omgorin

Hey guys, this is my first time posting anything on this forum. I must say I really do enjoy driving my 96 Acura 3.2TL. I just recently got into the idea of fixing my car up and making it look nice and clean. Tomorrow I am getting my windows tinted with the llumar tinting, gonna cost me $200. Theres a bunch of things I would love to do with my car, but I'm only 17 and a Senior in High School. So money is one of my biggest concerns right now. The next thing I have on my list is to get my car painted. The top is fading, but I would love to hear some ideas on color. Currently its the beige color? Idk what color you'd call it. But definately looking for a nice color, any feedback would be appreciated. And any ideas on where to start with my car would be much appreciated as well! I have no idea where to start! Thanks!

ChicoOG

Well, a GOOD paint job can be big $$$$'s....I once had a 318BMW and was quoted $4K to do a pro paint job. You could do one major mod (paint) or a bunch of other mods (stereo system, wheels, suspension, CAI, etc...) Other than paint, is everything else O.K. on the car...everything works and is in good mechanical condition? Anyway, just brainstormin' with ya'

omgorin

Yes. Besides the paint, everything on the car is great. Don't like the stock CD Player, but eh. I was actually thinking about saving the paint until I get a better job/go to college.

MyAcuraCLS

I loved my 96TL. But remember, if you change the color, you have to have the engine bay, trunk etc painted too. I did mostly everything to my 96. They can be very modded and look real sweet. Tint, rims and drop, the TL looks very smooth!! Welcome to the board.

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

Welcome to the boards... if i were you, i would keep it the factory color... especially if you don't have the funds to do a completely pro paint job... if the top is just fading but the body is in tact and there is not much rust to be finished, look towards a maaco paint job.. its not the best in the world but if u keep the OEM color, the flaws would not be too bad...

daemonicus

if you decide to get a maaco job, do not get the cheapest one. go for a higher quality paintjob from them, you'll be thankful later on. (i learned from experience when i got my spoiler painted from them and did the cheapest job)

crucial24

Yea man paint job good mayb like a black i never seen a red TL mayb be hott if you tried it like a deep mettalic red just an idea but yeah tint, drop, sound system, kits available now, head light upgrades so forth you know all depends on wat u want

wackjum

Two ideas of what a red TL might look like:

mrodriques

I like the one on the top better, but that's just my

omgorin

Thanks for the replies! Although I would like to get it painted a different color, I may just stick with the color now. So I'd have to get the top painted, and the bumper has a scrape on the right side from the previous owner. I think next I'm actually going to get the front seats new leather (I know someone who changes car seats). But after that I'm looking forward to a new cd player, CAI, and definitely the clear bumper lights.

daemonicus

save your money and dont mod the TL. it's a nice car the way it is, do small stuff, nothing expensive. once you get out of college or whatnot, sell the TL and use the money you saved by not modding to buy a newer and better car. i know it's tempting to do stuff but think about a better car you could buy later on by saving your money. but that's just my opinion. if you have the money and want to mod, then go for it. personally, i would have rather saved my money and bought a newer car with a lot less miles.

96teeluxury

hey man, i'm in the same situation as you (17 senior h.s.)

i have a 96 2.5tl and if i were you i would just make friends in the car industry first to get yourself deals on making the car look nice. i'm getting a decent paint job soon (pearl black) for 700 bucks from a friend of mine's dad and i'm getting my busted bumpers restored and what-not from the same guy.


where do you live btw?

TL-Ridaz96

getting windows tinted should be #1 priority on your list considering you're a senior in high school. You'll find those tintings useful if u're lucky know what i mean?

btw, Welcome...

omgorin

I live in Southern Cali.

My tint looks great. I absolutely love it. Today I'm going to wash my car and make it shine. But the tint definitely makes the car look nicer.

daemonicus

what % did you tint it?

crucial24

i am bout to put 20% on my car should b dark enuff but at the same time not to dark

96teeluxury

bah, s cali is about as far away from me as you can get haha. strong island NY here

i'm gettin my tints soon too but i just found some sweet rims for 200$ including 2 tires that i'm gunna jump on



gunna go check them out soon and maybe take a picture and photoshop them to my car to see how they'll look, but so far i'm lovin

TLBaller

ahh the good ol' modding car while in school question. We've all been there, well for those of us who are fortunate to have a cool car to modify.

Paint the car last, that is a lot of chedda. Start off small and cheap. Items such as clear bumper lens (can be bought online from 25-60 bucks). You can buy on ebay but most of it requires paypal so you have to have a checking account or something. Some accept money order which you can get from you local bank or gas station or anywhere. Next item could probably be your air intake/air filter. I don't think there is a cai for the 2.5tl unless it was custom made? You can buy springs for your car. This cost a bit more money than the clear lens and air intake. Typical springs for the 2.5 range from 100 (used) to maybe 200-300 (new by eibach). there are also coilovers from ground control and skunk2. THEN there are the true coilovers that cost as much as a set of wheels and tires called b+g.

daemonicus

Secret Weapon makes an intake for the 2.5 and Goldline makes springs that drop 1.5" for $105.

omgorin

I've got a 3.2 btw.