Honda Accord Accessories

yrmac

I am thinking of installing the Type-S Strut Tower Bar on my 6th Gen v-6 Accord. Has anyone ever try this mod? If so, what is the torque specs on the nuts and bolts for the tower bar?

I installed the type-s rear sway bar and the car handling went from hu-hum to yee-haw and for about $80.00, this is probably the most bang for the buck mod that I did on the car.

The tower bar is only $60.00 CDN ...

davegod75

where did you purchase this? what it easy to install? how long did it take you?

are there instructions?

thanks

venanzik

I just purchased a 2003 accord sedan and was thinking about adding the lip spoiler. I have found it much cheaper at many of the online honda parts suppliers than the honda dealership. but if i buy online, whom do i get to perform the installation?

yrmac

Davegod--- Just go to your local Acura dealer and ask them to order you the TL Type-S 19mm. sway bar, however, specify TYPE-S since the regular TLs have the same sway bar as the Accord (17mm.). They are about $60.00CDN, more likely around $30.00 to $40.00 in your area. You will also need the 19 mm. bushings(X2), the 19 mm. bracket (X2), and the bolts (X4). The bolts are there just in case your original bolts get stripped during the process. The brackets and bushings are needed since your originals are 17mm. in diameter. Basic tools you need are socket wrench, Allen key, and lots of WD-40 if your Accord is more than a year old. The bolts are mighty tight. If you check your sway bar, the process is pretty much self-explanatory. The Allen key is needed to unbolt the sway from the end links...

winbro

has anybody had the fog lights installed on the 03 accord? if so dealer installed or do it yourself?

mikek37

Do it yourself.Youll save lots of cash that way. I installed the decklid myself, from a 1-10 it was a bout a 3. Pice of cake, and I received the satisfaction of knowing I did it myself.

tlauro

Go with the CATZ Rising White Lights. You have until Aug 15th to get them as that's when non-OEM manufacturers will have to stop selling them here in the states. YOu can still prolly get them from Canada or Japan though.

Mine are going in on Saturday.

tlauro

Just my thoughts, but I've had them in the past and currently on an MPV Van. They 'look' good in some applications...to me anyway...like on our van, but on the accord....not sure. My GTP had one and I liked it, but be sure to mount it correctly as depending on the installation method, it can easily rub or scratch the paint.

I prefer the 3M material since it's much more effective. Totally clear and bug gaurds really only protect a small portion of the hood.

Check out my pics here: http://www.pbase.com/pdqgp

tlauro

yes, the door visors will cover a larger % of the chrome trim, but it's not really a big deal or what not.

they are pretty functional and look good. I don't have a close up pic yet, but if you would like, just email me and I'll send you one.

http://www2.pbase.com/image/19580513

is about as close as I have.

lobo2458

#413 winbro. I had the fog lights installed at the dealer before taking delivery of the car. I have a 03 Accord Coupe and they make a big difference in the car, it looks more aggressive and/or sporty to me. I had them installed at the dealer for two reasons: I didn't want to mess with the electrical components of my new car and second of all having them installed at the dealer it is covered in the basic warranty of the car. If you choose the dealer to install them be prepare to pay a fortune. I don't know what Honda model you have, but in the sedan version you have to open a hole into the bumper panel. The coupe version has an space for it already built. I don't remember the post but I read of someone installing them by himself and he was very succesfull. Try searching in this board under the fog lights subject.

mikek37

For the sedan, the fog lights are installed by anchoring them inisde the bumper intake. No new cuts are made. For installation , probably be around 350 bucks, which I believe is a rip off. Try it yourself, if you cant do it, then have an independent shop throw them in.

winbro

so dealer install would go for about $700 installed - have them on my jeep & they sure make a difference in snow & spotting deer.

venanzik

Mike did you order you spoiler online? and i assume the color matched perfect (somthing i always worry about). I found a site which sells the spoiler and post directions on how to install. It showed that a heavy duty spring was needed for the trunk in order for it to support the weight of the spoiler to keep the trunk open when open. to do this it mentioned a special tool..did u do this step? did u do it with the tool or yourself? thanks
PS the site also showed that you would have to cut the bumper on the sedan for the fog lights.
www.handa-accessories.com

mikek37

I purchased the product online, shipping was quick, you might want to check out another site, cant remember the name, but the shipping is about 3.95 compared to about 25 dollars from the place I purchased it from. The spoiler is the same exact spoiler the dealer will install for you. (OEM even says HONDA on it) THe color matched perfectly.

In all honesty, Its quite simple to put on. They give you a template which you tape down, then you have to drill a few holes, I believe its three to exact. THis is the part people are afraid of, but its quite easy, it requires two seperate drill bits.

If you take your time, you will be fine.

The hardest part were the springs, and you really do need the tool to remove and reinstall them. The spoiler comes with stronger springs therefore allowing the trunk to pop open with the increased weight of the spoiler.

Good luck, do it and save yourself some money.

anonymousposts

Our fog lights were installed by the dealer for $495 on our SI and the same on our 03 Accord. Definitely worth letting the dealer do it so they will be covered under warranty for 3 years.

filod

I had mine installed by a dealer. I am not very good in installing (even with instructions!)
so I did not want to take the risk.

I cannot remember how much I paid but it was below $100 ($75 or $95). I was also advised that for something electrical like the fog lights, it is x3 or $285 (if $95).

Yes the color is exactly the same - I visited Handa-acc and the other site I went was

http://www.collegehillshonda.com/parts/extension/accord/03accord.- - htm

lelandhendrix

{bump}

I'm trying to find a place to purchase the birdseye wood look trim for my door switches on a 2003 sedan. Also interested in the center trim for the cubby and shifter. Anyone know where I can find it? I've seen it in lots of pictures but can't seem to find it anywhere.

Thanks!

Leland

briansbluetoy

Found this product some might be interested in using for mounting cell phone or xmradio unit in the accord

http://bracketron.com/xmain/manuals/HON-100-03.pdf

robr2

That looks very similar to this:

http://www.panavise.com/nf/comm/indash/indashviewfinalimage.html?- modelID=32454034781618739

I've used this brand in the past and have been very happy.

briansbluetoy

I am now just getting around to putting XM Radio (delphi) unit in my 03. I have had the soundgate aux converter for some time (battery powered mp3 player). The system works great...

Today I plugged in the Delphi unit and TONS of static and engine noise coming over the speakers. I presume from the 12v plug (previous use of the soundgate was via AA batts).

I read your post about the pioneer xm radio, and wondering if this is a delphi or accord or soundgate problem.

Any ideas?

brian

maxhonda99

Anybody have one of these installed for their last generation Accord?

eswanborg

No, I have virtually no static or any electrical interference with my XM through Soundgate. There are times as the channel is loading that I can hear a tiny little whine, but nothing while it's actually playing.

I would have to guess, as you do, that it's the 12v plug. Maybe you could try a different place to pull the 12v from? DIfferent fuse?

Hope you get it working.

briansbluetoy

A few posts ago, I reported tons of noise being induced to the audio system with my dephi xm radio and soundgate.

I am happy to report that a ground loop isolator from Radio Shack $15 completely fixed the noise problem.

Radio Shack Catalog #: 270-054

brian

briansbluetoy

I was using the cig lighter plug near the change compartment. I will wire directly to a fuse to check and see if I can eliminate the ground loop isolator.

thx, brian

blane

Why would anyone want to pay $10 or $12 per month to listen to their car radio?

briansbluetoy

Blane/all, yea, my wife says the same thing. I really enjoy music. I spend about $100 annually on CDs anyway so its almost a wash.

Managing CDs really stinks. Yea, my awesome 03 accord has a 5cd changer, the center hidden compartment can hold nearly 100 discs but its a HASSLE to change cds and the one you want to hear is never in the changer. Radio stations are good periodically throughout the year (in terms of content I want) in my area. Most times I flip through the 9 or so stations only to be disappointed.

Frustrated, I then went with an indash mP3 player. Pretty cool, 230 songs on one cd. Now its more likely the song I want to hear is in the player. Then I got the accord and not real conducive to Aftermarket in-dash players (the OEM one is pretty cumbesome to use due to directory mgmt). I then got an archos 20 gb portable mp3 player. Holds all my songs. I just buy cds and rip them....back to $100/yr.

The satelite radio proposition gives me lots of good quality content across my favorite genres. (60s, 70s, 80s, country, top 20, 80s dance, classic rock) AND I get discovery channel and cnn, comedy etc. I can always find something interesting to listen to.

My wife, well she constantly turns the volume down in her car so you never hear the radio anyway.

Live Large!

eswanborg

As briansbluetoy said, the options. I commute at least an hour each way in LA everyday. Can't stand commercials and hate spending $15-20 per CD, which I'll listen to several times (and really enjoy), but then get tired of the same music over and over. I have a library of several hundred discs, but am not inspired by many of them for day to day listening. And with at least an hour in the car, that's one disc per drive, which doesn't take long to run through what I might have with me at any given point.

I listen to some of the music stations but more often find myself listening to the other options, like Comedy or Discovery. And things like VH1, plays some of their Storyteller or Behind the Music shows on the radio. Not always great, but certainly different. It's just something other than Top 40 radio or talk - broadcast radio drives me crazy, both its content and mostly its commercials.

It's a very well spent $10/month for me.

moolman

I got the decklid for my accord installed at a dealer bought from handaaccessories, cost was $128, should of done it myself. I did the fog lights myself, which are a real pain because of the cutting of the bumper and the tie wraps. I would do the fogs yourself because of the various tie wraps you have to do. Took me about 6 hours.

Alex

lelandhendrix

I installed the outside temperature gauge on my accord. I'm now interested in the fog lights but have been told they can't co-exist. Anyone know why?

moolman

lelandhendrix,
  The fog lights and outside temp gauge use the same wiring slot, whatever that thing is where you plug the accessory into the car, so if you have one, you can't get the other. I installed the fog lights myself and it seems legit.

Alex

sockpuppet1969

I noticed that satellite radio is going to be included on all '04 EX-L's and EX-V6 Accords (www.hondanews.com). Are they going to put it where the storage console below the radio/nav system currently sits? Will it be integrated into the nav system? And most importantly, how much will it cost for me to get the integrated system installed in my '03 EX-L sedan?

draggcj

Can someone tell me(with great confidense); will installing aftermarket wheels on my 2003 Accord have any effect on the factory warranty? They would have a +40 or +45 offset. They would fit fine, i think the factory wheels are +50 offset.

thanks in advance!!

anonymousposts

if I had waited till 2004 I would have XM radio????? Oh well, at least I have the 6-disc to console me.

blane

anonymousposts:
briansbluetoy:
eswanborg:

Did you mean that your six disks are behind your console? Or, that they are some sort of consol(ation) to you?

Seriously folks, it's clear that some segment of the population will be pleased to spend $120 bucks EVERY YEAR to listen to their car radio. I'm not part of that segment, nor do I believe that the segment represents a majority of drivers. It's like the small segment of the market who will only buy a stick shift. We self-shifters are adamant about not driving a slush box.

Honda's making XM radio a standard item in 2004 Accords (with a three free month subscription) surely doesn't mean that many owners will want it there. It will just be like the many cars sold loaded with On-Star, a feature that will never be used, or subscribed-to after the initial freebie subscription intended to sucker you in, expires.

When I turn on my car radio I can listen to my choice of perhaps forty or fifty AM or FM stations FOR FREE. I can pop in any tape or CD that I choose. I can even whistle to myself. Sorry, unless I lived in the middle of the desert, with no choice of stations, I wouldn't want a satellite radio hogging space behind my console and making me feed it cash.

moolman

I would think for a clean look, the XM radio will be integrated into the radio, instead of taking up room in the center console.

Besides that the XM radio is not FREE, I'm not talking about the subscription fee. The price of a car that has it which is the EXV6 will go up $600 MSRP, hence the XM radio cost.

Alex

briansbluetoy

I have my dealer looking into what the cost would be to add the integrated xm to my 03 exv6 sedan. Although, I have heard its about $750. Thats a lotta $$ to have it integrated. I have mine stashed in the center console that way i can shut the lid and it is hidden when i park the car.

Also, consider this, with the Delphi system, I spent $340 and I get XM anywhere I want it.

www.xmradio.com

Tuner w/remote, Home adapter, car adapter, Boom box

ps, Blane: the 120 cost EVERY year is a wash since I used to buy that many cds annually anyway

anonymousposts

2.3% increase on EX V6 Accords isn't anything to whine about. It is still a value-leader compared to equally equipped cars. The top-selling LX is only going up $100, same for the EX 4-cylinder. Before you complain about a $600 increase tell me what car will be cheaper than an Accord EX V6 with equal equipment, refinement, performance, and safety.

You are forgetting that Honda is adding side-curtain airbags to all V6 models and EX models with leather and there will be a side curtain airbag option on EX models with cloth.

As for the XM, I live in the sticks and my favorite radio stations start fading out about 10 miles before I get home. I can spend that $10 per month and not have to worry about that OR buy CD's. And if you travel you never have to worry about finding a radio station you like. Probably extremely useful for those techno, classical, talk radio fans, and even folk music fans out there. This, of course, is spoken by somebody who spends $100 a month for satellite TV.

Most important thing to remember is Honda's philosophy isn't to allow people to customize an Accord for each individual person. You take it or leave it. That's how they keep the pricing competitive. If you want a personal "designed-for-you" mode of transportation go drop $315,000 and commission a Maybach. Otherwise be happy that at least you have the option of XM radio covered under factory warranty, whether you choose to use it or not.

moolman

anonymousposts ,
Nobody complained about the price going up. If Honda wants to add XM fine, they don't force you to subscribe. I just pointed out that the XM is paid for by the price increase. Chill......

Alex

anonymousposts

So are the addition of side curtain airbags to EX, EX-L, and LX V6 models.

atlantabenny

An offset below the factory wheel's +55 could mean problems if you claim drivetrain (especially CV joints and related suspension parts) repairs within the 3/36 period.

A +40 offset, for one, - in widening the car's track - also increases stress on the suspension parts because the wheels have a longer fulcrum. Besides, almost certainly the rims will rub the fenders in that offset with a full passenger and/or baggage load.

Enthusiast forums indicate that minimum offset is +48 to +50 to avoid fender rubbing. But this doesn't mean one avoids a voided warranty should there be problems traceable to off-spec rims.

Best best, which I've done myself, is to get the Acura TL Type S, TSX / Accord 6M rims that have the same +55 offset - if 17 inchers are enough. Or else, get bigger rims with the +55 offset, although I understand these are very rare.

venanzik

Do they make a rear sunshade for the 2003's yet? i did see a site which listed them for the 98-02 cars. any one have one of those instaled? if so does it fit well and look like it was part of the car or does it just look like an after thought.

venanzik

how do you do it? i think ive taken all the screws out (hidden ones behind air vents and switch gear) but the dash doesnt want to budge around the lower part where the ashtray goes (took 2 out from the back in there). do the two that hold the ashtray bracket on have to be removed? any help would help. thanks.

draggcj

Thanks for the reply. It's the best answer so far. My dealer service dept. says "I don't see why it would effect the warranty, as long as you don't go overboard". Hondawarranty.com told me to contact Honda customer service, who told me about the same thing my dealer told me. they couldn't tell me anything concrete either. I read over the warranty info and nowhere does it even make mention of aftermarket wheels/tires. Not even in the steering and suspension sections.

I calculated that if I were to install +40 offset wheels with 215's on them the ground-contact points of the (inside edge of the)tires would only be moving outward 10mm, or about 3/8 of an inch. I don't really know much about suspension and such but 3/8" sounds pretty insignificant to me. what do you think?

thanks again!!

eswanborg

In terms of why: some people may be happy still with a set of rabbit ears on a 9" TV watching B&W Lucy reruns - others have 84" HDTV systems with progressive scan DVD, etc. etc. etc. It's all a matter of choice, some people want more options.

As for the integrated units available right now - my opinion is that you'd be better off technically and probably happier to go the route of the AUX adapter. The XM available right now from Honda is still FM modulated, so you're paying $700 (or whatever it is) and not getting the best sound quality you can - which you could have for about $300 all in.

I've got the Pioneer unit, so the controller is in the armrest - not a big deal, it's a very small unit. It's easily accessible, but also hides away without any trouble.

atlantabenny

Glad to help. Here's a way to know how aftermarket rims would deviate from factory specs:

Rim Offset (mm):
OEM 55
Aftermkt 40
Diff 15

Tires (mm):
OEM 205
Aftermkt 215
Diff 10 / 2 or 5mm

Rim Width (inch):
OEM 6.5
Aftermkt 7.5
Diff 1.0 / 2 or 12mm

Total increase: 32 mm or 1.25 in

I actually put on 17 in rims with 40mm offset and 215mm width on our Accord and, although they looked good, they didn't look to have enough fender clearance with a full load.

ittybitty

Yrmac
Just curious - what are the benefits you obtained from improving the sway bar? Did the lateral handling tighten up? I'm wondering how this affects tires and road grip. what about bump absorption ? did this change ?

johnnyb11

Has anyone put a tow hitch on their 03 Accord yet? If so, then what are you pulling, what do you know about limits, not just pulling limits but also tongue weight limits. I want to use a tow hitch for a hitch mounted bike rack, which will probably get pretty heavy with 3 or 4 bikes. Does anyone know if this is okay???

snoopy33

Has anyone tried putting an In-Dash CD changer in an Accord LX? I know Honda will charge a lot to do this (around $800) and I saw on handa-accessories.com that you can buy it and put it in yourself. Although they caution that it is not for "do-it-yourselfers". I also saw that you can put a CD changer under the armrest in the console. Wondering if anyone has done that on an LX and how difficult it would be to do either. I have a CD changer that I put in my Taurus (aftermarket) and figured I could transfer it to the Accord.

briansbluetoy

Snoopy33,
I was kinda spooked by that warning in the MP3 installation instructions. However, after installing it, it was a cakewalk. The instructions were very clear. I would have never figured out how to do it without the instructions. Honda stuff comes apart and goes back together very well. Go for it!

On the subject of an indash changer, the OEM version http://www.handaaccessories.com/accelect03.html
 is $523...kinda pricy. The upside is that it can be controlled by the head unit and is conviently located indash. On the other hand you can get a changer that mounts in the center armrest box for under $200. (ps, I would use the soundgate adapter and pipe the aftermarket changer rca outputs directly into the soundgate's rca inputs to avoid the fm modulator connection).

brian

snoopy33

Has anyone put in a remoter car starter on an '03 Accord? I'm not having the dealer do it (too expesive) Was wondering if anyone had this done 3rd party and if there are any potential problems with this.