DIY Network

Acura Integra Body-Kit: Front Bumper Disassembly From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-104

	The 1994 Acura Integra is a hot property already, but Tricked Out raises the temperature on this coupe even further with some sporty body mods.
	Automotive specialist and editor of C-16 Magazine Andy Williamson offers assistance and expert advice on the Acura body upgrade.

In this episode of DIY's Tricked Out host Andrew Totolos and guest Andy Williamson begin the process of installing a new polyurethane body kit on a 1994 Acura Integra. In this first segment, the project gets underway with replacement of the front bumper.

DIY Difficulty Rating for the Procedure: This job could be described as challenging, but not off the charts. We gave it a difficulty rating of 3 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. With the help of an able-bodied assistant, experienced gear-heads should have no problem.

Upgrades in this episode:

18-inch wheels
Polyurethane body kit
Carbon-fiber hood

Materials used in this episode:

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

Phillips head screwdriver
10mm socket wrench
Drill
1/8-inch drill bit
Wire cutters/strippers
Alcohol
Utility knife
Grease pencil
Electrical tape
Self-tapping screws

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Materials used in this segment:

New front bumper
Phillips-head screwdriver
10mm socket wrench
Drill and drill bit

Important: Before painting any part of a polyurethane body kit, test to assure a proper fit on the car.

Front Bumper

• To begin removing the front factory bumper, open the hood and remove all screws attaching bumper to car (figure A). On this car, there are nine factory screws at this upper location.

• Remove screws in each wheel-well using a Phillips-head screwdriver (figure B). You'll need to either remove or pull back the fender liner to access these lower screws.

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

• Remove bolts underneath of the front bumper using 10 mm socket (figures C and D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• Once the bolts are off, to remove bumper grab top and bottom and carefully lift out and off (figure E).

• As you lift the bumper free, you'll also need to remove indicator light electronics. These can be removed by hand simply by twisting them free.

• Important: Aftermarket bumpers like this one (figure F) are typically shipped without the mounting holes pre-drilled. You'll need to dry-fit the new bumper on the car to locate and align new holes for the mounting bolts. Once you've aligned and marked the locations for the new holes, drill them using a cordless drill. Remember that this should be done before the bumper is painted.

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

Important: Included in this segment 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 vehicle, 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 repair-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: Whenever jacking a car up for service or upgrades, always use jack stands. If you're not sure on where to mount the jack stands, call your local service center for help.

RESOURCES :

Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guide: Import Cars (Sport Compact Bolt-On Performance Guides)
Author: Joe Pettitt
Order this book from Amazon.com.
Voyageur Press (October 2000)
ISBN: 1884089526

Honda & Acura Performance Handbook (Performance Handbooks)
Author: Mike Ancas
Order this title from Amazon.com.
June, 1999
Publisher: Motorbooks International
ISBN: 0760306699

Honda/Acura Engine Performance: How to Modify D, B and H Series Honda/Acura Engines for Street and Drag Racing Performance
Author: Mike Kojima
Order this title from Amazon.com.
April 2002
Publisher: HP Books
ISBN: 155788384X

Honda/Acura Performance Handbook: High Performance Modifications for Street and Drag Racing Applications
by the editors of Sport Compact Car Magazine
Order this title from Amazon.com.
November 1999
Publisher: HP Books
ISBN: 1557883246

Wings West Corp.
Known as "America's largest aftermarket automotive aerodynamic manufacturer," Wings West makes a wide variety of autmotive body-modification kits and products.
Website: www.wingswest.com

GUESTS :

Andy Williamson
Automotive expert and editor of C16 Magazine.
1861 S.W. 3rd Street
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
Phone: 954-978-8634
www.c16magazine.com.