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Hopefully, my MDX arrives within the next couple weeks. How easy is do-it-yourself installation for the following
accessories?
1) Gold Package: I've previously installed gold packages on my daughter's Accord and my son's Civic. The Accord gold package was a piece of cake to install; but for the Civic, we had to remove the front bumper and the grill. That was the only way to get to the two little screws that attached the emblem on the front. Kind of freaky tearing apart a week old car, and hoping you can get lined up perfectly when you try to put it back together again. Fortuneately, we succeeded.
Do you need to do major surgury to install the gold package on the MDX, or is it simple?
2) Running Boards: Do you need to drill holes in the side of the body (painted area)? How about the drilling into the undercarriage, or are all the holes there already? Do you need to jack it up? Need a lift? Remove tires?
3) Rear Air Deflector: I read elsewhere in the forum that you need to drill 4 holes (premarked spots) and then just screw it on. Is that it?
4) Wood Dash by the Meters: How tough is this to install? Do you need to remove any of the dash board or the instruments? Does it tape on?
5) Fendor Flairs: I heard that these get applied by double face tape and a few screws. True? Do the screws go through the exterior body, or do they go inside the wheel wells? How difficult is it to put these on, and get them all lined up perfectly? Do you recommend DIY, or have dealer do this job?
6) Gear Shift Nob - Hey, I think I can handle this. But, can't see forking out that much $$$$.
Finally, have you found a web site that posts the instructions for installing MDX accessories? For example, before I order Honda parts from HPARTS.Com, I can pull down the offical Honda installation instructions from their website and read them before I order. That way I know what I getting my self into.
Thanks.
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#3 - Yes, the rear deflector really is that easy! It took me 10 minutes with a cordless drill.
#5 - I actually had the dealer install the flairs. They charged me for two hours labor, but there are no instructions shipped with the flairs! |
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Interesting to hear about the Rear Air Deflector only taking 10 min to install...
Did you find that it added a large amount of wind noise?
Is it designed to keep the rear window clean?
Or is it mostly for looks?
I've seen one at a distance on a GG MDX and it looks really nice!
Thanks for the CD changer info in my previous request.
Thanks for any info,
John |
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| I did not notice any additional wind noise. It does help a little with keeping the rear window clean, but I think it is mainly for looks. It covers up that ugly rear washer jet! |
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jbilbo and kbm, Thanks for the replies. Very Helpful
Can anyone help me with the following questions:
1) Gold Package: I've previously installed gold packages on my daughter's Accord and my son's Civic. The Accord gold package was a piece of cake to install; but for the Civic, we had to remove the front bumper and the grill. That was the only way to get to the two little screws that attached the emblem on the front. Kind of freaky tearing apart a week old car, and hoping you can get lined up perfectly when you try to put it back together again. Fortuneately, we succeeded.
Do you need to do major surgury to install the gold package on the MDX, or is it simple?
2) Running Boards: Do you need to drill holes in the side of the body (painted area)? How about the drilling into the undercarriage, or are all the holes there already? Do you need to jack it up? Need a lift? Remove tires?
4) Wood Dash by the Meters: How tough is this to install? Do you need to remove any of the dash board or the instruments? Does it tape on?
Finally, have you found a web site that posts the instructions for installing MDX accessories? For example, before I order Honda parts from HPARTS.Com, I can pull down the offical Honda installation instructions from their website and read them before I order. That way I know what I'm getting my self into.
Thanks!!!!!
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Have any of you installed the Gold Package and Running Boards on your own? How difficult is it?
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| Any MDX owners have more DIYS comments to add on the install of any of the accessories that they bought from H&D or Hondacuraworld? I'm dying to know how difficult the installs are and how long it takes per item. I can't bring myself to pay a dealership that amount of $$ to put accessories on. It would be a real help if all of us DIYSers would exchange info. |
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actually, why don't you give your local acura dealership a call and see if they'll answer any questions concerning intstalls. i went to one of my dealerships, and when i approached them concerning an install, they were very accomodating and photocopied the official service manual pages needed. pretty informative!
good luck |
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I'm going to order the Rear Mud flaps from hondaacuraworld.com and install them myself.
Anyone know if there is a wait for this item ?
Gonna get them anyway.
:D
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I installed the running boards myself in about 1 hour. Do not need to drill any wholes, they are already there.
If you guys call a local Acura dealer's parts department for instructions, they should have no problem faxing them to you..
Ron |
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| Anyone know if aforementioned MDX Factory Service Manual is available to the general public? I know with most dealer specific service manuals they are kept in binders and the manufacturer sends periodic updates for procedure changes, inter-model year part changes etc. I have had several Hondas and found the "Consumer Edition" bound Factory Service manual indespensible. |
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You can order a service manual from Helm, Inc. at:
http://www.helminc.com
2001 Acura MDX service manual is $65.00 plus $3.00 S&H.
Description:
INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR ROUTINE REPAIR ADJUSTMENT MAINTENANCE WORK DIAGNOSIS/TESTING AND REMOVAL/INSTALLATION OF PARTS FOR VARIOUS VEHICLE SYSTEMS.
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