Advanced Creators
Honda Integra DC5 Type-R Building Guide — Part 1: Introduction and Unboxing
Alpha Model AM02-0070 · Build by BreakWong
Introduction
The Honda Integra DC5 Type-R — a fourth-generation Japanese performance icon, known as the Acura RSX in North America.
The Honda Integra DC5 Type-R is a fourth-generation Japanese performance sports car produced from 2001 to 2006. It features a high-revving 2.0L K20A DOHC i-VTEC engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, and a focus on track performance and reliability. While praised for its driving dynamics, it featured MacPherson strut front suspension, which changed its character from the previous DC2 model, making it more track-oriented but potentially less suited for street enjoyment, according to some reports.
Technical Specifications
| Chassis Code | DC5 |
| Engine | 2.0L K20A DOHC i-VTEC inline-four, producing around 220 hp (Japanese market version) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Performance | Known for excellent performance, particularly on the track, and high-revving engine |
| Suspension | MacPherson strut front suspension — a departure from previous Type-Rs, contributing to its track-focused nature |
| Design | Sporty exterior with wing-type rear spoiler, front and rear under spoilers, and exclusive Type-R emblems |
Unboxing & Parts Inspection
After unpacking the product, take out all the parts bags and the car body. Since there is a risk of damage during transportation by the logistics company, you must first check whether the parts are damaged. The A-pillars, brake calipers, rims and other small parts are more easily damaged. After confirming that the parts are not damaged, please check whether the photo-etched sheet has any bending or damage and whether the water-slide decals have stains. After confirming that all standard items are in good condition, you can start preparations for production.
Kit Quality
AlphaModel's products feature precise mold making, and their production technology is particularly sophisticated in vehicle shell production. The resulting shells are precisely contoured, with smooth surfaces free of burrs and shrinkage, deep engravings, and sharp edges. These features significantly reduce the difficulty of production, making them ideal for beginners.
Each vehicle has its own unique color scheme and design. Before production, refer to the actual vehicle photos. The product manual will indicate the color of each component for easy reference during painting.
Required Tools: Liner pen, sandpaper, sponge sandpaper, instant glue (CA glue), tweezers, scriber, pen knife, and photo-etched bending pliers. Having the right tools will enhance the crafting experience and make it easier to create high-quality static models.
Cleaning
Clean all parts thoroughly with dishwashing liquid or another degreasing agent suitable for resin materials. Because the surface of the workpiece is coated with a layer of grease and mold release agent, painting without cleaning it directly will result in fish-eyes, poor paint adhesion, and discoloration. After cleaning, simply allow to air dry.
AlphaModel includes a nameplate corresponding to the car model in the photo-etched sheet of each kit. Builders can paint the nameplate and place it in the display box together with the finished car — a very premium touch.
Next article: Vehicle body preparation
Advanced Creators
Honda Integra DC5 Type-R Building Guide — Part 2: Body Preparation
Alpha Model AM02-0070 · Build by BreakWong
Body Inspection & Side Skirt Sanding
First, inspect the bodywork. The bottom of the side skirts will typically have some unevenness. Sand them down with sandpaper to level them. After ensuring there are no missing pieces, proceed to deepen the panel lines.
【图片1：使用海绵砂纸打磨车身侧裙底部，手部特写展示打磨手法】
Deepening Panel Lines with a 0.15 mm Scriber
Use a 0.15 mm scriber to deepen the panel markings. While the body's panel lines are relatively clear from the factory, they need to be deepened manually to create a more three-dimensional effect after completion. This prevents paint bleed-through and allows for natural shading to enhance the texture of the panel lines.
Scribing Technique: When scribing, apply pressure gradually — increasing from light to heavy. Start by making a few light passes along the markings, then gradually apply more pressure. For curved lines, use a curved scriber (chisel-tip) to deepen the markings. If you don't have a curved scriber, use a straight-headed scriber with careful control to avoid going outside the lines. Also pay attention to the blade angle — do not treat curved lines as straight lines.
Sanding & Surface Preparation
After using paper sandpaper to sand and level the entire car body, it is necessary to use sponge sandpaper to remove the coarse sanding marks. After sanding, you can spray a layer of water-based surfacer/primer and then check for defects.
Front Lip Additional Scribing
The front lip (front under-spoiler) needs additional engraved lines. Scribe the lines from light to heavy and from shallow to deep along the raised edge of the lip.
Next article: Primer and Topcoat
Advanced Creators
Honda Integra DC5 Type-R Building Guide — Part 3: Primer and Topcoat
Alpha Model AM02-0070 · Build by BreakWong
Priming the Body
After sanding is complete, the body is ready for priming. First, spray a gray water-based primer/surfacer to unify the base color and reveal any remaining surface imperfections.
White Primer Base
After the gray surfacer has been checked and any defects addressed, spray a white primer as the base coat. This provides a bright, uniform foundation for the final body color.
Body Color — White with a Touch of Yellow
For the body color, I used white and added a few drops of yellow, so that the color and texture of the real car can be roughly reproduced. The Championship White of the DC5 Type-R has a subtle warm undertone rather than being a stark pure white.
Important: Before spraying the main color, you must first spray gray water-based primer/surfacer to unify the base color, then spray white primer as the base coat, and finally spray the body color. Whether spraying the base coat or the main color, you must carefully observe whether the spraying is uniform. Both white and light yellow are low-coverage colors — uniform spraying is critically important.
Next article: Varnish and Color Table
Advanced Creators
Honda Integra DC5 Type-R Building Guide — Part 4: Clear Coat and Color Chart
Alpha Model AM02-0070 · Build by BreakWong
Clear Coat Application
After the paint is completely dry, you can spray the clear coat (urethane varnish). Here I chose Glasurit (BASF) No. 666 clear coat.
Clear Coat Tip: Because there are a lot of water-slide decals on the car body, the clear coat needs to be sprayed more heavily than on a plain-body car to build up sufficient thickness. I chose to wet-spray 4 layers, then wait 3–5 days for complete curing before sanding and polishing. At this point, the main work on the car shell is complete.
Color Table
| Code | Paint | Color | Code | Paint | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ⓐ | C-1 | Glossy Black | Ⓔ | C-92 | Semi-gloss Black |
| Ⓑ | C-33 | Matte Black | Ⓕ | C-3 | Glossy Red |
| Ⓒ | C-47 | Glossy Transparent Red | Ⓙ | — | Body Color |
| Ⓓ | C-28 | Gun Metal | Ⓚ | — | Silver |
| Ⓜ | C-33:10 + C-62:1 | Interior Color | Ⓝ | C-49 | Glossy Transparent Orange |
Note: The Ⓚ here refers to silver in a broad sense, which includes electroplated silver, fine silver, C-8, etc. The specific silver color used for each part is chosen by the builder.
Next article: Water Decals and Detail Processing
Advanced Creators
Honda Integra DC5 Type-R Building Guide — Part 5: Decals and Detail Finishing
Alpha Model AM02-0070 · Build by BreakWong
Interior — Door Panels
Paint the interior door panels in matte/semi-gloss black. The door handles and speaker grilles can be picked out with silver for contrast. The DC5 Type-R interior is predominantly black, with subtle trim details.
Recaro Bucket Seats
The DC5 Type-R came factory-equipped with Recaro bucket seats. Paint the seats in matte black, then apply the RECARO logo water-slide decals to the seat backs. The decals need to be applied carefully on the contoured surface using setting solution.
Dashboard & Gauges
Paint the dashboard in the interior color (C-33:10 + C-62:1 mixture). Apply the gauge cluster water-slide decals to represent the instrument faces. The Momo steering wheel gets a red Honda emblem at the center.
Interior Assembly
Assemble the interior tub with the dashboard, front seats, rear bench seat, center console with shifter, and door panels. The gear shift knob can be painted silver to represent the factory titanium knob.
Brake Discs & Calipers
The photo-etched brake discs require careful painting. Paint the calipers in glossy red (C-3) and the disc hats in silver. The brake discs have a drilled/vented pattern represented by the PE parts.
Wheels & Tires
The DC5 Type-R's factory wheels are painted white/championship white to match the body. Assemble the tires onto the wheels, and attach the red brake calipers behind the wheels according to the instruction manual.
Note on friction marks: When handling and assembling the small PE and resin parts, be mindful of friction marks on painted surfaces. Use tweezers with soft tips or handle parts by non-visible edges to avoid marring the finish.
Next article: Assembly and Finished Product Display
Advanced Creators
Honda Integra DC5 Type-R Building Guide — Part 6: Assembly and Finished Product Display
Alpha Model AM02-0070 · Build by BreakWong
Headlight & Taillight Assembly
Assemble the headlight units using the photo-etched chrome reflectors and amber indicator sections. The PE reflectors should be carefully shaped and installed behind the clear headlight lenses. For the taillights, install the red transparent lens parts onto the body, then apply the Honda emblem and "INTEGRA" badge water-slide decals.
Windshield Wipers
The windshield wipers are made from photo-etched parts and require careful bending. Follow the sequence below: first bend the arm at the base pivot, then shape the wiper blade section, and finally adjust the angle to sit naturally on the windshield.
Final Assembly
Install the interior tub into the body shell, followed by the glass/window parts, side mirrors, rear wing, front lip, and all exterior trim. Attach the wheel assemblies with the red brake calipers visible behind the white spokes. Apply the "Type-R" side decals and front/rear emblem decals. Mount the completed body onto the chassis/display base.
Congratulations! The Honda Integra DC5 Type-R is now complete. Display it proudly alongside the AlphaModel nameplate on your shelf or in a display case. Thank you for following along with this build guide by BreakWong.