My Honda Prelute Is The Smashing Pumpkin - RADwood Edition

"deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds" (deviantcustoms) 06/22/2018 at 10:17 • Filed to: RADWOOD, PRELUTE, SMASHINGPUMPKIN

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If a Honda Prelude is too impractical and a half-ton truck too bulky, what’s a guy to do? I present: the Honda Prelute.

In summer 2017, fueled by frustrations at work and enabled by the wife and kids going overseas for a month, I bought a P.O.S. 1997 5-speed Prelude to start my first ever car project.

400 hours of work and 11 months later, I finished* building the Prelute / Prel Camino / Pranchero, aka the Smashing Pumpkin. Gotta have room in the back for Cinderella’s katanas.

Check it out at IG: @deviant_customs and the Jalopnik ‘paddock’ at RADwood this Sunday!

The phase I build thread can be found at the links below.

*Phase II for SPOCOM / Wekfest is currently in progress.

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/04/2018 at 02:53

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2014-mazda-6-station-wagon-main.jpg

Party-vi > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/04/2018 at 08:03

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This is bitchin.

Duck Duck Grey Duck FTMFW! > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/04/2018 at 08:12

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Welcome to Oppo! I am excited to read the whole build! Looks awesome!

pip bip - choose Corrour > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/04/2018 at 08:24

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does it have a tailgate?

interstate366, now In The Industry > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/04/2018 at 08:37

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Welcome, fellow 5th gen owner. I’m curious to see this build. The TL Type S wheels look good on it.

Mine is a bit more conventional.

KnowsAboutCars > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/04/2018 at 08:49

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So going by your comment on another post this was already converted when you bought it, correct? Nonetheless great job saving it and welcome aboard!

itschrome > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/04/2018 at 09:02

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wow.. I love it!

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > KnowsAboutCars 05/04/2018 at 10:12

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Ah I totally didn’t realize the “not mine” comment on that post was ambiguous! I meant that the reason I started the build was not because a tree fell on the car like the Jag ... I bought this in very poor condition 11 months ago to start the build. More details as I document the process here =)

acarr260 > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/04/2018 at 10:14

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I’m looking forward to seeing more about this. Looks cool!

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/04/2018 at 10:22

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Could someone help remove this comment? This was me a noob trying to figure out how to post images in comments. Thanks!

KnowsAboutCars > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/04/2018 at 14:44

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Thanks for clarification. That’s even more kudos to you then.

BTW you can’t delete comments or even edit them shortly after publishing. Mods can though.

jminer > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/12/2018 at 19:40

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I dig it!

Been honestly contemplating picking up a prelude lately but unsure of what to do with it - while I don’t quite have the fab skills you do this would be a lot of fun.

My wife has never been on board for an El Camino, maybe this is a work around ‘It’s a Honda honey’

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > jminer 05/12/2018 at 21:24

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Maybe you could beat me to my next project... the Ludewagon aka Sleeper Beauty. Prelude engine (H22A) swapped into a 5th gen CE1 Accord wagon body, apparently a fairly straightforward swap!

hellriaser > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/12/2018 at 21:38

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Amazing job! Is that carbon in the bed skinning?

cberg > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/12/2018 at 21:48

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This reminds me of a Matchbox ute that never existed as far as I know. If all the Preludes are beaters when I’m considering a toy I could stand to do this. I asked for two of my friends’ Camrys for such purposes.

interstate366, now In The Industry > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/12/2018 at 21:53

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It is indeed, as the 5th gen Accord was sold with an H22A in Japan so there are zero fitment issues.

Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) > Party-vi 05/12/2018 at 23:03

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What the fuck is going on

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > hellriaser 05/13/2018 at 01:36

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Thanks! It’s a wet layup of 1 layer of fiberglass and 2 layers of carbon fiber on the wheel arches, just to smooth them out a bit.

Future Heap Owner > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/13/2018 at 04:29

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Awesome work! I’m jealous. I love that color.

How did you deal with the sunroof when doing the roof cut?

the_zuki_driver > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/13/2018 at 10:37

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Oh my lawd this is incredible you did an awesome job!

shop-teacher > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/13/2018 at 11:02

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AAs you are the author of this thread, look for the “Dismiss comment” option.

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > shop-teacher 05/13/2018 at 12:42

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Whoa... Why are you grayed??

shop-teacher > HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute 05/13/2018 at 16:21

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Because this was posted on his blog and then shared to Oppo, instead of being posted directly to Oppo. Don’t worry, all is well :)

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > Future Heap Owner 05/15/2018 at 15:19

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You got me there. I had to chop off the entire sunroof mechanism, so right now it’s only manually operable.

Future Heap Owner > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/15/2018 at 16:26

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You said it’s manual-only “right now,” you have plans to change that?

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > Future Heap Owner 05/15/2018 at 18:38

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Well, a new electric drive system for the sunroof would be nice to have, but admittedly it’s pretty far down that list. I envisioned the project as a learning platform so I don’t discount any possibility, but mods like an electric hybrid AWD system are much higher up in that list.

arl > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/23/2018 at 12:49

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Oppo post of the year. Congrats sir - great work!

12and35 > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/23/2018 at 13:53

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Dare I say... is the RSX Bright Orange Metallic?

Tapas > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/23/2018 at 14:43

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Dude. This is bad ass!

Here’s some more names to chew on: Prel Camino, Preludacris. That’s all I got lol

SpacemanSpliffz > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/24/2018 at 11:47

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saaaaaxxxxxxxxieeeeeeeeeeeee

Mark Jacob > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/24/2018 at 19:17

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Aside from the black hood, this thing is absolutely incredible. Well done!

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > Mark Jacob 05/24/2018 at 19:22

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Thanks. It’s a faux CF wrap hood. I originally wanted to wrap it in orange too, but after I sanded down to the bare metal to get rid of the rust, I realized it wasn’t in good enough condition for a gloss metallic finish. I’m definitely switching it to orange if/when I get a fresh hood.

900turbo > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/24/2018 at 19:34

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I saw this VolCamino a couple months ago in Tampa.

I would pay actual money for that Preyute.

PoPPaPork > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/24/2018 at 20:15

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Funny you mention that! I actually have a 05 acura RL with a toast interior thats otherwise mechanically sound ( my DD for the last 10 years) since the trade in on a car like that with foam sticking out of the.seats is laughable i thought about moving the SH-AWD driveline together with the J35A8, both subframes (aluminum- no rust), A-arms (also aluminuml) brakes (4pot) into a lighter chassis. Pretty much lift the car, disconnect subframes and drop the whole package on wheels right out.

The two piece carbon fiber driveshaft might have to go but thats about it. I was thinking about your generation prelude as a body donor (or even the earlier gen) Whats your 5 cents on this? Good idea or am i better off just gutting it and going rally?

IDK but having a nice Prelude with 350hp thats 80% rear wheel drive on acceleration seems like a pretty cool idea. Especially that Honda aint making shit nowadays...

Why tf am i gray again!!!

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > PoPPaPork 05/24/2018 at 21:30

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If you want to have a nice OEM+ sleeper in the end, I think a better platform to go with might be the 6th gen Accord coupe. IMHO the 6G Accord coupe is one of the best looking Honda midsize designs in recent history, and the V6 is a J platform, so the swap should be fairly straightforward. Probably stands a reasonable chance of retaining the AWD system. The Prelude is both a little front heavy already (63/37 stock, worse with a J-swap) and might be a little too shallow under the hood to fit a J.

Otherwise go all out the other way and try and make it fit in the rear of an EG hatch to go drag racing =)

Marsh > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/24/2018 at 21:51

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deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > 12and35 05/24/2018 at 23:04

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The RSX orange is kinda dull when you see it in person. This color, 3M Gloss Liquid Copper, is a lot more like the orange available on the Nissan Rogue.

reddude7 > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/25/2018 at 00:06

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Freaking awesome. I like this more than a normal prelude.

dorkbutt > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/25/2018 at 00:47

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What are the things above the rear window? Bike mounts?

Wedge Antilles > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/25/2018 at 01:10

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I am trying to decide what I will do with mine after I finally replace it as my DD after 12 years. Probably not this, but who knows.

PyramidHat > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/25/2018 at 01:19

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You in the Bay Area? I do believe I’ve seen you on 101...

12and35 > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/25/2018 at 01:50

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Yeah, sorry, I looked through your build. Shoulda done that, derp. It is very pretty, though and really friggen cool!

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > PyramidHat 05/25/2018 at 01:58

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Yep, live in San Mateo and work in Sunnyvale. Did you see me in the new livery, or back in my rusty black and peeling silver two-tone days?

As loud as the orange is, I used to attract more attention with the old color scheme. Probably for the wrong reasons.

Sketch > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/25/2018 at 06:39

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Ive seen a J-swapped Prelude at a car show. Hood was up and it was rather ricey, though, so I don’t know if it would have fit nicely under a stock hood.

gawdzillla > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/25/2018 at 09:29

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i have been here for a while and this is the first time i saw your built !

good lord i love it

SystemHalt > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/25/2018 at 10:57

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What Rear/Front bumper lips do you have there? I like em.

84 GM Turbo > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/25/2018 at 13:03

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Great build, I’ve always loved this gen prelude and the VW Savero sold in Brasil, this looks like a better Honda version. My friend and his brother are both engineers, his bro is dropping an RL engine, awd system, with turbo, into a Civic. It’s nuts, writing computer code himself for the ECU for wverything to play nice together too. I see these builds and think my dream of dropping an LS in a Volvo wagon aren’t too far fetched.

Festus > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/25/2018 at 13:30

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This thing is stunning - I’m in love. If you bring it to Radwood NorCal on 6/24, I’d bet my own money you’d be the hit of the event. Also, I could see it in person, because it’s all about me obvs.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/25/2018 at 15:34

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I just saw the color you referenced on a Rogue. It’s a really striking color in person. Great choice!

Manic Otti > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/25/2018 at 16:22

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Interesting.

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > Festus 05/25/2018 at 16:24

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I was thinking of Radwood, but wasn’t sure whether to go since I wouldn’t really be period correct. Think they won’t mind a non-stock late 90s car with rims from ‘07?

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > pip bip - choose Corrour 05/26/2018 at 11:11

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Not right now, as it would have been a huge amount of extra effort and structural bracing to cut through the taillights, very high rear sill and bumper, that I wasn’t ready to undertake at this point. Maybe when somebody rear ends me, I’ll do it then.

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > 900turbo 05/26/2018 at 11:13

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That’s like the A-tractors that teenagers in Sweden make for themselves!

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > Wedge Antilles 05/26/2018 at 11:13

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Shooting brake version?

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > SystemHalt 05/28/2018 at 20:34

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The rear is from Ikon Motorsports. It’s a one-piece diffuser style lip, but I wrapped only the two sides and left the center black to make it look more like a real diffuser. The front is good old Home Depot garage door seal. I just ordered an OEM Prelude lip for the front - with the new 18"s it really needs it!

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 05/31/2018 at 11:26

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That looks like a ute from Down Under.

Future next gen S2000 owner > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 06/22/2018 at 10:25

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What are the two things above the rear glass?

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > Future next gen S2000 owner 06/22/2018 at 10:27

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Bicycle fork carrier  mounts. Check out Part IV of the build thread in the links =)

Future next gen S2000 owner > deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds 06/22/2018 at 10:44

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If I’m allowed to be so bold as to make a suggestion. Your work is clearly done well but if you really want to add strength/functionality and prevent damage, add a bar that ties the roof area to the back of the new bed. Think Avalanche/Ridgeline. The members on the Avalanche are there to prevent cracking/ripping. The lower corner where the bed meets the upright portion of the cab is susceptible to high stresses if the back half of the car flexes under load - although if you don’t ever put anything in there I don’t see this as an issue.

Really well done though. 

deviantcustoms: OEM++ builds > Future next gen S2000 owner 06/22/2018 at 11:09

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Thanks for the props and suggestions - I made a conscious decision not to do that, in favor of preserving the clean lines. However, i f you look at the third pic from the bottom, there are two shock tower braces running into the bulkhead. In Part II of the build thread, you can see that behind the bulkhead is a structural frame running across the car that ties the roof to the B-pillars, and the braces are welded to that. So there is an additional load path from the roof to the rear shock towers, albeit not as direct compared to the brace you’re suggesting.

The loads I put in the back tend to be light anyway - bikes, boxes, folding tables and chairs - probably no more than 250lbs at any time. Naturally limited by the fact that I don’t have a hinged tailgate!