nats007

Your 4G is so clean and tastefully done...

jim_c

Hi there!
When we were discussing the brake job I did not realize you had done so much already on the car. It looks great, but man that's a lot of effort. I was just in FL recently for a month (Bradenton).
Maybe I should drop by next time I'm down there. LOL.
Keep up the good work!

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Haha! I had to take advantage of the two weeks off to do some work on the car. I did plenty of cooking during that span too though!

Yes, methodical to a fault! I am a CPA and tend to (over) analyze and plan out everything to the last detail. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's not.

I said the same thing about the headlights with the TL, but ultimately gave in to my temptations. I think I'm with you though that this is the LAST car I do it to!

Thanks man! That's exactly what I'm going for with my mods.

Thank you again for your help! I could've used your assistance during the process, that's for sure.

----------------------------------------------

So, everything is finished but holy shit was it a lot of work and extremely stressful. I was traveling throughout the two weeks and working on my car when I could. I wasn't able to get the calipers back on before leaving so I had to rig the brake lines so the fluid wouldn't drain while I was gone. I tried a couple different methods only to quickly see they wouldn't work so on the morning I was leaving I ended up cutting the fingers off some disposable vinyl gloves and using rubber bands to fasten them to the end of the lines. I did two on each one for added protection and had visions of them filling up and bursting so I then put them in ziploc bags. I was stressing about it like crazy for the four days I was gone. I knew if all the fluid drained I could be screwed but was very thankful when I got home and saw that my idea actually worked. Only the driver's side front leaked and my contraption kept it to a minimum so the reservoir never got below the "min" line.



As methodical as I am I have a tendency to screw things up when working on my car, only to have to undo several steps to fix it. First it was the rotors. I wasn't paying attention when putting them on and since they're drilled/slotted they're also directional. I managed to get the rears right but switched the fronts. I didn't realize it until I had already installed the calipers and SS brake lines. It wasn't too much to undo but still unnecessary work.

You would think that as a result I would pay closer attention going forward but that wasn't the case. I also managed to install the calipers on the wrong sides! I only realized it after finishing everything and not being able to bleed the lines properly due to the fact the bleeders were on the bottom. So after several wasted hours I then had to reverse the calipers and re-bleed. During this process I managed to snap one of the banjo bolts that came with the SS brake lines but thank goodness I was able to easily remove it and use one of the OEM bolts.



I got everything back together but during the test drive there was a horrible rubbing sound. A quick inspection showed it was the plate behind the rotor. I manged to bend it at some point (likely while resting the calipers on it temporarily while switching front rotors). A quick push and it corrected the problem. I then took it for a drive and bedded in the new pads and rotors which finalized the process.

Of course it won't be really final until a nice detail, but after spending so many hours in the garage and leaving the two kids with my wife I wasn't about to ask for another pass. It will have to wait until this upcoming weekend which is when I'll post better pics too.

Here's a quickie though.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

hell yes,
but now you'll be so much better at brakes because youi'll never make THOSE mistakes again! looks awesome!

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Thanks man! Agreed! It should carry over into other areas as well because it's drilled into my head that just because it fits doesn't mean it's right! I'll definitely be taking greater caution going forward with all mods/maintenance and do my due diligence before moving to the next step.

I'm just glad it's behind me at this point. More than once over the past couple weeks I wanted to throw in the towel and just have someone else complete the work, but of course I hung in there and now get to enjoy that feeling when it's all done (and I didn't spend a fortune in the process).

I like documenting it in this thread too, not only for reference in the future but also to remind me of what I went through. My memory ain't what is used to be!

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

lmao, and you're hard on yourself about mistakes too...
CPA...
there's no brake audit, sucka

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Haha! I can't help but be hard on myself...especially when the mistakes are easily avoidable. It was a learning experience though and will benefit me going forward.

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

For sure, man...
that's why the devil is wise.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Well, the latest drama in the life of my 4G...the zinc coating on my new rotors is failing!





It took less than two weeks to surface (installed Jan 3rd, noticed issue on Jan 15th). I was so pissed but fortunately the company I ordered them from (Brake Performance) is stepping up and sending me replacements at no cost. Their site clearly states that there is no warranty on the zinc coating so I was very happy that they were willing to make an exception. I requested that they send non-coated ones this time around so the possibility doesn't exist that it will happen again.

I expect the install to go pretty quickly since the process is fresh in my mind and I won't have to bleed the brakes again.

On another note, I just hit the 80k mark! I can't believe I've put 72k miles on her and she still feels new.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Another exciting update! My youngest has already outgrown her infant car seat so it was time for a convertible. Had to go with another Recaro and fortunately the one I wanted comes in the same color scheme as my oldest's.

Yeah...slow news day



On another note, the company I bought my rotors from (www.brakeperformance.com) decided to ship me some new ones even though the zinc coating isn't covered under warranty. I haven't had a chance to install the new ones yet. They don't have the zinc coating but should still look good...I didn't want to risk having the same issue again.

Flipster23

iTrader: (15)

Nice, I have Recaro's (the same exact one looks like) in my wife's explorer and in my Accord. I was going to go with the Red stitching one to match the red display in the Accord, but they didn't have it on display, so I just went with black/grey.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, they are great seats! Fortunately I personally haven't had to test just how safe they are but they're comfortable and look good (and of course have very high marks in safety).

My wife has two in her Ody as well. ..the same models but different colors.

BDoggPrelude

Nice! I have a Recaro for my daughter. Our new one won't be needing one for about 9 months or so but I will definitely be getting another one!

carbonTSEX

Need matching Recaro front seats!

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

^^^Haha, agreed!

Well I'm finally taking care of something that has bugged me for a while. I had to roll my rear fenders when I got the aftermarket wheels because I went with the 255 series tire. The guy that did it also pulled them out a little (not sure if that's just a 'side effect' of rolling the fenders or not) so my rears have been a little more sunken in than I'd prefer. Even correcting the camber and bringing it to -0.7 still leaves more of a gap than I'd like. The adjustable ball joints I installed a couple weeks ago took care of the front so I'm going to add some adapters to the rear. This weekend I did a test fit with some washers and tried +9mm and +12mm. Although I really like the way the latter looks I'm worried it'll rub and I'll ultimately regret it (don't want to raise the rear or dial the camber back down). So I think I'm gonna go with 10mm (hub centric adapters) and call it a day. Any input is appreciated!

Here's some before/after pics.

Before:


+9mm:


Before:


+12mm:

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Bro, I'm cancelling the order for 100 carnations I had placed for your funeral.
Fker...I thought you were ded...post more!

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Haha! I know, I've been MIA. Work has been keeping me busy lately so less free time and the majority of the time I was spending on here was from my work desk. Of course having two little ones at home means minimal free time there too. I'm sure you're getting a taste of that though!

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

I am...
lmao...

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Well, went with 9mm spacers and ET lug nuts.

Another change coming later this month...

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

RJ?
Looks good!
9MM was a win, 12 was going to rub, unless you hit some camber.
The easy thing with the rear is you can hop on the rear door jam and listen for contact. You'll know.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

You got it! So excited to see what the RJ looks like installed. Hopefully it fits like a glove (not OJ's though) and looks as good as I'm expecting.

When it came to the spacers, I would've loved to go more aggressive but didn't want to dial the camber back down nor raise the back end up. I really like the way she sits now...there's just something about camber close to zero (or -1.0) and minimal wheel gap that I dig (as long as I can still drive it like I stole it at times). I also figured less is more when it comes to weight and more available threads on the lug nuts. I like your idea of hopping on the rear door jam though, wish I would've tried that. I did it on the step right before the trunk but not sure I would've heard any contact from there.

I'm crossing my fingers that the ET lug nuts work with my wheels. The holes need to be big enough to allow the extended part to go through. If that's not the case then I'll need to get longer wheel studs and I'd rather not deal with that. Though I have new rotors to install so I could knock it out then.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Well I'm back to give Jeremy an update, haha! This thread actually serves as my memory bank so years from now I can look back and remember what I did (and how much of a PITA some of it was), but the convo with J is just a bonus

After correcting the negative camber in the front (with the SPC adjustable ball joints) and getting new tires, I detailed my car and noticed some nasty slices in the sidewall of my front passenger tire. I had heard the tire make contact with the fender on a couple of occasions but didn't think much of it. Fortunately they aren't severe enough to warrant another tire, but of course I had to...



I also had to raise the front end a little bit, because I didn't want to dial down the camber. Fortunately there is no more rubbing so the problem is behind me.

I installed the new RJ grille and am very happy with it. It looks awesome! It was beat up a little but no more than what's to be expected with a used grille. It also matches all the imperfections in my bumper/hood perfectly, haha! I'm sure I'll add to the defects with my "50 mile per day on the highway" commute anyway.

The same day I installed the grille I attempted to also install the spacers but with no luck. Apparently the inner hub bore on my wheels is 72mm even though I called the manufacturer and they stated 73mm, I looked online and saw multiple sources that stated 73mm, and when speaking with Lenny at Motorsport Tech he also stated they were more than likely 73mm. I tried measuring it with my digital caliper to confirm but it wouldn't fit inside my wheel (and unfortunately I didn't think to just measure my hub centric rings). That 1mm difference was all it took to make me have to send them back for some 'alterations'. I also found that the ET lug nuts didn't work properly with my wheels (the extended part was too big to fit through the holes on the wheel). Fortunately that fix was easy (but nerve-racking!). I just had to drill them out a tiny bit (prob close to 1mm).

So I got everything on, gave her a nice detail, and took a few quick shots. I'm definitely happy with the way she sits now (though I need to play with the height a bit, front sits higher) and the look of the new grille. My old one looked like crap and needed some major TLC so this was a nice upgrade.

JDM_DOHC_SiR

Really like the look of the RJ Grill on the 09-11 TL's completely changes the look of the front of the car

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

Mr. Meticulous...just like me.
I love it...I hated that battle for flush and zero camber but not risking tires...bit me in the ass last time since I'd avoided a roll that whole time...not sure why, I KNOW how, just hate doing it.



our diary...

thoiboi

WAO fantastic fitment!

KarKraze

I have not been very active on the Forum but had to log in after seeing the new look........ love it !!

Oh Sickest TL

iTrader: (3)

I dig this car a lot!

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Damn, thanks for the love!

LOL at our diary! If it wasn't for you, this thread would mostly be a conversation with myself. Of course I still continue to post because I like having the record. I've looked back over every post once or twice over the years and it's cool to re-visit some of the mods.

We're definitely similar in our builds, though to be honest you're on another level. I've been striving for that ideal stance and am happy that I've achieved it for the most part. Just like you I prefer the old school look, which is weird to say. I just don't dig that wide wheel / stretched tire / negative camber look that so many go for these days.

I agree on the tires! I'm going through a set about every two years so I'm hoping these will last longer now that I've corrected the camber at all four corners and have all fenders rolled. Time will tell!

rockstar143

iTrader: (6)

TWO YEARS IS AMAZING!
Yeah, I know what you mean, man...you post so well, and have such thought out mods...I'm surprised more people don't chime in.
I hate seeing a good forum dude posting and then there's nothing between another post from him again and again.

Oh Sickest TL

iTrader: (3)

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

In all honesty, it doesn't bother me at all. I'm not that good at the back and forth so I don't expect much discussion in my thread.

That's actually why I mentioned that this thread is just as much for my documentation as it is to share what I've done with others. Don't want to come off as the guy that sits alone in the corner and talks to himself

Predatorbird

That fitment looks spot on! You seem pretty OCD like me in trying to get everything perfect. Love what you've done so far.

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Thanks man! Yeah, I'm definitely OCD about my car. It's a gift and a curse (mostly just a curse though, haha).

Burtch07

iTrader: (1)

Sick 4G TL!! I scrubbed the entire 3G photo gallery numerous times....now it's time to see the sexy side of the 4G TL. Very nice very nice

KarKraze

Time for you to check in bud .

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Thanks man, much appreciated!

It's def been a minute! I've been swamped at work lately and that's really the only time I was on here before. I'll be transitioning to a management role in the very near future so I'll likely be on here even less.

Haven't done anything lately with the TL anyway. The KTuner is next on the 'to do' list but that won't happen until the end of the summer or maybe even Christmas 2017.

KarKraze

K Tuner is a mod worth having. Congrats on the transition, I know quite well how that can eat in to your spare time.

carbonTSEX

They also dropped the V2 which looks like a fun addition.

CruzanTLSH-AWD

Yep must have

ucf_bronco

iTrader: (1)

Well I haven't been around much lately but I wanted to share an update anyway. After 7 years and 7 months I've moved on from the TL. I couldn't get an M3 or M5 like I would've preferred since I'm now making payments for both of my daughter's college tuition, but I'm not exactly disappointed with my new ride.

It's been real! Thank you all for your input over the years!