I replaced my with some I got at the local auto parts store. I think they were called "Rivet-Tite". They are plastic push rivets just like the OEM connectors but are much easier to take out and put back in. I've removed and reinstalled them about 3 times now and haven't broken a single one. Cost me about $3.50 for 10.

Howard

The AutoZones around here never stock it (nor have I ever seen it in a Sprawl-Mart or a BJ's). I used to only be able to find it at Napa stores in the area, but then Napa stopped carrying it, because it was "discontinued."

I'd have stocked up, but the Napa stores typically only ever had one or two cases in stock. I stock up on my oil filters and air filters when I find them.

The last time I had to buy oil, I was forced to order a case of Honda oil online through Majestic (they are cheaper on parts than any dealer in the MA-NH-CT-RI area, I've found, and they have an online ordering site). But I'm bummed because it's still more expensive than the Mobil 1 was.

Thanks, I'll take a look.

Yep, Dzus fasteners aren't cheap. If you notice the next time you're under the car, you should see 2 very slightly raised straight lines molded into the head of the clip (on the Honda OEM clips, at least). Look carefully; they're hard to see. If you put your flat-blade screwdriver parallel to those lines, and pry gently between the inner head and the outer ring, a bit at a time from each end, they'll pop off enough where you can just pull them out with your hand, without breaking. However, I don't think they'll last forever, even taking them off the right way.

To insert them, stage the clip so that it's just short of starting to engage the outer lock and push it outward (ie; put the inner stud in about halfway. Then squeeze the outer jacket if needed, and put it into the hole until the outer ring seats against the surface of what you're fastening. Finally, push the inner stud in until it seats.

One thing I do is to try and position those line markers all generally facing the same way. That might be a bit anal for some, but it sure makes it easier for me to take them off the next time. I *will* say that when they put them on at the factory, those line markers are in all different directions - so it sometimes makes it hard to get the screwdriver in at the correct angle to pry on the clip. Another reason I line them up when I reinsert them.

Mine seem a little bit weaker, after having been on / off three times - and I haven't broken one yet, btw. They're all over the car, too. Had to remove a bunch when I put my hitch on a couple months ago.

One other thing on those undercover clips - on my '06, they're in at least 2 (if not 3) different sizes. Make sure you match them up - if you try to jam a larger clip into one of the smaller holes, it's a real pain to get it in - then you realize you put the wrong clip in, and say "to h#ll with it - I'm not taking that out again" Larger clips are toward the back of the undercover, I think - can't remember offhand.

You want to know something ? I've had half the clips off my front undercover for a good three months now because I cracked mine, ordered a new one, then decided to wait for my next service to replace it. You could potentially leave some of the clips off the engine undercover in strategic places, and make it easier on yourself. You should still have the two 10mm bolts holding the front part to the frame crossmember - as long as you don't run over anything really big, they should hold the undercover in place.

The downside is that you'd have a slightly dirtier undercarriage - to me, it's nice working on a nice clean engine - the undercovers help a lot with that. I doubt that you'd take much of an aero hit, to be honest - mine hasn't changed, and I don't hear any extra noise, etc.

Mark

Sometimes we could all use a little less

My hybrid automobiles:

Current:
2006 Honda Civic Hybrid (CVT, w/o Nav)
Magnetic Pearl / Blue - 008661, born 12/28/05
Mods: Neck pillows, Garmin C330 Nav, Draw-tite 1.25" hitch (for bikes, not towing!), Pioneer Inno XM receiver via Aux jack, OEM mud flaps, more to come!

Hypermiler status on 3/12/06 @ 3077mi.

Previous:
2005 Honda Accord Hybrid (5AT/Navi)
Desert Mist / Ivory - 001254
Retired 1/21/06 - LMPG 34.1

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I change my oil and filter every 10k miles.
Since I am under the car, I might as well. It's an extra $4 and 16 oz of oil.

-Charlie...

I change mine every time. While we're on the oil change topic, I am still annoyed by my dealer who knows the manual says 5k or 10k interval (probably true for all hondas, not just mine), yet still the sticker is made out for 3k every time. WABOS.