My '03 CLS6 progress thread
Yes I did notice increased temps in the cabin. You can use that gold heat tape or something like the DEI floor and tunnel shield for that thou. It weighs a lot less than stock steel ones. I have some of the DEI floor and tunnel shield left if you are interested.
Here is the DEI floor and tunnel shield.

Gold tape
Last edited by brian6speed; Jan 5, 2013 at 10:34 AM.
Why did you thank that post civic?
I need to get or make a tool to remove the trunk springs. Does anyone have one for sale or that I can borrow. Any guide to making your own tool? Honda dealers want 40 for it plus said it will take 2 weeks to get it. F that.
Hmm I just found a thread on tsx-club where they removed the springs with a hammer and replaced with gas shocks. Interesting. Trying to see where he mounted the gas shocks. Can't post link on here tho.

I need to get or make a tool to remove the trunk springs. Does anyone have one for sale or that I can borrow. Any guide to making your own tool? Honda dealers want 40 for it plus said it will take 2 weeks to get it. F that.
Hmm I just found a thread on tsx-club where they removed the springs with a hammer and replaced with gas shocks. Interesting. Trying to see where he mounted the gas shocks. Can't post link on here tho.
Last edited by brian6speed; Jan 15, 2013 at 09:31 AM.
TRUNK SPRING/GAS SHOCK DIY
I removed the trunk springs. I don't recommend doing it the way I did. If you do it this way please be careful. It can be dangerous.
I followed the DIY posted on tsx-club forum.
All you need to remove them is a hammer of right size. Smaller the better.
Here is the $5 hammer I used.

Springs removed. They weigh approximately 1.5 lbs.

When I removed the first spring the trunk fell on my head.
Trunk is really heavy without springs. When I removed the 2nd one it popped out and hit me in the mouth. My lip and tooth were stinging for a few minutes. Better than getting hit in the eye though. 
I am gonna repost the DIY on here.
TRUNK SPRING/GAS SHOCK DIY
"Hey guys. A person named Solaris94 on Azine did this DIY and I can't believe this is the first time I've seen it. Big credit to this guy because this seems like a really easy DIY. Please don't rep me or anything because I am just basically passing on the information. This surely helped me and I know it will help a lot of people who wants to do this too. Enjoy.
NOTE: IF you want the trunk to pop up without assist, an 80 or 90 pound gas spring (individual) will not be strong enough. w00dman used a 500 Newton (which converts to roughly 110lbs) gas spring rate on the damper and that was enough to pop the trunk open without assist.
Some people use the 80lb gas spring rate because they wanted to remove the torsion bar because it is known to cause some rattling in the trunk. It is fully confirmed that at 80lb, there is no deformity to the structure of the trunk where it is mounted. w00dman has not say anything about the 110lb so for now, 110lb for each side SHOULD be fine regarding any deformity or warping of the mounting points".
"Here's the write up. Sorry it took so long. I actually reengineered the entire install since my last post. I wanted the installation to be simpler, and easier. I also decided to hide the gas springs between the hinge and rear panel, so it would not rub against the carpeted surrounds. I also redesigned the mounting point on the hinge, using the factory thru hole of the torsion springs to mount the ball studs. I have created a PDF file but don't know a place that would host it. So here it is in plain form".
Torsion Springs Replacement in
2005 TSX Trunk with Gas Springs
Author: Nick Ha
June 17, 2005
Disclaimer:
The following instructions are provided free of charge. Perform the following procedure at your own risk. All precautions must be taken. Use protective gloves and eyewear to prevent injuries to yourself and those around you. Read all instructions carefully before starting work. I will not be responsible for any injuries, void of warrantee, or none functioning trunk as a result of performing the following modifications. Now that we got the disclaimer out of the way, let’s begin. Good luck.
Parts You Will Need:
Most of the following parts can be found at McMaster-Carr. Just type in the part number in the search box, then click find. The part number and description of the part will be highlighted in the right frame, and you can order the part on the left frame. Other more common parts can be found at Home Depot, or any hardware store.
Parts to Mount to the Trunk Hinge:

Figure 1: Hinge Hardware
2X - Zinc-Plated Ball Stud with 10 mm ball - McMaster Carr P/N 9512K63
2X – 3/8” Locking Washers – Home Depot
4X – 3/8” Flat Washer (0.7” THK) – Home Depot
2X – Barrels, 1” Long, 5/16”-18 Thread – McMaster Carr P/N 90216A350
Parts to Mount to the Back Wall:

Figure 2: Back Wall Hardware
4X - #10 Self-Tapping Sheet Metal Screw, ¾” long – Home Depot
4X - #10 Locking Washer – Home Depot
4X - #10 Flat Washer – Home Depot
2X – Ball Bracket with 10 mm Ball – McMaster Carr P/N 9512K95
The Gas Springs:

Figure 3: Gas Springs Hardware
2X – Gas Springs, 80 lbs Strength – McMaster Carr P/N 9416K15
4X – Ball Socket Fittings – Black Steel Chromate – McMaster Carr P/N 9416K74
Note:
If you have a trunk spoiler or heavy application of Dynamat to your trunk lid, you have to use a stronger set of gas springs. In those cases, I would recommend ordering a range of gas springs to test which will fit your trunk best. I would start with 80LB and go up.
Installation:
The following illustrations show the gas spring replacement to the right hinge (passenger side) of the TSX. The installation to the left side (driver side) is the mirror image of these photographs.
Remove Torsion Springs:

Figure 4: Remove Torsion Springs
If you have a special tool to remove the torsion springs, use it. If not, do what I did.
1. Remove the plastic piece that holds the two springs together at the center of the rear deck.
2. Use a hammer and wedge it between one end of the spring, and twist it right out.
3. Do the same to remove the other spring.
4. Use the spring to prop up the trunk while you work.
Install the Ball Stud to the Trunk Hinge:

Figure 7: Install Ball Stud
Install the ball stud as shown. Picture was taken from underneath of the right hinge. The Ball stud should be pointing to the outside of the car, not the center of the car. In another word, it should be between the hinge and the rear panel of the car.
1. Insert the barrel nut thru the factory hole for the torsion spring.
2. Install ball stud, locking washer, and two flat washers on the other side.
3. Tighten the ball stud with a ½” wrench. Use a pair of pliers to hold the barrel nut while you are tightening the ball stud.
4. Do the same to the other hinge. Remember, the ball stud to point outside the car.
Install Ball Bracket to Back Wall:

Figure 8: Install Ball Bracket
Install the Ball Bracket as shown.
1. Locate the ball bracket between the two gussets in the back wall. Point the ball stub to the center of the car. Slide it to the top of the gussets. I used double-sided tape behind the bracket to let me use both hands to install the screws.
2. Insert the #10 self-tapping screws through the #10 locking and flat washers. Install the screws through the top and bottom holes of the bracket. Do not over tighten, or you will strip the holes.
3. Install the other bracket to the other side with the ball stud pointing toward the center of the car.
Install the Gas Springs:

Figure 9: Install Gas Spring
Install the gas springs as shown.
1. Screw the ball sockets to both ends of the gas spring.
2. Install the socket over the ball studs at both ends. Position the opening of the socket over the ball stud and snap it in place.
3. Do the same for the other side.
4. Test the operation of the trunk before replacing the carpeted surrounds".
I wanna try a setup like above. Hard to tell where the ball stud is mounted from pic since I don't have a tsx.
Last edited by brian6speed; Jan 15, 2013 at 12:21 PM.
Those trunk struts are sweet.
I used vise grips when I removed my trunk rods.
I clamped them on the walked to the side of the car with only my arm in the trunk and popped them that way.
Alot less dangerous just worrying about a hand hit instead of one to the face.
Good thing is only has to be done once.
I used vise grips when I removed my trunk rods.
I clamped them on the walked to the side of the car with only my arm in the trunk and popped them that way.
Alot less dangerous just worrying about a hand hit instead of one to the face.
Good thing is only has to be done once.
Those trunk struts are sweet.
I used vise grips when I removed my trunk rods.
I clamped them on the walked to the side of the car with only my arm in the trunk and popped them that way.
Alot less dangerous just worrying about a hand hit instead of one to the face.
Good thing is only has to be done once.
I used vise grips when I removed my trunk rods.
I clamped them on the walked to the side of the car with only my arm in the trunk and popped them that way.
Alot less dangerous just worrying about a hand hit instead of one to the face.
Good thing is only has to be done once.

Now to figure out how to mount struts.
Hmm it doesn't seem like it will be easy to figure out where to mount the gas shocks in the cl like it is with the tsx. Typical cl everything has to be so difficult.
There doesn't seem to be enough room or anywhere good to mount them. The tsx has alot more room whereas the cl only has a few inches. Here are some pics that show the difference.


Anyone have suggestions?

There doesn't seem to be enough room or anywhere good to mount them. The tsx has alot more room whereas the cl only has a few inches. Here are some pics that show the difference.


Anyone have suggestions?
I had thought about removing my trunk springs and installing struts when I had my carbon fiber trunk on. The force of the springs would swing that trunk up so fast like a catapult. Id have to warn people so they wouldn't get whacked in the face...
see my thread here;
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ighlight=trunk
It turned out the tension from the springs was keeping the trunk from siting flush. I didn't want to remove the springs and deal with the strut fabrication either. I couldnt live with the look of it any longer and took it off. Original trunk fit fine afterwards.
I still have the cf trunk, now that you removed your springs it should fit better. You want it?
Its lightweight.... lol.
see my thread here; https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ighlight=trunk
It turned out the tension from the springs was keeping the trunk from siting flush. I didn't want to remove the springs and deal with the strut fabrication either. I couldnt live with the look of it any longer and took it off. Original trunk fit fine afterwards.
I still have the cf trunk, now that you removed your springs it should fit better. You want it?
Its lightweight.... lol.
I had thought about removing my trunk springs and installing struts when I had my carbon fiber trunk on. The force of the springs would swing that trunk up so fast like a catapult. Id have to warn people so they wouldn't get whacked in the face...
see my thread here;
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ighlight=trunk
It turned out the tension from the springs was keeping the trunk from siting flush. I didn't want to remove the springs and deal with the strut fabrication either. I couldnt live with the look of it any longer and took it off. Original trunk fit fine afterwards.
I still have the cf trunk, now that you removed your springs it should fit better. You want it?
Its lightweight.... lol.
see my thread here; https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ighlight=trunk
It turned out the tension from the springs was keeping the trunk from siting flush. I didn't want to remove the springs and deal with the strut fabrication either. I couldnt live with the look of it any longer and took it off. Original trunk fit fine afterwards.
I still have the cf trunk, now that you removed your springs it should fit better. You want it?
Its lightweight.... lol.
Pm me the details on the trunk. Are you saying it fits fine without springs? Fitment is my main concern. I like oem fitment. How much would shipping be to 60047? You can post here or pm up to you.
I removed the springs just because I am sick of the clunking noise it makes over bumps. Makes the rear suspension sound broken.
Last edited by brian6speed; Jan 16, 2013 at 10:09 AM.
I was in the same predicament with the trunk struts some time back. I found a DIY write up on a maxima forum an he too had room to select where to put the brackets. I just couldn't find a good enough place in our trunk : (
This is what I think I will do. Just a simple, cheap, and light solution.
http://www.hotrodhotline.com/fabrica...-rod-jim-clark
I just ordered this evo rod for 18 shipped.
http://www.streettunedmotorsports.co...d_mr526083.htm
http://www.hotrodhotline.com/fabrica...-rod-jim-clark
I just ordered this evo rod for 18 shipped.
http://www.streettunedmotorsports.co...d_mr526083.htm
Last edited by brian6speed; Jan 16, 2013 at 07:58 PM.
The evo hood prop rod isn't gonna work. It is barely over a foot long. I ordered one for a 2011 Lincoln mkz hybrid. Hopefully this one is long enough otherwise I will just make my own.
I am starting to second guess myself. Since the accord c pillar bar and roof spoiler fitment was so far off I am now concerned that the accord rollbar just won't fit or look right.
Then I am debating whether to install Ron Jon lip kit and fix my fender. Was gonna do a roll bar and cf sunroof panel also. Just not sure if I want to spend over 5 grand on all this plus who knows how many months of downtime there will be.
I am starting to second guess myself. Since the accord c pillar bar and roof spoiler fitment was so far off I am now concerned that the accord rollbar just won't fit or look right.
Then I am debating whether to install Ron Jon lip kit and fix my fender. Was gonna do a roll bar and cf sunroof panel also. Just not sure if I want to spend over 5 grand on all this plus who knows how many months of downtime there will be.
Im a Thank-Whore 
Wish I saw this sooner, I wouldve let you borrow my spring removal tool. Its so much easier with the tool.
I have the CF trunk on with no springs, its fits fine. Also have the cf hood. For sale btw

I need to get or make a tool to remove the trunk springs. Does anyone have one for sale or that I can borrow. Any guide to making your own tool? Honda dealers want 40 for it plus said it will take 2 weeks to get it. F that.
Hmm I just found a thread on tsx-club where they removed the springs with a hammer and replaced with gas shocks. Interesting. Trying to see where he mounted the gas shocks. Can't post link on here tho.
Hmm I just found a thread on tsx-club where they removed the springs with a hammer and replaced with gas shocks. Interesting. Trying to see where he mounted the gas shocks. Can't post link on here tho.
I have the CF trunk on with no springs, its fits fine. Also have the cf hood. For sale btw
I am still undecided on cf hood and trunk. There is fitment, storage of oem parts, money, whether it needs paint, cf isn't sturdy enough for a spoiler or wing, plus I'd want hood pins for safety.
I kind of like my car looking stock outside, the police never look twice.
It's good to know it fits without springs. Do you have any pics?
I kind of like my car looking stock outside, the police never look twice.
It's good to know it fits without springs. Do you have any pics?
Last edited by brian6speed; Jan 20, 2013 at 03:57 PM.
I bought new fender washers from downstarinc. They are the version 3 aluminum ones. Gonna use them on rear license plate also.


More fasteners

The hood prop rod arrived.
Cut a hole and applied touch up paint.

I bought the right sized rubber grommet from home depot. Insert in hole.

I put my rod in the hole(not being sexual at all).

I cut the end off so it will fit in the hole. Gonna plasti-dip it later.

Insert end in pre-existing hole.

My rod. It is stiff enough to hold my trunk up.

I drilled another hole in the only spot possible to put the clip. I found the clip in my box of honda parts. I used touch up paint and put a foam washer under clip to prevent vibration noise.

Full view of rod clipped down.


More fasteners

The hood prop rod arrived.
Cut a hole and applied touch up paint.

I bought the right sized rubber grommet from home depot. Insert in hole.

I put my rod in the hole(not being sexual at all).

I cut the end off so it will fit in the hole. Gonna plasti-dip it later.

Insert end in pre-existing hole.

My rod. It is stiff enough to hold my trunk up.

I drilled another hole in the only spot possible to put the clip. I found the clip in my box of honda parts. I used touch up paint and put a foam washer under clip to prevent vibration noise.

Full view of rod clipped down.
Last edited by brian6speed; Jan 23, 2013 at 10:53 PM.
I ordered a new set of pedals from autovation in December and they finally arrived. They are the light weight race version. I got the accelerator and dead pedal smooth. The clutch and brake are grid pattern. I got them with the extra thru holes. They are anodized black with aluminum accents.
The mount holes are in different spots than my last set of autovation pedals so I am gonna need to drill more mounting holes. Here is a pic of them still in plastic. They gave me the auto e-brake pedal I don't need.
Since all the holes look the same I need to decide which holes to use screws in. On the other set the mounting holes were different so it was easy to tell.
Last edited by brian6speed; Jan 30, 2013 at 11:15 AM.
I went here (downstarinc) to check sizes,prices,weight,etc about the hardware.
And It says the site has been suspended so I could not check into the info about the hardware.
Other places I've seen sell aluminum bolts for 3-5$ each.
I do have a question for you though.
I am wanting to remove my exhaust shields before this weekend and havent went out yet to look under the car because it's a little cold and windy.
Does one of the shields block exhaust heat from the gas tank?
And It says the site has been suspended so I could not check into the info about the hardware.
Other places I've seen sell aluminum bolts for 3-5$ each.
I do have a question for you though.
I am wanting to remove my exhaust shields before this weekend and havent went out yet to look under the car because it's a little cold and windy.
Does one of the shields block exhaust heat from the gas tank?
brian6speed,
When I replaced my driverside seat belt last week I had to remove the left middle crossmember gusset to access the seat belt retractor unit. #25 on the link below:
http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no
I found my self thinking that this would be a nice reduction in weight IF someone made a lightweight replacement. It is made of heavy stamped steel and must weigh in around two to four pounds each.
When I replaced my driverside seat belt last week I had to remove the left middle crossmember gusset to access the seat belt retractor unit. #25 on the link below:
http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no
I found my self thinking that this would be a nice reduction in weight IF someone made a lightweight replacement. It is made of heavy stamped steel and must weigh in around two to four pounds each.

I went here (downstarinc) to check sizes,prices,weight,etc about the hardware.
And It says the site has been suspended so I could not check into the info about the hardware.
Other places I've seen sell aluminum bolts for 3-5$ each.
I do have a question for you though.
I am wanting to remove my exhaust shields before this weekend and havent went out yet to look under the car because it's a little cold and windy.
Does one of the shields block exhaust heat from the gas tank?
And It says the site has been suspended so I could not check into the info about the hardware.
Other places I've seen sell aluminum bolts for 3-5$ each.
I do have a question for you though.
I am wanting to remove my exhaust shields before this weekend and havent went out yet to look under the car because it's a little cold and windy.
Does one of the shields block exhaust heat from the gas tank?
One of the heat shields is close to the gas tank. That is the only spot I used the DEI floor and tunnel shield shown in my pics.
brian6speed,
When I replaced my driverside seat belt last week I had to remove the left middle crossmember gusset to access the seat belt retractor unit. #25 on the link below:
http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no
I found my self thinking that this would be a nice reduction in weight IF someone made a lightweight replacement. It is made of heavy stamped steel and must weigh in around two to four pounds each.

When I replaced my driverside seat belt last week I had to remove the left middle crossmember gusset to access the seat belt retractor unit. #25 on the link below:
http://www.acuraoemparts.com/delray/...All&vinsrch=no
I found my self thinking that this would be a nice reduction in weight IF someone made a lightweight replacement. It is made of heavy stamped steel and must weigh in around two to four pounds each.


I could sand down the metal some and do the hole drilling treatment, just would be worried about going too far since it is needed for structural support. Good suggestion tho.
Last edited by brian6speed; Feb 1, 2013 at 12:56 PM.
I want to get your guys opinions on this. I was thinking of getting some bumper latches to make front bumper removal/reinstall a lot easier to do by myself.
This looks like the best option I have found so far as far as being both functional and sleek looking. It is the toxicfab bumper latch kit. It is pricey at $200 bucks.
Initial gb
http://forums.evolutionm.net/vendor-...latch-kit.html
Install thread
http://forums.evolutionm.net/evo-how...ml#post9836497
Store
http://www.toxicfab.com/store/category/14-misc-parts
This looks like the best option I have found so far as far as being both functional and sleek looking. It is the toxicfab bumper latch kit. It is pricey at $200 bucks.
Initial gb
http://forums.evolutionm.net/vendor-...latch-kit.html
Install thread
http://forums.evolutionm.net/evo-how...ml#post9836497
Store
http://www.toxicfab.com/store/category/14-misc-parts








