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Hi all! Fresh owner of a 2003 Civic LX, it has around 80,000 miles. I'm very proud of my car and I'm ready to turn some wrenches on it, which I've done with a car before.

The other night my alternator failed. The next day my buddy with tools and experience helped me check it out aaaand.. it was just a broken bolt, I think part of the tensioner. We put in a new one, put everything back together, and it's running again. So, I want to try my hand at replacing every single nut and bolt under the hood that I can get to. Worst case, I'll be eliminating any more low-grade crap in important places that could leave me stranded on a highway or ***** deep in someone's rear fender. But more optimistically, I also will get all the experience I need disassembling and reassembling my perfectly functional car for when it's broken.

How do I make a nuts-and-bolts shopping list to get through everything under my hood? What's the best place to buy the stuff from? Is there a good place to start, and a good path to follow? I want to buy the parts in advance, ideally in bulk and affordably, and I want to have a specific and thorough reference for what needs to go where. Any guidance to start this project would help. Thank you!

 
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You best look into the status of the timing belt, IMO.

 
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That alternator bolt is a common bolt to break so IMHO I wouldn't go replacing the other bolts in the vehicle as a result.
Replace the timing belt, tensioner, water pump, coolant, both accessory belts, flush the brake fluid, replace the air and cabin filters, replace the oil and filer and do a drain and fill of Honda DW-1 ATF if an an auto trans to get you up to date on the maintenance.
Also read up on the common issue of the leaking head gasket so you know what to look for before you ruin an engine.

 
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Belts don't look too bad according to a couple other people. If you think I should do timing belt even if the belt visually appears in OK shape.. so be it. I'll inspect the rest of this list too, thanks for the tips.

My original question wasn't really answered though - I WANT to replace every nut and bolt because many are rusty as hell anyway and I want the experience dismantling and reassembling the car. I've had friends tell me they do this and it's a great way to get to know your car when you have little to know mechanic experience. Any recommendations or resources in mind to this end?

 
Rep Power: 118

If it’s not broke, don’t mess with it.

Big issue with the alternator is there are two main bolts. That tensioner bolt is not supposed to be touched until both main bolts are loosened.
Then people forget to properly tighten down the two main bolts and the alternator burns out the ECU of the car.

There are a couple of suspension bolts that should be replaced when your changing out a suspension part.

Maybe just buy a few handfuls of those plastic retainers and try to replace all of them in the wheel wells and under front bumper.

 
Rep Power: 223

The replacement schedule for the timing belt is something like every 110,000 miles or 7 years. You haven't reached the 110,000 miles but you're well past 7 years.

 
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I believe the belts were done in the lifetime of this car. Not sure exactly when but that’s what experienced mechanics have opined for me.

 
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just do the belt unless you feel like buying an engine

 
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I sure don’t feel like buying an engine... however... I do feel like buying it’s nuts and bolts... any idea where I can get those? 😁

 
Rep Power: 118

You can buy/order every nut and bolt for the car at your Honda dealer.

If your actually so determined, I would suggest finding a pick part junkyard and removing what you want for a lot less.

 
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this

 
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Are referring to just the accessory belts? The timing belt is behind protective covers and cannot be seen without some digging.

 
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https://www.hondapartsnow.com/ eat your heart out

 
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Starting with a nuts-and-bolts replacement project is a great idea. To build your shopping list, I'd recommend the following steps:Assessment: Begin by examining your car's engine bay. Take note of the types and sizes of bolts and nuts you want to replace. You might want to take some pictures as references.Organization: Categorize the fasteners by type (e.g., hex bolts, nuts, washers) and size (measured in diameter and length).Materials: Research the material of the fasteners (e.g., steel, stainless steel, zinc-coated). This might depend on your budget and the specific parts you're replacing.Quantity: Estimate how many of each type and size you'll need. It's always a good idea to have a few extras.Supplier: Scrooz can be a great choice for bulk purchases. Check their selection for the specific fasteners you need. Also, consider local hardware stores or online retailers if you want to compare prices.Reference: Create a clear, detailed reference list. Include the type, size, and quantity of each fastener, along with the locations where they go. This will be your roadmap during the project.