HQTL6SPD's 6+ years progress thread: My quest for a Black Series TL (Lots of Pics..)
03-04-2013, 01:00 AM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
HQTL6SPD's 6+ years progress thread: My quest for a Black Series TL (Lots of Pics..)
A quick re-introduction:
So I've had this car since Autumn 2006 (2004 6-speed), I feel like I've raised it from just a mere spark plug lol.. My first and previous car was a 1993 Accord, great car, but imo best kept stock.
I actually bought it used with low miles, and from the beginning I knew it previously had an abusive owner but still saw its potential and couldn't pass up the bargain at the time. So with that decision, it became my project and a gateway to learning a lot more about cars. And between the shared knowledge on this website and investing in a repair manual (best purchase ever) I absolutely have learned a ton!!
As far as all my mods, I forget, being that I've done quite a bit over the years. Ask me about something specific, perhaps I'll just update my profile as I remember them
My Quest for a Black Series TL
Man, that name even sounds great.
Very simple to explain, I used to work for Mercedes-Benz and absolutely loved their new (at the time) Black Series line. The way they looked, sounded, and drove so aggressive all while maintaining their signature luxurious quality. Obviously something I cannot afford, SO I just had to make due with what I had. So my goal for my TL has always been to achieve the maximum sport & luxury combination I could possibly obtain on a middle class income, all that while keeping mods tasteful and not trashing the cars OEM looks.
My Dream Conversion
I am constantly sculpting in my head how to convert this car to a RWD LS3. I'm fully aware of the costs and crazy labor involved. Don't lie, we have all dreampt of something crazy with a car. I plan on keeping this one for good, so maybe someday with money, tools, a lift in my own garage, who knows what kind of projects I'll do..
Note: Instead of opening new threads for every new mod or photoshoot, I like the idea that members have pursued lately by opening 1 thread designated to their own car and mods-in-progress.
Joined the USAF and Shipped the TL to CA
First mod: Install front license plate inside trunk
Ahh so much better.. the rays of light were just coincidence!
Finally, went and upgraded to an iphone 4GS after years of procrastinating and saying that I would never need anything more than what the original 3G had, I was DEAD wrong lmao. The camera quality has improved tremendously along with other features.
The pictures will speak for themselves!
:::::::These Pictures are the car in current state::::::::
Satin Painted center grill
Now I'll explain whats with the fog light grill area. Basically I when I first met a 4G TL, I liked the way the lower grill sections were shaped. But did not like that it was cluttered by all these lights. So then it sparked a thought, I wonder how that shape would look like on my car -without the ugly lights...
It may not line up perfectly due to the curvature of the bumper cutout, but it came DAMN close, and I really liked the results
I got lucky that both sides were an exact match on installation
Interior shot of CF vinyl and brushed metal trimmings (sanding it down was a huge p.i.t.a.)
SR-71 Blackbird: Capable of breaking the sound barrier and flying at extreme altitudes, I'm sure it would have been a close race...
Sure I guess it may have been better to have invested in good SLR camera. I still think about it, but always decide to use that money for my next mod. And yes I know I am WAY overdue for some wheels lmao
That's what I have for now...Thanks for viewing!
So I've had this car since Autumn 2006 (2004 6-speed), I feel like I've raised it from just a mere spark plug lol.. My first and previous car was a 1993 Accord, great car, but imo best kept stock.
I actually bought it used with low miles, and from the beginning I knew it previously had an abusive owner but still saw its potential and couldn't pass up the bargain at the time. So with that decision, it became my project and a gateway to learning a lot more about cars. And between the shared knowledge on this website and investing in a repair manual (best purchase ever) I absolutely have learned a ton!!
As far as all my mods, I forget, being that I've done quite a bit over the years. Ask me about something specific, perhaps I'll just update my profile as I remember them
My Quest for a Black Series TL
Man, that name even sounds great.
Very simple to explain, I used to work for Mercedes-Benz and absolutely loved their new (at the time) Black Series line. The way they looked, sounded, and drove so aggressive all while maintaining their signature luxurious quality. Obviously something I cannot afford, SO I just had to make due with what I had. So my goal for my TL has always been to achieve the maximum sport & luxury combination I could possibly obtain on a middle class income, all that while keeping mods tasteful and not trashing the cars OEM looks.My Dream Conversion
I am constantly sculpting in my head how to convert this car to a RWD LS3. I'm fully aware of the costs and crazy labor involved. Don't lie, we have all dreampt of something crazy with a car. I plan on keeping this one for good, so maybe someday with money, tools, a lift in my own garage, who knows what kind of projects I'll do..
Note: Instead of opening new threads for every new mod or photoshoot, I like the idea that members have pursued lately by opening 1 thread designated to their own car and mods-in-progress.
Now onto the timeline (more or less)..
This shoot was right about when I first got it
At the shop getting my new HKS custom exhaust installed
Upgraded bumpers and sideskirts to TL-S, along with repainting my curb rashed enkeis to Nissan WV2
The famous Rear Diffuser I once built
VW projector fogs: Now I know this isn't the most smooth beam-spread...
...but I do enjoy the cut-off and unique value of having projector fogs, that V-shape is perfect!
Although not as sharp, you can even see the color change at the cutoff just like the headlights
Headlights done by JnC
Decided I no longer liked how my exhaust looked kinda misplaced, so I went with OEM TL-S tips
Made sure they got mounted flush with bumper at all angles
One time coming back from Dave & Busters, I saw this M3 wanted to be cool & parked behind me, far far away from all other cars as I normally park
Freshly painted Blue Brembo's. I was inspired by the Blue Rotora's color theme. Also blacked painted roof (as seen further below)
This shoot was right about when I first got it
At the shop getting my new HKS custom exhaust installed
Upgraded bumpers and sideskirts to TL-S, along with repainting my curb rashed enkeis to Nissan WV2
The famous Rear Diffuser I once built
VW projector fogs: Now I know this isn't the most smooth beam-spread...
...but I do enjoy the cut-off and unique value of having projector fogs, that V-shape is perfect!
Although not as sharp, you can even see the color change at the cutoff just like the headlights
Headlights done by JnC
Decided I no longer liked how my exhaust looked kinda misplaced, so I went with OEM TL-S tips
Made sure they got mounted flush with bumper at all angles
One time coming back from Dave & Busters, I saw this M3 wanted to be cool & parked behind me, far far away from all other cars as I normally park
Freshly painted Blue Brembo's. I was inspired by the Blue Rotora's color theme. Also blacked painted roof (as seen further below)
:::::::::All pics below are Less than 6 Months old:::::::::
Joined the USAF and Shipped the TL to CA
First mod: Install front license plate inside trunk
Ahh so much better.. the rays of light were just coincidence!
Finally, went and upgraded to an iphone 4GS after years of procrastinating and saying that I would never need anything more than what the original 3G had, I was DEAD wrong lmao. The camera quality has improved tremendously along with other features.
The pictures will speak for themselves!
:::::::These Pictures are the car in current state::::::::
Satin Painted center grill
Now I'll explain whats with the fog light grill area. Basically I when I first met a 4G TL, I liked the way the lower grill sections were shaped. But did not like that it was cluttered by all these lights. So then it sparked a thought, I wonder how that shape would look like on my car -without the ugly lights...
It may not line up perfectly due to the curvature of the bumper cutout, but it came DAMN close, and I really liked the results
I got lucky that both sides were an exact match on installation
Interior shot of CF vinyl and brushed metal trimmings (sanding it down was a huge p.i.t.a.)
SR-71 Blackbird: Capable of breaking the sound barrier and flying at extreme altitudes, I'm sure it would have been a close race...
That's what I have for now...Thanks for viewing!
Last edited by HQTL6SPD; 03-04-2013 at 01:06 AM.
03-04-2013, 01:23 AM
#3
Suzuka Master
I kind of like what you did with the fog light area. Maybe smooth it out a little bit so the lines are straighter?
And for the love of god, please do a writeup of how you made the rear diffuser.
And for the love of god, please do a writeup of how you made the rear diffuser.
03-04-2013, 06:17 AM
#5
Registered Member
iTrader: (8)
I agree with Ross, the fog light mod isn't bad, but I think it's a bit choppy and the lines don't really match up from the piece you added to the 07-08 fog bezel. If those lines met up better it would have looked much cleaner. I like the idea of taking one tip from the Type-S exhaust and using it, looks pretty good.
03-04-2013, 07:46 AM
#7
Drifting
I like the pale blue calipers with the Silver TL matches well.
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03-04-2013, 03:06 PM
#8
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
It may not line up perfectly due to the curvature of the bumper cutout..
..a diffuser write up haha, we'll see we'll see
I agree with Ross, the fog light mod isn't bad, but I think it's a bit choppy and the lines don't really match up from the piece you added to the 07-08 fog bezel. If those lines met up better it would have looked much cleaner. I like the idea of taking one tip from the Type-S exhaust and using it, looks pretty good.
Its still a work in progress.. but thanks
Thanks, I always knew the contrast in color would be a nice compliment to SSM, and the black powdercoat was starting to fail so it was almost necessary
03-04-2013, 03:48 PM
#10
BANNED
iTrader: (33)
love the rear diffuser...would be interested in a write up DIY as well. any more pics of it?
your TL has been on quite the journey!
your TL has been on quite the journey!
03-04-2013, 03:58 PM
#11
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Rear diffuser is sexy as fawk! Nice progress 
03-04-2013, 08:09 PM
#14
Drifting
iTrader: (9)
Nice work man, I like that you made yours unique. Not all things I would've done, but that's what makes it yours
Also, I was inspired by that exact color caliper a few months ago when I saw some Rotoras on another ASM TL-S. Silver can be so hard to find a good color caliper for, but I think that one contrasts just enough, but still looks clean.
Also, I was inspired by that exact color caliper a few months ago when I saw some Rotoras on another ASM TL-S. Silver can be so hard to find a good color caliper for, but I think that one contrasts just enough, but still looks clean.
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03-04-2013, 09:02 PM
#16
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Love the rear defuser. The interior looks great too. Not too sure about the front grill, but excellent work.
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03-05-2013, 08:36 AM
#19
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Looks nice, man, I like the rear diffuser 
And yes, get wheels next!
And yes, get wheels next!
03-05-2013, 11:19 AM
#20
takin care of Business in
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+1 on all the rear diffuser comments....looks SEXY as fawk !!!
Great progress...
Great progress...
03-05-2013, 07:49 PM
#21
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
However, wouldn't it just have been much easier to click the 'X' in the corner of your screen than to outright try to offend someone with such negativity?
I'm pretty sure you would be extremely butt-hurt if someone with your mindset went and trash talked about something you take a lot of pride in..
Lets keep it a little more respectful round these parts alright...
03-06-2013, 03:24 PM
#24
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Shot of the interior with Blacked out headliner:
Interesting observation, this picture is the perfect example of how much glare 3M window tints can reduce, this almost convinced me to get their clear glare reducing vinyl for the windshield....
....Another side note, I've been feeling a bit generous lately. So due to the massive volume of messages I received over time regarding my diffuser, I will muster any info I have of how I built and mounted it, then post up this weekend.
Interesting observation, this picture is the perfect example of how much glare 3M window tints can reduce, this almost convinced me to get their clear glare reducing vinyl for the windshield....
....Another side note, I've been feeling a bit generous lately. So due to the massive volume of messages I received over time regarding my diffuser, I will muster any info I have of how I built and mounted it, then post up this weekend.
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03-06-2013, 04:54 PM
#27
03-07-2013, 12:16 AM
#30
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I dyed it (3 yrs back), it was actually much easier than I had expected (being that I knew how to take the interior apart so well by then). My in-law liked it so much, he begged me to do his VW Jetta lol
Agreed, I immediately noticed how I could see better due to the reduced interior glare, and also the A-pillar was totally filtered out of sight vs reflecting natural light like it used to. Now it feels weird being in cars with light headliners. I don't understand why most cars don't just come this way...
Thanks thanks
lol my old diffuser didn't look as good up close, it was my first attempt, so there was a lot of unnecessary cutting, drilling, & paint flaking Which was why I sold it.
lol my old diffuser didn't look as good up close, it was my first attempt, so there was a lot of unnecessary cutting, drilling, & paint flaking
Which was why I sold it.
Last edited by HQTL6SPD; 03-07-2013 at 12:19 AM.
03-11-2013, 01:25 PM
#32
Drifting
rear diffusser looked better cool!
03-11-2013, 02:02 PM
#33
Race Director
iTrader: (8)
love the colour of the brembos and painted stockies!
03-11-2013, 03:04 PM
#34
thanks for the diy, it looks fantastic!
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03-11-2013, 07:33 PM
#35
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Agreed.. and for that same reason I plan on making V2 someday soon!
Thanks!
Hey no prob
Thanks!
Hey no prob
05-27-2013, 07:15 PM
#38
Instructor
Rear diffusser is sick!! Make a DIY please!!
05-27-2013, 08:07 PM
#39
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