Toe is good on rear.
Here's the alignment readout from when I had it done in June. Camber is off on both. I have adjustable camber arms, but who knows if they used them.
Henry Honk - '05 AWD EX Build Thread
Hello everyone! I mistakenly was posting updates to my welcome post, so I thought I'd start moving stuff over to a proper build thread.
My goal with this vehicle was originally to keep it pretty stock, as I have with most of my vehicles. However, my plans have changed - pretty drastically. Keep reading to find out.
Original Post from May '21:
Hi, folks!
Just scored this beautiful, well-maintained '05 EX for $6,000 with 171,431 miles (here in the PNW, that's a steal). The PO had it for 14.5 years and had all the records. Replaced the windshield several times, a brake master cylinder, head gasket and timing belt, etc. Very well taken care of. I hope to do the same!
You can't tell super well from the photos, but this beaut has running boards and the rear spoiler. I've already got an Aerogenics cage on the way, the shop manual, LED fog lamp bulbs, I'll be needing to replace the tires in the next year, and perform all the fluid flushes before summer is out.
We have an '09 Fit Sport as well. Her name is Betty Beep. Meet her big brother – Henry Honk! As you can tell, our kiddo loves him!
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My goal with this vehicle was originally to keep it pretty stock, as I have with most of my vehicles. However, my plans have changed - pretty drastically. Keep reading to find out.
Original Post from May '21:
Hi, folks!
Just scored this beautiful, well-maintained '05 EX for $6,000 with 171,431 miles (here in the PNW, that's a steal). The PO had it for 14.5 years and had all the records. Replaced the windshield several times, a brake master cylinder, head gasket and timing belt, etc. Very well taken care of. I hope to do the same!
You can't tell super well from the photos, but this beaut has running boards and the rear spoiler. I've already got an Aerogenics cage on the way, the shop manual, LED fog lamp bulbs, I'll be needing to replace the tires in the next year, and perform all the fluid flushes before summer is out.
We have an '09 Fit Sport as well. Her name is Betty Beep. Meet her big brother – Henry Honk! As you can tell, our kiddo loves him!
41 - 56 of 56 Posts
Here's the alignment readout from when I had it done in June. Camber is off on both. I have adjustable camber arms, but who knows if they used them.
I'm trying to come up with plans for a sleeping platform that I haven't seen done before, either with an Element or something else.
This platform would be able to fold width-ways and length-ways. To store, you would fold it width-ways, then length-ways. Or vise-versa, depending on the orientation I end up landing on. I don't think I'll make it to where I can do either/or whenever I want, as that would require some magic I don't know of.
The general idea is that is could fold up into a smaller platform that takes up either the entire space behind the rear passenger seats, or the length of one side where one of the rear passenger seats would normally go.
I'm having trouble with two things:
![Handwriting Wood Rectangle Font Pattern]()
This platform would be able to fold width-ways and length-ways. To store, you would fold it width-ways, then length-ways. Or vise-versa, depending on the orientation I end up landing on. I don't think I'll make it to where I can do either/or whenever I want, as that would require some magic I don't know of.
The general idea is that is could fold up into a smaller platform that takes up either the entire space behind the rear passenger seats, or the length of one side where one of the rear passenger seats would normally go.
I'm having trouble with two things:
- How to make the feet removable.
- How to allow them to stack when folded more than once.
- Folding legs? How to remove entirely?
- Slide pin hinge?
Took Henry Honk to the Oregon Coast this past weekend. Fulfilled a lifelong dream.
Got to drive up onto the beach at Del Rey, and Henry handled it very well! I followed a Jeep in, too closely, and they were going quite slow because they can do that. It was too slow for Henry, and we ended up getting stuck. So I aired down to 15 PSI, turned the steering wheel until I got some traction, and we were on our way.
Probably wouldn't have needed to air down if we'd gone a little faster, but I also don't like going fast in a mixed-use area. Didn't have to use the shovel or traction boards, but I had 'em!
![Tire Wheel Car Vehicle Automotive tire]()
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![Cloud Water Sky Natural landscape Coastal and oceanic landforms]()
Got to drive up onto the beach at Del Rey, and Henry handled it very well! I followed a Jeep in, too closely, and they were going quite slow because they can do that. It was too slow for Henry, and we ended up getting stuck. So I aired down to 15 PSI, turned the steering wheel until I got some traction, and we were on our way.
Probably wouldn't have needed to air down if we'd gone a little faster, but I also don't like going fast in a mixed-use area. Didn't have to use the shovel or traction boards, but I had 'em!
Not much exciting happening with Henry. I just started a new job, which should provide me with a little bit more flexibility to get out there and enjoy my rig. Not as much as many others, but a little bit.
Henry is about to hit 188,000 miles and we're heading into the wet season, so I did some routine maintenance on Henry this weekend, a little ahead of schedule. Oil, oil filter, cabin air filter, and new wiper blades. I also finally fixed the door checker!
![Automotive side marker light Automotive parking light Wheel Tire Vehicle]()
![Tire Wheel Automotive tire Motor vehicle Tread]()
I would be remiss if I didn't proclaim my love for Fumoto drain valves every single time I change my oil.
![Motor vehicle Window Comfort Fawn Carnivore]()
My wonderful assistant, Zelda.
![Automotive tire Synthetic rubber Rim Gas Carbon]()
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Pretty happy with this filter. This put in at 173,088 miles, and 15,000 miles it's looking really good. Halfway through the recommended change interval. Either this means nothing is making it to the filter because the air system sucks in quite clean air, or the filter is letting everything by it and I won't find out until the engine breaks. Haha!
![Car Vehicle Beverage can Tire Automotive tire]()
Powered by fresh hops beer!
![Hood Dog Carnivore Dog breed Working animal]()
The cabin air filters were a whole other story! These were put in 16,000 miles ago, and they look horrendous. Glad that they're working!
![Motor vehicle Hood Automotive tire Automotive mirror Windscreen wiper]()
Here I'm showing the difference of the mounting pieces on the RainX Endura (installed, top) and Bosch ICON (uninstalled, bottom). Note the low-quality unfinished look of the RainX blades. The mounting mechanism is also way less secure than the ICONs. The ICONs clip in, while the Enduras just slide on (and off). It's worth noting that the Enduras in the 28" and 14" for our Honda Fit do indeed have "locking" mechanisms, were still aren't as good as the ICONs.
I wanted to try the Enduras because they're silicone. I used to run Silblades on all my vehicles, before their build quality started to deteriorate. We'll see how these RainX blades holds up, but I'm not instilled with much confidence so far.
Henry is about to hit 188,000 miles and we're heading into the wet season, so I did some routine maintenance on Henry this weekend, a little ahead of schedule. Oil, oil filter, cabin air filter, and new wiper blades. I also finally fixed the door checker!
I would be remiss if I didn't proclaim my love for Fumoto drain valves every single time I change my oil.
My wonderful assistant, Zelda.
Pretty happy with this filter. This put in at 173,088 miles, and 15,000 miles it's looking really good. Halfway through the recommended change interval. Either this means nothing is making it to the filter because the air system sucks in quite clean air, or the filter is letting everything by it and I won't find out until the engine breaks. Haha!
Powered by fresh hops beer!
The cabin air filters were a whole other story! These were put in 16,000 miles ago, and they look horrendous. Glad that they're working!
Here I'm showing the difference of the mounting pieces on the RainX Endura (installed, top) and Bosch ICON (uninstalled, bottom). Note the low-quality unfinished look of the RainX blades. The mounting mechanism is also way less secure than the ICONs. The ICONs clip in, while the Enduras just slide on (and off). It's worth noting that the Enduras in the 28" and 14" for our Honda Fit do indeed have "locking" mechanisms, were still aren't as good as the ICONs.
I wanted to try the Enduras because they're silicone. I used to run Silblades on all my vehicles, before their build quality started to deteriorate. We'll see how these RainX blades holds up, but I'm not instilled with much confidence so far.
Had to replace Henry's alternator today.
Yesterday, it was below 30ºF and starting up was pretty difficult for Henry. Right as I got to work, the Charge System light illuminated on the dash. Once I got home, I checked the voltage of the battery = 12.08v. Engine on, all accessories off = 11.80v. Strong indicator that it's alternator.
I wanted OEM, but settled for new "Nippon-style" from NAPA, because it was in stock nearby. Part Number NRO 1N9549.
Now, I am someone who doesn't know much about diagnosing and troubleshooting, or mechanics in general, and I don't just know off the top of my head what an alternator replacement job looks like. I'm always watching videos and searching and asking public forums. All that said, I feel like this was an upfront - albeit frustrating at times - job that I think most people could do.
The absolute hardest part is getting the drive belt back onto the power steering pump. I searched high and low, online and offline, for a long 14mm wrench, and Harbor Freight had the longest one (and only one) and it was not long enough. Really wish I'd gotten the serpentine belt tool. Ultimately, I put all of my weight on the wrench (I'm only 142 pounds...), and my palm still hurts like hell even while wearing gloves.
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I removed the splash guards on the driver side. I don't think this is necessary. It definitely makes it a bit easier, but if you can reach down from above, you don't need to do this. I now can't get the splash guard lined up with the holes to secure it fully. What's more is that the bottom splash guard also has to come out, and I was only able to get 3 of the 8 clips back in, so it's pretty floppy right now.
![Automotive tire Motor vehicle Automotive fuel system Gas Auto part]()
The alternator was replaced by a shop when the previous owner had it. That was at 124,000 miles. We're now at 188,950. Let's hope this one lasts longer than that!
![Automotive tire Motor vehicle Automotive design Hood Rim]()
So shiny! I went ahead and replaced the belt. Old one didn't show any signs of trouble, but for $40, why not? Plus, the one that was on there was not Bando, so it would have gone sooner than I'd prefer.
![Automotive parking light Wheel Tire Automotive lighting Automotive tire]()
Here's the routing from the service manual.
![Hand Leaf Gesture Finger Thumb]()
These clips are the hardest things to find! Does anyone know where to get new ones that actually fit? I've purchased some on three separate occasions and neither have fit.
Yesterday, it was below 30ºF and starting up was pretty difficult for Henry. Right as I got to work, the Charge System light illuminated on the dash. Once I got home, I checked the voltage of the battery = 12.08v. Engine on, all accessories off = 11.80v. Strong indicator that it's alternator.
I wanted OEM, but settled for new "Nippon-style" from NAPA, because it was in stock nearby. Part Number NRO 1N9549.
Now, I am someone who doesn't know much about diagnosing and troubleshooting, or mechanics in general, and I don't just know off the top of my head what an alternator replacement job looks like. I'm always watching videos and searching and asking public forums. All that said, I feel like this was an upfront - albeit frustrating at times - job that I think most people could do.
The absolute hardest part is getting the drive belt back onto the power steering pump. I searched high and low, online and offline, for a long 14mm wrench, and Harbor Freight had the longest one (and only one) and it was not long enough. Really wish I'd gotten the serpentine belt tool. Ultimately, I put all of my weight on the wrench (I'm only 142 pounds...), and my palm still hurts like hell even while wearing gloves.
I removed the splash guards on the driver side. I don't think this is necessary. It definitely makes it a bit easier, but if you can reach down from above, you don't need to do this. I now can't get the splash guard lined up with the holes to secure it fully. What's more is that the bottom splash guard also has to come out, and I was only able to get 3 of the 8 clips back in, so it's pretty floppy right now.
The alternator was replaced by a shop when the previous owner had it. That was at 124,000 miles. We're now at 188,950. Let's hope this one lasts longer than that!
So shiny! I went ahead and replaced the belt. Old one didn't show any signs of trouble, but for $40, why not? Plus, the one that was on there was not Bando, so it would have gone sooner than I'd prefer.
Here's the routing from the service manual.
These clips are the hardest things to find! Does anyone know where to get new ones that actually fit? I've purchased some on three separate occasions and neither have fit.
Attachments
Brought home my new rooftop tent today! Can't wait to install! Just need to acquire Deezy's rack and we'll be good to go!
![Wheel Tire Automotive parking light Vehicle Sky]()
Hey folks. I had to upgrade from the Element to my dream truck, an FJ Cruiser. The E just couldn't take me everywhere I wanted to go. I'm going to desperately miss how easy these are to work on, all the space inside, and the community. I'll be listing Henry for sale soon.
![Tire Wheel Automotive parking light Car Land vehicle]()
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