Rutledge Wood's 1983 civic wagon project

http://www.history.com/shows/top-gear/videos/rutledges-project-car#rutledges-project-car

Rutledge takes us through his plans for a 1983 Honda Civic Wagon.

Looks like the beginnings of a sweet build, but he may have to widen the door frame so he can fit his head inside.

Obscure old wagon project car? I can deal with this guy.

Me too. Especially after the fix-your-thermostat-with-a-pen trick that Javelin pointed out in the other thread. As far as I'm concerned, he's one of us.

I like it alot. It's also a good example of how he's not the die-hard Southern "drive American" character he has played so far on the show.

While Rutledge may have the least driving skill of U.S. TG I think he's the most gearheaded.

That is pretty awesome.

Wait, that's his first name?

Watching the other videos... those guys are funnier in those than they are on the show. They need to improv more.

in for later (going to bed)

yawn...

Salanis wrote: Watching the other videos... those guys are funnier in those than they are on the show. They need to improv more.

quoted for truth. Can't wait for the show to get better. It's already showing signs of improvement, and if the guy can think up a project like that, and be IN TO IT, I can get behind that kind of guy on TV.

I think it's a pretty awesome sounding project. Stuff like this makes them more likable on the show to boot.

I hope the continue to follow it.

JoeyM wrote: Me too. Especially after the fix-your-thermostat-with-a-pen trick that Javelin pointed out in the other thread. As far as I'm concerned, he's one of us.

That was obviously scripted. He says "what could I poke a hole in the thermostat with?" and he ignores the screwdriver sitting on the radiator support.

24 hours later...

I'm pretty pleased to see that he's an actual car guy. Even more pleased that all his import-bashing was tongue in cheek and that he's an honest-to-goodness Honda guy.

That is a rad little build. Someone needs to post progress reports of it because I know I'll forget about it.

(goes to check out other vids)

Just finished watching the vids and as Salanis said--they are WAY better off-script.

I think I am now a fan of Rutledge. He is a funny dude (and he likes Hondas)

A nice article about the 80-83 civic popped up today too: http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2010/12/curbside-classic-when-hondas-mojo-was-working-1980-1983-honda-civic/

gamby wrote: I think I am now a fan of Rutledge. He is a funny dude (and he likes Hondas)

...and Datsuns.
http://community.ratsun.net/topic/18982-my-ratsun-on-the-beach-course-at-daytona/page__p__264675#entry264675

I remember seeing that truck somewhere around here or another board.

With the aesthetic he's exhibiting, I'm surprised he hasn't popped up around here. He'd fit in beautifully.

I'm sure the domestic vs. import thing is ginned up controversy for the sake of the show. Clarkson likes to rail on motorcyclists as May and Hammond are avid riders. It makes for some good timed ribbing on all sides. Conflict is considered by those who produce TV essential to entertainment.

Sweet. And he bought parts cars.