AutoXers with the 5th gen OEM front lip - Honda Prelude Forum

aklucsarits · 05-20-2002, 08:54 AM

I have a Base model with the matching TypeSH side and rear undertrim. I bought the OEM front lip a few months ago. But now I am debating whether or not to install it. It's obviously just a cosmetic piece. It's an additional 5-7lbs or so, but I think it would look nice. But I am very concerned about cracking it on a cone.

Has anyone cracked or damaged their front lip at autoX? Do you take any precautions to prevent damage (other than avoiding cones...

) Any other recommendations?

The lip is no longer available from Honda. If I use it and break it, I will not be able to get another. And I assume that the paint beneath it will be all f'ed up. If I decide to not use it, I should be able to sell it for at least as much as I paid for it...

Andrew

vwong · 05-20-2002, 09:24 AM

The lip is made out of urethane, so it's not that easy to crack it unless you hit a cone really really hard. The only damage I can see is the paint cracks. I've had mine on for auto-x for about 2.5 yrs. now. I've had it re-painted 3 times, and I was tired of re-painting it again so I bought another one, and painted the old on in flat black and just use it for auto-x. It only takes about 15 mins. to swap the lip, but it saves me approx. $150 every 10 months or so for re-painting the lip.

Oh....one more note, since it was re-painted before, the paint wasn't the original paint so it tends to crack easier than original paint, and that's why I would have to re-paint it more often.

aklucsarits · 05-20-2002, 09:36 AM

Taking off the good front lip is a great idea Vincent. I might end up just putting on the lip and taking it off for events....

But is there any reason that you are keeping the black lip to put on there?

The only advantage I can see is that the lip would protect your actual lower bumper cover from damage. (It probably looks pretty cool too...

) The downside I can see would be the hassle of swapping the lips on and off, and the weight (however negligable)...

Andrew

vwong · 05-20-2002, 09:54 AM

The reason I put the black lip on is mostly appearance (yes, appearance....oh boy, do I sound like a "show car" owner?

). Well, since I had the lip on for so many years of auto-x'ing, the effect when the lip hit the cones caused the lip to slide back at the area just forward of the JDM foglights. And there could be some small rocks in between, so this "shearing" effect allowed the rocks slide between the lip and the bumper (the area just forward of the JDM foglights) causing some nasty scratches. So putting back the black lip on can cover all these nasty scratches.

TW00Si · 05-20-2002, 12:53 PM

I leave mine on for autox events. I'm too lazy to take them off and then put them back on. I've hit a total of 4 cones this season and it left a few nicks but I just see them as battle scars that give character to the car. ahahha...

Jacques · 05-20-2002, 05:09 PM

Andrew, I've been thinking about replacing my OEM front lip sometime soon. Though the cones have not damaged it, all the toll of rock chips and crap on the roads have given it a thorough beating. I'd gladly take it off your hands.

aklucsarits · 05-22-2002, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jacques
Andrew, I've been thinking about replacing my OEM front lip sometime soon. Though the cones have not damaged it, all the toll of rock chips and crap on the roads have given it a thorough beating. I'd gladly take it off your hands.

If you are looking for a new front lip, www.handaaccessories.com still has a few - but only in 2001 Silver and Blue. Mine is Premium White Pearl... I've decided to keep it off until autoX season is over with...

Andrew

xtal · 05-23-2002, 03:17 PM

I've smacked a few cones with my front and sides. No problems, nothing some cleaner wax wouldn't take off anyhow!

Steve