The Quick Tip DIY Thread

[bodiez]

For DIY tips not worthy of a whole thread...but notable nonetheless.
(Mods: just an idea. delete if you want )

-For keyless entry: the door lock/unlock wires are NOT under the dash. They are black red/black white and they are under the carpet on the left side in that large black harness.

[Punkrampant]

Blackhouse tip

Wasn't exactly sure where to put this since I cant find the blackhoused headlights DIY so here goes: The easiest was to seperate the lenses from the housings is in hot water. Fill up a tub, or whatever will fit the headlight assembly, with really hot water and let then sit for approximately 8-10 minutes. Then gently pry them apart by slipping a slotted screwdriver in between the lense and housing and twisting the screwdriver (only a little). Then go all around the assembly slowly turning the screwdriver a little more each time. By the time I had one end seperated I just pulled it out by hand. Then you know what to do.

-Andre

[mondojackal]

Wasn't exactly sure where to put this since I cant find the blackhoused headlights DIY so here goes: The easiest was to seperate the lenses from the housings is in hot water. Fill up a tub, or whatever will fit the headlight assembly, with really hot water and let then sit for approximately 8-10 minutes. Then gently pry them apart by slipping a slotted screwdriver in between the lense and housing and twisting the screwdriver (only a little). Then go all around the assembly slowly turning the screwdriver a little more each time. By the time I had one end seperated I just pulled it out by hand. Then you know what to do.

-Andre

i have heard to just bake them in the oven, but i like this idea much better....good idea man!!

[abdielitopr]

i have heard to just bake them in the oven, but i like this idea much better....good idea man!!

yeah, well i have always done them in the oven, 2-3 minutes max, and comes right off, you may need a screwdriver or something to pry it open, but works great....this method is new, may have to try it someday!

[TypeG]

The easiest was to seperate the lenses from the housings is in hot water. Fill up a tub, or whatever will fit the headlight assembly, with really hot water and let then sit for approximately 8-10 minutes.

the only problem i can see with this is, the chrome plating in the headlight isn't like the chrome that is on metal. the chrome plated plastic is very delicate. i could see water spots being a ploblem and wipeing it would probably sratch the chrome or most likely dull it. later.

[puckle]

I tried to take apart some clear corners in boiling water........BAD IDEA

[abdielitopr]

I tried to take apart some clear corners in boiling water........BAD IDEA

sorry to hear dat...what happened exactly...i guess ill stick to the oven (if they are OEM)

[Punkrampant]

I took apart factory corners in hot water. Came out fine.

[Weezo182]

i used a flat head and works great

[SuddenCb7]

the only problem i can see with this is, the chrome plating in the headlight isn't like the chrome that is on metal. the chrome plated plastic is very delicate. i could see water spots being a ploblem and wipeing it would probably sratch the chrome or most likely dull it. later.

Yeah you do have to be careful with the chorme on the inside. When i removed the masking tape it took a little bit of the chrome off with it. I used the in the oven method and it worked very well.

[cp[mike]]

i drip of water got in the back of my old jdm headlights and i tried to use a q-tip to dry up the drop before it left a spot, and it scratched right into the chrome... so be careful with the chrome, its very easy to scratch up!

[That1guyN8]

wow! Those headlights came out looking new. ^^^

[TypeG]

metal identification tips

this is to help the average person to better determine and identify the types of metal that are on their car.

chrome plating- a black residue will not appear on a rag when using metal polish for bare metal. it may or may not be magnetic depending on what type of metal its plated to. it may or may not spark depending agian on the metal its plated to. it will not rust unless it gets pits on the surface (common on Harley's). about the only chrome plated metal found on the accord is the seatbelt latches and the headrest poles (not counting the chromed plastic).

aluminum- its lighter than steel. it will form a black residue when a metal polish is applied. it does not rust and it resists corrosion. it does not spark. it is not magnetic. it also disapates sound and heat faster than most other metals. it is mostly found in the engine bay. intake manifold, head, block, tanny case, componets, ect.

mild steel- it's magnetic. it sparks. it will rust. it will make a black residue when polished. it contains a small amount of carbon. its malleabe, but tough. its found all over the car, body, fenders, interior, motor, ect.

brass- its a yellowish metal made from a copper and zinc alloy. its non magnetic. it will not rust, but it will corrode. it will make a black residue when polished. it doesn't spark, which makes it suitable for use around fire hazards, example, a brass punch and hammer to work on the fuel system. found in the cooling system.

stainless steel- it sparks. its magnetic. it makes a black residue when polished. its a steel alloy that is virtually immune to corrosion and rust. usually found on aftermarket exhuast and the window trim.

later.

[maroonaccord2.2]

Good info.Just a quick note.....most varieties of stainless are not magnetic. Although there are a few that are, they are categorized as "magnetically soft." Some stainless gains magnetic properties by being cold-worked. (i.e. cold drawn or polished pieces)

[TypeG]

customizing custom clear corners

here is the original corner lights thread by ACCORDianate: http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=32381

i decided to do something a lilttle different with the Depo brand clear corners. i seperated with the same method as the thread above. the difference is i painted the inserts amber instead of blacking the housing. here are some pics:




this is the piece i'm after


i sprayed them with krylon stained glass paint. IMO it lays down well.




finished product








BTW these are 7 years old (plastic polish hehe)
later.