DIY: A-Spec Body Kit Installation 3G Garage #E-002
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
DIY: A-Spec Body Kit Installation 3G Garage #E-002
Even though there are comprehensive instructions available on this forum and hondacuraworld's website, I will post some additional hints/tips that might help members thinking of doing this install.
Disclaimer: This guide should not be considered the official instructions for the installation. I preformed the installation based upon my interpretation of the instructions provided. It does not mean that this is the correct method to perform this installation; Your interpretation may be different. Although I am making an attempt to post correct information, typos and brain warps may result. Please use your own discretion.
The instructions for Front, Rear, and Side Under Spoilers:
From the 3G TL Garage
From hondacuraworld.com
Tools and Supplies Needed:
* Phillips and flat-head screwdriver
* 10mm socket and rachet
* Isopropyl alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol)
* Drill
* Drill bits:
Since I couldn't locate any metric bits, I used the closest bits I could find. Here is a mapping of the bits.
* Tape Measure
* Masking Tape
* Optional 3M Super Strength Molding Tape (1/2" x 15') Roll
* A helping hand to lift and hold parts
For my install, I worked from front to rear.
Front Under Spoiler Notes/Pictures
With the provided template, I drilled these three holes.
As for the covers, this is how I aligned the covers: The grooves of the cover aligns with the groves on the front bumper (red dashed line). The back of the cover is pushed back as far as possible (red solid line).
When taping the adhesive backing with the masking tape, I taped them at an angle: the angle indicating the direction to pull on the adhesive backing. I also added additional double sided tape at the ends of the lip (where gaps may appear). The new tape is indicated with blue arrows.
Side Under Spoiler Notes/Pictures
Nothing difficult here. The instructions were very straight forward. With the doors open, pull on the side skirts near the wheel well to pop the skirt from the clip(s). Once that is done, slide the skirt towards the direction of the closest wheel well (slide towards the front for the front rear skirt, slide towards the rear for the rear side skirt) and the original skirt will slide out. Here are some pictures.
Front Driver's Side
Rear Driver's Side
Rear Under Spoiler Notes/Pictures
This part was also straight forward but more time consuming than the other two. The only tricky part I can think of is drilling the holes into the rear bumper. I checked myself a few times before I started drilling.
Basically, there is a groove in the rear bumper. There are etches in the back of the bumper that indicates where to drill your holes. Etches ABOVE the groove are for the factory backup sensors. Etches BELOW the groove are for the rear under spoiler.
The red dashed line indicates the groove. The green arrows indicate the approximate region where you will find the etches.
The holes drilled
After that, follow the remaining steps to finish the installation. Tightening screws in the wheel well may be difficult because of the tight angle. I did not remove my wheels at all, but I used an angled rachet to tighten the screws. Like the front under spoiler, I also added additional double sided tape to prevent gaps.
By the time I was half-way done installing the rear under spoiler, it was getting dark. A recommendation I would make is to maybe start at the rear first since it requires the most attention to detail.
THE FINISHED PRODUCT
Hope this helps you guys out. It was very doable. Estimated time for install was roughly 7 hours (taking it slow and doing it right). Enjoy!
Disclaimer: This guide should not be considered the official instructions for the installation. I preformed the installation based upon my interpretation of the instructions provided. It does not mean that this is the correct method to perform this installation; Your interpretation may be different. Although I am making an attempt to post correct information, typos and brain warps may result. Please use your own discretion.
The instructions for Front, Rear, and Side Under Spoilers:
From the 3G TL Garage
From hondacuraworld.com
Tools and Supplies Needed:
* Phillips and flat-head screwdriver
* 10mm socket and rachet
* Isopropyl alcohol (Rubbing Alcohol)
* Drill
* Drill bits:
Since I couldn't locate any metric bits, I used the closest bits I could find. Here is a mapping of the bits.
3mm -> 7/64 inch
6mm -> 15/64 inch
10mm -> 3/8 inch
* Felt-tip Pen6mm -> 15/64 inch
10mm -> 3/8 inch
* Tape Measure
* Masking Tape
* Optional 3M Super Strength Molding Tape (1/2" x 15') Roll
* A helping hand to lift and hold parts
For my install, I worked from front to rear.
Front Under Spoiler Notes/Pictures
With the provided template, I drilled these three holes.
As for the covers, this is how I aligned the covers: The grooves of the cover aligns with the groves on the front bumper (red dashed line). The back of the cover is pushed back as far as possible (red solid line).
When taping the adhesive backing with the masking tape, I taped them at an angle: the angle indicating the direction to pull on the adhesive backing. I also added additional double sided tape at the ends of the lip (where gaps may appear). The new tape is indicated with blue arrows.
Side Under Spoiler Notes/Pictures
Nothing difficult here. The instructions were very straight forward. With the doors open, pull on the side skirts near the wheel well to pop the skirt from the clip(s). Once that is done, slide the skirt towards the direction of the closest wheel well (slide towards the front for the front rear skirt, slide towards the rear for the rear side skirt) and the original skirt will slide out. Here are some pictures.
Front Driver's Side
Rear Driver's Side
Rear Under Spoiler Notes/Pictures
This part was also straight forward but more time consuming than the other two. The only tricky part I can think of is drilling the holes into the rear bumper. I checked myself a few times before I started drilling.
Basically, there is a groove in the rear bumper. There are etches in the back of the bumper that indicates where to drill your holes. Etches ABOVE the groove are for the factory backup sensors. Etches BELOW the groove are for the rear under spoiler.
The red dashed line indicates the groove. The green arrows indicate the approximate region where you will find the etches.
The holes drilled
After that, follow the remaining steps to finish the installation. Tightening screws in the wheel well may be difficult because of the tight angle. I did not remove my wheels at all, but I used an angled rachet to tighten the screws. Like the front under spoiler, I also added additional double sided tape to prevent gaps.
By the time I was half-way done installing the rear under spoiler, it was getting dark. A recommendation I would make is to maybe start at the rear first since it requires the most attention to detail.
THE FINISHED PRODUCT
Hope this helps you guys out. It was very doable. Estimated time for install was roughly 7 hours (taking it slow and doing it right). Enjoy!
The following 4 users liked this post by datmrman:
Bobby Digital (10-14-2012),
JD TL-S (06-01-2012),
NetoAzul (10-30-2012),
Undying Dreams (08-16-2012)
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#8
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
iTrader: (1)
^Its called washing the car...
BTW awesome write up. I also have a WDP which I am going to make an attempt to do this at work on the lifts. Ill prob do the front and rear then take it off the lift to do the rest. Did you use any of that tape for the rear? Thank you once again.
BTW awesome write up. I also have a WDP which I am going to make an attempt to do this at work on the lifts. Ill prob do the front and rear then take it off the lift to do the rest. Did you use any of that tape for the rear? Thank you once again.
#9
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Originally Posted by datmrman
Thanks guys. Let me know if you guys have any questions.
#10
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
iTrader: (1)
I forgot to ask. What store can I find this tape?
#11
Team SSM
if you're referring to the 3M double sided tape, you can get those in any hardware store...example Home Depot, Lowe's...etc. I used it for the front lip as well and its super strong!
#12
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
iTrader: (1)
Thanks, did you use it on the rear?
#14
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by SSMTL04
Also, how the heck do you keep your rims soo clean??? Mines get dirty after like 1 week of driving...
Originally Posted by chasieboy
datmrman....do you think it 'll be easier if I take the bumper off and install the front lip since im doing a mod w/ lower front grill FOG?
Originally Posted by 04WDPSeDaN
I forgot to ask. What store can I find this tape?
I was able to find 3M Exterior Mounting Tape at Home Depot (which a few members have used), but I wanted something specifically for cars.
#15
Team SSM
Originally Posted by TL1999
nicely done, now i just need $$ to get the aspec
Nah, dont have the sides and rear yet...hopefully it will be on by this spring
#17
steeez
Join Date: Mar 2006
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can you post more pictures of your TL? i plan to do what you've done that i can see. DIY cleared headlights, and the aspec kit. acuraoemparts.com has it for around 800. where did you get yours, and for how much? haha and i think the door moldings on our cars make a big diff. i love it. anyways can i see more pictures particularly from the side angle of your car? thanks
#18
Safety Car
Thread Starter
I dunno. I am thinking of removing the BSM soon.
You have great timing. I was about to post this tonight. Here you go: '06 WDP TL with A-Spec Body Kit and Type-S Spoiler
There's more than meets the eye.
Originally Posted by ecliptics
can you post more pictures of your TL?
Originally Posted by ecliptics
i plan to do what you've done that i can see
#23
Safety Car
Thread Starter
I am answering questions about my ride here: '06 WDP TL with A-Spec Body Kit and Type-S Spoiler
Please keep this thread clean for questions about the install. Thank you.
Please keep this thread clean for questions about the install. Thank you.
#24
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by SAMGHIPHOP
just wanted to know if ur rear underbody spoiler matches ur rear bumper. i heard alot of people been complaining about that issue.
From the angle of the last picture, it looks like it matches okay. It's all in the angle and lighting conditions. Everything can't be perfect; just enjoy the ride.
#26
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
iTrader: (1)
Quick question, I just got my kit from hondaworld group deal and I didnt get any templates... How critical is this?
#28
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Originally Posted by 04WDPSeDaN
Quick question, I just got my kit from hondaworld group deal and I didnt get any templates... How critical is this?
#29
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by SAMGHIPHOP
Does It Void Any Type Of Warranty By Installing The A-spec Kit By Yourself.
Originally Posted by 04WDPSeDaN
Quick question, I just got my kit from hondaworld group deal and I didnt get any templates... How critical is this?
It is still doable without the template. I can also try to scan the template and post it if that would help.
Originally Posted by SSMTL04
How do you remove those bolt covers on the rear bumper near the trunk lid?]
(Step #2 in the instructions for rear underspoiler)
(Step #2 in the instructions for rear underspoiler)
Originally Posted by Laxplaya11385
I got the front a-spec bumper recently online through a dealership, and i didn't get the templates NOR did i get the bumper covers. How critical are BOTH these parts?
#30
Team SSM
Yeah, sorrya bout that, I emptied my mailbox this morning. Thanks for the answer...I guess I need a really thin flat head because the flat head I have ain't working.
#31
Safety Car
Thread Starter
I used a very small thin one, like the ones you would use for eye glasses repair.
Something small, thin and flat should do it.
The clips are held on by two plastic hooks; one on each side. If you can't get it out from one side, move onto the adjacent side. Mine popped out in a few seconds.
Something small, thin and flat should do it.
The clips are held on by two plastic hooks; one on each side. If you can't get it out from one side, move onto the adjacent side. Mine popped out in a few seconds.
#34
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Sorry, I somehow missed this question:
I also used additional tape for the rear skirt. Unfortunately it was getting dark and I was trying to finish the install so I did not take pictures. The additional tape was placed near the edges wherever possible. I did not want to worry about gaps.
Originally Posted by 04WDPSeDaN
^Its called washing the car...
BTW awesome write up. I also have a WDP which I am going to make an attempt to do this at work on the lifts. Ill prob do the front and rear then take it off the lift to do the rest. Did you use any of that tape for the rear? Thank you once again.
BTW awesome write up. I also have a WDP which I am going to make an attempt to do this at work on the lifts. Ill prob do the front and rear then take it off the lift to do the rest. Did you use any of that tape for the rear? Thank you once again.
The following users liked this post:
Jishudas15 (05-08-2013)
#35
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by SSMTL04
My kit should be arriving by the end of the week=)) I'm excited....but i need to wait till it warms up to install it...
I'm looking forward to seeing your results. Good luck!
#36
My Garage not
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Originally Posted by datmrman
I used a very small thin one, like the ones you would use for eye glasses repair.
Something small, thin and flat should do it.
The clips are held on by two plastic hooks; one on each side. If you can't get it out from one side, move onto the adjacent side. Mine popped out in a few seconds.
Something small, thin and flat should do it.
The clips are held on by two plastic hooks; one on each side. If you can't get it out from one side, move onto the adjacent side. Mine popped out in a few seconds.
#37
iWhine S/C 6MT TL
iTrader: (1)
Thank you for getting back to all my silly questions. I am pretty nervous about the install and I am planning on doing it with a fellow co-worker/friend who has 3 years of autobody exp. I hope to have the entire kit put in with 2-3 guys in 2 hours or so. I will do this thursday night.
#39
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Pain to remove or reinsert?
I was afraid I would brake the old side skirt when I was removing those clips, but a little bit of force did the job.
As for reinserting the clips, one side popped in quickly and easily, while the other one just didn't want to cooperate. A little patience did the job.
bigmoetl1, please post pics when its all said and done.
I was afraid I would brake the old side skirt when I was removing those clips, but a little bit of force did the job.
As for reinserting the clips, one side popped in quickly and easily, while the other one just didn't want to cooperate. A little patience did the job.
bigmoetl1, please post pics when its all said and done.