Storage armrest, artificial grass "floor mats", and a perpetual cooler in place of the passenger side rear seat. I wanted a fridge/battery/solar setup but swapping ice packs every 2-3 days is far cheaper for now.
The armrest didn't get in the way of the cupholders, ebrake, and seatbelt nearly as much as I'd have thought, probably because I keep the seat all the way back.
I added the storage armrest to my 2003 DX and I like the look and functionality of it and found zero issue with the use of the MT (Honda stated not to install on MT cars), but I do find it a bit of a pain when it comes to the E brake...not a big deal and I'm used to it but now that I drive my 2004 primarily, which has the regular stock arm rests, I definitely notice having to reach for the E brake when I do drive the 2003. I'd still put it in if I had it to do over again as I like it but it does always remind me how poor the cupholder and e-brake design is on the E
It definitely looks nice, I found one in a junk yard and almost made the switch, but it was super rusty inside. Also I use the cup holders a lot, and I like being able to move from my front seat to the back seats without opening the doors. Sometimes I change into different clothes back there.
Fancy! I don't open my hood nearly enough to warrant such luxuries, though that reminds me that I need longer/stronger rear hatch struts.
Speaking of opening the hood, I got a high (2K) idle after a long stretch of clutch heavy city traffic the other day. It smoothed out after a short freeway blast, but I'm thinking at the least I need to clean the IACV. Probably a good time to do the valve adjustment and fresh spark plugs too.
Drove the E for the first time since April 28th. weather has been so nice that I have used the S2k with the top down. Cool overcast today with possible rain in the foothills so I drove the E. Put the bike in the back and headed to the hills. Light rain, I would have had to put the top up on the S2k so I made the right call. The Hellement rocks.
Changed out all of my instrument cluster lights with white LED lamps. a little tricky due to polarity issues but a total success. Also did the shift indicator lamp & noticed that it doesn't fully illuminate from top to bottom with the directional LED lamp. Park is a bit dark. I have some "dome" like lamps that I'm going to try out for the shift indicator.
Battery was too flat to start after listening to the radio a while--unacceptable. Dropped in a 24F, replacing a 51 so small I could palm it.
Also dipped the emblems and plate frames to match my newly blacked out bumper caps and grille. Wheels are next, just not sure if I want another metallic dip or just plain old black.
I always figured I'd get an E without the tupperware fenders, and it's a pain keeping them streak free, but they have really grown on me.
Today I plugged a tire and replaced the 2 cabin air filters. Ho Hum!
But, the big news is later I found a blue '04 Element in a small local wrecking yard that usually gives some really good deals!
I already got my missing scissor jack handle (still new in its plastic bag container)!
Tomorrow I'm going back for the Antenna base I need, the roof panels so I can have some spares (if my planned painting body color of my current panels project doesn't work out) and my missing valve cover emblem (and anything else I may need)!
I also successfully removed my broken antenna base in preparation; which is a bit of a tricky job CAREFULLY removing the interior panels for access.
So what started out to be a crappy day (finding a flat tire first thing) turned out to be a pretty good day!
Just being Prepared for the next time....
Have been using the my old low profile jack on the Element, just wasn't enough to lift it with with out using a block of wood. Stopped at Harbor Freights "Parking Lot Sale" today and picked up a 3 Ton Jack. This should get the job done ! lol
Me too, bought it a few years back to fit under my lowered s2000. Guess it's time to invest in a block of wood.
Today I installed JBL Club 6520s in the front doors, probably the easiest speaker install I have ever done. They sound fine with the stock EX system (tweeters still connected, I guess), and I will also swap out the stock sub with a Skar EVL-65 D2 before I get around to installing my amp. Should be an interesting comparison--jumping to 170Wx2 + 450Wx1 RMS from the original 18Wx2 + 36Wx1 with the same drivers.
DougRuss: Have you tried it yet? How well does it work?
I went off to Harbor Freight this afternoon to check it out. It looks OK, I'm undecided because of the heavier steel frame. Lets just say I'm not as strong as I used to be! Old Mick Jagger had it right all along: "What a drag it is getting old"!
But, the 3 ton aluminum frame version is like $150, so............ I don't recall them reducing the price much on the aluminum version either.
Please let me know what you think.
BTW, where do you live in Northern IN? I used to live in Valparaiso and Portage; but I moved to FL over 32 years ago!
Same on the jacks. Lol. I can only lift the rear wheels by jacking up the control arms. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I’ve been eyeing that 3 ton steel for a while, but I make do, so I don’t.
+4 in the back is the whole difference.
I’ll probably do the next round of rear suspension tweaks without it either. Lol
Yesterday I replaced the 7.5a fuse for the dome light. Turned out I didn’t blow the bulb.
Not perfect by any means, but pretty cool especially if your view is obstructed by cargo and I got it while it was on sale. On the dusk test drive people behind me were waving to see themselves on camera...
Update-8-21-18.....completed the instrument cluster/dash lights/HVAC lighting. All worked out very well except the shift indicator illumination is not very bright in Park & Reverse. I used a dome style LED & it doesn't seem to have enough of a "spread". At some point I will install the OEM lamp & see if that works any better.
Signed it’s death certificate. Very sad day. My sister had to get my personal stuff or I would just bawl. Love and miss my Ellie. Might be looking for a new one real soon.
Love the 500,000 mile decal Locksmith! I recently flushed my power steering fluid, and differential fluid. The steering wheel was getting tight, and I could hear the power steering whine getting loud. It's much quieter, and feels so much better now!
Cgraham10, I hope you don't have any issues with your new alternator. I went OEM after experiencing issues with a cheap one. My friend had a similar problem with his alternator and had to replace his too, but he did not opt for OEM. I went to the dealer and paid the $400 or so for a genuine alternator (not re-manufactured), and have had no issues since!
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