Looks so much better without all that chrome! I wish I would have gotten the A-Spec instead of the Tech package. I didn't realize how much the chrome was going to bother me after a couple of months of owning the car. I'm going to look into this. Thanks!
@@tinker2217 . No. Primarily, you get two significant upgrades from the Tech Package to the A-Spec. 1) Exterior upgrades including chrome delete, bigger and lower profile wheels/tires, and fog lights. 2) 12 speakers instead of 9 speakers in the Tech Package. I think Acura designed the sound system with the 12-speaker system in mind so without those extra speakers in the rear there is no fullness or immersion type of feeling that you often hear about from other Acura RDX owners. If you're picky about sound either get the A-spec or prepare to spend money on aftermarket speakers. High end aftermarket speakers will blow away any factory speakers but its not cheap to do it right. 3) Minor interior upgrades like a y-pattern leather design on front seats. I actually like the seats in the Tech package. 4) On a side note I think the A-Spec doesn't have a spare tire which I find a bit weird. Since my original comment I upgraded the sound system with high end speakers (JL Audio/Focal), added sound deadening and window tint to the front windows. I'm very happy with the result overall. I haven't decided if I'm going to do the chrome delete yet. So, if you're an audiophile this is one option. But if you don't want to spend money on aftermarket parts then just get the A-Spec. The 12-speaker system in the A-Spec should be more than enough for anyone who's not an audiophile. For an additional $3k I recommend the A-Spec. You'll be very happy with the look and sound system in general. Maybe one improvement you could make to the sound system even in the A-Spec is adding a quality sub in the back and call it a day.
@@MrSupernova111 thank you so much for your very thorough description. That was super helpful because I am one who likes a lot of information lol. I also like the red seats in the A Spec, I don’t think those come on the tech package. so it looks like the A Spec will be my choice. thank you so much for your help. 💕
Looks good! Way too much chrome accents with the current models of Acura vehicles. I ended up doing plasti dip on my 19 MDX and that has held up for +3 years. I did a combo of plasti dip front/rear and vinyl wrap the sides on my 18 RLX 2 years ago (plasti dip the door handles). I think I like the plasti dip a little better because it is more durable, zero issues with heat around exhaust outlets, and easy to repair small damage areas because of rock/debris strikes on front end that expose the chrome (painters tape and a couple of quick sprays).
Great video. I was looking at exactly this because I’m considering an RDX but not happy with A spec prices. What was the cost to replace with black OEM parts?
Got this done on my 2021 model. Was able to get the ring around the front logo, but not the badges. Might have to purchase those black from the dealer one day. Thanks for the video for reference!
If its that bad of workmanship.... take it back to have them fix it. Putting on a wrap takes a lot of skill and prefection....not to mention having the eyes focasing on the air bubbles that do show up. Anywho, sorry for your disapointment.
Yeah, it will balloon your cost around $50,000 for the Aspec ShAwd. Same engine, more like a cosmetic upgrade (blacked out pieces) plus the 3d els sterio, d shape steering wheel and ventilated seats. I went the same route with just getting the tech pack instead and save some money
I wonder if they sanded the chrome down first? then ultra cleansed it, that way the vinyl wrap would be much more durable and with better sticking power.
Hi Skeelo, they didn't sand my chrome down first. I actually would've preferred they didn't in case the wrap starts peeling off, the chrome wouldn't lose it's "shine". If/when the wrap does start peeling off (which it hasn't yet), I might try the plasti dip.
I was told the parts on the front should be painted, but vinyl wrap is fine on the sides. Glad it’s held up well, though! Just did this to mine. Fingers crossed that it lasts.
Hi Amy, I have never used plasti-dip before but have heard people who were happy with the results. I would think plasti-dip would be easier to apply if you were to do it yourself and hence cheaper than vinyl wrap. As I understand it, plasti-dip application is similar to spray paint. However, I'm not sure which product would be more durable in the long run. If/when my vinyl wrap starts to peel, I'll probably try the plasti-dip route the next time.
Check out my other video hardwiring a dash cam to the fuse box of my RDX here: ua-cam.com/video/b4g7rTJ11D4/v-deo.html
Looks so much better without all that chrome! I wish I would have gotten the A-Spec instead of the Tech package. I didn't realize how much the chrome was going to bother me after a couple of months of owning the car. I'm going to look into this. Thanks!
Is that the only difference in the Aspec and tech packages?
@@tinker2217 . No. Primarily, you get two significant upgrades from the Tech Package to the A-Spec.
1) Exterior upgrades including chrome delete, bigger and lower profile wheels/tires, and fog lights.
2) 12 speakers instead of 9 speakers in the Tech Package. I think Acura designed the sound system with the 12-speaker system in mind so without those extra speakers in the rear there is no fullness or immersion type of feeling that you often hear about from other Acura RDX owners. If you're picky about sound either get the A-spec or prepare to spend money on aftermarket speakers. High end aftermarket speakers will blow away any factory speakers but its not cheap to do it right.
3) Minor interior upgrades like a y-pattern leather design on front seats. I actually like the seats in the Tech package.
4) On a side note I think the A-Spec doesn't have a spare tire which I find a bit weird.
Since my original comment I upgraded the sound system with high end speakers (JL Audio/Focal), added sound deadening and window tint to the front windows. I'm very happy with the result overall. I haven't decided if I'm going to do the chrome delete yet. So, if you're an audiophile this is one option. But if you don't want to spend money on aftermarket parts then just get the A-Spec.
The 12-speaker system in the A-Spec should be more than enough for anyone who's not an audiophile. For an additional $3k I recommend the A-Spec. You'll be very happy with the look and sound system in general. Maybe one improvement you could make to the sound system even in the A-Spec is adding a quality sub in the back and call it a day.
@@MrSupernova111 thank you so much for your very thorough description. That was super helpful because I am one who likes a lot of information lol. I also like the red seats in the A Spec, I don’t think those come on the tech package. so it looks like the A Spec will be my choice. thank you so much for your help. 💕
@@tinker2217 . The RDX is a very nice vehicle! I think you'll love it. Especially the A-Spec. Cheers!
Looks good! Way too much chrome accents with the current models of Acura vehicles. I ended up doing plasti dip on my 19 MDX and that has held up for +3 years. I did a combo of plasti dip front/rear and vinyl wrap the sides on my 18 RLX 2 years ago (plasti dip the door handles). I think I like the plasti dip a little better because it is more durable, zero issues with heat around exhaust outlets, and easy to repair small damage areas because of rock/debris strikes on front end that expose the chrome (painters tape and a couple of quick sprays).
Great video. I was looking at exactly this because I’m considering an RDX but not happy with A spec prices. What was the cost to replace with black OEM parts?
Got this done on my 2021 model. Was able to get the ring around the front logo, but not the badges. Might have to purchase those black from the dealer one day. Thanks for the video for reference!
Had this done to my RDX, too. However, I had tint applied to the “A” bubble. It mutes the chrome and affects the ADAS none whatsoever.
Here to do this for my 2024 rdx all black. How much did this cost and was it tinted world that did the work? Thanks!
Hey, how did they black out the chrome in the taillights?
I would've considered HyperDip. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Thanks for great detailed review. I was also looking to do the same for my 2019 MDX Tech.
How much should I expect to pay for chrome delete using vinyl wrap.?
It all depends on location and charge for labor but I think somewhere in the range of $200 to $400 would be the going rate.
If its that bad of workmanship.... take it back to have them fix it. Putting on a wrap takes a lot of skill and prefection....not to mention having the eyes focasing on the air bubbles that do show up. Anywho, sorry for your disapointment.
Why not just get the A-spec version?
I couldn't justify the extra cost for the bigger wheels, blackout version, etc. =)
Ong or the pmc
Yeah, it will balloon your cost around $50,000 for the Aspec ShAwd. Same engine, more like a cosmetic upgrade (blacked out pieces) plus the 3d els sterio, d shape steering wheel and ventilated seats. I went the same route with just getting the tech pack instead and save some money
I went and got the A-Spec and only blacked out the emblems.
Same here bro. Too much. chrome. Black is sooo much better. U shldve blacked out the acura emblem too
the wrapping of your front grill emblem. Did it mess up the sensors on your cruise control at all ?
Hi G Kay, I actually didn’t get the emblem wrapped, just the surrounding border of the front grille and that hasn’t affected the cruise control.
@@wearefamilee007 you didn't get the front emblem vinyl wrapped. That's the missing piece. But it still look Dope!
I had tint applied to the plastic bubble. Muted the chrome emblem just enough and affects nothing adversely.
I wonder if they sanded the chrome down first? then ultra cleansed it, that way the vinyl wrap would be much more durable and with better sticking power.
Hi Skeelo, they didn't sand my chrome down first. I actually would've preferred they didn't in case the wrap starts peeling off, the chrome wouldn't lose it's "shine". If/when the wrap does start peeling off (which it hasn't yet), I might try the plasti dip.
@@wearefamilee007 ah good point, thanks for the reply!
How long do you think this will last you?
I got this done a little over 2 years ago and it's held up well so far. Granted, I mostly used a touch-less car wash when washing the car.
I was told the parts on the front should be painted, but vinyl wrap is fine on the sides. Glad it’s held up well, though! Just did this to mine. Fingers crossed that it lasts.
Useful info, thanks! How would using a plasti-dip paint differ from the vinyl wrap? Do you think it would be better?
Hi Amy, I have never used plasti-dip before but have heard people who were happy with the results. I would think plasti-dip would be easier to apply if you were to do it yourself and hence cheaper than vinyl wrap. As I understand it, plasti-dip application is similar to spray paint. However, I'm not sure which product would be more durable in the long run. If/when my vinyl wrap starts to peel, I'll probably try the plasti-dip route the next time.
Plasti-dip is durable, long lasting, and inexpensive. It's also a fairly easy application. My only complaint is that plasti-dip has a matte finish.
The do offer a gloss too, check out Dip Your Car YT..they have great tutorials and project dips
Helpful video except you didn’t show much of the car