Honda Accord Accessories

sockpuppet1969

The full nose mask is a very easy install. It only involves changing one plastic wheel well clip on each side for a combination snap/clip and then putting the mask on the car. Doesn't get much easier.

dcook62

Where can I buy new 2004 Honda EX V6 alloy wheels? Would like to exchange my EX 4 cylinder alloy wheels.

lelandhendrix

In order from least expensive to most expensive: Ebay, HandA, Dealership

figelwump

I'm wondering if it would be possible to get an auto EXV6 with 17" wheels? They come stock on the 6-speed coupe, which is the same price as the automatic. Can't see why they wouldn't do it, but wondering if people have had any experience with this...

whitecloud1

Wish I'd thought of it sooner and I'd have gotten those wheels too. I know that anything they offer can be had for an agreed price.

littlegreen

Has anyone purchased a roof rack for an Accord 04 Ex ?

 If so, once installed can they taken off easily when not in use. Does leaving it on decrease gas mileage. Any cost comparsons buying from Honda or not buying from Honda ?

odyenvy

I just finished installing the full nosemask and gold emblem kit. Both were easier than I expected, although smaller hands/arms would have been helpful when replacing the "H" on the front grill. Still, I was able to do it without breaking anything or scratching any paint, even with my meat hooks.

Saturday I'll put on the splash guards. That too should be pretty easy--the service guy at my dealership told me that it provides a little more leverage for turning the screws if you jack up the rear end when doing the rear wheel splash guards. I try that if necessary.

figelwump

yeah, i'm hoping they'll do it without charging extra ... wonder why there is no price difference between 6-speed v6 coupe and the automatic counterparts, given the larger wheels?

cwrigh01

Funny that you mention the 6-speed's 17" wheels. I just installed them on my EXV6 sedan a couple of weeks ago. Got them from H&A (can't beat the prices unless you go used). I got the Dunlop tires from NTB in 215/50-17 size. Here's a pic in case you were curious what they looked like:

http://home.houston.rr.com/cwrigh01/accord/photo99.jpg

The car is just screaming out for them...the 16's are way to small

cwrigh01

I had the roof rack on my TL-S and it was SO loud. If you are wanting it for a bike, I recommend a hitch-mounted rack instead.

jmaxe

For the rear splash guards you will need a very short snub-nosed screw driver or a ratchet wrench with a driver head to get to the middle screw. It is very close to the tire but not impossible. I've read that some have removed the wheel but that is overkill. Good luck.

figelwump

... very nice, the look is much improved. have you noticed an improvement in handling as well?

btw is the silver trim around the windows standard on the EX?

blane

littlegreen:

ANYTHING that you mount on a vehicle will increase its wind resistance, weight and fuel consumption.

lelandhendrix

Crome window trim is standard across the line.

I upgraded to 17s with some performance tires on my LX and the cornering difference is amazing.

cwrigh01

I honestly can't say the cornering difference is all that improved, but then I only had the car for a few days before putting these wheels on. It still doesn't corner as well as my old TL-S, but then again, the ride is so much more composed than the TL-S, so I'm happy.

And yes, the silver trim is standard, it just "pops" out more with the windows tinted. And notice the chrome exhaust tips--very few people get these, but I really like them.

tofutuner

I have recently installed a Cold Air Intake (AEM V2) on my 1998 Accord EX Coupe, a 4 cylinder. I am about to install a DC header and a GReddy catback (EVO II stainless steel). I plan on using the stock catalytic converter between the two. Anybody have some advise regarding this modification? Will the stock cat. converter work alright or should I get a hi flow cat. converter? And if so, does anyone have any recommendations as to which brands are best?
Will I need to reset anything afterwards? Should I disconnect the battery and reconnect after the install? I would appreciate the benefit of anyones experience with this. Thanks.

acalandra

Just purchased a 2004 Accord LX V6 Sedan in satin silver. Would have preferred the EX, but the sun roof just took up a bit too much head room for my liking. Anyway, I was thinking about dressing up the interior a bit, and wondered if anyone has installed the oem Honda leather steering wheel cover? How was the install, and are you happy with the fit and appearance? I may eventually have a leather interior put in, and any info on this would be much appreciated as well. Got a set of EX V6 alloy wheel off of E-Bay for $355, but have yet to have them installed.

Thanks

Tony

skelm

Some info
It treats directories on the burned CD like CD's. So if you have a CD with 7 directories it will call them CD 1 Track 1 for the first CD 3 Track 2 for the third folder. You can navigate through the dirs just like you do the built in 6 CD changer. The steering wheel commands work. No ID3 tags it just displays CD#, Track# and length of song. It doesn't work with the voice commands of the NAVI model but doesn't interefere with them (i.e. you can still switch to XM from MP3 player voice - just not back to the MP3 player). It shows up as CD-P on the dash display. The sound quality is amazing

figelwump

wondering what people thought of the different trim options available for 2003/04 accord? believe the non-standard choices are metal-look, birdseye, and burlwood ... are they worth it? do they look/feel cheap?

also, how much does installation usually run for the trims?

thanks

lelandhendrix

I have a White sedan with Ivory interior and the Birdseye kit REALLY dressed my interior up.

If you have a darker color, the burlwood might look good but in my light interior I didn't like it. The birdseye doesn't look terribly fake either.

Do the installation yourself. It couldn't be easier. Took my 30 minutes while being very careful. Just be sure to thoroughly clean the areas first to remove any type of protectant (armor-all or whatever) from the surface. It MUST be completely clean.

abpelch1

We liked the beige interior, but would only get it on an LX. We got an EX & didn't like the wood trim that came with the beige. Not that it looks really bad, but just not our style. So, we decided to get a graphite pearl that comes with the grey interior with faux brushed aluminum accents. I think the brushed aluminum looks durable, authentic & pretty sporty, much better than some other cars (Mazda6) that just have a faux titanium trim that looks pretty cheap & will probably show wear in a couple of years.

As far as the trim packages installed after purchase, I haven't had any experience with them, but I would imagine that if you bought it from the dealer it would be comparible in looks & quality to what is in a new Accord EX.

atlantabenny

I mixed the OEM burlwood kit with the EX-L's factory aluminum trim with pretty good results. The only kits I can recommend are the original Honda products. They fit exactly, and the quality is impeccable although I left out the air vent surrounds, which I thought were extraenous. BTW, I regret purchasing later the non-OEM kit (the one with 120+ pieces, vinyl material) because they looked 2 notches lower in quality.

vteclover

i recently purchased a Honda Accord as a day to day commuter car to get me from point A to B. Here I was, trying to budget, get a good deal at the dealership etc. and the furthest thing from my mind was to customized, make it all sporty etc. (I had that done that before, previous owner of '94 EX - Cpe and '92 SE Cpe with all the bells and whistles -- and after market accessories you can think of)... no way was I going to get involved with that, I mean, I had a new CL-55 AMG parked right next door, that was my true beauty and love.... then all of the sudden I get this urge, I see my new Green Pearl Accord as a thing of beauty as well.. I start to tint the windows.... Hmmm, looks NICE! Llumar 35% all 6 windows of course.... then.. I get the urge to add a full on Burl wood wood kit (never been a faux wood kit, actually use to think they were tacky --- but all the sudden we install it -- and wow! the car changes...) ....later online I find HandA-Accesories online.. and I buy a leather steering wrap, leather shift knob and the outside temp. gauge.... wow... car is looking really nice..

I NEED HELP! I am becoming obsessed with my making my car the Accessories Gremlin from Hell!

I recently but a chrome grill for lower section of the bumper and in the process of buying rims/tires, update the speakers... thinking of XM and Navigating system and upgrading car to leather!! I know, I know --- I SHOULD OF GOTTEN AN EX! But thing was, I didn't want to spend $2400-3200 more to have a sunroof and tires I didn't want... so I am doing it the hard way....

So this is where I require the help of Accord lovers as myself... can you guys give me some feedback etc. on the car... from reading many of the post (about 20 pages worth) I find there is a lot of sophisticated Honda Accord experts here, or at least people with good insight!

Thanks for any help and happy driving...

Below are a few ?'s

1) Has anyone here experimented with the HID/ Xenon upgrades, how well do they look on the 2003/2004 head lamps? I am not talking about the faux-Xenon bulbs available everywhere for $20+ a bulb, a bulb that burns at too high wattage and is coated in blue etc. I am talking about the whole conversion/upgrade kit, the $350-500 kits, I wanted to find out if anyone had any experience with these type of kits... how well do the 7000K - 9000K HID look on the Honda lighting housing. I really like the HID lighting look, like my Mercedes... it really gives a nice touch -- although I do know they're annoying as heck to other drivers.

2) I have the 2004 LX Sedan, has the standard deck, was wondering if the EX upgraded deck would work or the Navigating deck would work / fit ?? I was hoping to somehow eventually come across the EX deck or the Navigating deck..... would love to upgrade to that... not sure if the wiring process (if applicable) would even work!? Maybe some out there have insight on this....

3) I had 17" Fitapaldis 40 Z-rated on my '92 Accord.... Amazing Look! But I did sacrifice the comfort in ride etc. I am a big guy and I am afraid of going 17's on my new accord... I definitely would not have 40-50 size tires.. but I don't want to sacrifice smoothness and nice ride of my current 15" wheel covers Anyone here upgrade to big 17? Any big difference, better/ worse? I think I may be too chicken and only bump up to 16's..... who knows...

4) FYI, on Ebay I found a company that sells "original" Honda Accord Leather seating for $375 + shipping, not bad because it will cost me $150-200 to install... so... about $600 for leather factory seats.... better then "dealer" prices of $1175...

5) Any hints on upgrade in speakers... do I really need to upgrade deck, I would hate to lose the deck because it is housed nicely and I can't imagine any "deck kit" being to obtain and nice smooth look as original stock. So what do you guys recommend if I plan to keep the deck? I will likely add XM radio (I guess I could add it through the decks AUX channel) ....I want good 6.5 front (maybe a tweeter?)... and nice 6 x 9's.... maybe Boston Acoustics or MB Quartz? Not sure... would likely need an amp to run those.... Just some background info: I like a little thump in my system, nothing out of control... something I could hear nice and clear and have a nice punch here and there.... I rather have concert quality then some out of control thumping down the street thing.

Ok! Sorry guys for so much info and ?'s

finally, I don't plan to add a spoiler to my Accord, I think it looks nice and clean without it... I also removed all accord, LX markings etc....

Waiting for feedback!!

BYE!

tlauro

you will want to avoid using any detailer polishing cloth or the like on even a dusty car. you will indeed be buffing, polishing and moving that same dust and dirt around on your clearcoat. over time, especially if you have a dark color, you will have swirls and hairline scratches beyond control. Even white will show it badly in the evening light and under lights at night.

tlauro

WOW. You must be used to some cushy American Cars if you think the accord is tight. It's actually pretty soft, especially in the turns. Doubt many aftermarket systems for the Accords will offer a softer ride. Very unlikely.

"The new Accords are way too tight for every day commuting."

tlauro

IMO, you should shop around or just plain be frank with your 3M Installer. Should cost you around $500.

I have my current two and had three previous vehicles protected and can't say enough about the product. Well....it's worth every penny. Priceless really. You're already seeing one of the reasons.

IMO, Bra's are for cars circa 1980's.

"I did not want to lay out the $700.00 plus for the 3mm clear cover, so I installed the full bra on Saturday."

tlauro

email me at pdqgp@yahoo.com

rules here won't allow me to share the information you need.

tlauro

your interest in 17" wheels....just make a deal when you buy your car. some dealers will do swaps some won't. you may just have to buy them and sell your stock ones....or keep them for winter.

tlauro

Read a post regarding HID's...no problem on the 7th Gen Accords.

Lots of options. You can use those from Acura's, buy aftermarket....see my sig.....or retro a projector beam light and HID set from say the S2000 as many have.

I went with 4300k temps as anything above 5k adds color and actually outputs lower levels of illumination on the road. Kids like the colors, but the color really comes from the Projector Beams on imports and domestics are begining to use....not the lamps. Those projectors have a very sharp 'cutoff' on the light thus they prevent any likely glare to oncoming drivers.

Our reflectors are designed very well and no 'scatter' is thrown into oncoming traffic. You'll be fine with HID's. I actually raised mine a bit and am still fine.

2003 Taffeta White & Ivory AV6 EX Sedan w/Navi
3M Clear Protection Bra on all sides
17" Honda Rims / Michellin Pilots / Locking Lugs
Injen CAI
Greddy E-Manage Fuel/VTEC Control
04 TL Sway Bars, Front & Rear (NEW!)
Catz Rising White 4300k HID's
OEM Rear Wing
Shaved Emblems but with Gold H's
Door Visors, Moonroof Visor and Mud Gaurds
Black Diamond Shaped Grille-Tech
Viper Remote Starter / Alarm w/ Batt. Backup
Eclipse Components & 6x9's w/Eclipse Amp & Kicker 10"Solo-Baric Sub w/Kicker Amp

tlauro

I would suggest, as others have, handaaccessories.com great dealer that promotes Honda and Acura accessories.

That's where I purchased my combo of 17" Euro Style wheels bundled with Michelin Pilots. Love them.

Side View:
http://www.pbase.com/image/20425960

Close Up:
http://www.pbase.com/image/21517562

Front Qtr:
http://www.pbase.com/image/21517563

More pics to come.

vteclover

Did the 17's change the ride or comfort of accord at all???

vteclover

How do you keep you cars so shinny and clean? Anything special you use to wash or weekly rituals etc. I recently got the "yearly" shield, forget the name.. sillicone base... to prevwnt having to wax car...

I saw some spray on wax you spray and buff off on QVC, demos looked good.. you did it after you wash it....

Also heard McGuires, all their products were good....

? of the day... does terry cloth towels scratch or make swirls of dark paint.. that's my big feal... I have a dark green pearl...

whitecloud1

Terry cloth seems good to me. Don't use a towel washed in fabric softener. It makes streaks. Better for drying is the chamois-like cloths at auto stores. I like the terry best for polishing if I use a wax. If you want to wipe of pollen,dust get a "California Duster". They work well.

tlauro

The 17's themselves prolly wouldn't change the ride too much. It's the tires that did the good job. My Pilots are all season performance tires. Rides a little stiffer but offers more road feel. Firmer riding isn't a bad thing. The car performs much better in curves and overall improves handling and safety.

tlauro

I'm a Zaino Nut. www.zainobros.com

Their gloss enhancer and protectants are by far better than those sold in retail stores. McGuires is good, but it's no Zaino.

Some may disagree, but proof is in the Black Trailblazer if you're looking simply at my photos. Hard to see in the Photos, but their system does last longer and is a show car product. Not a was and not a polish. Read the details on their site as to what the differences are.

Get to know what Clay is. I use Clay Bar Brand which is blue in color. Zaino's is okay, but a little stiffer to work with.

I never use cleaners or polishes on my cars. The secret to black is in the towels. Use 100% Egyption Cotton Towels. They aren't the cheap ones from Target, but are the best. Others containt synthetic fibers that will lead to swirls and spider lines over time. Most noticeable on dark colors. Avoid chamios or those fancy drying rags as unlike towels, they don't pick up and hold any dirt particals. Rather they are only geared to water and thus will push particals that get trapped under it around on the surface of your paint.

Also, stick to micro fiber cloths/towels for removing wax. They not only do a super job, they again, will trap and hold dust / particals deep in thier fibers away from the paint. You can actually feel the micro fibers grip the skin on your hand when holding one.

Lastly, use just plain hot water and laundry soap. I prefer to rinse twice as any fabric softeners will cause streaking, etc.....they are basically lubricants that are deposited on clothing and don't work well for polishing cars.

vteclover

You are the best! Thanks for advise! Does Zainos sell those towels, if not, is there a good place to purchase them? The towels you're taking about for removing the wax etc. are different?

How often do you wash/ wax your cars?

I am obsessed with having really clean and shinny car everyday... thats why that spray on wax that you immidiately rubbed out was so appealing....

figelwump

tlauro, wondering if the spoiler you have on your accord is a rear wing or rear deck lid spoiler? (looks very sleek!)

thanks

ken972

Anyone happen to have a picture or an opinion of how the moon roof visor looks on a graphite pearl car? Also Im interested in the metallic trim kit but in the pictures ive seen the color of the metal in the trim kit is a little different then the color that comes with the exv6. Does it look ok when installed?

cwrigh01

My nighthawk black sedan came with a visor, but I had the dealer remove it. They are such a paint to clean and wax around. You should be able to go to Honda.com and use their accessory wizard to see what it would look like (or just take a trip to your nearest dealer, where they probably have one already installed).

tlauro

Thanks for the kind words. The Factory Wing is what is installed, not the trunk lid style, but rather the wing with integrated brake light.

Here's a recent pic I like

http://www.pbase.com/image/27724337

whitecloud1

I don't think the moonroof visor is hard to clean at all. I have one on both my Hondas. They're good for keeping noise down at highway speeds and without one the air really pours in. Just thought you might like another opinion.

ken972

Thanks! The size of the visor is kinda bothering me. But it does seem like a really nice to have item.

On the topic of car mats. I have a 04 exv6 that came with car mats. I notice on the collegehills site they sell both the premium mats and the standard mats that came with the car. Can anyone explain how the premium mats are cheaper then the standard mats? Is there a significant increase in quality between the standard and premium? Seems odd.

sistar

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/home.jsp

their tire and wheel complete package looks attractive on paper:
16 x 7 Tires
205/55R-16 V-rate tires
for $449

Has anybody done deal with them care to share experience?

gatrhumpy

Has anyone ever tried to put in a 5.1 surround sound processor in a 2004 Honda Accord with navigation? I would like to add a center channel speaker (like the one on the 2004 Acura TL) and a 5.1 surround sound processor. I know Pioneer makes one from Crutchfield, but I wonder how this would integrate with the Honda Accord Navigation system. Could I cut the top of the dash to mount the center speaker, or would I have to mount it in the "cubby hole" location?

cwrigh01

I have bought from Discount before with no problems. However, I would imagine with this package you would get what you pay for since the entire price is what you would pay for good quality tires alone. They don't state what tires come with the vehicle and I bet those wheels are heavy heavy heavy.

lelandhendrix

I bought my set from wheelmax and got a great deal on good products from them.

jmnemonic

Get Microfiber towels. They put terry cloth to shame. Especially for waxing, and drying.

firemann1

Noticed today that www.handa.com has the Honda XM radio kit for the 2003 Accord at a special price of $299. The web page indicates this is a limited time offer - no end date is indicated.

I have no connection to handa.com and have had good service with parts I've ordered from them.

I'm tempted. If only the programming was less expensive than $10 per month.

rumpletzer

I've never had window tinting done before, and I'm not sure how to pick someone. Any positive experiences in the Santa Barbara or Ventura county areas? I've seen prices from $100 to $300 posted here. Anyone else have an idea of what one pays in south CA?

I've read the previous posts on tinting... in the end I may just have the dealer do it... or call a Mercedes dealer and ask them, right?

blane

Actually, if you want to pay for five years of programming up front, XM only costs $7.48 per month. There's a sliding scale of years and dollars.

I chose not to subscribe after the three month freebie.