JPritch

I have the bubbly window trim tape as well as a cracking clear coat b-pillars.

Here is my question. I was under the impression that the bubbly trim tape is a design issue and that re-painting was the preferred lasting fix. However, I did a search and some people were mentioning that dealers were taking the "easy way out" and repainting instead of doing it correctly and reapplying the trim tape. What should I believe? My dealership is offering to reapply the tape. If painting is the best fix though, I'm just going to have it repainted on my own so as not to have to deal with this problem anymore.

Also, the b-pillars. From what I've heard, the dealership just replaces the existing pieces with four new pre-painted pieces. Also read that the paint defect on these is a design issue and that it will likely reappear over time. I was also planning on getting these repainted on my own dime by a bodyshop for a lasting paint job. Recommended?


*I have to add...Shame on Acura for adding such crapily designed parts to our cars! As much as I baby my car (0 dings or scratches in 3 years of ownership), she's starting to look like shit with all these cosmetic defects. I was planning on adding the new RL to my garage in two years, but that is being questioned at this point.

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

Hmm, first time I've heard of a dealership offering to reapply the tape instead of painting it. Mine was painted. In my opinion, it is easier to paint than to tape it again, and paint will last longer. I don't understand why your dealership would tape it again.

The b-pillar cover problem isn't that common. I wouldn't bother getting them repainted at your own cost. Besides, why pay for it, when you can get the dealership to pay? Don't worry about it until it happens again and the warranty's over.

Cdn A-Spec

I have that same problem and was wondering how common it was. Well now I know. I'll have to get it looked at next time I'm at the dealership.

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

Very common. The body shop manager took me to several different TL's at the shop, and every single one of them had the tapes bubbled. Go Acura quality!!

alleyesonmeee

The bubbling and peeling of the window trim tape is very common. I would say to get it painted.

Did the dealer refuse to cover the b-pillars? If you are still under warranty, it should be covered.

ou sig

ya my B-pillars look like shit for sure, all cracked and faded. and the tape is also starting to come off...I think I will just go to a body shop and get it all repainted.

JRA2000TL

Those problems are VERY common--do not have them re-painted. Have the dealer re-tape the trim around the doors and as for the B-pillars, they are plastic moulding garnishes that run $40 a piece--total of 4 on the B column. Warranty will cover these itmes, as I've had mine done before. Don't take the easy way out and have them painted

ou sig

does anyone know if you can put the new b pillar pieces in yourself? I know that would be much better than getting them repainted (get new ones I mean), but the dealer wants $35 for each piece then like $150 for labor! I dont have that kind of cash, especially if I can do it myself.

oh well I will probably just get them and try anyway

Mitesh80

My trim bubbled up as well, the dealer re-taped mine.

JPritch

This is exactly the reason I posted this thread....why is painting considered the easy way out???? Please explain!

My thinking would be that the tape will eventually bubble up again, so the lasting fix would be have it painted and forget about it. But I see posts like the one above that make me question my thinking...

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

I would prefer to have them painted. The tape will only bubble again. If anything, more easily than the factory tape, because nothing lasts longer than factory stuff.

If not covered under warranty (several of you seem to be having the same problem right now), then I would recommend buying the parts from Tim at Ray Laks Acura (1-888-RAY-LAKS) or hondacura world on AIM/AOL. As for installation, let me see if I can dig up the diagrams. Will post again in a few.

actright

what are the b pillar pieces, is it the outside black door trim?? what year are your guys' cars is this for the 2nd gen? pics would be nice, i think i might have the same problem

ou sig

ya they are the vertical black pieces on the doors. I have a '99 TL and most of its life has been in the hot Texas and Oklahoma sun

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

OK, I looked up the diagram. Although it doesn't show the actual piece, it looks like it just clicks right on in those holes.

actright

Are you guys talking about a corrosion type of look on the black pillars:

actright

is this type of damage covered under warranty??, I just got the car in Sept. 04 and I went with the 7 year/ 100,000 mile warranty from acura care

JPritch

Pure Adrenaline, is that diagram from a Helms manual?

Actright, the B-pillar problem that alot of us seem to have is a cracking or spiderwebbing of the paint and a chipping of the clear coat. If you get the right light on your B-pillar pieces and it looks like a spider web, then you have the problem. That's how mine started, now the clear coat is chipping off of one of the pieces.

Batman-JGII

It’s a judgment call. This is considered a trim item issue and trim items are not officially covered by the warranty but if you make a big enough stink about it they will go ahead and fix it.

I have a different question for you guys since we are on this subject. Anyone having issues with the steering wheel cover fading?

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

No, it's from the Honda Genuine Parts E-Catalog.

Mitesh80

The trim was covered in my warrenty.

Cdn A-Spec

See mine isn't like that, it's nice and shiny, it just looks like the edges are bubbling (little line bubbles about 1/4" long)

stiletto

48,000 miles, B2B (that is ALL inclusive). From the pictures, I thought I was lookin' at my car. If this is common and consistent it should be taken care by Honda. $0.02

DUB_TL

I was also looking to fix this problem on my car since it's out of warranty and i started looking through some pictures here and I found someone with carbon fiber inserts. I thought it looked much better ..maybe future mod for me.

actright

They just told me at Cerritos Acura - that the trim aint covered under the Extended Warranty only the factory warranty which lasts until 50k I just hit 56k FFFFFFFF , anyone know where i can get these door trimmings for a good price.

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

hondacura world@aol.com

His name's Tim. He'll take care of ya.

actright

what is the email address?

ou sig

wow....just take out the space and you have it - we dont put full email addresses on here, just for privacy issues.

Love my 99

Put "hondaacura" together with "world"@aol.com -- whenever you type the email address for another honda or acura site on the forums here, it just comes up *************. Don't ask me why...

BTW, I have the same problem with my b-pillars and the tape around the trim. I'm just really hesitant about taking my car to the dealership EVER again. The last time I was there (2 yrs ago) they washed my godamned car in a fucking old-ass roll-over carwash thing and then let it air dry even though I asked them NOT to wash my car.

It took me a long time of polishing to get out all the little rings in my paint from them letting it air dry in the sun...motherfuckers

actright

this email don't work.. has any1 had to replace it? i need to know the cheapest place to get these parts, thanks

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

There's only one "a".

hondacura world@aol.com

Just remove the space in-between.

actright

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Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

I hope you're just joking around. You can't be that stupid.

Once again --

hondacura world@aol.com

Remove the space between "hondacura" and "world@aol.com".

actright

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SwampGas

*bump*

Anything new with this? Noticed my clear coat on the pillars was cracking, did a search, and found I wasn't alone.

sixteacup

Address is legit. Mail sent to h o n d a c u r a w o r l d successful; no NDR.

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