DIY Network

Shaved Door Handles: Introduction and Getting Started Removing the Existing Door Panels and Handles From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-301

The project car: 2000 Honda Civic SI

In this Tricked Out project, host Andrew Totolos streamlines the look of a 2000 Honda Civic SI by "shaving" the door handles and installing a remote entry system. The paint and body work is left to professionals, but Andrew takes us through the steps of removing the existing door handles and installing the electronics and wiring for the remote door-opener.

In this first phase of the project, Andrew begins the modification by removing the door panels and handles from the driver- and passenger-side doors. He'll also remove the existing handles from both doors.

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	Before
	After
	Before
	After

Materials and Tools for Complete Project

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), tools and materials used in this episode include:

door-handle kit, including:

• actuator solenoids
  
• control unit
  
• remotes
  
• relays
  
• hardware

other tools and materials:

perforated strap
wire ties
connectors
surplus wire
drill with quarter-inch bit
silicone spray
wire cutter
center punch
eyelet connectors
cable clamps
electrical tape
paint marker
standard shop tools

Important: Included in this summary are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular car or truck, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of upgrade-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: We gave this a difficulty rating of 3 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. If you're comfortable with some wiring and electrical work, you should have no problem.

The Project Car: 2000 Honda Civic SI

The Honda Civic is one of the most popular cars to trick out, partly because there are so many cool after-market products available. This particular one already had some nice bolt-on modifications in place including a shaved antenna and custom deck lid, carbon-fiber hood, projector beam headlights, full body kit and 18-inch chrome rims.

Under the hood is cold-air intake that feeds the factory intake through a 1-inch throttle-body spacer. The 421 header ports spent gasses out through a titanium exhaust.

Inside the Civic, the back seat has been removed to make room for a custom air-ride system, high-powered amp and subwoofer. In the cockpit, sports seats and harnesses hold the driver firmly in place while he grips the upgraded steering wheel and shift knob.

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