Death Metal's Journey (a DIY'ers Worklog for TL Perfection!)
#161
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Brother, the interior looks wicked!....congrats!
But I am so sorry to hear about the trunk equipment.
National Acura Meet-June 6th/Kansas City. Click here for details and to sign up!
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But I am so sorry to hear about the trunk equipment.
National Acura Meet-June 6th/Kansas City. Click here for details and to sign up!
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Last edited by Steven Bell; 05-06-2010 at 08:35 AM.
#163
Fearless DIY Guy
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Thanks, man! I'm getting another sub/amp combo, but this time...this time, I am going to remove the rear seats and bolt the f*cker to the framework...plus I will be installing a rather nasty 'surprise' should anyone try this shit again.
#164
Fearless DIY Guy
Thread Starter
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The tweets on the other hand...NICE. Do that right away. The difference is astonishing and immediately noticeable. Do yourself a favor and hit them up first, you will be amazed at both how crappy the OEs are and how much better the system will sound thereafter.
#166
Fearless DIY Guy
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Well, what's new, all? Coming off the crushing defeat delivered by the neighborhood thieves, my "light at the end of the tunnel" was quickly snuffed out by my insurance carrier ALSO rejecting the claim. (THANKS, ASSHOLES) Coupled with the nigh infinite amount of hours I'd been pouring in to work as of late, this was going to be a joyous occasion, but lo, life had other plans.
...but life moves on. In other funny news, my car was wayyyy overdue for inspection, something I had put off due to an SRS light being on thanks to an OPDS code. So, 7 months later, I decide it's finally time to bite the bullet and get 'er done. So like any engineer, I perform my necessary research and determine the standards for inspection...NONE of which states that an SRS light will cause a failure. NICE. Like any GOOD engineer, I also did a quick risk analysis and discovered that I'm going to have to pay a fine of up to $200...AND UP TO 30 DAYS IN JAIL?! Ohhhhhh, fuuuuuu... Of course, my natural inclination was to freak out and call a lawyer who basically said, get it inspected privately...NOW. Some of the ex-jailbirds had fun with this news at work, namely one guy who said he's going to commit triple-homicide if I get locked up so he can "tap that sweet ass". Cherish the thought, James. Unfortunately, I passed inspection and crushed his romantic yearnings, but he took it well, lol.
With a particularly hot weekend up and coming, it's now time for me to REALLY start to bring the TL towards glory, so let's get working. First up on the agenda is going to be tinting the sidemarkers and some painting, but with a DM-twist, of course!
First, we're starting off with a 1k-grit wet sand and a wipe of some mineral spirits to ensure good adhesion.
Next up, time to mask off the reverse lights
Now, it's time to paint. We're going thick as hell, maybe about 10 coats in total. I have the time an resources, so why shirk the job?
MOMENT OF TRUTH...did my tape stick????
WHEW, it did. NOW...Does the finish look a little strange to you??? HMMMMMM??? Let's look a little closer, shall we?
OH, MY!
...that's right. DM has a few tricks up his sleeve. Time for a new post.
...but life moves on. In other funny news, my car was wayyyy overdue for inspection, something I had put off due to an SRS light being on thanks to an OPDS code. So, 7 months later, I decide it's finally time to bite the bullet and get 'er done. So like any engineer, I perform my necessary research and determine the standards for inspection...NONE of which states that an SRS light will cause a failure. NICE. Like any GOOD engineer, I also did a quick risk analysis and discovered that I'm going to have to pay a fine of up to $200...AND UP TO 30 DAYS IN JAIL?! Ohhhhhh, fuuuuuu... Of course, my natural inclination was to freak out and call a lawyer who basically said, get it inspected privately...NOW. Some of the ex-jailbirds had fun with this news at work, namely one guy who said he's going to commit triple-homicide if I get locked up so he can "tap that sweet ass". Cherish the thought, James. Unfortunately, I passed inspection and crushed his romantic yearnings, but he took it well, lol.
With a particularly hot weekend up and coming, it's now time for me to REALLY start to bring the TL towards glory, so let's get working. First up on the agenda is going to be tinting the sidemarkers and some painting, but with a DM-twist, of course!
First, we're starting off with a 1k-grit wet sand and a wipe of some mineral spirits to ensure good adhesion.
Next up, time to mask off the reverse lights
Now, it's time to paint. We're going thick as hell, maybe about 10 coats in total. I have the time an resources, so why shirk the job?
MOMENT OF TRUTH...did my tape stick????
WHEW, it did. NOW...Does the finish look a little strange to you??? HMMMMMM??? Let's look a little closer, shall we?
OH, MY!
...that's right. DM has a few tricks up his sleeve. Time for a new post.
#167
Fearless DIY Guy
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Alright, time to work on some auxiliary items. In keeping pace with the other items, let's hit up some other ones. I painted the chrome door handle strips and the rear darth vader helmet while we were at it...
Also, since the original 3M tape was rotted to hell, might as well as put a fresh new layer on...GL trying to pull this one off, thieves.
I also decided to do a little LED jobber for the glovebox, since I'm cheap as hell and didn't want to pay $5 for a stupid little bulb I can DIY in 20 mins.
NOW, let's see some money shots, eh?
Here you can see some of the sparkle, I REALLY need to get an SLR, this image sucks.
Also, since the original 3M tape was rotted to hell, might as well as put a fresh new layer on...GL trying to pull this one off, thieves.
I also decided to do a little LED jobber for the glovebox, since I'm cheap as hell and didn't want to pay $5 for a stupid little bulb I can DIY in 20 mins.
NOW, let's see some money shots, eh?
Here you can see some of the sparkle, I REALLY need to get an SLR, this image sucks.
#168
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Damn that paint has some sort of pearl to it. I like.
#171
Fearless DIY Guy
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Ok, let's shift gears for a minute and talk MAINTENANCE. For anyone on this forum, Maintenance should come first...ABOVE ANY AND ALL MODS, PERIOD, END OF DISCUSSION.
At 65k, we're going to change:
(1) Oil
(2) Air Filter
(3) Seaform
(4) Tranny Fluid
(5) Chevron Techron
(6) Coolant
(7) Power Steering Fluid
We also have some brakes in the work, but thanks to HEELTOE's abyssal delivery time, that's next weekend.
At 65k, we're going to change:
(1) Oil
(2) Air Filter
(3) Seaform
(4) Tranny Fluid
(5) Chevron Techron
(6) Coolant
(7) Power Steering Fluid
We also have some brakes in the work, but thanks to HEELTOE's abyssal delivery time, that's next weekend.
#172
Fearless DIY Guy
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Ok, FINALLY. FINALLY I got the exhaust installed. I am having a 'Stage 2.5' thang going on, and that is: mid-muffler delete, Aero 25 resonator, and Type-S mufflers. The exhaust note is SWEET. VERY subtle, audible primarily from the +2k range up. At cruising speed, you won't even notice it. SO, in retrospect, if I did it again, I'd have removed the res altogether. Either way, it's friggin great. For those requesting sound clips, you're going to have to wait until tomorrow when I can tear through the parking lot at work.
#176
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Last edited by Steven Bell; 05-05-2010 at 01:21 PM.
#181
Drifting
iTrader: (10)
Whoa how did I miss this thread?!?! ACK?! Thanks for the shout out man.. been busy with some stuff on my own, so haven't ventured past my subscription list lately..
But exhaust is insane?! Thats gonna be a B!tch to clean, but I know you will be up to the task! Nice paint work! Cant wait to see what mods come out of you. .hehe I know they be sooo original. The LEDs are sooo sick.. My soldering skills suck, other wise I would start tearing every little thing apart haha..
Keep up the good work! And you will see me more in this thread now that I am subscribing to it! haha..
But exhaust is insane?! Thats gonna be a B!tch to clean, but I know you will be up to the task! Nice paint work! Cant wait to see what mods come out of you. .hehe I know they be sooo original. The LEDs are sooo sick.. My soldering skills suck, other wise I would start tearing every little thing apart haha..
Keep up the good work! And you will see me more in this thread now that I am subscribing to it! haha..
#184
Fearless DIY Guy
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Thanks, brother! Some of your threads inspired me to pull the trigger on the TL!
Thanks!
Just warming up...
Everything should be wrapped up by mid-June, save the wheel painting...I'm talking to a particular paint vendor to see if certain steps can be omitted.
Hell yeah, my man...my goal is to do things other's haven't done, and the rest of the mods, I am hoping, will reflect that.
Thanks!
Just warming up...
Everything should be wrapped up by mid-June, save the wheel painting...I'm talking to a particular paint vendor to see if certain steps can be omitted.
Hell yeah, my man...my goal is to do things other's haven't done, and the rest of the mods, I am hoping, will reflect that.
#189
Fearless DIY Guy
Thread Starter
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PLCC-2, 3mm total width, I am estimating a 0.75mm gap between the leads, I am going to confirm this in the morning. Total Cu footprint was increased so I can properly center the LED...although I hope that it's the lateral dimension requiring adjustment, not longitudinal, LOL
At least I can sell some of these once it's proven
At least I can sell some of these once it's proven
#191
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Wow....look at those exhaust tips!
#193
SSM Sport Shifting
Dude DeathMetal you got skillz man!
Sorry to hear about the audio equip, that does hurt.
Man you got me inspired to do some work
on my ride now!
BTW Nile Rocks!!!
Sorry to hear about the audio equip, that does hurt.
Man you got me inspired to do some work
on my ride now!
BTW Nile Rocks!!!