June 16, 2013

It's been a while since I last updated.  I officially graduated from the long dreadful hellhole - of course this blog is not about bashing as I clearly done enough of that in the survey they kindly provided =P. Anyway, I have to count my lucky stars for finding a stable source of income. Sometimes it is indeed all about networks - so if you're that specific person that's reading this, thanks.

Anyway, so I bought a can of Plastidip from one of my good friends last year around this time but I never really got a chance to use it until now. For those who are wondering, google Plastidip and watch those Youtube videos. Plastidip is a neat little product that's a rubber compound but applies just like a spray can/paint. The beauty of it is its "easy" (easy but I managed to f up lol) to install and remove if you don't like it.

My intentions of this purchase was to black out the badges in the rear to make a "clean" ass. As you can see from the final product pics, I only done half of it - with the rest done hopefully next weekend. I won't go too much into the details about the DIY as there are tons of Youtube videos. Tips wise, I will have to say PATIENCE is a virtue. You can't rush it. Masking tape can be used instead of that expensive painters tape and make sure you use amble newspaper to prevent oversprays. Also, don't get too excited and spray a shitload for each layer and don't spray it from too far of a distance as you'll get runs and bumps =(. Removing the excess is the most tricky part IMO as it sometimes snags and you end up removing what you don't want to - Shh. I tried my best. Other than that... I think it looks good. No more ugly chrome that Honda seems to be a fan of. >.< Enjoy!

PS I can't wait to install my Eibach 19mm swaybar. :D

(Note the Newspaper use)

(After the 4th and final layer)

                                                  (Finished Product)                                                                       (Finished Product)

June 6, 2012 (Part 2)

As I have hinted in the past entry, I was gonna wrap the chrome trim.  Well, after weeks of procrastination (my enthusiasm was reduced after endless attempts at removing the stupid tabs holding the rear trunk trim in), I have finally done it (with help from my parents LOL).  One person is CLEARLY impossible for amateurs because I have sadly wasted one roll of gloss black vinyl wrap.  The piece is too light so you need someone to hold it in place while the other stretches and runs his/her finger along the piece to prevent bubbles.  I have to first give respect to those who manage to do it without having bubbles (and to those who've done it by themselves).  Anyway, now onto the DIY as you have all been waiting for.

1.  Unclip those screw-in clips that hold your trunk liner in (if applicable).  It uses a Philips Screwdriver.  DO NOT LOSE THESE.
2.  You will see 5 white looking tabs evenly distributed across the trunk.  Some are in obscure locations and the tools needed for successful removal are needle nose pliers or a flat head screwdriver (ones used by watch repairs).  However, unscrew the big bolt near the right hand side of the trunk that is in the same latitude as the tabs.  This can be done with a regular hex bolt remover.  DO NOT LOSE THAT.

3. Once removed, clean the piece to get rid of dirt that can inhibit the adhesive from sticking.  Your trim should look like this.  Now if you're rich, you can buy the actual 2006-08 piece and save you the trouble.  I'm poor so this would have to suffice for now.

 

4. Dry off the piece and then start wrapping! More than one person for this job is required for an amateur as the wrap tends to be very sticky and thus trapping bubbles unnecessarily.  Patience is also needed as I got mad and ragequitted and ruined one roll :(  Cut more than necessary to cover it so that you won't miss anything.  Start from one side and work your way down.  I made sure the middle part had no bubbles before moving to the edges.  You can be less careful in areas that won't be seen such as the bottom part of the trim.  Even being very meticulous, I did have some bubbles that were stubborn but it's only noticeable if you're really up close and inspecting it like those lease return mechanics.  For the holes where your plate light goes, just cut a slit and wrap the edges.  Cut out any excess and tuck in the edges.

(PreWrap)

5. Once done, it should look something like this.  Insert it back into the trunk and admire :) 

(Before)

(Finished Product)

(After Mod)