DIY Network

Performance Add-Ons: Ground-Effects Kit, Part 1 From "Weekend Mechanic" episode WKM-307

	A practically endless array of body modifications -- spoilers, bumper covers, side-skirts, graphics, custom wheels, sunroofs, etc. -- are available as aftermarket upgrades for most vehicles.
	Bruce Bonebrake and automotive body-technician Rusty Fox install a complete ground-effects package on this 2001 Acura 3.2 CLS. In addition, they boost the engine's power by installing a cold-air intake kit.

Ground effects (or "Ground EFX") body kits are creating a sensation in custom automotive styling. With a ground effects kit, you can alter the look and lines of your car and, in many cases, you can do it yourself. In this episode, Weekend Mechanic host Bruce Bonebrake and aftermarket specialist Rusty Fox install aftermarket body components on a 2001 Acura 3.2 CLS. And while the add-on body parts out being professionally painted, they boost the engine's horsepower and torque, and enhance fuel economy, by installing a cold-air intake kit. Finally, they install a lightweight carbon-fiber sport hood. In this first segment, work gets underway with the disassembly and removal of factory body parts including the front and rear bumpers.

Materials:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), some of the specialty tools and materials used in this episode include a fiberglass ground effects kit, cold-air intake system with air filter and carbon-fiber laminate hood. An air-compressor and set of pneumatic tools (including a grinding wheel) is optional, but will be helpful for this project.

DIY Difficulty Rating for the Repair: This job is relatively straightforward, and requires little in the way of specialty tools. It should be easily within reach for most automotive do-it-yourselfers. We gave it a difficulty rating of 2 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. It took us about 8 hours to finish this job. Depending on the nature of your project or vehicle, your work time could vary. As long as you're having a pro doing the painting, allow yourself a full weekend to complete this project properly.

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.

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Ground Effects Kit: Disassembly and Removal of Factory Parts

The initial steps in this project are removal of some of the factory body parts from the vehicle.

Important: Retain all of the old parts and fasteners that you remove from the vehicle. There's a chance you may need some of them if any of the new parts do not fit.

• Begin by removing the trunk-cover (figure A).

• The trunk-cover is held in by plastic plugs which screw out easily (figure B)

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  

• Remove the taillight covers so that you can access and remove the nuts that hold the taillights in place (figure C).

• Remove the taillights and unplug the taillight connectors.

• With the taillights disconnected, pop out and remove the plugs that fasten the bumper cover to the body (figure D). Retain the plugs for use in fastening the new ground-effects body parts.

  Note: If any of the panel plugs break during removal, replacements can be purchased, and they are inexpensive.

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• Remove the two small screws from the bumper cover that hold the cover secure at the corners (figure E).

• Also, at the wheel wells, remove the sheet-metal screws from the forward end of the bumper cover (figure F). These screws hold the bumper cover to the metal skin of the car.

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

• With all the fasteners removed, carefully lift off the rear bumper (figure G) and set it aside for storage.

• On each side of the car, remove the screws that hold the mud-flaps in place, then carefully remove the mudflaps (figure H). This will make way for the rocker-panel kit pieces that will be attached later. Thoroughly clean the body surfaces exposed when the mudguards are removed.

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  

• Removal of the front bumper-cover is similar to that of the rear. First, remove the plastic plugs from across the front, top edge of the bumper cover (figure I).

• Remove the sheet screws from the ends.

• Carefully lift off the front bumper cover, taking care to detach the connecting wires for the turn signals (figure J).

  Figure I

  Figure J

  
  

  
  

  
  

  RESOURCES :
  

  The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
  Author: Dan Ramsey
  ISBN: 0028635833
  Alpha Books

  Auto Repair for Dummies
  Author: Deanna Sclar
  ISBN: 0764550896

  
  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
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Performance Add-Ons: Ground-Effects Kit, Part 1
  	Performance Add-Ons: Ground-Effects Kit, Part 2
  	Performance Add-Ons: Cold-Air Intake
  	Performance Add-Ons: Ground-Effects Kit, Final Assembly