🌞 OldSol of the Month: March 2025 – Honda Del Sol Spotlight 🌞

Terry – Columbus, Indiana
📸 @sip_gas_haul_groceries on Instagram

Some builds are born from obsession. Others, from passion. And then there’s Terry’s Del Sol journey—which started with a wrecked Taurus, detoured through a blown-up Neon, and somehow ended up with a CRX, a Scion xB, and a childhood dream his kid mistook for a Lamborghini.

Let’s dive into what makes Terry and his Del Sol this month’s OldSol spotlight.

How It All Started…

Terry’s Honda journey kicked off in high school with an ’86 Accord hatchback DX 5-speed—shoutout to the 3geez crew! Like many of us, forums like Honda-tech.com and 3geez.com were his go-to garages, packed with DIY spirit and more wisdom than a Haynes manual.

Wrenching runs in the blood for Terry. His great-grandparents were even reupholstering and detailing cars back in their day. After a rough start with a Taurus and a Neon (RIP), he landed his Accord for $350 and never looked back.

Then came the CRX—autocrossing glory, headliner removed for helmet clearance, and eventually rusted to the point of no return. “I keep telling myself the Del Sol is my last golden era Honda,” he says. (Famous last words, right?)

The Unexpected Del Sol Love Story

Ironically, Terry never wanted a Del Sol. Too much flex for autocross, and at 6’4″, the targa top and helmet combo? Not happening.

But after modifying his Scion xB to satisfaction, he was ready for something a bit more fun—and something to share with his son. Enter: a Marketplace listing, a months-long mental tug-of-war, and finally a trade meet-up in Bloomington, IN. Goodbye xB, hello top-down Honda happiness.

And his son’s first impression of the Del Sol?
“Dad, is that a Lamborghini?”

Close enough, kid.

What Makes Del Sols Special?

For Terry, it’s all about the unique features: the removable roof, smart trunk storage design, and easy compatibility with other Honda engines. Think: Civic vibes with a whole lot more sunshine.

Build Breakdown

Terry’s Del Sol has layers. Check this out:

Wheels:

Konig Quikk 15x7s (circa 1999)

Suspension & Brakes:

KYB AGX adjustable struts
Eibach Sportline springs
Drilled/slotted rotors with factory Si brakes

Engine:

JDM SOHC ZC (for now…)

Interior Touches:

EDM sun visors
S2000 black leather seats
Gathers rear speaker covers
JDM map lights
93 airbag-less dash
Momo Team 300mm wheel w/ NRG quick release & hub
BalladeSports blue carbon fiber mirror
Doc Zigzag floor mats

Exterior Goodies:

Ameripol Suntop (usually off)
JDM LED-converted headlights
EDM glass aux lights
Painted black front lip
S2000 mirrors w/ Spoon blue tint
JDM tails, EDM rear fog, OEM splash guards
Optional front-end bra (controversial but Terry digs it)

Future Plans (aka The Never-Ending Build)

This Del Sol is far from done. Terry’s got big plans for 2025:

Dropping in a JDM B20B
Pairing it with an EM1 S4C trans and MFactory LSD
Coil-on-plug conversion with SnakeTuning’s Mini-Dizzy
Bodywork: fixing rear quarter rust, shaving antenna, and panel repaint
Installing JDM side markers, fogs, EK skirts, and a full trim/molding refresh
Oh, and a power steering loop because… comfort matters.

Rare Parts Hunt: Complete?

Terry’s long been known for collecting rare JDM and EDM goodies, but after snagging ultra-rare headlight covers, he says the hunt might finally be over.

Maybe.

Okay, probably not.

As he puts it, “They’re not coming back!”

Sol Scene in Indiana

In Columbus, it’s a tight-knit Del Sol crew. It started with Terry and Ben Davenport—who’s now a key parts plug and cookout host. With Callum recently moving to town, the local Certified count is up to three!

And yes, Terry keeps OldSol calling cards on deck—just in case he spots a lone Del Sol that needs converting to the Discord cult.

“Terry, you’re a true enthusiast. Thank you for keeping the spirit of old-school Hondas alive, and for showing the next generation that cruising with the roof off never goes out of style”. – Brad (OldSols)