1997 Honda Accord

Looks may be great, but they aren't everything. When it comes to the hottest cars on the import scene, not only does a killer visual appeal need to be present but functionality is also a definite must.

One long-time favorite customizing technique is to completely get rid of, or shave, the door handles and key locks. With those gone, you ask, how do those people get into their rides? Lucky for us, there's Autolc. The company claims to have the best shaved door handle kits available and believe us, they are awesome. The kits are so complete they make shaving door handles completely worry- and hassle-free. Not only does the company have killer shaved door handle kits, it also has other cool toys that allow you to incorporate power windows, power door locks and even a power tailgate lock for trucks. Autolc even has alarm systems and an amazing control module that lets you control 16 functions with one remote. How's that for remote access?

Let's take a look at our project vehicle, a 1997 Honda Accord sedan, about to journey through a major transformation. In this phase, the goal was to shave all of the door handles and key locks. The targeted areas consist of all four doors (since this is a sedan), the trunk lid and the gas door. As all of us know, Honda did not use any electronic mechanisms for access to the trunk and gas door. They were simply mechanical mechanisms and as a lever was pulled, a cable connected to these latches pulled and opened up these entry points. With these components removed, it was necessary to have access to these entry points using other means. Not only would the trunk lid and gas door be controlled electronically, but each door would pop open as well.

Having all the necessary parts was only half of what was needed to complete the project. The other half consisted of getting all these parts installed. Just because you have all the necessary parts to do a job, doesn't mean those parts will work together flawlessly. Proper installation must be taken into consideration and having a reputable shop perform the installation will allow the vehicle owner to be free of worries when it comes to opening up one of these entry points. However, Autolc provides such detailed instructions that it makes for an easy installation.

For this project, the Honda was turned over to yours truly for the installation. Having been in the electronic industry and customizing automobiles for more than a decade, I was contracted to install the Autolc components, using their easy instructions and completed hardware. Once I was done, the Honda was going to gain remote access with total control over its entry points.