I'm awaiting the arrival of my bodykit and was wondering if anyone installed it themselves and later wish they had not. Whether it was because the f-ed it up or because it was more of a job than they expected or whatever, let me know.

I read Mr Hyde's great instructions and it doesn't seem too difficult but want more feedback.

 

I did mine and took me about 4.5 hours...but that's because I didn't have the appropriate tools. I found no flaw on my installation (it was very simple!) and my car looks 100x better

here are a few pics of my car
http://www.acura-tl.com/forum/showth...threadid=17590

Mr. Hyde's instruction are actually quite straight forward as soon as you compare it with your kit.
Thank you! Mr Hyde, I couldn't have done it without you instructions.


additional instructions for an 02 kit

For the Front

the holes are premarked, so you can drill them before putting the kit on, it's your choice
turn your wheel at an angle and will make your installation easier
the metal clips goes between the fender on the side (u'll see). make sure the tightening hole's on the inside.

For the Side

they are hard to take off, but the instructions are correct. ( I would recommand that you have at least 2 person to do this )
Installing is a snap, what I did instead of putting it back on the way I took them off, I pull out the pre-inserted clip and placed it on the side skirt. Then the skirt just clip onto the car.

For the back

I had to take off my tires for this one...it made everything easier
I used a flat head screwdrive to widen the pre-drill hole to make it easier to insert the large clip. screwing it in is very simple and straight forward. However, I found that 4 screws were too short and went to ACE Hareware and got longer ones. Drillings are required on the side mark only (and it's also premarked)

If you're like going 'huh?!' on anything I've written, I think you'll get it as soon as you get under your car

Final note:
Jacking up the car is highly recommended for all installation

 

I did both the sides and the rear within 2 hours. However, the front required drilling. So, I took it to a local mechanic and put on a lift and drill that sucker. Ahhh... after the front was installed, it looks so much better.

 

Go for it.
You'll feel better about it when it's done.
And image this...


stranger: "nice body kit... where did you have it done?"

YOU: "I did it myself"

stranger: oh... you're my hero".


probably wont happen, but still makes you feel good huh.

 

I'm in the middle of the installation and if I can get these damn side skirts off, I will feel like a hero (more like super-hero).

Unfortunately, the front chin spoiler was separated from his brother and sisters. Damn UPS.

 

I've had alot of looks since I got the kit...and alot had ask where and how I installed it....as soon as I told them that I did it myself...they're like wooh!!!

RedLined - The sides are quite easy to get off...w/ 2 person that is...we lifted it out a little and pull it forward as hard as we can...see my pre-posted message above.

 

The sides aren't hard at all. Wedge something in between the rear wheel and the side skirt and lever it forward, thats after removing all the screws of course. Then take out the whit plugs from the stock sides by twsting them, put them on the new sides and just pop it straight on. If I hadnt sone the Ww lip spoiler which was much tougher, I could have prob done the whole thing in maybe an hour and a half to under two hours. No big deal whatsoever. The lip spoiler added two hours to the job.

For drilling I used a small dremel with the drill bit attachment. It was the perfect size unless you own a small cordless drill.

 

The body kit is installed and lookin' good! I did as Mr. Hyde had suggested in an earlier post to get the side skirts off. I used a crowbar, placing the tip on the rear tire and the shaft on the corner of the side skirt and levered the skirt forward. It took a few tries to get it right and at first it didn't seem it would work but then it just popped right off.

For the rear section, I used an existing hole that had been for my mud guards and simply screwed one of the self tapping screw supplied into the dimple at the bottom of the rear fender. This seemed to be the spot for the screw, but once I screwed it down the skirt bowed out a bit at the corner. I think I will drill a new hole to make the skirt flush. But it's good enough until the weekend when I have more time. Now I'm just waiting for the front air dam.

Thanks for everyone's help. The body kit is definitely worth the time and effort.

 

Congrats!