For enthusiasts and owners alike, maintaining or modifying a Honda CRX often involves navigating the world of compatible car parts. A common question arises: which parts from a Honda Civic can be used on a CRX, and which are incompatible? Understanding these differences is crucial for successful repairs, restorations, and upgrades. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of Civic parts that are and are not compatible with your CRX, ensuring you get the right components for your vehicle.
CRX Parts That Are Not Interchangeable with Civic
When it comes to body panels and exterior components, the CRX and Civic, despite sharing a platform, have significant differences. These parts from a Civic will not fit a CRX properly:
- Fenders: The CRX has unique fender shapes that differ from the Civic.
- Corner lights: CRX corner lights are specifically designed for its body style.
- Front & rear bumpers: CRX bumpers are shorter and have distinct contours compared to Civic bumpers.
- Tail lights: The iconic CRX tail light design is exclusive and not interchangeable with Civic tail lights.
- 90/91 bumper lights: Similar to bumpers, the bumper lights for 90/91 Civics are not compatible with the CRX.
- Bumper support: Due to bumper shape differences, the support structures are also unique.
- Seats: While some modifications might be possible, Civic seats are generally not a direct fit in a CRX due to different mounting points and cabin dimensions.
- Gauge cluster cover (from Civic Sedan): Sedan and hatchback Civics have different gauge cluster shapes, and neither cover will fit the CRX cluster.
- Doors: CRX doors are shorter and have a different shape compared to Civic doors.
- Door and side glass: Glass panels are shaped to match the unique CRX door and body lines.
- Climate control: While some internal components might be similar, the climate control unit itself is not directly interchangeable.
- Windshield: The CRX windshield is designed for its specific frame and is not the same as a Civic’s.
- Ashtray: While seemingly small, even details like the ashtray are not guaranteed to be a direct swap.
- Mirrors: CRX side mirrors have a different mounting style and shape compared to Civic mirrors.
- Rear hatch shocks: The CRX hatch and Civic hatch have different weights and lift mechanisms, requiring specific shocks.
- Front mud/splash guards: Wheel arch shapes differ, making Civic mud guards incompatible.
- Moonroof: CRX models did not commonly feature moonroofs in the same way as some Civics, and the assemblies are not interchangeable.
- Moonroof/sunroof visor: If a CRX has a sunroof (less common), the visor is specific to that CRX, not interchangeable with Civic visors.
- Exterior side mirrors: (Repeated for emphasis, likely from original list redundancy)
CRX Parts That Are Interchangeable with Civic
Fortunately, many parts, particularly mechanical and some interior components, are compatible between the Honda Civic hatchback (specifically 88-91 models) and the CRX. These parts will fit a CRX correctly:
- Hood (from 88-91 Civic hatch): The hood from an 88-91 Civic hatchback is a direct fit for a CRX.
- 88/89 bumper lights****: Bumper lights from 88/89 Civic hatchbacks will fit 88/89 CRX bumpers.
- Door panels*** (from a Civic hatch): Door panels from a Civic hatchback are interchangeable with CRX door panels, provided you match the seat belt style (pillar-mounted or door-mounted).
- Gauge clusters*: Gauge clusters can be interchanged, but with caveats. 88/89 clusters are different from 90/91 clusters due to shape and wiring. Modifications are needed for direct swaps between these years.
- Gauge Cluster covers* (Civic Hatch): Gauge cluster covers must match the gauge cluster type. Hatchback Civic covers of the correct year range will fit CRX clusters of the same year range.
- Steering wheel: Steering wheels are generally interchangeable.
- Headlights**: The glass headlight housings are the same across 88-91 Civics and CRXs. However, mounting brackets differ between 88/89 and 90/91 models. You can swap headlights between years by also swapping the corresponding mounting brackets.
- Glove box: Glove boxes are typically interchangeable.
- OEM clock: The OEM clock unit is usually a direct fit.
- FULL dash: The entire dashboard assembly from a Civic hatchback can be swapped into a CRX.
- Steering column (hatch for sure, not certain on sedan or wagon.) Steering columns from Civic hatchbacks are confirmed to fit. Sedan and wagon compatibility is less certain.
- Shift knob/shift boot: Shift knobs and boots are universally interchangeable.
- Left & right side dash vents: Dash vents are direct swaps.
- Lock assemblies: Door lock and ignition lock assemblies are generally interchangeable.
- Exterior door handles: Exterior door handles are a direct fit.
- Suspension: Suspension components are largely interchangeable, making Civic suspension upgrades a popular choice for CRX owners.
- Mechanical items from firewall forward: Engine components, radiators, and other mechanical parts in the engine bay are generally compatible between Civic hatchbacks and CRXs.
- Gas door: Fuel/gas doors are interchangeable.
- OEM armrest: OEM armrests designed for Civics can often be fitted to CRXs.
- Radiator supports (Civic hatch): Radiator supports from Civic hatchbacks are compatible.
- Wiper arms: Wiper arms are interchangeable.
- Wiper Cowl: The wiper cowl, the panel under the windshield wipers, is also interchangeable.
- Light bulbs and connectors: Standard light bulbs and connectors are universally compatible.
- Wheels: Wheels with the correct bolt pattern and offset are interchangeable.
- Hood cable: Hood release cables are direct swaps.
- Floor mats: Floor mats from a Civic hatchback can often fit a CRX, though exact fit may vary.
- Spare tire assembly (jack, wrench, lugs nuts): Spare tire components are interchangeable.
- Rear splash guards (90/91 hatch splash guards on 90/91 Crx): Rear splash guards from 90/91 Civic hatchbacks fit 90/91 CRX models.
Honda CRX and Civic compatible parts example – interior dashboard and steering wheel
Important Notes on Interchangeability:
* Gauge Clusters: Be aware of year-specific differences. 88/89 and 90/91 gauge clusters and covers are not directly interchangeable without modifications due to shape and connector differences. Ensure you match the cluster and cover from the same year range.
** Headlights: While the headlight housings are the same, mounting brackets differ between 88/89 and 90/91 models. Swap the brackets to use headlights from a different year range on your CRX.
*** Door Panels: Civic hatchback and CRX door panels (88-91) are directly interchangeable as long as you match the seat belt style. Civic sedan and wagon door panels are not compatible.
**** Bumper lights: 88/89 Civic bumper lights fit 88/89 CRX bumpers. 90/91 Civic bumper lights are not compatible with the CRX.
Understanding these compatibility points can save CRX owners time and money when sourcing parts. Always double-check specific year models and part types to ensure a proper fit for your CRX.
