ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Thank you. Congrats on your pickup...the RES is a must have! We don't use it every time we're in the Ody...mostly just for long trips or if we want to keep our little one awake. It comes in very handy though.

Good luck in your search for a 6MT. I've never driven a 3G but the SH-AWD paired with the 6MT is awesome.

Thank you! I find it funny how much the 4G is bashed. Granted I'm biased but I also think it's a great looking car. I prefer the pre-MMC but like the 2012+ too. That's great that you were able to pick up a 6MT! I can't imagine this car in any other form! I'm close to three and a half years of ownership and I still find reasons to drive it.

I appreciate it man! One of these days I'll have to pick your brain and get some tips on taking pictures of my car. I'm sure the first rule of thumb is to stop using my cell phone, haha!

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Not even, you're doing just fine. You have an eye for angles...that's the most important skill. Some people just can't see the shot in their mind...

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Good to hear! I generally don't have a lot of time to take pics so I try to find a decent background then just snap a few quick ones. For me it's more about getting some updated shots of my car rather than getting a great photo.

At some point I may splurge on an entry level DSLR, but more for getting better pictures of my family (with the added bonus of having a better tool to photograph my car). At that point I'll try to read up on photography a bit more to get the basics down. I'd love to be able to get better pictures of my daughter during life's special moments. My wife and I took her to Disney on Saturday for the first time, and the few pictures I took flat out suck!

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

No doubt, man...I'd urge you to buy a better than entry level...if you enjoy it, you'll jump up quickly and a slightly used one won't run you too much more.

4GIRLS

Seeing this picture makes me shudder. You are an EXTREMELY brave man, in my opinion.

Also, the Odyssey is sweet. I can wait to trade mine in on a newer one. I have just been waiting for Honda to figure out that some people don't like excessive road noise in a $40k vehicle.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Road noise lets you know you're alive!

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Haha, it helped that I had done the headlights on my previous car...so I had an idea of what to expect. The funny thing is when I bought this car I swore I wouldn't touch the headlights because it's almost inevitable that there will be some sort of issue. It sure as hell came with headaches but I'm very happy with the results.

We love the Ody! It is exactly what we wanted in every way. The more I look at it the more I like it too. It's not bad on the eyes for a minivan! Honestly, the road noise doesn't bother me...I don't even notice it. Granted I'm used to Fords and Hyundais which aren't exactly known for their quiet cabins (at least the older ones).

LOL!

Btw, I'll definitely consider your advice re: DSLR's. I have no idea which direction I'll go yet. The more I look into the various brands and features the more my head spins. I can't break the bank right now but I do want something better than my cell phone or point and shoot Samsung. I just have to convince my wife it's a good investment. Time will tell!

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Well, this is the latest issue. Fortunately it's not a major one.



The driver's side 194 LED (side marker) doesn't stay lit continuously. There are no issues with the passenger side. I don't know if it's a problem with the bulb or the socket (or further up the line). I've ordered replacement bulbs (vleds.com) and picked up a new socket from the local dealership yesterday. I'm gonna try and tackle it Thursday night.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Start at the bulb...those things are finnicky as fk...


About DSLR...if you want my take...start off D90 or D7000 body if you can afford it...you won't need more than that unless you become professional and those will take fantastic shots with the right glass (that you can upgrade little by little). Get one with an 18-55 or 18-105MM lens as the kit lens...then you can spent $100 to get a 50MM F1.8 Fixed prime lens and you'd be blown away by how amazing your pictures will come out, especially with a little playing with lightroom.

Canon or Nikon debate can go on all day...but I had Canon and switched, Austin just did the same...and John/Sean/Chip and most of the other guys I got advice from were Nikon from the start.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

No....not Nikon.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Yeah, go buy the most expensive Canon and see how it works out for you!
Steven can give you lessons!

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Haha, this is something I've read about while doing my research. The Canonians vs the Nikonians!

Before any advice was given I was leaning more towards the Nikon, but an entry level like the D5300 or D3300. I want something that will give me good pictures on the auto setting but also allow me to play with some settings and learn what they do. I also want something that shoots good HD video as that will likely get a lot of use.

I'm not trying to become a photographer by any means. I just want to be able to get better pictures/videos of my daughter (soon to be daughters) and maybe play around with in my spare time, which is minimal! I most likely won't be buying anything soon...so I still have time to do my research (prob @ 6 months).

Most of my extra money (and time) goes into my car and I want to keep it that way, so I'm not really willing to make a huge investment and I don't plan continuously spending money on accessories. Up front I want the camera, kit lens, battery (ies) and charger, and a bag. Then eventually I'll probably buy a better lens like Jeremy suggested.

Regardless though I appreciate the input! I'm all ears and respect your opinions even if I ultimately decide not to follow them.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Can't give advice expecting someone to blindly follow it! I wouldn't butthurt...I realize that my experience might not be the same as someone else.

I do urge you to go used D90 though rather than the 5000/3000 series. It's more solid and although doesn't have flip out screen and other gimmicks...it's a camera you'll use forever.

adorama.com
b&hphotography.com
fredmiranda.com forum...

all great places to read and buy!

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

You're a funny guy.....

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

LOL at you two!

Well I fixed my side marker light this weekend. Turns out it was the socket and not the bulb. I'm sure it has to do with me putting in and taking bulbs out so much over the past couple of months. I noticed when I was doing my headlights that it seemed like something was loose in there, which is why I bought one and had it on hand when I was troubleshooting. Now to send back the bulbs I re-ordered from vleds.com!

Of course now that issue is fixed there is another...my passenger side fog light isn't working. I've been having problems with it and it seems to be where the ballast connects to the OEM 2P connector. When I was installing it I noticed the light wouldn't stay on, and when I would jiggle the connection it would come back on. I zip tied the two together so there was a nice tight connection and it held up for a couple of months. I don't know what the best course of action is at this point. I'm thinking I just need to replace the 2P connector but I don't know what that involves. Any ideas?

On another note, I used some of that Meguiar's Quik Wax this weekend and was very impressed! It's been close to four months since I polished and sealed so I'm due but I haven't had time to do a full detail. I was noticing a lot of surface imperfections which pissed me off because I've been employing proper washing techniques. They aren't swirl marks since I don't ever touch my car using that motion, but they look the same (just front to back). Well a coat of the Meguiar's and they are gone! It looks so much better and the paint surface feels smooth again. I highly recommend this product! I still plan to do a proper seal but at least this buys me a couple weeks.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

With black, you can employ the "proper" 2 bucket method and no fkng way...you'll still swirl. You have to do these weird methods where you remove in small patches and work your way to each panel...something I'm unwilling to do. Never buying black again!

Steven...why you no likey my jokeys?

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Unfortunately I'm beginning to realize that. I use two buckets, a microfiber washing mitt and high quality microfiber towels. I wash them after every use with fragrance and dye free detergent (with nothing else in the load). I thoroughly rinse the car (using high pressure if necessary) before touching it and constantly inspect and rinse the mitt (after doing pretty small sections). I also change out the dirty bucket of water once or twice. I never apply pressure while washing or drying and I never touch the car unless it was just washed. Of course I wash my wheels and exhaust tips last too. All of that and I still leave marks in the clear coat!!!

This will likely be my last black car too...

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

that's why, fuk it and yolo and do a good polymer based wax applied with white pad on PC on 6 every 3 months and whatever...look at it from 1000 feet away or in the shade. I started down that OCD slope and realized I'd much rather have my sanity and a KINDA clean looking car. FK it...silver next

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Haha, exactly! Hell even when my car is filthy according to my standards it looks great from more than a few feet away. There's really not that much of a difference unless you're up close and I'm the only one that pays that much attention.

I'll still wash my car every week or two (and seal every 3-4 months) but not gonna sweat some imperfections on a DD!

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

indeed, man...that's the way to roll.

ep3minivan

CBP paint is some of the softest that I have seen. Typically Japanese paint is much softer than American or German paint. Plus, white is typically the hardet color and black is the softest. So, we are fighting an uphill battle. I use a 2 bucket wash with a very soft mitt just like you do and my paint scratches and swirls every time. I have to fill it with glaze after every wash and usually do a mild correction every month. It is an absolute pain... I am planning to apply a coating this spring to hopefully provide some hardening on top of the clear.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

^^^Aren't you worried you'll eventually remove your clear coat if you're doing a correction every month? It seems that you can only do so many before you're down to the base coat. I'm sure you're only removing a very small layer each time but that adds up.

Also, how does the base coat color affect the hardness of the clear coat? Are you sure it's not just that white hides the imperfections better?

I would love to get some sort of coating but it's not something I'd do myself and not sure what the price ranges are for the various brands. Plus I've read that even those can scratch. I have a local paint correction specialist that I'd love to have work on my car and remove all the imperfections and add a Modesta coating but that's probably north of a grand...can't find that in the family budget. He charges more than most because he works on high end cars but not sure I'd trust anyone else.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I still say just protect it every 3 months and keep yourself from going nuts. Correction and glaze that often is absolutely nutsacks.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

No way I could correct / seal every month! I set a reminder in my phone 3 months after I do it but even then it takes about another month until I'm able to.

An update on the side marker, that mother fvcker is out again!!! Glad I haven't sent back the bulbs yet. I don't understand why it worked perfect when I replaced the socket and now, only a few days later, it's out again.

ep3minivan

You can do some searching, but black will always be softer than white. I am lucky that I have a friend that is a well respected professsional detailer. He is one of the pros that blogs for detailed image. The good part about correcting soft paint is that you do not need a heavy cutting compound. I can do all the cutting I need with M205. I have taken several measurements with a meter and since I am not using an aggressive compound or pad for that matter I have not seen the density readings change much at all. The hard part about soft paint is polishing to perfection. White is harder to cut and easier to polish. Black is easy to cut and hard to polish.

Having a coating applied can be very expensive if you have correction done also. A two stage correction and paint coating will usually run over $1k.

SilverJ

Funny, it is pictures of your car that made me want a BLACK 4G TL(so much so that I almost cancelled my deal on the Silver TL I had to buy a black one for more money), and it is you writing about your car that makes me happy I didn't get a black 4G car.
For whatever reason the Silver tends to look kind of washed out, bland and dead in pictures a lot, but in person and with the right type of pictures it looks upscale and awesome. Having said all of this, I still love a nice clean black TL, just not for me. Black and Silver are the best colors for the 4G TL IMO.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Having had a silver car previously, I agree...boring as heck, but awesome to keep clean and look perfect.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

I've actually never owned a light colored car. I've had grey, maroon, black, red, and now another black. I wasn't as meticulous about past cars as I am the 4G so I never really noticed or cared about imperfections.

If I had to do it over I'd probably still buy the CBP. I really enjoy the look when it's clean and have come to accept it's never going to look perfect. I like washing it and fortunately my wife is cool with me doing it regularly (since she has to take care of the little one when I'm doing it).

However, though I don't plan on my next purchase happening anytime soon...I will be seriously considering white or silver.

SilverJ

Well, to be clear, I said in PICTURES they look kind of bland sometimes. But not in the picture I posted above or in person(to me at least). Now if you think the pic I posted is bland and boring, well, I guess its eye of the beholder. It looks awesome to me

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

I'm not sure about boring, but I agree with everything else.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Wasn't about anyone's car or picture in particular. Just silver in general. It doesn't grab my attention is all, doesn't mean it's not very nice. It definitely is.

Plus, your paint, if well maintained, will still look perfect in 10 years from now.

SilverJ

I agree with you there. When a newer black car is clean and waxed and all shined up, there is no other color that has that WOW factor. (although I have always been a fan of the Silver car with tinted windows, but I digress)
On the east coast though, actually seeing a black car like that is pretty rare as they are usually dirty, have swirls on them, or just generally aren't maintained and the paint just looks kind of dead. But for you guys who can actually maintain that new look. Props

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

LOL...thanks, but I can't maintain it. It's not as perfect as is depicted in pictures. The local fellas could tell you.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

^^^^ Names, we need names.....

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

check with dr suess, buffalo bill and daffy duck.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Perfect quote for these last few replies...

“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells.”
― Dr. Seuss

My brain cells sure as hell could use some waking up, haha! Happy Friday ya'll!

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

:ganja:

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

LoL.......

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Steven knows...he's got glaucoma.