[SmartCat]

Originally Posted by Arun Venugopal

1. Was thinking of getting reverse sensors / camera fixed. Should I get sensors for the front extremities as well?

Go for the camera. The basic beeping sensor is mostly irritating and rarely useful. In our Honda City, the reverse sensor fitted by the Honda dealer keeps beeping for no logical reason - and you learn to ignore it after a couple of months.

[Highflyer]

Hi friends,

The rust problem I had posted few pages back was worrying me and I didn't see any end to it due to reasons stated in that post. So what's the solution then?

The solution was DIY. I wanted to know the extent of damage which in turn was going to decide urgency of repairs.

Did some research on the net to find out door panel removal and fitment technique and came across these pages –

DIY: 07 Civic Door Panel Removal - Pics! - Honda-Tech

and

How To Remove Door Panels On A 2006 Honda Civic

I planned to do it on the Saturday morning. Prepared all the implements on the previous evening to ensure that no running around was required in the morning.

Went to bed with an apprehension in the back of the mind.

Got up at 0600 in the morning and started off. The panel came off as shown on the page listed above. I had to cut off the dust cover with a scissor to gain access to the inner area between the panels.

Then I used a camera to take pictures of the innards to assess the damage.
To my relief the damage was superficial and the outer panel was completely untouched by rust. There were some small marks of rust on the side impact beam, and the beam holding the power window components. The integrity of the door appeared to be intact.

I wiped the portions affected by rust with a cloth dipped in kerosene. I also used a fine sand paper to sand out those parts that appeared to have been relatively affected more. I had ½ a liter of primer with me. Next was one coat of primer on the affected areas.

I also decided to service the movable parts inside the door. This included greasing and lubricating the power window mechanism. The beading holding the glass was full of muck. That was also cleaned.

I have posted the pictures. The first one infact should have come last since its after the work was done. The other two pics give an inner view towards the front and rear.

The closing of panel started at 0900 and took about ½ an hr.

Since rust appears to be superfluous, I plan to open other three door panels on the next few weekends and treat the rust problem myself.

I will keep a sharp vigil to ensure that any re-emergence would be taken care promptly.

The DIY took me about 3 ½ hours and cost me almost nothing.

What I got in return?

I got back three things –

- Peace of mind, from the fact that rust problem is not deep rooted.
- I haven't bought a lemon (that too a pre-owned one).
- My first successful DIY on a Honda Civic.

Now some issues-

- Does this process sound OK or any better ideas?

- @sgiitk I remember you posting about usage of WD-40 in one of your posts. How effective is this spray? Do you see its efficacy in this situation?

[sgiitk]

@HighFlyer; WD40 is an excellentpenetrating oil designed for loosening stuck screws etc. It also does some corrosion removal softening. If you watch Wheeler Dealers on Discovery Turbo you will see Ed China using it extensively. For rust removal there is a desi product Rustolene which may be better. This removes rust but I find it a bit corrosive.

[Highflyer]

Originally Posted by sgiitk

@HighFlyer; WD40 is an excellentpenetrating oil designed for loosening stuck screws etc. It also does some corrosion removal softening. If you watch Wheeler Dealers on Discovery Turbo you will see Ed China using it extensively. For rust removal there is a desi product Rustolene which may be better. This removes rust but I find it a bit corrosive.

Thanks @sgiitk,
I have already placed order for WD-40. Plan to use it at places where physical modes of rust removal can't be used. In fact I am also planning to buy a can of spray paint. Primer needs to be covered with paint for longer protection. I think, that applying paint with a spray can would be better than that with a brush. It would also give access to difficult places.

While researching for rust removal I came across spray grease cans also. I think thats a decent tool to provide lubrication since application of grease at any part remains on the surface unless it is done after complete dismantling. Any takes on this?

[sgiitk]

HighFlyer I am surprised that you have to place an order for WD40. In Kanpur I can get it in Paint Shops as well as hardware shops. Have you checked in the Latouche Road and Hewett Road areas? I am originally from Lucknow and still own property there. In fact I was there today itself!

[Highflyer]

Presently I am staying at a small place in WB. Would have picked it up from the places mentioned by you had I been in Lok.

[spadix]

Originally Posted by Arun Venugopal

1. Was thinking of getting reverse sensors / camera fixed. Should I get sensors for the front extremities as well?

I don't think the front sensors are required. I've touched the front bumper corners only twice and on one of these two occasion it was a very tight parking spot + me getting misled by the parking attendant/guard rather than going with my gut. The other was just plain overconfidence after having gotten it right the first time.

Originally Posted by Arun Venugopal

2. Also, where in Mumbai should I get them fixed? Should I stick to Honda dealers or get third party stuff.

My take is that for anything that's got anything to do with electricals on these big/complex machines, OEM is best followed by dealer followed by a reputed, Honda/Civic specialist mechanic followed by anyone else. Warranty is a second(ary?) consideration. You don't want to be saddled with an "unrepairable" car, warranty be whatever it may. But YMMV. Please do your research. Get in touch with TBHPian dot. He's active on this thread + has gotten a lot of electrical work done on his Civic at an indie garage.

Note that I wouldn't worry so much about non-electrical repair work.

While I find the reverse parking sensors very useful (and have hurt the car on the one occasion I didn't pay heed to the solid beep), if you don't already have the OEM ones you aren't missing much.

The final aspect to consider is what else might get banned in this country in future. That's another reason to stick with OEM fitment and hopefully insure your stay on the right side of the law.

Originally Posted by Arun Venugopal

4. Was also looking to get sun film. Which one would be a fairly cost effective solution? I see lot of people preferring V-Kool. Also heard that 3M is decent, am a little confused to be honest.

Obviously you haven't seen what is probably the hottest thread right now under "The Indian Car Scene".

Apologies for not being able to provide its link here as I'm typing this on a non-multitasking-capable mobile.

Regards,
spadix

[dot]

Originally Posted by Highflyer

To my relief the damage was superficial and the outer panel was completely untouched by rust. There were some small marks of rust on the side impact beam, and the beam holding the power window components. The integrity of the door appeared to be intact.

Great job!

I agree that rust seems to be superficial at this point so you have spotted it at the right time. I believe there are better rust control sprays available than WD40, as WD40 is essentially leads to a hydrocarbon based water repellent coating. Since you are taking so much effort on thie DIY, you may as well want to use specialized stuff.

Also it looks like your cleaning water is pretty acidic, otherwise it is difficult to understand why the innards of the door is gathering rust.

[Highflyer]

Originally Posted by dot

Great job!

I agree that rust seems to be superficial at this point so you have spotted it at the right time. I believe there are better rust control sprays available than WD40, as WD40 is essentially leads to a hydrocarbon based water repellent coating. Since you are taking so much effort on thie DIY, you may as well want to use specialized stuff.

Also it looks like your cleaning water is pretty acidic, otherwise it is difficult to understand why the innards of the door is gathering rust.

@Dot

I have done some search on the net but not yet come across something of much use. I read about one spray that combines with rust and turns into some kind of protecting layer. I couldn't get anything more than that.

The work is on. Lets hope that I find something better.

[s.prashanth]

My 2008 civic steering leather is kind off worn out. I was told I need to replace the steering as only the leather is not possible. Any advice on this query would be appreciated. Thanks in advamce

[Highflyer]

Originally Posted by s.prashanth

My 2008 civic steering leather is kind off worn out. I was told I need to replace the steering as only the leather is not possible. Any advice on this query would be appreciated. Thanks in advamce

You can go to any car accessory market and choose from pure leather to a host of other materials for a new steering cover. Was it HASS that advised you to change the steering? If yes don't go to that service centre again.

[sgiitk]

@s.prashanth; There are people (not that easy to find) who will even reupholster (for want of a better term) the steering wheel. You may have to search a bit. My son got it done for his Swift ZXi in Udupi/Manipal.

[s.prashanth]

I did ask karlsson and Augusta they both have the same reason, since the civic steering has got those 3 silver grills it is difficult to give good finish, if we remove thaen they can do the job.

[sarathlal]

there is a slide away compartment inside the engine bay which says, 'Frame number'. Am not finding anything inside that. What exactly is that for, any idea?

[sarathlal]

Originally Posted by sarathlal

there is a slide away compartment inside the engine bay which says, 'Frame number'. Am not finding anything inside that. What exactly is that for, any idea?

Am attaching the picture of the bonnet to show what I meant.