When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I did some cosmetic repairs on the rear end this weekend, a butt lift of sorts. The rear bumper always gets marks, no matter how far I park from other cars. Scratches, rub marks, odd chips. And on the undersides, road debris, curb scratches, etc.
First, I polished the trunk lid – 2nd time in 4 months. This time I also pulled the license plate, and repainted the license plate holder. Then a soft nylon brush on the dremel tool to polish the chrome insignia (and remove any residual polish schmutz).
Next, I attacked the bumper. I pulled the chrome trim strip (aftermarket), and cleaned out all the adhesive remnants. I then tackled the scratches , chips, and dents. Used a hair dryer to smooth out some dents (doesn’t remove them completely, but helped smooth them out), then sanded the wear marks down to the plastic, smoothing out the edges. I sanded the chips and gouges too, just to smooth them out. It’s a bumper, after all.
I then wet sanded the under sides of the bumper, from left rear wheel all the way around the back to the right rear wheel. I hen hit these same areas with the polisher, to smooth them out. I also pulled the chrome muffler tips, cleaned them up a bit in the process. I masked off the sanded areas, and put 3 coats of spray lacquer over the repaired areas. I also put a coat of spray lacquer on the underside of the bumper, and then a coat of clear. I plan to polish the paint on the repaired areas in a couple of weeks, after the paint is fully cured. Then install a new chrome trip strip.
Nice looking rear, and I didn't have to pay a whole lot.
I washed it after the getting the tires replaced, dirty wheels looked bad after handling marks. Got too close with the pressure washer and made a rock chip worse on the front bumper, will touchup later.
I got a used set of Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max tires with 90% tread for $280 installed. Decent tires. I don't drive alot and didn't want to spend the $860 Discount Tire quoted to get another set of Michelin Premier A/S tires. I can use the savings to replace the timing belt and associated components in a few months.
Today I installed the USA Spec BT-45 Bluetooth kit. It was a pretty straightforward installation, but I decided to get a little “fancy” and install the included microphone in the overhead console for a stealth installation. That added a bit of time but now that it is done I’m glad I decided to go that route. I was having frequent issues with the original Bluetooth system connecting with my phone, so now I have a reliable phone interface and really outstanding sound quality.
Today I installed the USA Spec BT-45 Bluetooth kit. It was a pretty straightforward installation, but I decided to get a little “fancy” and install the included microphone in the overhead console for a stealth installation. That added a bit of time but now that it is done I’m glad I decided to go that route. I was having frequent issues with the original Bluetooth system connecting with my phone, so now I have a reliable phone interface and really outstanding sound quality.
Jeff
Nice!
How did you route the wire for microphone in the overhead console for a stealth installation? How long is the wire?
The wire is quite long...maybe 12 feet? From the overhead console, I ran the cable along the leading edge of the headliner and down the driver’s side A pillar and behind the lower panel where the footwell light is mounted. From there I found an opening to the cavity behind the stereo head unit.
Well, today I decided that I will no longer be looking to upgrade / improve / change my car suspension as the project has been fully and successfully completed - not only that I reached the ideal balance of comfort / sporty ride, but I got assurance that all the items has been taken care of, I hope for a long time.
By the way, the new front bushing in the control arm surprisingly improved high speed driving - even the strong winds don’t even bother the car anymore lol. So, whoever still has any steering shakes or wandering in the road, take a look at this item (but also of course you need decent LCA ball joints - I ll recommend Proforge, or OEM).
Currently, I can’t be more happy driving my car as it feels very solid, smooth, and throttle-responsive (thanks to a new Eco / Normal / High Throttle controller). I achieved fantastic transmission operation, decent acceleration, fast braking (thanks to Powerstop brakes), which all together is amplified by a really pleasant exhaust sound.
For this year, my plans are to find a solution to a new audio system - I will either go with bt 45 route or rather replace the whole thing with a large monitor from AliExpress with tons of functionality. Also, I am planning to install a cute looking spoiler on the trunk - nothing oversized or ridiculous - just something small but with JDM touch. Any recommendations are welcomed.
Well, today I decided that I will no longer be looking to upgrade / improve / change my car suspension as the project has been fully and successfully completed - not only that I reached the ideal balance of comfort / sporty ride, but I got assurance that all the items has been taken care of, I hope for a long time.
By the way, the new front bushing in the control arm surprisingly improved high speed driving - even the strong winds don’t even bother the car anymore lol. So, whoever still has any steering shakes or wandering in the road, take a look at this item (but also of course you need decent LCA ball joints - I ll recommend Proforge, or OEM).
Currently, I can’t be more happy driving my car as it feels very solid, smooth, and throttle-responsive (thanks to a new Eco / Normal / High Throttle controller). I achieved fantastic transmission operation, decent acceleration, fast braking (thanks to Powerstop brakes), which all together is amplified by a really pleasant exhaust sound.
For this year, my plans are to find a solution to a new audio system - I will either go with bt 45 route or rather replace the whole thing with a large monitor from AliExpress with tons of functionality. Also, I am planning to install a cute looking spoiler on the trunk - nothing oversized or ridiculous - just something small but with JDM touch. Any recommendations are welcomed.
Which throttle controller did you go with if you don’t mind me asking?
02-08-20, 03:38 PM
