Home Blog Page 75

Event Coverage: V2 Laboratory Mystery Meat 3

1

Back in this site’s infancy one of the first people to reach out with well wishes was Ravi of the now famous Version Two Laboratory. At that time V2 Lab was just a blog about cars, hip hop, and action sports and the ‘Mystery Meats’ were nothing more than a far off idea.

Today V2 Lab is a pretty big deal, and the Mystery Meats are large enough to draw local celebrities like Shaquille O’neal.

Florida Native, and previously featured Photographer, Nathan Powers was in attendance at Mystery Meat 3 and provides us with a look into what makes these events so great.

v2lab-mystery-meet-mazda-miata-nathan-powers
Florida’s Miata game appears to be very much on point

v2lab-mystery-meet-acura-rsx-nathan-powers

v2lab-mystery-meet-power-wheels-nathan-powers
I have to get my hands on a power wheels for my son…
v2lab-mystery-bmw-bagged-nathan-powers
Absolutely hammered BMW, I am going to assume bagged but these days who really knows
v2lab-mystery-meet-acura-rsx-big-turbo-nathan-powers
Looks like Florida enjoys a little (or a lot) of function with their form
v2lab-mystery-meet-honda-shaved-bay-nathan-powers
Love the contrast on this Team V2Lab Civic
v2lab-mystery-meet-nissan-schassis-nathan-powers
Nice contrast here as well
v2lab-mystery-meet-toyota-supra-nathan-powers
Based on the rear wheels I’ll assume that this Supra is rocking a big single turbo and puts up decent numbers
v2lab-mystery-meet-caddilac-nathan-powers
Joe Lewo‘s Widebody CTS-V which if I am not mistaken makes jam
v2lab-mystery-meet-audi-a3-nathan-powers
Very fitting wheel choice on this A3

v2lab-mystery-meet-vw-nathan-powers

v2lab-mystery-meet-lexus-nathan-powers
A couple big sedans laid out
v2lab-mystery-meet-ford-mustang-vossens-nathan-powers
Being based in Florida Vossen wheels were represented well at the Mystery Meat

v2lab-mystery-meet-honda-accord-nathan-powers

v2lab-mystery-meet-vossen-nathan-powers
There was even a car on their new VLE-1 wheels, which are limited edition

v2lab-mystery-meet-green-subaru-nathan-powers

v2lab-mystery-meet-vw-golf-nathan-powers

v2lab-mystery-meet-nissan-nathan-powers

v2lab-mystery-meet-vip-nathan-powers
Refined VIP at its finest

v2lab-mystery-meet-honda-bbs-nathan-powers

v2lab-mystery-meet-honda-s2000-nathan-powers
S2000 fans look alive because today’s coverage will round out with a few fine Florida examples
v2lab-mystery-meet-honda-s2000-3sdm-nathan-powers
It seems everyone at the Mystery Meat is a rebel and ignoring the ‘No Back-In Parking’ sign
v2lab-mystery-meet-honda-s2000-regamasters-nathan-powers
Man I would love a set of Evos one day
v2lab-mystery-meet-honda-s2000-equip-anello-nathan-powers
This is probably one of the best applications of the Equip Anhelo I’ve seen
v2lab-mystery-meet-honda-s2000-idlers-nathan-powers
Fittingly this post comes to a close with a Florida Orange

Thanks once again to Nathan Powers for covering the event and look out for more from him on the site for 2015!

Theme Tuesday: Builds I Won’t Be Missing At SEMA 2014s

7

You guys will have to humour me today because this list is perhaps more for me than it is for you, but if you have not gathered from the title I will be returning to Las Vegas for SEMA this year.

Usually I just wander around the Las Vegas Convention Center and have my mind blown, and while this is still part of the plan for this year, I figured jotting down a few cars that I simply can’t miss isn’t a bad idea.

This list is by no means complete, as cars seem to be popping up by the day, but it should give you an idea of the types of cars I’ll be looking out for and hopefully generate some excitement for the upcoming coverage.

Yogi’s GS

Despite appearing first this is Lexus was a late addition to the post because prior to it’s finally assembly a few days ago I really didn’t see or hear a whole lot about it.

A subtle all metal wide body, and racing inspired vibe, is a different (and welcome) look to the Lexus GS. Here’s hoping it is just as awesome in person.
yogi GS final

sema-tt-yogi-fatlace2

The Speedhunters Scion FR-S Tuner Challenge Build

The last time I was at SEMA the FR-S had just been released, so there was a slight FR-S over load at the show that caused them all to somewhat blur together. Now two years later the aftermarket for the chassis is much larger, and people have had more time to ponder the cars, which should lead to much more creative builds.

One such build I am looking forward to is the Speedhunters entry in the Scion Tuner Challenge. I’m already a fan of Keith’s work and the renders of this car so far look very, very promising.

At first glance it might not look all that dissimilar from what’s currently out there but the more you look the more you can see the throw back cues to trans am racing, and earlier Japanese based builds.

sema-tt-sh-frs

Rocket Bunny Lexus RC

2014s famous rabbit suit knows know limits, and Tra Kyoto along with Lexus Tuned, and Toyo tires will be applying the aesthetic to a Lexus RC.

Based on the fenders it looks like the car actually wears the kit pretty well, which is something I wouldn’t expect out of a modern luxury sports car.

sema-tt-rb-rc

PCH Hot Rods C10 R

To the surprise of no one one an LS powered truck as made it into my list of must sees.  Raw Metal, CF, and an LS wrapped in a Pro Touring package? Heck yeah sign me up.
sema-tt-pch-hotrods-c10r-1

sema-tt-pch-hotrods-c10r-2

Ring Brothers Recoil Chevelle

Ring Brothers builds have always blown me away, and their ’66 Chevelle known as the ‘Recoil’ is shaping up to be another show stopper. Like the C10R it has a LS under the hood (capable of just shy of 1000 horse) and uses a lot of hand laid cf.

My wife Lyndsey is a huge Chevelle fan so should I not get any pics of this one I might not have a home to return to.

sema-tt-ringbros-1

sema-tt-ringbros-2

911DV8

If you have not already caught on I don’t tire easily of the almighty LS motor and another build that centers around Chevy’s versatile, power on demand, power plant is Project DV8.

What’s not to like about a LS powered Porsche 996 GT? Nothing. The answer is nothing.

sema_tt_dv81

sema_tt_dv82

Liberty Walk Brings All The Cars

With Liberty Walk bringing so many cars it’s pretty well impossible for me to narrow things down to one so I’ve posted most (all?) of the builds they are bringing to the show.

sema-tt-lb-1

sema-tt-lb-3

sema-tt-lb-4

sema-tt-lb-2

Fuller Hot Rods Double Down

When I heard this car was returning to SEMA for 2014 I was estatic. The photos Rob took of it last year were great but I doubt they really compare to seeing the car in the flesh.

The first shot in the list below is from last year while the rest are instagram teasers from this year. Details. Details. Details.

sema-tt-doubledown-front

sema-tt-double-down-int

sema-tt-doubledown-motor

I have no that I’ve missed a build or tow that you are hoping to see so if you’ve got something your watching come together that you really want to see some pictures of after the show let me know in the comments.

Additionally if you’re going to the show please leave a comment as well as I am always looking forward to meeting new people!

WTF Friday: Yep.. Another s10

1

A few weeks ago I mentioned that people do weird things to s10s, and in addition to attempting to transform the trccks into hot rods, people also mesh them together with American classics.

Sometimes it works, and sometimes –most times actually– it ends up like this, another admirable effort (with lots of seemingly good bodywork) that lacks visual cohesion.

another104
This angle remind anyone of Family Guy’s James William Bottomtooth?
another103
I think there’s mid 50s Bel Air/Nomad in there?
another10
The rear end flows a bit better than the front in my opinion, and reminds there’s another truck with a rear end like this I DO quite enjoy. I believe it’s blue…
another102
I’m not against the (T-bucket?) on the top though, nice looking build

Anyone want to hazard a guess at how many hours and cash were put into this?

Featured Ride: Misha’s 1996 Civic EX

3

To the untrained eye Misha’s 1996 Honda Civic EX may just look like just some suspension work, a gold Nardi steering wheel, and a beautiful set of fully polished Volk CV Pros.

However those keen on Hondas will notice a laundry list of rare and unique JDM and EDM parts which all go seamlessly together to create a very clean specimen.

misha-1996-civic-ex-volk-cv-pro
misha-1996-civic-ex-volk-cv-pro-2

Starting at the front Misha’s car boasts an OEM EK4 front (and rear) bumper, lip, and headlights, thin moldings, and hood bra. His polished 16×7.5 and 16×8 Volk CV Pros are tied into the front end with the EDM “Big H” grille.

misha-1996-civic-ex-volk-cv-pro-4

Moving past the heated power folding Acura EL mirrors you may have noticed that the OEM mud flaps have been ground down thanks to the Skunk 2 Pro S2 coil overs that this car sits on. It also has urethane bushings throughout, Skunk 2 lower control arms, and SiR brakes all around.

misha-1996-civic-ex-volk-cv-pro-3
misha-1996-civic-ex-volk-cv-pro-5

Misha’s interior is his recent pièce de résistance. It all started with a pair of Honda Orthia front seats. After that he began sourcing everything he needed to have a complete set of Orthia seats.

misha-1996-civic-ex-orthia-interior-2

A rear seat and arm rest turned up at a local Toronto JDM importer but it was missing sides and headrests. Misha scoured the world and managed to find some side cushions – but one was in California and one from Honda Japan. Talk about luck. He also picked up a JDM arm rest with heat seat switches and coin trays, JDM road flare, Acura EL cluster, and the list goes on.

misha-1996-civic-ex-orthia-interior-4
misha-1996-civic-ex-orthia-interior-3
misha-1996-civic-ex-orthia-interior

Misha’s car is a nod to those who know, and a refreshing look at the more detail oriented side of the Honda scene.

Theme Tuesdays: E30s With Foreign Hearts

1

It’s been awhile since I’ve done an e30 Theme Tuesday, and with good looking e30s being so easily accessible I felt posting a bunch of without a theme-within-a-theme would have been a little too predictable and straight forward.

So to make things a little more challenging for myself, and interesting for you, I’ve decided to limit today’s post to only e30s that have hard their hearts transplanted with motors from other brands.

Starting local Steve’s sr20 e30 that you are all probably used to seeing at this point

The car has obviously changed a bit over the years, the white paint was drastic but it’s transformation into a drift car was even more so. The SR20 is now out of the car as well if favour of a Ford 5.0 V8
f_e30_501
Speaking of 5.0 powered e30s here’s one with the most creative plate of this post

f_e30_502

To further challenge myself I’ve decided to limit this post to one LS powered car
I picked a doozy naturally
The first of two Audi powered e30s spotlit today
This one spotted in Ocean city is a street driven drift car…
e30clutchkick
…as demonstrated here
As far as I know this one from Montreal isn’t a drift car…
…but that doesn’t make it any less awesome
f_e30_13b_1
13b powered E30 from Australia I believe
f_e30_13b_2
There are some chrome 20s bolted to it, and since no one wants to see that here is a shot of the engine bay

f_e30_rb1

f_e30_rb2
Local RB25det powered e30 build, only seen in it out a handful of times
f_e30_2jz_m3
There are a few 2J swapped e30s but not nearly as many m3s, this one was shot by Larry Chen for Speedhunters
f_e30_2jz_Viktor-Martensson
Going to end things with Viktor Mårtensson’s wild 2JZ drift car

f_e30_2jz_Viktor-Martensson2

f_e30_2jzonroaders
This car has floated around the net for awhile so I’m sure some of you have seen it but this thing is a MONSTER

Of course monster statements cannot be made without moving pictures so here’s a quick video:

I forget some, or worse yours? Feel free to add in the comments!

The Devil Wears Enkei

2

This A3 has forever sat near the very top of my personal ‘best a3s ever’ list and I’ve posted it on at least three occasions.

I absolutely loved it on BBS LM wheels but recently he switched things up and sold the LMs in favour of Enkei RS05RR.

Some of you might consider going from the almighty LM to a single piece Enkei a downgrade, and being a huge fan of the LM on paper I would agree, but this set-up has an unshakably awesome visual impact.

devilwears1

devilwears2

devilwears3

Just goes to show you that someone with grate tasted can make anything work.

Via.

WTF Friday: Weird Science

2

French Canadian VDO Gabe sent me a link earlier this week stating that he found this week’s WTF Friday subject and when I clicked through I had to agree he did find this weeks subject.

However something about it looked very familiar.

weridscience1

A Chevrolet like the one above you don’t easily forget (even after four years) and after a bit of rummaging through the crates I was able to dig up some photos I took of this Avalanche prior to it’s current look.



When you’ve already customized a vehicle to the point where it’s essentially unrecognisable I guess the only thing left to do is add another set of wheels and a new coat of paint.

weridscience2
I will say whoever does the body work on this car is talented, misguided perhaps, but talented

Since I spotted it it has also received a rear end reminiscent of Megatron from Beast Machines. It has also got a new rear end and inside it’s full of audio, switches, lights, and trophies.

weridscience3

weridscience4
Kitchen backsplash floor mat?

weridscience5

The seller is currently asking 25k after putting in an estimated 350k.

Whether or not the 2000 trophies it has one are included with the sale is anyone’s guess.

Event Coverage: Northern Showdown

1

If there’s one universal truth that has emerged from my personal experience attending countless automotive events it is that truck shows have never once let me down.

A lot of the childish nonsense, trophy hunting, elitism, and other miscellaneous drama that plagues other scenes seems to be completely absent at these events which vehicles aside makes the vibe pretty awesome.

From a vehicular standpoint truck guys typically welcome anything low so the diversity is unmatched, and since the majority of the field is built not bought they are a great place to take in some great, creative, fabrication.

northern-showdown-lineup

The organizers of Northern Showdown first alerted me to the show back in July at Eurokracy and having already missed Vanfest and been tied up for The Cruise to the Quarry I knew I had to do my best to keep this weekend open if I wanted to get my fill of low trucks for the year. As always there were a few competing interests for this date but Gabe from French Canadian VDO was insistent that I make out it.

The French videographer proved wise indeed because had I missed this show I would have regretted it.

Fabrication, Creativity, Originality

The amount of raw talent within the truck scene never ceases to amaze me. As someone who hopes to build something that requires some fabrication one day it’s really encouraging to see what people are able to do in their own garage alongside shop builds.

northern-showdown-trophy-2
Awards should never be the reason to attend an event, but it is always nice when a show goes the extra mile to gather up some nice ones
northern-showdown-trophy-3
The interior award at Northern Showdown was perhaps one of the coolest trophies I had ever seen
northern-showdown-trophy-4
Matt Moran (builder of this frame among other things) did a wicked job on the best suspension trophy
northern-showdown-gmc-sonoma
Kind of regret not taking a second look at the rear of this s10, looks like there’s an IRS back there

northern-showdown-dool-eh-2

northern-showdown-dool-eh
I actually think this might have been the first time I’ve seen Chris Grantham’s ‘Dool-Eh’ in person, should be pretty crazy once it is done

northern-showdown-pabst-truck-interior

northern-showdown-pabst-truck-bed
I’m not a PBR drinker myself but the owner of this truck clearly is, the PBR Severed Ties sticker is a nice touch that I actually didn’t notice until I was at home editing the photos

northern-showdown-ford-ranger-gt-3-(2)

northern-showdown-ford-ranger-gt-3
This Ranger GT (which might be the last surviving one locally) was awesome, killer suspension set-up and a really cool dash swap

northern-showdown-colorado-motor

northern-showdown-colorado-interior

northern-showdown-colorado-suspension-4
Got so wrapped up in the details of this Colorado I forgot to take a picture of the exterior! Thankfully I’ve got one here for those of you who may not have seen it
northern-showdown-bagged-bodied-hummer-2
One of the craziest vehicles at the show was this bagged and bodied H3
northern-showdown-bagged-bodied-hummer-front-1
Recently finished by 519 Kustomz this truck is pretty outstanding. Full interior, heat, and work AC as well

Domestic Trucks

northern-showdown-s10s
These two trucks have been in the scene forever, good on both owners for keeping them up all these years
northern-showdown-dodge-dakota
I used to draw tons of paint jobs like this in high school, now they are a pretty rare sight
northern-showdown-chevy-s10
Of course if something more simple is what tickles your fancy it’s hard to dislike this satin black Chevy
northern-showdown-s10
The paint accents on this s10 are so subtle yet effective, probably why I like them so much
northern-showdown-works-garage-bagged-52-chevylineup
Jeff brought his GMC out to the show and parked it among friends
northern-showdown-car-second-glance-ford
@alvanzeben’s F150 laid out with Second Glance
northern-showdown-second-glance-lineup
The complete Second Glance lineup
northern-showdown-international-rear-suspension-3
Todd’s Silverado just went away for the 2014 season
northern-showdown-avalanche
Being a unibody truck the frame for this was built completely from the underside… my arms ache thinking about it

Import Trucks

Though I would have absolutely no problems looking at Chevy and Ford trucks all day it’s always cool to see some import trucks at an event like this.

Equally opportunity low.

northern-showdown-traditional-bodydrop
Try as I might I wasn’t able to identify those 1″ BMX forks, perhaps before my time
northern-showdown-mazda-hybrid
Mitsu and Mazda stare down at the front of the venue
northern-showdown-datsun-mini
This Nissan 720 was incredible. Awesome color combination and super clean. All the way from Mississippi too
northern-showdown-mazda
This Mazda has once again changed hands, for a truck that’s had a variety of owners it is still in great shape

northern-showdown-izuzu-3

northern-showdown-izuzu-1
Picture perfect Isuzu that’s part of Relaxed Atmosphere

Classics

With classics ranging from patina’d to painted Northern Showdown had a little bit for everyone.

northern-showdown-air-assisted
Air Assisted’s trusty Ford did the Markham to Kitchener haul
northern-showdown-car-impala
Beside it was this Impala living up to its custom plate
northern-show-down-hot-rod
This was LOUD

northern-showdown-49-chevy-pickup-1

northern-showdown-49-chevy-pickup-2
I think I might have figured out what shell to put on my nitro car…

northern-show-down-car-blue-truth

northern-showdown-car-hai-class-1

northern-showdown-car-hai-class
I’m in love with this Impala now that it is one wires, the hubs and whites looked good but these looks perfect

northern-showdown-car-ford-monterey-1

northern-showdown-car-ford-monterey-2

northern-showdown-car-ford-monterey
Caught up with the Ford Monterey from Reunited again, another great looking car
northern-showdown-ford-courier
Posted about this truck last year and I finally got to see it in person. Didn’t let me down great build on a unique chassis
northern-showdown-bagged-57-chevy-5
I’ve become quite fond of ’57s and Mike’s was stunning
northern-showdown-bagged-57-chevy-3
It’s actually up for sale right now so he can move on to the next project
northern-showdown-best-of-show
This ’53 Ford Panel took home best of show
northern-showdown-best-of-show-3
This build is 10 years old and goes to show that if you do it right once you never have to do it again

Limbo

The Nine O Five Rides limbo pole has seen a lot of use this year!

northern-showdown-limbo-prize-possesions-wedding-crasher-2

northern-showdown-limbo-prize-possesions-wedding-crasher
Chris Grantham’s ‘Wedding Crasher’ had no problems making it through a few rounds
northern-showdown-limbo-mazda
This Mazda looks to be about tucking lug up front
northern-showdown-limbo-low-accord
This Accord coupe was incredibly clean, super quick air set-up too
northern-showdown-limbo-motorcycle
Never seen a motorcycle go under a limbo bar before, first time for everything it would seem
northern-showdown-limbo-supra-tails
Throwback to the days when Supra tails made their way onto everything

Now With More Doors

Finally got to check out this International in person since it has become an extended cab, I’ve seen it on the highway going the opposite direction once or twice but not parked since Scrape By The Lake five years ago.

northern-showdown-international_three_quarter_1
This truck just looks too damn good on the ground

northern-showdown-international-rear-three
northern-showdown-international-rear-suspension-2

northern-showdown-international_trailer
If this was yours what would you tow with it?

There’s more of coverage from this show up on Speedhunters.com in-case you missed it!

I’ll for sure be back at this show next year.

Theme Tuesdays: Fat And Flush

3

A friend of mine recently showed me a photo of someone who is trying to fit 19×14″ wheels underneath the rear of a Scion FR-S. Doing so requires, over fenders, stretched rubber, and negative camber well into the double digits.

My first response to this photo was ‘why so extreme?’, and the second was that I’ve been neglecting a category that is the complete opposite of shock value fitment for far too long.

Today I breathe life back into the Fat And Flush category, and give props to those who made little to no compromises in regards to wheel fitment, tire fitment, and wheel gap. The three pillars of modern day stance.

functionalfitment1
People are often up in arms about ‘ruined’ Subarus but there are still plenty of functionally fitted ones out there
functionalfitment3
Stock body is of course no obstacle
functionalfitment4
Love how close everything is on this car
functionalfitment17
Might be the fifth or sixth time I’ve posted this car, I love it
functionalfitment5
S2000 owners are of course not going to let themselves be left out of the fitment party
functionalfitment11
The rear is a little hard to make out in this photo but judging by the front I’d say there’s a lot of tire back there
functionalfitment12
Volk CE-28n wheels look great with man sized rubber
functionalfitment13
Functional Fitment looks great with functional aero

functionalfitment6

functionalfitment7
These two e46s could almost be the same car…
functionalfitment15
I could not for a second leave this Camaro out. One of my favorite ever built.
functionalfitment14
Brian Hobaugh’s Corvette runs an astonishing 305/30/R18 all around
functionalfitment8
Love this photo of a tidy little Miata getting put to good use
functionalfitment2
Fitment up front is certainly pushing the realms of what is possible
functionalfitment10
Great looking car and great looking shot by Visual Echos
functionalfitment16
Close things out with this FC that is so awesome that I only just now noticed there’s another hiding in this photo

Got cars I should include in part 2 of this post? Let me know in the comments below!

Family Flag

0

While at the same show I spotted these two lead sleds this rodded Ford sedan rolled up with a young chap behind the wheel and a middle aged man riding shot gun.

Once parked it became pretty apparent that the duo were father and son, and that it was one of the first times the dad had let his son drive to a show.

hot_rod

hot_rod_4

hot_rod_3

When the duo got out of the car a few of the other show-goers gave the boy some light hearted ribbing for being scared to open the car up en route.

Had I known the kid any at all I might have teased him as well because if I had a few minutes behind the wheel of this I’d be hard-pressed not to leave some black strips in my wake.

hot_rod_2

Happy Thanksigivng to all the fellow Canadian’s reading today!