Been getting a few pm's about my wheel fitment and also the roof rack so I figure I'll make a slow build thread for my RL. This is my daily so I'm going for a clean, simple, modest look.
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
Picked up a set of Acura MDX Advance wheels (19x8.5 +45 and I'm running 245/40/19). I got a deal on these from craigslist. Guy was selling them after buying a new MDX and he had dealer install aftermarket wheels he bought, so these had 0 miles on them :thumbsup:. These do not clear front calipers and I ran a 8mm spacer to fix that. You probably could run a 7mm but it would be really close. Also have a 12mm spacer in the back. Car sitting on oem shocks (non a-spec) with H&R springs. *FWIW: These wheels cannot use the RL wheel lug nuts, so I bought a set of MDX lug nut from Acura. Now that I'm running spacers, I also change out the wheel studs out for extended ones. Before changing to extended studs the front wheel with the 8mm spacer was only getting about 5 complete turns if I remember correctly. Thanks to JDMCRX for sourcing these studs (m14x1.5 x 55mm)
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
New studs and 8mm spacer
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
New studs with 12mm spacer
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
Only good side shot I have. Of course someone parked next to me in the back of the parking lot lol. I plasti-dipped the center grill as well.
Here some quick shots of my rack. I took a chance getting these since I had a hard time finding any pics or info of an RL with a rack setup. Hopefully this gives some of you an idea:
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
snow snow snow nomnomnomnom. Snow tires on stock wheels to keep the MDX wheels minty fresh.
Before I installed them I put clear bra on the car under each base plate to prevent any possible damage from happening. I bought a universal roof rack off ebay. In the kit it has 3 different base plates to pick from for the best fit. Luckily one of them worked and I then matched it with a universal Thule snow carrier. The roof rack was about $50 and then the Thule was another $120. I may look for a way to add a fairing but I'm pretty satisfied for now.
Also picked up a few LEDs from VLED. Reverse, Fog Lights, and license plate. A fog light retro will happen eventually but my other car has more projects to tackle first. The LED fog lights look good and give a nice white, but it is not nearly as bright from the stock bulbs which I figured would happen.
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
![Click the image to open in full size.]()
Next on the list will probably some rain guards and possibly roof spoiler. Any input or questions feel free to ask :thumbsup:
Picked up a set of Acura MDX Advance wheels (19x8.5 +45 and I'm running 245/40/19). I got a deal on these from craigslist. Guy was selling them after buying a new MDX and he had dealer install aftermarket wheels he bought, so these had 0 miles on them :thumbsup:. These do not clear front calipers and I ran a 8mm spacer to fix that. You probably could run a 7mm but it would be really close. Also have a 12mm spacer in the back. Car sitting on oem shocks (non a-spec) with H&R springs. *FWIW: These wheels cannot use the RL wheel lug nuts, so I bought a set of MDX lug nut from Acura. Now that I'm running spacers, I also change out the wheel studs out for extended ones. Before changing to extended studs the front wheel with the 8mm spacer was only getting about 5 complete turns if I remember correctly. Thanks to JDMCRX for sourcing these studs (m14x1.5 x 55mm)
New studs and 8mm spacer
New studs with 12mm spacer
Only good side shot I have. Of course someone parked next to me in the back of the parking lot lol. I plasti-dipped the center grill as well.
Here some quick shots of my rack. I took a chance getting these since I had a hard time finding any pics or info of an RL with a rack setup. Hopefully this gives some of you an idea:
snow snow snow nomnomnomnom. Snow tires on stock wheels to keep the MDX wheels minty fresh.
Before I installed them I put clear bra on the car under each base plate to prevent any possible damage from happening. I bought a universal roof rack off ebay. In the kit it has 3 different base plates to pick from for the best fit. Luckily one of them worked and I then matched it with a universal Thule snow carrier. The roof rack was about $50 and then the Thule was another $120. I may look for a way to add a fairing but I'm pretty satisfied for now.
Also picked up a few LEDs from VLED. Reverse, Fog Lights, and license plate. A fog light retro will happen eventually but my other car has more projects to tackle first. The LED fog lights look good and give a nice white, but it is not nearly as bright from the stock bulbs which I figured would happen.
Next on the list will probably some rain guards and possibly roof spoiler. Any input or questions feel free to ask :thumbsup: