Holes are for what?

[lakehouse]

I am one day away from completing a "save from the compactor" type of restoration on my '89 Elite. I've been working on it for about 6 months or so. As I was installing the left side panel, I noticed two holes about 3/8" diameter about an inch from the bottom edge near the rear. I cannot find anything that would go there, nor does it bolt or attach to anything on the underside. The holes look like they were done by Honda, and not from some Bubba. Anybody have any ideas what they might be for? I've attached a photo of them if it would help at all. (This is the panel after much fiberglassing and Bondo work, plus paint and a little striping for bling!)

[Dio89Elite]

I would venture to guess that these were for making adjustments to the stock carburetor without having to take off the side panel. I had an 89 too but the engine was upgraded (to an Elite S). Your panel looks great, your hard work is starting to show!

[bonesv]

As soon as I saw the photo you posted, I thought of the time I got fed up with taking the side panel off just to access a screw which was obscured, so I just drilled a hole so I could easily adjust or loosen something more easily.
I have not owned an sb50 but I don't think Honda put those holes there. I reserve the right to be wrong. Nice paint job by the way!

(edit:) Like he said ^^^^^

[paulpauly7]

my old dj1r and my niftyfiftys (spree) DO have holes on the left panels for carb adjustments .

[lakehouse]

Thank you to everyone for the compliments on my work, and for the enlightenment on the holes. My only doubt would be that the holes are so far apart, yet the carb adjusting screws are only 1/2" apart (I just measured them). Maybe someone missed their mark on the first go around! I like the idea of being able to do a quickie carb tweak though with little effort. I'll check to see if they line up with the carb screws.

[Dio89Elite]

I had the same two holes on a panel that I had, and they looked to be from the factory. I just couldn't figure out the weird spacing, perhaps they actually ran the same panels for different engine/carb combinations in different market areas would be my guess.

Since you're already doing bondo work on your panels, take a look if the holes are useable to your application. If not you could fill them up and repaint, then bore holes in the place(s) that will be useful.

[mousewheels]

+1 for having a purpose - Honda put holes in the lower trim for the similar PAL model on the carb side.

Honda_Pal.jpg (96.27 KiB) Viewed 5311 times

I wondered a while if the holes were part of trim mounting (and had covers) but found a pic of parts being re-painted, and only the left side had holes.

Honda_Pal_lower_trim.JPG (23 KiB) Viewed 5309 times

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Aero had 'em too. Definitely for carb adjustment on that model.

[lakehouse]

I guess I should have looked before I leaped on this one I think. But it was late and I was tired when I posted it initially. Had I got down on the floor after I installed the side panel and looked up, I would have seen that both carb adjusting screws can be accessed from the forward most hole. The rear hole is to facilitate the removal of the airbox cover for cleaning and/or replacement of the air filter. Quite ingenious in my opinion. That's why I have always been a Honda advocate!

[Dio89Elite]

ah nice. that explains the second farther hole. cool. thanks for your observation!
You did a great job on the panels. clear is shiney!

[Pete M]

Mine has the same holes and good on you for figuring it out.