[dancall]

I bought a front "nose mask" or cover or "bra" or whaever it is called and I really like it. It makes the MDX look a little sportier and covers the front of the MDX very well. The fit is very good. I'm wondering if anyone else has it or has seen it and what their opinion is on it. Also, I probably shouldn't use it during the New England Winter because I'm worried about getiing dirt and pebbles up under it and them scratching the paint. Anyone have thoughts on this?

Danny

GG / Touring / NAV

 

[KenEis]

bra in winter

NO! Leave it on in the winter. That's when pebbles etc are most likely to damage your MDX. You can clean under it but the only thing to worry about is salt.

 

[Junson]

re: what brand

Hey guys:

Does everyone have the Acura cover or is this aftermarket brand?

 

[dancall]

Mine is Acura. The fit is incredible! I took it off the other day and was amazed at how many loops, straps, and hooks there were (my dealer originally installed it). I won't use it all the time but some of the time.

 

[tastykake]

Danny,
The nose mask works really well. However, it is crusial that you remove it and clean off the hood on a regular basis (every week or two). Salt, leaves, and dirt can get wedged under the mask and, over time, scratch the paint. If you are two busy to clean under the mask on a regular basis, you would be better off keeping the mask off completely than keeping it on for prolonged periods of time. Having a coat of wax put on every once in a while will also help resist the scratching. Hope this helps.

Kake

 

[dancall]

Thanks tastycake. Yes I agree. Actually, it's off at the moment until I have a chance to clean it up and get it back on.

 

[frankdavis]

Mine is Acura. The fit is incredible! I took it off the other day and was amazed at how many loops, straps, and hooks there were (my dealer originally installed it). I won't use it all the time but some of the time.

Danny,

I was thinking of buying the nose mask and using only on long highway trips or during the worst of winter. How hard is it to take on and off and how long does it take? Where do all the loops and straps attach? Is using it some of the time working out for you?

Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[MesaBeige]

Front Mask

frankdavis,

I purchased one and put it on three weeks ago since I'm commuting between Raleigh and Charlotte NC each week right now (175 miles each way) and I had already seen a few small nicks on the front. The mask has done a good job at stopping those.

The mask is a real job to put on / take off. In comparison, I have one on my Chrysler Van that takes about twenty seconds on and off. This is more like twenty minutes. There are multiple loops that have to get attached and a couple strung through the grill. Then you have to stretch pieces into place and snap, etc.

If I was just driving around town, I definitely would not use it.

I agree that frequest removal / cleaning is a good thing. Each time I think about taking it off and putting it back on however, I cringe, wash, rinse really well and hold up all the edges to let as much of the water out as possible. First three day weekend I get, it comes off for cleaning.

 

[dancall]

It's actually very well made and the fit is excellent. It took about 5 minutes to remove it as it has multiple loops and hooks. (I have never put it on as the dealer installed it and I drove it through a blizzard where it got really dirty. I took it off and haven't had a chance to properly clean it as it will require a hose and a nice day.)

Anyway, it is in two pieces. One piece that covers the hood and the other which covers the bumber and grill area. It hooks around the fenders and also up underneath the hood. There are no "permanent" attachments to the car required. I do like it and will get it back on soon.

 

[frankdavis]

MesaBeige, dancall-

Thanks for the info. I think I might get one.

I was going to call Tim and order running boards anyways, the problem with reading this board is there is always somthing new I really NEED.

I noticed that both of you opted for the running boards rather than the side steps. I went back and forth on this a long time, I'm going with the running boards. Any comment on a post that running boards are flimsy? I don't think the poster was referring specifically to the Acura running boards and that was not my impression from the one I've seen- but you guys have them.

MesaBeige, great pics of your Joshua tree trimed interior, any chance of posting pics of your exterior. You have what I am working towards (mesabeige with running boards)

 

[MaD-X]

Will the cover work with a lower trim?

I'm thinking about getting the lower trim someday, and am wondering if this will be a problem or not. I want to use the cover only when I'm driving up to the Mt for skiing. Thanks for posting such useful infos, everyone!

 

[dancall]

Frank, I think you would be happy with either steps or boards. No, the Acura Running Boards are not flimsy. I opted for the boards for my kids as I thought they would slip on the steps.

 

[MaD-X]

Front cover will not work with the Lower trim

I just found this out from the dealer. Thought I let some people know. Hmmm... I wonder what other options are available with the lower trim.

 

[MesaBeige]

MesaBeige, dancall-

Thanks for the info. I think I might get one.

I was going to call Tim and order running boards anyways, the problem with reading this board is there is always somthing new I really NEED.

I noticed that both of you opted for the running boards rather than the side steps. I went back and forth on this a long time, I'm going with the running boards. Any comment on a post that running boards are flimsy? I don't think the poster was referring specifically to the Acura running boards and that was not my impression from the one I've seen- but you guys have them.

MesaBeige, great pics of your Joshua tree trimed interior, any chance of posting pics of your exterior. You have what I am working towards (mesabeige with running boards)

I posted some pictures in the gallery a while back. They're not the greatest quality but they may show you what you're looking for.

 

[bef]

Problems Putting Mask on a 2002 MDX

Has anyone tried putting on a mask on a 2002 MDX?

I'm assuming that the front is the same as on the 2001 but I can't seem to attach the bottom part.

The top part required a lot of stretching but eventually I got it on.

I'm afraid that if I pull too hard on the bottom part that it may tear. It seems like it is too small to fit and can't reach the snap on the wheel well (Installation Step #10).

I think on my next attempt, I will heat the bottom part up with a hair dryer.

Any tips or suggestions?

 

[Redwing]

Bef,
I don't have on 02, but I don't think there is any difference from the 01 up there. Don't be afraid to stretch that mask. First time on it's gong to be really tight. If you're lucky to live in a sunny area, it really helps putting it in the sun for 15- 20 minutes. That's all I can shed on this. Good luck

 

[bef]

OK. I'll try putting the mask in the sun.

I'll have to clean off the MDX since it rained today.

 

[Wongster]

Urgent !! Question re Nose Mask

I am negotiating with my dealer on accessories, does anyone have experience or knows whether the nose mask will work with the fender flares installed. I recall reading a note from [email protected] that it is not "recommended" to use the nose mask with the flares, does it mean it will not work? Is there any additional info available?

Tim = you know all the parts, any insights?

Thanks everyone in advance.

 

[bef]

Wongster,

I don't know about the fender flares, but it took 2 people and a few hours of warming the bottom nose mask in the sun, before I was able to get it on.

The top part that fits over the hood was initially hard to put on but after a week it is easy to take off and put back on again. If for some reason you can't use the bottom part with the flares, I would still suggest using the top part.

Note that to mount the bottom part you have to replace one of the expansion clips on the front fenderwell with a snap screw. So, if the flares mount to the fenderwell (as I suspect) where all the expansion clips are, see if Tim has the PDF on his site, then you won't be able to use the bottom part of the nose mask ...
unless you build an extension so that the nose mask can reach around the fender flare and to the fenderwell nut.

I don't know if there will be a market for nose masks for those with the fender flares.

 

[hondacuraplanet]

From what I know, Acura says it won't work. I've talked to somebody a while ago that told me that it did, but it was a stretch. Best I can tell you is to give it a try for yourself.