CreeRee

I have 2008 TL and i was wondering what inexpensive features i can add to my car that would look great. I have already got straight pipes, tint, blacked out my tails and emblems. So please give me good ideas. Thanks!

Chris

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Here are some ideas....I got them all on Ebay. All are less than $20.00.

Screw caps-



Chrome door channels-



Rear view mirror ACURA logos-



ACURA valve stem caps-



Tinted license plate cover-

cpm06wdptl

Here are a few threads to look through for headlight/ tail light ideas and a progress thread or two

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-photograph-gallery-96/my-white-diamond-pearl-tl-type-s-timeline-progress-thread-809938/

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-photograph-gallery-96/grilles-grilles-more-grilles-show-give-ideas-here-618755/

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...&highlight=ACK

av2600

iTrader: (1)

i didnt know about the valve stem caps!

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

Interior/License Plate LEDs.

Probably my favourite "cheap" mod =)

CreeRee

Where did you get licence plate light and how much guitarplayer?

And Steven I like the chrome door handle idea, where those easy to install?

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

I got them at VLEDS.

http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED/D...-p6691894.html

The bulbs cost $8.99 (they come in a pair).

Very good light output!

CreeRee

Thanks and are they easy to install?

LaCostaRacer

The LED light upgrade is a must have and these are pretty easy to install too. The domes and door lights are simple while the license plate and trunk lights are harder the first time and pretty easy afterwards. I have aborted two attempts on the Vanity lights- I'm not sure what my problem is with those ones but those are hard.

I also like my hardwire radar detector upgrade too- that's cheap and pretty easy and very stealthy/functional as well.

LaCostaRacer

I forgot the best mod which was my first mod: Comptech rear sway bar. That's a must have if you want a easy/cheap way of improving the handling. I spent maybe an hour installing it and it was under $100- zero problems in 5 years of spirited driving too.

CreeRee

Thanks LaCosta, any other mods / tips?

CreeRee

Everybody has helped me out a lot. I have ordered the Chrome door handle covers, the tinted license plate cover and a new chrome frame and also im planning to purchase the license plate LED light in the very near future. So thanks, but keep giving me your wonderful ideas. I will post pictures soon!

Chris

con5tant

iTrader: (4)

these exact LEDs fit in the license plate...? is the output brighter than the LED wedge bulbs?

TWiSDiT

iTrader: (4)

same here, i like those a lot lol. Just ordered a set on ebay.

Thx for sharing Steve

LoveMyTL-S

Here are a couple of threads to read through:

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=cheap+mods

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...ght=cheap+mods

lucnex

iTrader: (3)

haha I just bought myself some Acura Stem Caps.....I had some other Acura caps on my car and some asshole stole them. So I found a set on EBay that has a little hex nut you tighten and essentially lock them in the grooves of the valve stem. Try stealing them now!!!

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

Very easy - you just have to pop your trunk, then remove some clips and other stuff to remove the trunk lid liner, then you just pull out the old bulb and place the new one in.

It's plug and play - just like changing a light bulb.

Hey yeah, these exact LEDs fit in the license plate.
It's plug and play!

I'm not sure if the output is brighter than LED wedge bulbs, mainly because I havn't seen them or used them in real life.
The plate LEDs I have are comparable to the output of cold cathodes, though. Other members and I agree this is the "best" LED for your plates.

I'm positive cold cathodes are better in term of output and life, but LEDs are plug and play lol.

CreeRee

And this license plate light is on whenever the lights are on right?

jonboy10

Yes sir. I love mine. Get em today!!!

CreeRee

What brand do you recommend?

vladkarnafel

iTrader: (7)

for the license plate dont get the 5 smd wedge bulbs, you wont have as much brightness... get (2) 12smd boards one for each light, you will like how bright that is...

for my set up I have did some custom work and used 2 white cold cathode tubes.. they are used in computer cases and other things... they last long and are very clear bright white just like the Lexus... here is a link to the directions that I followed on doing this...
http://www.acuraclubsa.com/DIY/catho...odeTLhowto.htm

and you can purchase the tubes from....
http://cgi.ebay.com/Logisys-CLK12WT2...item3cb8b993b4

CreeRee

http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED-B...-p6053721.html

This would work for the license plate lights right?

vladkarnafel

iTrader: (7)

They will work but dont get blue (just my opinion) you wont see much with blue...
and with blue you might get one of these behind u

CreeRee

Vlad, how much were your yellow HID fog lights? and were they easy to install?

CreeRee

Im looking for a easy install so i think im going for the bulbs instead of the lights you suggested. So do you think i should get the white or blue ones?

vladkarnafel

iTrader: (7)

let me rephrase that..
those actually wont work... i didnt pay attention on the connection..
you would wanna get white and something like this...
http://www.v-leds.com/Exterior-LED-B...-p8800874.html

as for the fogs...
you will need to take off the bumper, get yellow 3m film overlays which are like $10-15 for film... than install the hid kits. Kits usually fun from $35-50... I have mine bypasses so I can run them whenever, I also added a relay kit for that purpose... if you need more detailed info let me know and Ill come up with some threads on this

dwb993

iTrader: (13)

KP Technologies Window Roll Up Module:
http://www.kptechnologies.com/products.php#/17
The car should have come with this feature from the factory!
DIY here: https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/kp-technologies-window-roll-up-module-install-3g-garage-i-097-a-596643/
Note there is a vent feature available with this unit: "The "vent" feature of the module is the ability to issue a third "LOCK" command after the windows are already rolling up. Once the third pulse is detected the windows stop immediately, which can be used to leave them vented."

vladkarnafel

iTrader: (7)

these bulbs will actually work really well with the TL set up.. they are angled:

http://www.v-leds.com/Interior-LED-B...-p6691894.html

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

be careful about metal stem caps.
the metal difference between the stem cap and the valve will cause a reaction and will bind to the valve.

dwb993

iTrader: (13)

Yes, but there are the "Theft Resistant" caps that have a plastic liner. This eliminates the problem you mention.

CreeRee

Okay thanks Vlad. I will look into those, and those bulbs are simple to install right?

And when i say simple i mean less then 2 hours to install and does not require any elaborate tools.

Thanks!

vladkarnafel

iTrader: (7)

Yeh its easy... about 15 min of work
Remove all the plastic clips from the trunk lid cover, remove the cover. Pop out the grey plastic bulb holders and replace the bulbs with LEDs..
If your doing this, might as well change out the reverse light bulbs too so you wouldn't have to take everything apart the second time, I just recently bought these on eBay and they are SUPER bright in my reverse lights... check em out

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-pcs...item415b44ff53

bforbrian

iTrader: (11)

Most DEFINITELY the rear sway bar. Significantly improves anti-roll.

Then for sure, headlight clearing. If you have an oven, this mod will enhance the look and is very cheap on the pockets. You'll need silicone to create a seal after the headlight is assembled, some spray paint (in the case you want to paint the inside housing of the headlight). Here are mine, flat black housing, cleared corners:

CreeRee

Alright thanks Vlad!

P1zzaman

iTrader: (1)

Stickers

TheDingo

Wow.. cops are already gay enough.. now they're driving mustangs too? it just keeps getting better and better!

vladkarnafel

iTrader: (7)

yeh tell me about it... got pulled over for too of a dark tint, no front plates, and talking on the phone... that mustang looked nothing like a cop car

LaCostaRacer

I would also consider the OEM rubber floor mats or aftermarket equivalent too. The mights might not make a huge difference with a 2nd hand car but make a huge difference when you buy new. The mats work well and look decent too. My carpet looks new under those mats and I still have the original carpeted mats that came with the car in original plastic package. I went with the black OEM mats with my Parchment (light tan) interior- they look pretty good with the contrast IMHO.

Another nice upgrade is revamping the console cover and padding- search for a link with RedlineGoods.com in it or go to the website. I bought a new cover and padding and my console has been revamped- did that last year for about 80 bucks I believe. If I had to do it over I would have gone with Black instead of the closest match for parchment

LaCostaRacer

I also did the oil-catch-can mod under the hood using the HomeDepot Husky compressor filter- search for my login and you should find a thread on that mod- that is really cheap. I may soon see the catch when I get my car smogged- might have to take it off to pass smog but it's not super obvious it's there with the cover over the engine. (I'll try first time and have tools and replacement hose if they catch me so I don't need to make a 2nd trip)

Locomaaan

iTrader: (1)

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