DIY Network

Acura Integra Body-Kit: Light Brackets and Side Skirts From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-104

Before the new bumper can be permanently installed, new indicator-lights and their mounting brackets need to be secured. Mounting holes must also be aligned and pre-drilled on the polyurethane bumper.

In this segment of Tricked Out work continues on the Acura Integra's front bumper and body. On the old, factory bumper, the factory indicator lights were permanently affixed so they need to be replaced. On the newly installed aftermarket bumper, Andrew replaces them with new lights. He then installs side-skirts.

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.

Materials used in this segment:

New side-skirts
Grease pencil
Drill and drill-bit
Wire cutters/strippers
Electrical tape
Utility knife
Self-tapping screws

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Light Brackets

Before the new bumper can be permanently installed, new indicator-lights and their mounting brackets (figure A) need to be installed on the bumper support.

• To begin installation of the new indicator lights, temporarily place new bumper into position.

• Choose location for light by looking through grill, then mark location with a grease pencil from underneath (figure B).

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

• Pull the bumper back off.

• Using the bracket as a template, mark the mounting hole position on to the bottom of the bumper support .

• Drill mounting holes out using a 1/8-inch drill bit (figure C).

• Attach the signal backing with the mounting surface forward using the factory-supplied screws, then secure the signal housing into bracket (figure D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• To prepare the factory wiring harness, cut off the original connector and strip the wiring back approximately 1/2-inch.

• Attach the crimp-on connectors (figure E) following the manufacturer's guidelines for wiring identification.

• Make the electrical connections.

• Use electrical tape to wrap each connection individually, then combine the wires and tape them together as a group (figure F).

  Figure F

  Figure E

  
  

• Once signal light is wired and secure, repeat the entire procedure for the other indicator light.

• Reattach the front bumper using factory-supplied screws and bolts.
  

  	With the new lights, brackets and wiring installed, the new bumper can be positioned on the bumper support.
  	Figure G

The aftermarket side-skirts are made from polyurethane and use double-sided tape to adhere to the car. Polyurethane body elements may sometimes appear warped, but they are flexible enough that installation should be no problem. If you want to straighten the parts first, try laying them in the sun or placing near a heat source.

• First clean the skirt and rocker panel with alcohol to get rid of any dirt, dust or grease. Allow time to for the alcohol to dry as the adhesive tape won't stick to a wet surface.

• Tricked Out Tip: For a super-strong bond when attaching polyurethane body add-ons, apply a coat of adhesion promoter which leaves an acrylic polymer film on the paint surface for maximum grip.

• Hold up skirt to body of car and use a grease pencil to mark a line across the top edge where the new piece meets the original body panel (figure G).
  

• With the position marked, use a utility knife to peel up a corner of the double-sided tape backing (figure H) along the center section of the skirt.

• Carefully peel back the tape backing (figure I).

• As you remove the backing, apply pressure to adhere the skirt to this section of the car.

• Repeat procedure for front and rear of skirt.

  Figure H

  Figure I

  
  

• Supplement the double-sided tape by securing the skirt with self-tapping screws at front and rear wheel wells (figures J and K).

• Secure underside of skirt by installing two screws through the bottom of the new skirt into the factory skirt underneath.

  Figure J

  Figure K

  
  

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.

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.