Replacement Key/Milano Red Paint

[I CU2]

Sorry about all the my threads guys!

I'm just wondering, does anyone know a cheap place in Brisbane where I can get a spare key programmed and cut?

I want to get a flip key for the Euro but it looks like it's going to be $130 for the blank alone.

A local locksmith wanted $160 for a Generic Key, programmed and cut. He said if I brand my own key in it'd cost $110 for a cut and program, that's a $80 premium for a genuine flipkey, do you guys think it's worth it?

Milano Red paint I heard is notorious for fading, does anyone have any suggestions about how to protect the paint?

Should I opt for paint protection from a detailer?

[CU2 Euro 09]

wait for the new key to come to Honda and get it programmed for your car, it's a flip key (probably $350 though :( )!!

[Lazarus]

I recall there was a thread somewhere (not 100% sure if it was from ozhonda) where they showed a DIY to replace your current key and change it into a flip out like the Mazda or VW keys.
Sorry, wish i could be of more help lol

[CU2 Euro 09]

see here:

http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?146905-CU2-2011-Face-lift/page2

[I CU2]

showed a DIY to replace your current key and change it into a flip out like the Mazda or VW keys.
Sorry, wish i could be of more help lol

The problem is I need an extra key instead of just changing out the case, thanks for the help though :).

I think the key price will be quite expensive for the new Euro?

[HunterZero]

Milano Red paint I heard is notorious for fading, does anyone have any suggestions about how to protect the paint?

Should I opt for paint protection from a detailer?

First off: Dealer 'paint protection' systems are a rip-off. It is usually just a very overpriced polymer paint sealant, and really no more effective than a good coat of sealant. With dealer paint protection 'systems', you are usually locked in to using particular more expensive products to upkeep the paint too, rather than off-the-shelf products.

You can apply sealant yourself (eg, Zaino Z2 Pro), but you do need to properly clean and prep the paint before you apply it. You can get a detailer to apply it for you when they do a paint correction on your car, but that will cost typically a couple of hundred dollars upwards, depending on the correction work that needs doing.

If you keep the car undercover as much as possible, especially out of direct summer sun, it will last well. Washing the car with a soft microfibre wash mitt and quality microfibre towels will help minimise the collection of swirls that will build up in the paint over time. Do not EVER take the car through a car wash, or allow car wash cafe goons or a dealer to wash it, the Euro has a particularly soft sticky clear coat, and it will look like a hazy swirled mess in no time without proper preventive care.

Keep a quick detailer (eg, Meguiars) in the boot with a microrfibre. Remove bird droppings and insect marks as soon as possible.

If you are really keen, you should apply at least a good carnauba wax every 3-4 months (wax over sealant is fine), and a full strip back (washing with a stronger soap like dish soap or using special wipes will remove any sealant and wax) and re-apply sealant (or ideally have a detailer do it for you) every 12 months or so. A detailer can do a paint correction for you as needed, which will remove the swirls caused by washing.

Avoid products that have silicon in them like nu-finish and other all-in-one polish/waxes. Silicon itself won't harm the paint, but if your car ever needs to have paint repair done, the silicon will make the body shop's life more difficult and reduce the chances of a perfect result.

I'm not sure of any decent detailers in Brisbane, but someone else here might be able to recommend someone.

- HZ