I recently purchase a 2013 RDX AWD Tech Pkg painted white. I took RDX to a Honda Dealer who I've been going to for 20 years who service previous Hondas that I owned. I wanted them in install body side molding, door edge film, and rear bumper applique that I had purchase separate from an Acura Dealer. When I arrived home I check the job more thoroughly, and I found dark finger prints on the white car paint behind the clear edge film, and the same kind of dark finger print under neath the rear bumper applique in more then one place. Also, there were some bubbles in the rear bumpert applique. I live over 60 miles from the dealer, and wondering can the mistakes be fixed by the dealer? Does any one know if this problem can be fixed? I called, and was told to bring it back so they can take a look.

Thanks

 

That mess is permanent. If you had ordered the parts through them, they might have replaced them at their expense.
Not likely going to happen in your case. Bummer.

 

I had the dealer installed the “door edge film” but the job was so bad that I had them remove it on the spot. It was very easy – just peel them off. I don’t think installation is difficult – the installer just has to take his/her time and follow the procedure. In any event, I got a cargo cover instead since I was told that it was non-refundable but I was ok with that since a cargo cover cost more.

 

#1 you've got a long relationship with the Honda dealer.
#2 they agreed to take the parts you supplied and apply them which they could have refused.

They should buy and replace the items and do the job right. If they can't do the work professionally they had no business telling you they would and charging you for it. I had a rear applique to my rear bumper and they noticed a small piece of dirt or something underneath it. They ordered a new one and replaced it. That was an Acura dealer but it should make no difference. And it should make no difference whether you bought the items there or not. They agreed to do a job for a price and screwed it up. They should pay. Raise a stink.

 

I've got a little mess of dirt under my dealer installed rear applique as well. I don't really care enough to have them fix it, and I don't have time to obsess about it and wait on a prefect job. It's a car, not a museum piece. That said, dirty finger prints on a white car forever and ever? probably worth fighting to have them attempt to fix it.

 

I didn't even notice it, the service mgr pointed it out to me when I picked up the car and said that when I get my first oil change they will change it out. They did. So no obsessing, just good customer service.

 

When my dealer installed my appliqué it was smudged as well. They did it again (N/C) aside from some air bubbles it looks good. One note, the second time they did it it took them over 2 hours to pit it on!

 

I installed the applique on our RDX yesterday. It was my first time doing any film and it was pretty easy. The instructions are pretty good, but a couple of tips:

I found it easier to draw a line on the masking tape first and then position on center.

The corners can be ornery - at the very end after wiping down as instructed, I firmly taped them down w/blue tape for a few hours.

It is very easy to get a bubble, which if you moistened a lot will be liquid. This can happen easily in the center when first starting the squeegee process. It can be fixed! - get a fine sewing needle and pierce the bubble at a horizontal angle so as not to harm the paint and then just squeeze out the liquid and press down the film. The micro-prick just disappears.

Use tons of liquid on both the bumper and the film - makes it so much easier to position it properly.

No need for special liquid - 3 to 4 drops of baby shampoo in a quart of water. I used our own rubbing alcohol on a paper towel rather than the mini towelette they provided.

The applique is $62 at Curry. Took about 25 minutes. It actually is a pretty thick material.


Ohh, and any fingerprints are due to failure to follow directions - they clearly say to spray your hands as well when handling the material.

Addendum: Based on how easy this was, I am going to try the door edge guards. I have this on order:


Same process. I'll try this out and report. If it works out, I may sell some of this material in smaller quantities here since I will NEVER use 40 yards.

 

999999 awesome helpful post!

 

I had a positive ending where door edge film, and rear bumper applique were installed in a sloppy manner on my 2013 RDX. The service manager at the Honda Dealer who did the job stated that he would not attempt to remove the rear applique, for he thought further damage could occur. I was totally disappointed, for here I was with a new RDX that was a week old, and would have to look at grease prints under the door edge film and rear applique for as long as I own the vehicle.

I've delt with the Honda Dealer for years, and I trust them to do the right thing. The service manager ask how much would I want to saisfy me. I stated that I couldn't give an answer, but that I would get back to him.

I called the Acura dealer where I purchase the RDX who stated that any problems they had with their new inventory were taken to BMW of Atlantic City. I went to BMW, and the shop manager gave me an estimate of $240, and stated that it would be no problem. I email the Service Manager of the Honda Dealer who stated that he would send me a check which I received three days later.

I drove to BMW on July 5th, and the job of removing the old door edge film, and rear applique plus installing new ones was done in one hour. The job was 100% perfect, and looks outstanding, especially the rear applique with the RDX decals.