asmcbride

i'm with a friend who's considering buying a used '08 TSX today, we're at the dealership in DC...everything about the car looks good but the area behind all (4) door handles is very nasty looking...it's a white pearl paint and has what appear to be lots of scratches but I think they can be buffed out...

So, here is where i need the experts - how easily can the exterior door handles be removed to buff this paint out? we're going to grab lunch and I hope that someone can answer this for me soon so she can make a decision.

Thanks in advance

-asmcbride

Dan00313

This is most likely due to fingernails and or rings scratching the paint behind the handles while getting in/out of the car. The handles can be easily removed after the interior door panel is removed. Really, that's the easy part...I'm sure a body shop could remove the marks however, I don't know if the entire panel would have to be re-sprayed. Depending on the depth of the scratches its hard to say whether or not they can be wetsanded/buffed out vs. new paint. Hope this helps.

Aman

From what you've said, I agree with Dan that they sound like fingernail scratches from people pulling open the door. My Accord has them too.

I think it would be best just to hand polish them without having to take out the handles. Since it's a WDP, it probably isn't terribly noticeable, and some elbow grease should minimize them. It's just wear and tear, don't let it sway you from purchasing an otherwise great car.

tdottsx

it comes out very easily, i had some on my car maybe not as bad as u describe but it came out

DuckDodgers

Don't forget the various colored waxes that help minimize the appearance of scratches...they work quite well in htese areas.

asmcbride

thanks for all of the quick replies everyone...we got the car (and I think a pretty good deal as well) and the scratches are already gone...no need to remove the handles at all, just a little elbow grease and some of that amazing #3 polisher/swirl remover and they disappeared like magic...couldnt have been easier.

now next task is to remove the rotors to replace them or get them resurfaced...i tried this morning but looks like i'll need a special philips head punch tool to get them off...

thanks again...

Aman

DuckDodgers

Yep...get an impact driver to get those darn screws out...putting them back is optional. Highly suggest new rotors, and not Honda/Acura. Resurfacing is a waste as the warp will be back quicker...the the stock units blow...search the threads on rotor replacement for ideas and details. I've used HeelToe successfully, but others swear by other vendors...just like I like basic Brembo blanks, but...

davidspalding

Too bad you bought so FAST! ... we coulda told you to look for a 2006 which could get Hondata. Oh well. :P

Since you're doing brakes, HeelToe Auto offers complete brake kits ... including SS braided lines, which make a BIG improvement in brake feel.

VQPower37

congratz on the car post up some pics!

Vtecharles

Nice buy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sixwhip14

Glad I got the '06. Mine looks just like your avatar, David. I plan on the reflash.
I read somewhere about getting the phillips screw out with a chisel if a screwdriver didn't work.

davidspalding

NOOO! If you can't screw it out (tip: use a long-shaft screwdriver, which gives more torque, and use positive pressure on the back of it), use needle nose vice grips (the kind with the turning knob to set the amount of grip). Get it solid tight on the screw and GENTLY turn. Something I learned in the USCG working on aircraft with screwheads plugged with MIL-STD-8802 antenna potting compound.

sixwhip14

Well, I guess I'll to try to explain further. The guy said to stick the tip of the chisel into one of the legs of the x. Holding it at 45 degrees then tapping on the chisel of course in a counter clockwise direction. I'm not talking about chiseling the phillips head out of the rotor. I'm sure most TSXs aren't even old enough yet to need that technique. Some people just drill them out and don't replace them.

sixwhip14

Oh, I should mention that I have a 97 accord and an EM1. I have had to deal with seised bushings, bolts/screws with these chasis. It's nice to know tricks. I see what you meant with yours too, David.

asmcbride

used the impact driver and it worked like a charm...no issues at all...just replaced w/ the mid-grade autozone/advance auto rotors for $50/each and new ceramic pads and now all is well.

now, who can tell me how to unlock this dang HFL w/out taking it back to the dealer???