are not my favourite - however I have conceded over the years that crimping and connectors is a last resort. With only a hint of a sigh I dug out my soldering iron and chopped out the nibbled section.
Success, topped off with some of my favourite 'quick drying wire paint' that I have used a fair bit on project over fancy heatshrink.
Having now been crouched at awkward angles for a few hours, I decided to fall slightly sideways and get the key in the ignition.
Yes! An actual fuel level!
Phew. Big win for me - I wasn't looking forward to fishing around in the petrol and ordering a new assembly from Honda if I broke something fragile.
Next up - the seatbelt connectors, deeper interior clean to purge the final bits of damp and mould smell, plus (probably) a carpet and seat complete removal to steam clean them.
Preview of random newspaper on the floorpan.
Edited by Spinakerr on Sunday 12th May 08:16
Thanks all - good to know these problems are surmountable, even in a Replicantchaser from the year 2049.
Today followed the success of yesterday - the SRS light is off!
Fortunately it went exactly to plan - disconnect battery, unbolt and unplug the seatbelts, clean and recheck all connections a few times...
Unplug a few more yellow items in the loom...remove crud where possible.
Reconnect battery, key in ignition and insert the Honda unapproved service device in the MES connector. This allows a reset of the SRS system, and it clipped into a fuse panel above the accelerator pedal (RHD). Top yellow connector here:
You then follow a procedure of inserting the tool when the light illuminates a few times. Then it flashes to say thankyou.
Amazingly, first time through the SRS light disappeared - fantastic!
This was all before lunchtime.
I have started to tackle the mould marks but I'll need one of those fancy carpet cleaners and take out the drivr's seat & all upholstery. That's a job for next weekend.
cwoodsie2 said:
Great update and that sounds very satisfying. Walk the dog past a house with two of these and they’re just emerging from car covers at the back of the drive - think they may also be a bit pourous! Think they look fab
I'm happy to offer my waterproofing services for a few pennies and tea.darkyoung1000 said:
Great stuff, nice work on carefully uncovering the issue and fixing it. That wire paint looks like interesting stuff…. Much easier to apply than heat shrink (which yes, I always forget to put on first, or leave to close to the area being soldered so it shrinks prematurely)!
Its very good stuff, will take a pic next time before it is packed up. I too have a litany of swearwords for heatshrink that shrinks elsewhere on the wire.Today followed the success of yesterday - the SRS light is off!
Fortunately it went exactly to plan - disconnect battery, unbolt and unplug the seatbelts, clean and recheck all connections a few times...
Unplug a few more yellow items in the loom...remove crud where possible.
Reconnect battery, key in ignition and insert the Honda unapproved service device in the MES connector. This allows a reset of the SRS system, and it clipped into a fuse panel above the accelerator pedal (RHD). Top yellow connector here:
You then follow a procedure of inserting the tool when the light illuminates a few times. Then it flashes to say thankyou.
Amazingly, first time through the SRS light disappeared - fantastic!
This was all before lunchtime.
I have started to tackle the mould marks but I'll need one of those fancy carpet cleaners and take out the drivr's seat & all upholstery. That's a job for next weekend.
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