TLDavey

Aloha, everyone!

Just testing out the Google photos site for uploading any photos for this site's forums. I decided to use Google photos since I already have an account there...

When Acura released the TL in 1996, I was immediately drawn to the classic Honda lines of the car. I ordered a brochure and kept it for years and told myself "someday..." Well, 15 years later, I've finally got my 1st generation TL... The base model with no leather - just how I wanted it back when I was 15 years old.

So, today, I brought home this dark green 97 Acura 2.5TL. My current car, a '02 Accord SE sedan, is going to my brother in Cali who needs a good car - it's got only 66k miles - pretty low for a '02 model. Well... this Acura itself has only 66,000 miles, which is pretty amazing. It's still really "young" and is aching for some simple, clean mods. Minor body work was done to the bumper and fender before I bought it but, overall, it's incredibly clean inside and out. I've seen current-year model cars with more wear and tear than this car! The back seats look like no one has ever sat in them and the headliner, trunk... everything, looks almost brand new. Lucky find for me, indeed.



Can't wait to get into the mod projects, even the really simple ones. I have already picked up a lot of info from these forums, so looking forward to learning more from everyone.

Thanks and Aloha!

civichxtreme2

66k miles, wow that thing looks super well taken care of, Nice find!!

main70072

Your headlight looks spanking new! The photo uploaded fine... need more pics

DiabloSVRacer

Theres TLs without leather seat? I never knew that, I assumed all Acuras always had leather seats besides integras and older ones.

main70072

And you are right, we are the oldest of the TLs. I think some '95 and '96 models did not come with leather or moonroof, but that's very rare here in the states.

DiabloSVRacer

haha thats what i thought lol it ain't touring luxury without the leather. i loved my 2.5tl. i would trade my rl for a 2.5tl with 0 miles! i got over 300k in my 2.5tl, very little problems, ran like a champ, and is more spacious than my current rl.

TLDavey

Yes, the original U.S. version TLs came out with a base model with no leather and no moonroof. I actually test drove one with cloth seats and 5sp manual back in the day. I believe I was just out of high school and they were still a little too expensive for the college student budget.

The car was repainted, although I am not sure to what extent or what parts. I will try and get some fuller shots if you want to see it stock at 66k miles young!!!

memphisraines26

never seen or hear of a 5spd 2.5TL but have seen the 5spd vigor. have seen quite a few 1st gen tls with cloth seats but uncommon.

TLDavey

Okay maybe I confused the 5,120 cars I test drove when I was 18 years old. Oops.

memphisraines26

haha it's all good. if they exist i bet it's rare. i would love to do a 5spd swap on my 2.5tl. but that will have to wait til my main project is done.

TLDavey

So, snapped a few pics with my phone... Here he is. Sorry for the yucky quality. Didn't have my DSLR with me.

main70072

The car looks like it's in perfect condition. Anyways, you got a leaking passenger tail light gasket.

TLDavey

I noticed that today and there's some water in the trunk... and a loose rubber plug - round, approx. 1.5" diameter. I saw them in the floor under the carpet, but I cannot find a spot for this one. Any diagrams I can find online or... anyone know the answer?

cashmir316

Nice looking car TLDAVEY!

I noticed in my trunk some wet carpet on the passenger side recently after a big rain. So, it's the passenger tail light gasket most likely? Please tell me this is an easy or cheap fix....

TLDavey

Thanks, cashmir316. I am going to check it out tomorrow! I know that my light is leaking somewhere because there's some water in it, as you can see in the photos. I ordered my Inspire tail lights from eBay but won't be here until JANUARY!!! They were only $90 + $59 shipping. I will let you know if I find anything tomorrow in the trunk.

main70072

There is a gasket sandwich in between the tail light and metal of the car. What happens is that over time this gasket shrinks, allowing water and dirt to get into the trunk and tail light. Once dirt has gotten in between the gasket and metal, the seal will be no longer good because of the dirty surface.

What I did on mines the first time this happens was remove the tail light, clean the metal surface the gasket was making contact with and also take out and clean the gasket. When I re-intall the tail light, I pushed it in from the outside while tighten up the nut on the inside snugly. I did this very tight and it lasted me a few more years. Now I have some custom made gasket that I made from rubber gaskets I had laying around at home. The leak is gone!

AMUA6

iTrader: (7)

Nice pickup!

TLDavey

Thank you for that tip. I will try and explore it later today, weather permitting. I will soon have a garage of my own, but right now I'm out in the open air.

lando77

Looks Amazing, very well preserved

TLDavey

Yeah, I am stoked! It needs new tires. Planning on keeping the wheels stock for now. Gotta work on my truck first so I can get it ready for "snowy" season here in Hawai‘i! haha!

TLDavey

Update: The tail light has not leaked since... and I have a set of clean (used) Inspire tail lights to install. Hope that goes smoothly - it doesn't seem too complex! With those in, I'll definitely be one of a kind on this island!