timecop

**Moderators: I wasn't sure where to post this b/c the Photo Gallery seems to be more for mods than just simple additions. I could be wrong**

*The pics total about 40 MB. So careful if you're trying to watch your bandwidth*

So, as some of you know, I bought my car back in July 2011. I posted pics when I first bought it, and asked for advice as to what I should do since this is my first car (I had a 1994 Jeep Cherokee I bought from a Police Auction when I was in HS). I've learned a lot of neat stuff about cars just by reading threads on this forum :-)

This is what I've done so far:
- Installed the Deck Lid Spoiler
- Installed a Rear Roof Spoiler
- Had Windows Tinted (35%)
- Added the SH-AWD Badge (I know people say it's tacky b/c I don't have the model, but I only put it on b/c it seemed to complete the look. Not sure if people get what I mean)

It's not much, but it does look WAY different from when I first bought it!

From just reading other threads, the following ideas seem like the next logical steps in transforming my car:
- Debadge the rear of my car. I liked the pics I've seen of others debadged cars.
- Replace lights w/ LEDs (license plate, door puddle, and sun visor mirror). I definitely want to do this!
- Getting 18"/19" tires and replacing the wheels. I really don't want to, only because I like the wheels I have now. Is there any specific reason why people seem to say the base TL's should upgrade form the 17"?
- Drop my car (it took me a long time to figure out what this meant). Again, is it really worth it?

Is there anything else you all think I should do? I'm still in school/college, so I'm not looking to spend too much/work on the car until the summer.

Rear (high)


Rear (low)


Side (high)


Side (low)


Rear (angle)


Side (angle-high)


Side (angle-low)


Front (high)


Front (low)


Front (angle-high)


Front (angle-low)


Wheels


Interior (rear-driver)


Interior (rear-passenger)


Interior (front-passenger)


Interior (front-driver)


Interior (Console)


Interior (Dashboard)

gibbyisgibby

I would get a rv6 jpipe or atlp exhaust or both.

Also pre cat deletes or high flows.

B.G.

I would remove the sh-awd badge if I were you.. Please dont perpetrate... thats like someone slapping an amg badge on a stock e55 or someone putting a m3 badge on a 325... smh.. other than that, your car looks great.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Timecop, you posting is fine here in the Photo Section!

You've got the rear spoiler and the roof spoiler.

I think that wheels and a drop would be great. A simple drop does wonders for the look and stance of your TL. It took me a few years to do mine, but I'm SO glad I did.

timecop

I've seen other posts w/ the rv6 jpipe & atlp exhaust on this forum. It's really cool, but I like how quiet my car is. I've seen install videos on YouTube...seems easy. What's the (average) cost?

Thanks! I know, that's what people said when I first joined, but I'll probably keep it on. I don't think I'm doing any real harm by having it there. And I've never done the whole, "Oh yeah, it's the all-wheel drive model". But I see what you're saying.

Thanks Mr. Bell :-) The wheels are super expensive, so I'm going to wait until summer 2012 to upgrade. I'm considering the drop, though! I just need to do a lot of research, because I'm not sure where to start lol

LawnPro

Hey Timecop, i like all the pics of your TL. I like to see the interior pics cause we dont see many of them on acurazine. I have mixed feelings about the shawd badge, but its your TL and if you like it - to each his own. Thanks for all the pics!

timecop

Yeah, I added them on for that exact reason! I feel like it would be helpful for future purchasers/members.
I'm sure most users wouldn't like it on there, but like you said, to each his own :-)

njsimons

There's definately nothing wrong with having the shawd badge on it looks good and your car looks great just get some performance enhancements now.

timecop

Any suggestions for performance enhancements? I'm open to anything :-)

under9hell

Look good man.
You can install splash guards too, they are pretty cheap, under $100.

Treblig

Bodyside moldings?

potmilkz

how come your seats are not like mines.. i have little dots and such, yours is just solid..

i believe the term is perforated?

potmilkz

nvm.. you have a base model..

Treblig

I believe the perforated leather (milano) is part of the tech package.

TLsMD

yeah...one other thing take of those ugly ugly ugly maryland tags....
front tags removed and get the Ravens tags for the rear

get some floor mats

timecop

Are these the Splash Guards? Their kinda expensive, but they seem like a good buy.
http://estore.honda.com/acura/access...TL00012002&dl=

Are they really worth purchasing? They look nice though! Does anyone have an image of what it would like with it on? And how easy is it to install?
http://estore.honda.com/acura/access...TL00012007&dl=

Yeah lol But I do like the seats already...there're very nice. The hump for your center seat is kinda large! Is it b/c you have the SH-AWD model? Also, do you have any suggestions for me potmilkz?

But I thought MD required you to have license plates on the front and the back, so I don't want to break that law. Also...Redskins all the way :-)

I have the All-Season Floor Mats. I didn't think it was worth listing. I'm planning on buying the Trunk Tray, since I use my trunk A LOT!

LawnPro

timecop, I bought my lip kit and rear spoiler on some of the acura dealerships on ebay. Before i installed my lip kit, i had the painted spash guards, and there definately cheaper on ebay, than the acura e store.

timecop

These seem reasonably priced...and it includes shipping. I'll order them this weekend. I've never installed Splash Guards before. Is it as simple as I'm assuming it will be?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/350514536187

scottdavis

Where did you get your rear window spoiler?

Scott

timecop

It's sold on eBay here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI...m=300654522726

You can find out more details on this thread:
https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-photograph-gallery-296/2012-rear-upper-wing-823090/

munkeepoo

This might be a dumb question, but how do you open your trunk from the outside on the base models since you don't have the little button on the spoiler like the tech models?

timecop

There's no such thing as a dumb question! I either use the key (trunk button), or press the open trunk button from the inside of the car. Here's what the base key looks like:
http://i681.photobucket.com/albums/v...S/P1080778.jpg

munkeepoo

Oh ok, so there is no way to open the trunk from the outside without using your remote? Like the 09 TSX that I had; the trunk could be opened from the outside by pushing the lever thingy by the rear license plate lights as long as the doors were unlocked.

timecop

That's the only way I know how to access the trunk :-/
I'll check tomorrow and see if there's something simliar to what you had with your TSX.
Maybe someone else with a Base model will be able to chime in & verify.
Do you have any suggestions for my TL munkeepoo?

munkeepoo

No, that is all señor, thanks. Your TL looks awesome btw! I definitely have to get the roof spoiler for my car now after seeing it on yours.

LawnPro

Yes i thought they were a pretty easy install on the 4g tl. If im remember they come with some decent instructions, easy peasy.

Treblig

timecop, regarding the bodyside moldings and your question of them being worth it. Honestly, they are probably more "form" (asthetic) than "function" (usefulness) since they are placed so low on the doors. However, my reason for adding them was that they break up the massive slab-slided look of the car, and what little protection that they might provide is an added plus.

under9hell

Instruction to install splash guards:
http://acura.bernardiparts.com/Image...s_BII45424.pdf

and body side moldings:
http://acura.bernardiparts.com/Image...s_BII45407.pdf

I don't like the body side moldings, but if you're going to do it, post some pictures. I may change my mind

btw do this too:
https://acurazine.com/forums/4g-tl-2009-2014-123/make-under-dash-lights-brighter-783070/

aspecallday

^^^^the forum for the LED under the dash was great thanks will be doing this this weekend

timecop

Sorry for the late replies. I've been sick all week & I had 3 tests this week :-/
--
Do you have any pics? I try to get a look at other TLs as I'm driving, but I never get a clear picture.

Thanks for the instructions! I just ordered the Splash Guards and they should be here this weekend. Yes, I'll be doing the lighting as well! Now that my tests are all over I have some free-time.

Be sure to check out the original thread:
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=823090

Treblig

timecop,

Here are a couple of pics:

timecop

Thanks for the pics Treblig...your car looks really sharp! They are placed really low on the car, so I doubt they'd help prevent from door dings lol But you have swayed me to get them. I like the way it sort of adds to car's look :-)
I received my splash guards this past weekend, so I'll install them next weekend. I'll try to find a decent deal on the side moldings on eBay right now.
Should I try to wait for a week where it's not raining to install the side-moldings? Or is a day good enough for the adhesive to set? I don't have a garage, so I don't want to mess it up.

Treblig

Thanks, they are a bit low and may not provide the best protection in most cases, but they look good (to me anyway). If it were me, I would wait for a dry and somewhat warm day to put the bodyside molding on. I had my done by the dealer however.

timecop

Well, I just finished the last of my Midterms before Spring Break! It was nice out today, so I decided to install the Splash Guards before it rains again. Here are some quick pics:

Wide-View


Rear Close-Up (Angle 1)


Rear Close-Up (Angle 2)


Front Close-Up (Angle 1)


Front Close-Up (Angle 1)


I think the last two things I want to do for now are install the side-moldings (I went to my dealer after class and looked at it in person. It does look good). And drop my car.
I'm not so confident I could do that myself, so I was wondering if anyone could give me any details on what I need to know/do. I'll probably go into the Regional section of this forum and ask if anyone knows any person/shop that could do it for me. Thanks!

timecop

I finally did a few changes to my TL. I've been busy with work and travel, but I found time in between to change a few things

Here's a quick run-down:
1.) Installed Wood grain steering wheel
2.) Installed Wood grain shift knob
3.) Installed door edge film (a pain in the dong)
4.) Replaced front nose/shield with one painted to match the body color
5.) Had dealer install the under-body spoiler kit. I know I should of tried it myself, but I looked through the instructions and thought the dealer would prob have more experience and would do it right the first time.

I did have a question for you all though! After the UBSK install, I noticed my car sounded a little, I guess louder, when turning it on and off. Maybe it was like that before and I just never listened to it...who knows. I asked the dealer and they said it was the way the kit encapsulated the rear, being the reason I can now hear it. That sounded iffy, so I thought I'd just record it and let you all listen and let me know if it's normal. The clips are short, and I suggest 720p only to here a better version of the audio:

You Tube

--

Now for some pics! I used my BlackBerry to take them, so I'll try to get my friend's Canon again to get some real nice pics like before

All of the pieces arrived in 3 separate FedEx trucks...1st in the morning, second in the afternoon, third in the evening. It was REALLY annoying lol


After the dealer finished installing the underbody kit


Passenger (rear)


Driver (rear)


Full rear


Passenger (front)


Passenger (front)


Full Front


And here's a few pics next to a 3rd gen TL at work

JT4

The body kit looks good, nice color TL

ichi d

You should put a type-R badge on the left side of the lower trunk to even things out.

timecop

Thank you sir! Here's some more pics to finish up the thread:

Door Edge Film (Outside)



Door Edge Film (Inside)



Wood Grain (Steering Wheel)



Wood Grain (Shift Knob)



Wood Grain (Stock)

potmilkz

nice!

but i just find it weird how you can drop soo much money on the accessory parts but not opt'ed to get the tech package..

timecop

I can answer that! I got to move up a little on the pay scale where I work, sometime around the beginning of this summer. So I was finally able to do all of the great mods you all at AZ do without fear of going broke.
Last year when I bought the car, all I did was install the rear spoiler/roof spoiler and had my windows tinted (less than $1000).
Had I known last year I was gonna be stepped up, I would have waited and just bought the 2012 Tech model. But I'm happy with the base model. The only thing I wish I had was the backup camera. It's really hard to park in DC lol I might try my luck with the backup sensors.