Theme Tuesday: Limos

By

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Mar 25, 2014

As I am sure many of you have noticed a few of the more recent Theme Tuesday posts have been a little oddball.

The reason for this is that while your typical chassis, or model, based Theme Tuesdays are easy enough to do (and will always have their place) they are not exactly the most creative or inspiring.

Since I value the fact that so many of you come back week after week, just for Theme Tuesday posts, I like to keep things interesting which means occasionally taking the road less often travelled and hunting for the bizarre. That journey outside of the box leads a lot of places and this week it lead to the world of modified limos.

Due to it’s strange nature this post has actually be in the works for awhile, and actually originally started off as a bit of a joke. Things all changed when I stumbled upon a few seriously bizarre, and seriously cool limos.

If I were to get married all over again I might try and track down one of the limos in this post.

limo_1 — I originally thought this 300c was a Photoshop

limo_2 — But after finding a few photos of it I was thoroughly convinced it was real

limo_15 — I had a bit more trouble finding more photos of this limo… looks pretty rad though

limo_22 — XB Limo built for SEMA a few years ago

limo_24 — This Sienna was done by Toyota for their ‘Swagger Wagon’ campaign

limo_3 — Juiced on wires is fairly common when it comes to modifying limos

limo_4 — Pimpin’ since pimpin’ been pimpin’

limo_6 — Only thing that would make this better would be a Dayton continental kit

limo_7 — It’s actually a little surprising how many of these there are

limo_10 — Not sure if there is such thing as a limo semi truck… but I can’t think of a better place for this

limo_16 — Also not sure the best place for this, as I suppose you could technically just call it an extended cab and not a limo but it’s crazy either way

limo_26 — This is pretty crazy, though it looks as though it might be bowing a bit in the middle

limo_12 — Imagine for a second this was static? It would be so difficult to maneuver…

limo_9 — This one was part of “No Pokemon shit” and I’m not sure if it was ever completed

limo_14 — Lose the vinyl roof and the chrome arches and I’d rock the hell out of this

limo_13 — Heck it even looks like there might be a mural on the trunk

limo_5 — Most certainly the cleanest of all the Benz limos in this post

limo_17 — Things get more than a little weird from here on out

limo_11 — There are evidently a few of these running around. This one was carbed and backed by a 5 speed… apparently the mileage wasn’t terrible..

limo_25 — This is comprised of 2 DX sedans

limo_18 — MR-2 Limo.. flip up doors….. Japan is the only possibility

limo_19 — I’ll just let this one sink in…

limo_23_jp_cedric_royal — Junction Produce Cedric Royal… VIP to a tee

limo_20 — Porsche 920 limo… does it get much better?

Event Coverage: Megaspeed 2014 – Part 1

By

DaveT

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Mar 24, 2014

1

When Megaspeed replaced Performance World in 2012 they ended up sliding their feet into some pretty big shoes, and this year it was fairly evident that those big loafers still didn’t quite fit right.

Despite an assortment of various grade attending celebrities including; Danny “The Count” Koker, Rick and Kelly from American Restoration, and ~~Ice-T~~ (no show) along with wife Coco, this years show was significantly smaller than the one previous, and left many feeling somewhat disappointed upon arrival.

That said despite it’s trimmed down 2014 size, Megaspeed is still one of the most diverse shows in the GTA, and in my opinion still worth checking out, because new projects are always revealed on International Center floor the second last weekend of March.

This year new contributing photographer Drake Nolte, and myself hit up the show Friday in an effort to avoid some of the foot traffic and take as many pictures as possible.

Coverage will begin with the euro/import (aka tuner) content of the show with the classics, muscle cars, trucks, and hot rods coming later this week in part two.

megaspeed_2014_perdo_1 — The tuner hall was in a much better location this year, which lent itself to far more appealing photos

megaspeed_2014_perdo_2 — The S3 front end looks great on Pedro’s A3

megaspeed_2014_honda_civc — Love seeing this car, it’s undergone quite a transformation, and it is one of very few left locally

megaspeed_2014_honda_rukus — Rucks seem to be slowly, but surely, be catching on more and more here in the GTA

megaspeed_2014_mazda_miata_ls — Love this LS powered Miata from Flyin’ Miata

megaspeed_2014_hyundai_genesis — Very clean Genesis

megaspeed_2014_subaru_2 — Cosimo Spatola / Can-Jam / Nextmod Time Attack STI which actually has carbon fibre doors hood and hatch

megaspeed_2014_subaru_1 — You can follow this cars race progress in 2014 here on Facebook

megaspeed_2014_scion_tc — Easily one of the best looking local Scion TCs

This F20 swapped AE86 is really just perfect.

megaspeed_2014_honda_s2000 — Flared s2000 from Nextmod Mississauga

megaspeed_2014_got_ass_1 — Got Ass asks which derrière you prefer

megaspeed_2014_honda_s2000_3 — If only she’d read this…

megaspeed_2014_mazda_speed3_hyperion_inc_1 — All the local Mazda 3 owners stepped things up for 2014, Josh’s car has one off headlights and Hydrodipped arctic camouflage accessories

megaspeed_2014_mazda_3_1 — After a serious front end collision Ryan resurrected his car from the dead with an awesome new look

megaspeed_2014_mazda_32 — The green powder coating and hyper titanium satin pearl Plasti Dip work great together

megaspeed_2014_mazda_speed3_kjohn_front — Rounding out the Mazda’s that went significantly under the knife is Trevor’s Speed3

megaspeed_2014_mazda_speed3_kjohn_rear_2 — While many 3 owners are doing bolt on flares he had KJohn Car Innovations mold his in

megaspeed_2014_mazda_speed3_kjohn_flare — It’s a bold look, and certainly different than anything I’ve seen previously

megaspeed_2014_mazda_speed3_kjohn — The blast pipes and spiked lugs further separate it from the rest of the 3s

megaspeed_2014_mazda_speed3_kjohn_front_three_quarter — Though a much subtler look than the rears, the front fenders also got quite a bit of finesse

megaspeed_2014_mazda_speed3_kjohn_rear — Ass so fat it gives Coco a run for her money

megaspeed_2014_fitted_kids_3 — Brad swapped his Equips for this white set of Meisters, then on the way home from the show the police swapped his plates for a handful of tickets

megaspeed_2014_fitted_kids_1 — Mat kept his Meisters and is car is looking just as flawless as ever

megaspeed_2014_bmw_e46_1 — Randy put some new WP Pro Brakes on his car which meant he could no longer run his SSR Professors, I believe these Vossen wheels are temporary

megaspeed_2014_bmw_e46_hammered — Another e46 on new wheels for 2014 is Plasti Dipped Example from Too Fast Motors. The double stepped lip RS wheels look great but I wish a few of the finer details of the car had been smoothed out to match

megaspeed_2014_bmw_e36_1 — Funny enough the last time I saw this car it was on wheels very similar to the ones above

megaspeed_2014_bmw_e36_2 — Not quite sure whether or not I prefer it on BBS wheels or these Work VS-XX wheels

megaspeed_2014_ertefa_1 — Holds it’s own beside this clean NSX either way

megaspeed_2014_vw_jetta_josh_1 — Josh put his Jetta on air and new wheels this year

megaspeed_2014_vw_jetta_josh_2 — Those air ride certainly compliments the car with the new kicks

Blair's car is now blue thanks to Street Dreams Autosports — Blair’s car is now blue thanks to Street Dreams Autosport

megaspeed_2014_libertywalk_gtr_2 — Peter’s Liberty Walk GTR is going to get a ton of photographic love this year

megaspeed_2014_libertywalk_gtr — Rumour has it some new suspension is in this cars future….

megaspeed_2014_honda_prelude_1 — A clean Prelude is such a sight for sore eyes… never mind a bagged one on Meisters

megaspeed_2014_team_mayzn_1 — The Team Mazyn EL got a bit of under hood love…

megaspeed_2014_team_mayzn_2 — …in addition to a new air and I.C.E install

megaspeed_2014_dodge_dart_1 — Ground’d Kustoms brought out the words second bagged dart which oddly enough is the same colour as the worlds first bagged Dart that they also built

megaspeed_2014_dodge_dart_2 — Absolutely LOVE the fact that Ground’d used a lace paint job on the hood and roof

megaspeed_2014_dodge_dart_3 — The car is actually lady driven

megaspeed_2014_big_turbo_2 — Prior to this year’s show I heard a lot of people complaining about the performance merit of the cars allowed into the show…

megaspeed_2014_big_turbo_1 — …if I’m not mistaken this car puts down 900 whp

F20 powered EG with wild one off intake manifold

megaspeed_2014_is300_turbo_1 — Not sure what kind of numbers this Rukus Motorsports is300 put down but it sure looked mighty impressive

megaspeed_2014_is300_turbo_4 — Hopefully I catch this car at a few more events because it looks like a solid all around build

megaspeed_2014_elevated_1 — Might as well keep the engine bay thing going with a shot of Adam’s Vortech charged s2000

megaspeed_2014_elevated_2 — His LM’s look great refinished white

megaspeed_2014_elevated_4 — Parked right beside Adam was his Elevated Status team mate Brian

megaspeed_2014_elevated_3 — Brian is sporting a new lip for 2014, among a few other subtle mods

megaspeed_2014_twin_turbo_300c_1 — I’ve seen this car a few times and I’m not sure if I’ve never looked closely before…

megaspeed_2014_twin_turbo_300c_2 — …or if this remote mount twin turbo set-up is new

megaspeed_2014_toyota_supra_1100hp — Going to end things off for today with this 1100HP powerhouse of a Supra

Prett — Dynamotorsports built this monster

megaspeed_2014_toyota_supra_1100hp_2 — I bet there are a lot of people who have grown accustom to this view…

I’m really excited to have Drake on board for 2014 so while you are waiting for part two to drop be sure to check out his Flickr account for some more great photos.

Fitted Lifestyle Archives

By

DaveT

-

Mar 20, 2014

0

The internet has dubbed Thursday (along with Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday) a day in which we look back, so for this week’s #throwbackthursday I took the time to compile an archive of the Stance Is Everything Fitted Lifestyle event coverage.

From it’s inception in 2010 as ‘Stretch & Poke’, the staff at Fitted have put on refined, enjoyable, quality, events, and as such Fitted has become the one show in the GTA you can count on virtually everyone to attend.

Their 2014 Toronto event was announced this week, and you can find the flyer with the vital details below:

If you have never been to a fitted Lifestyle event take a look at a few of the photos below, and hop over to the archives by clicking here.

I have also, at popular request, created an Event Listing for the upcoming 2014 season, it’s updated weekly and there is a submission form at the bottom if I forgot to put up your event!

Winter Wednesdays: This Is The End?

By

DaveT

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Mar 19, 2014

0

According to the disembodied voices on the television without pictures winter officially ends tonight.

However with the winter we’ve had thus far I wouldn’t be rushing to put your summer wheels on any time soon as I wouldn’t be surprised if another snowstorm rolled through to ruin everyone’s optimism.

On a more positive note weather be damned this ’53 GMC pickup from Motor City Rat Rods looks pretty damn gnarly.

The photo above is actually from the day the owner picked it up, Mother Nature’s sense of humour knows no bounds.

Theme Tuesdays: The Kids Are All Right

By

DaveT

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Mar 18, 2014

0

This post has been in the works ever since my wife and I got the good news that we were expecting because I instantly I had visions of lowering some sort of child sized people mover for my future son or daughter.

In fact, prior to it dawning on me that it would be sometime before my child needed something like this (and probably even longer before I had time to build it), I had started looking for a base to start with.

With Ash being less than a week old I’m going to have to wait a little bit longer until I start one, but when I do I will need some inspiration and this post is chock full of it.

Hopefully those of you reading that are parents, or parents to be, get a kick out of this post along with a few ideas.

kids_4 — Toys were just plain built cooler ‘back in the day’

kids_5 — Is that a mini suicide knob on the steering wheel? If so I reiterate my previous statement

kids_5a — Looks like one father decided pushing his son around was a little over rated

kids_1 — Gotta love the additional tear drop trailer with cup holders

kids_9 — Not actually sure a child can fit in this any more but it looks cool

kids_14 — Props to the parents on this one, great job

kids_13 — This looks to be a custom job, and it’s pretty impressive

kids_12 — This Type 2 was found in the same post as the Combi above and is equally awesome

kids_2 — Some small wires or Astro Supremes would really set this off

kids_20 — This little Viper is actually bagged and on a custom tube chassis

kids_18 — I believe this mini and the two cars following it were all built by ‘Kid Stance’ On Instagram

kids_19 — Fighting the urge not to hit kijiji right now

kids_22 — These are apparently $169 US (stock) which is way more reasonable than I assumed

kids_26 — These kids are rolling in style

kids_27 — Awesome Little Red Wagon tribute

kids_29 — This kid knows he’s killin’ it

kids_15 — Going to end things off with Radio flyers which have to be the most common lowered non powered child transport

kids_11 — This one looks like it gets around a bit

kids_28 — Super simple idea, but quite awesome

kids_16 — This really is the perfect solution, this way my son and my dog could become best of friends

If you have any advice on what to do with this little poop factory I’ve got sitting on my lap I’m all ears!

Event Coverage: The 2014 Detroit AutoRama

By

DaveT

-

Mar 17, 2014

4

The Detroit Autorama is a completely unique show experience because it covers such a broad spectrum of classic car, truck, and hot rod builds.

You’ve got your several hundred thousand dollar, no expense spared, shop based, builds up top, while down below you’ve got the back yard built, incredibly creative, projects on the basement floor. It’s really everything you could imagine entirely under one roof, at the end of a long winter.

Today’s coverage –provided by Kristina Doyle– will start on ground level then make it’s way underground to the portion of the show dubbed AutoRama Extreme.

Camaro_Autorama2014_183 — This Camaro sure gets around I think it’s appeared in at least one event coverage post a year since 2009. It’s so fast it literally blew it’s own door off on a 6.78 pass

1963_corvette_Autorama2014_086 — This 2600HP 63 Corvette that retains it’s ability to drive on the Street… it even has cup holders

copper_topless_62_corvette_2_Autorama2014_071 — Known as the ‘Copper Topless’ this 52 Corvette is a lot to take in

copper_topless_62_corvette_1_Autorama2014_088 — The quality and craftsmanship are on point but the overall result is a bit much for me personally

Ring_Brothers_Pantera_Autorama2014_148 — The Ring Brothers brought their Pantera project out

Ring_Brothers_Autorama2014_160 — Love these cars…

Autorama2014_092 — This would probably be pretty useful in a Zombie apocalypse

Autorama2014_094 — Rear steer equipped with liberal ground clearance

Lifted_Jeep_Autorama2014_068 — Jeep Flexin

36_willys_Autorama2014_024 — This awesome 36 WIlly’s Chassis features a 1 of 8 Fuel Injected Arias Hemi motor

Autorama2014_141 — …nope.. still don’t want a motorcycle… or that’s what I will keep telling myself

Basement_Autorama2014_084 — Incredible 39 Chevy built by Jason Graham

Autorama2014_096 — Very sleek looking convertible

1929_ford_model_a_Autorama2014_043 — It’s crazy how tall the roof is stock on a 1929 Model A…

Autorama2014_133 — Crafty-B is responsible for this traditionally styled 32 Ford roadster

Autorama2014_099_1933_ford_victoria — Love the look of this 33 Ford Victoria

tom_love_27_fordAutorama2014_014 — Great looking 27

Autorama2014_176 — Great choice of colors on this car, works well with the traditional styling

mike_young_40_pickup_Autorama2014_008 — 1940 Ford Pickup built by Mike Young

mike_young_40_pickup_Autorama2014_01040_pickup — Love the fat whites

Pure_Art_Lucky_7_Speedshop_Autorama2014_178 — Great stance on this truck

Autorama2014_143 — Simply flawless 48 Chevy 3100

Autorama2014_037 — I believe this is a very custom 64 or so Ford F-100

kosmic_outcastAutorama2014_062 — The Kosmic Outcast is a vehicle I would love the chance to see in person, it is such a unique, intricate, build

kosmic_outcast_Autorama2014_057 — It’s originally a 1940 Ford but it’s got Chevy, Plymouth, and Pontiac parts in it. More detailed info and pics about it can be found at hotrodchassisandcycle.com

project_condor_Autorama2014_052 — ‘Project Condor’ drawing a ground of people interested in what exactly makes this Pro Touring truck tick

project_condor_Autorama2014_046 — Custom frame, Adjustable Watts Link, Adjustable 4 link, adjustable coils…

project_condor_Autorama2014_053 — LSX under the hood

project_condor_Autorama2014_050 — Bare bones yet elegant interior

29_model_a_Autorama2014_076 — Jason Grahm Hot Rods built 29 Model A, love the louvers in the chopped roof, such a nice touch

29_model_a_Autorama2014_080 — ’55 Chevy Dash and two tone leather throughout

69_Camaro_Autorama2014_112 — This 427 powered 69 Camaro owned by Brian and Gianna Ganos was Ridler ‘Great 8’ finalist

Nova_1_Autorama2014_104 — Another stunning finalist was this ’67 Nova

Nova_2_Autorama2014_106 — Engine bay detail through the roof

Nova_3_Autorama2014_107 — Stunning Stance

1932_ford_a_Autorama2014_124 — This 32 Ford Tudor sedan was another ‘Great 8’ Ridler finalist

1932_ford_a_Autorama2014_122 — From what I am told it could have taken the number 1 spot

1964_riveria_ridler_winner_Autorama2014_129 — Taking home the 2014 Ridler award was this 850hp Big Block powered 1967 Buick Rivi

1964_riveria_ridler_winner_Autorama2014_136 — Another look at the very heavily modified Riviera

Basement_Autorama2014_dontbedick — Home made signs like this are what separate the basement from upstairs

basement_Autorama2014_230 — Sitting among a sea of classic American metal was this great looking beetle

basement_chevy_pickup_1 — This pick up looked fairly different this year compared to the year previous

basement_chevy_pickup_2Autorama2014_202 — Not exactly sure what the owner’s final vision for the truck is but it is safe to say he is well on his way to achieving it

basement_Autorama2014_231 — You can never go wrong with hubs and whites

basement_Autorama2014_262 — Traditional styling is truly hard to beat

basement_Autorama2014_255 — This ’47 Chevy from Motor City Rat Rods is simply like no other

basment_1930_ford_model_rusted_crow_Autorama2014_214 — Another build from Motor City, this one completely unlike the one above, featured numerous copper accents throughout the entire car

basment_1930_ford_model_rusted_crow_Autorama2014_215 — The ‘Rusted Crow’ is the owners distillery which explains several of the small details in this build

basement_Autorama2014_184_mark_gentler — Love the raw finish on this truck…

basement_31_model_a_Autorama2014_253 — … and on the opposite side of things I also really love the paint on this one

basement_1926_model_t_Autorama2014_222 — Chopped, hemi powered, 1926 Model T

basement_Autorama2014_263 — Spotless, laid out, 50 some odd Mercury pickup

basement_mid_engine_Autorama2014_188 — This crazy mid-engine Ohio creation was back once more

basement_mid_engine_Autorama2014_193 — I didn’t notice it last year but that looks to be a bench lifted straight from a park for seating..

Basement_Craig_Nolan_54_chevy_Autorama2014_Autorama2014_243 — Going to end things off with Craig Dolan’s 54 Chevy pickup

Basement_Craig_Nolan_54_chevy_Autorama2014 — Lovingly referred to as the Rustarado it features fenders wrapped completely in patchwork cow hide

Basement_Craig_Nolan_54_chevy_Autorama2014_Autorama2014_237 — The engine bay features more cowhide around the master cylinder and hammered copper

Basement_Craig_Nolan_54_chevy_Autorama2014_Autorama2014_242 — Obviously with such a unique exterior and engine bay the interior could be no less ornate, love the literally use of the word ‘arm rest’.

Hope you enjoyed the coverage, watch out for a few more Autorama photos to make their way up to the Stance Is Everything Facebook fanpage over the next view days.

WTF Friday: Wild Wild Horses

By

DaveT

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Mar 14, 2014

0

In 2007 one individual had the entire internet wondering what the heck he was thinking when he slid a Lamborghini Gallardo underneath a 2007 Ford Mustang, but a year earlier WMS Racing got the jump on the exotic powered Mustang game with Project Vanquish’d.

As the subtly alludes to project Vanquish is the combination of a 2005 Mustang, and 2001 Aston Martin Vanquish motor.

If you are a glass half empty sort of person you will point out the fact that the Vanquish V12 is, technically, a mated pair of two 3.0L Ford Duratec motors but if you did that you’d be missing out on the beauty of this car.

In addition to now living in a horse stable the Vanquish motor has been stroked to 6.1L, fit with WMS headers, WMS ported heads, and a WMS intake.

The chassis has been reinforced to handle the power from the new 500+ hp motor, and KW coils help keep it planted in the corners as well as prevent the 19×9/12 Essen Wheels from looking awkward.

After SEMA, and a few rounds of magazine features, the car popped up for sale in 2011 after which it appears to have vanished.

Hopefully it didn’t wind up in a glue factory somewhere because that would be a damn shame.

You can check out more (unfortunately small) build photos here at WMS Racing.com.

Theme Tuesdays: Kei Cars

By

DaveT

-

Mar 11, 2014

3

Back this week with another theme that many might say is long over due. Incredibly popular in Japan by necessity Kei cars (light auto mobiles) have been enjoyed heightened exposure in North America as more, and more people venture forth to Japan.

When I first saw a modified Kei car on-line three or so years ago I will admit I wasn’t immediately blown away however, over time they began to grow on me.

Once I found out the awesome Baby Cobra was built on a Suzuki Cappuccino I officially hopped on the bandwagon, Kei cars are awesome.

keicar_18 — Baby Cobra, slammed of course

keicar_1 — A Cappuccino in it’s more native form

keicar_5 — Another really awesome Cappuccino

keicar_7_ssrmk2 — Really dig the almost rose gold color on this Honda N360

keicar_3 — These wheels almost look like they are off a go kart… in fact I wouldn’t be surprised if someone told me they were

keicar_10_180sx — This kind of reminds me of the Jazz’s Cybertronian form… yeah I went there.

keicar_4 — Alto works Suzuki on 13×7.5 -4 Techno TV-R wheels… it puts down 100hp and there is a feature of it here on Speed Hunters

keicar_20 — Wouldn’t actually mind seeing what this looked like all said and done, but I couldn’t find any more pics/info

keicar_6 — Did you honestly expect me to leave out Kei trucks?

keicar_8 — With some of that fender gap closed up this would be even better

keicar_9 — Everything slides in Japan. Everything.

keicar_19 — 7 Tune always seems to have a bead on things that are awesome

keicar_14 — Going to end things off with the Revolver II built by Tetsuhiko Iizuka

keicar_12 — He’s an Accuair dealer in Japan and incredibly talented

keicar_13 — Large pics of the Daihatsu in it’s newly completed form are a little hard to come by but you can browse his website for more

WTF Friday: BMW Powered 34 Chevy

By

DaveT

-

Mar 7, 2014

1

One of the (several) WTF Friday posts sitting in draft status is tentatively titled “BMW Motors abroad”, and as the name suggests, it’s a half written collection of various cars sporting the BMW roundel sitting under the hood.

This car was originally slated to be part of that post, but after looking through the build I decided it was deserving of it’s own spotlight because it is just that wild.

Starting with a barn find ’34 builder ‘E30 BIG’ decided to venture down the road much less traveled and not put a domestic mill under the hood of his Chevy.

Instead he plucked an V12 from an 850 from it’s moorings and plunked it in between the frame rails of his forgotten Chevy.

Pushing things further away from the realm of sane a Mooneyham 14-71 blower been placed on top of 5.0L v12 for a lot more get up and go.

The rear end is from an X5, while the front is a Heidts IRS set-up fit with bags.

Behind the X5 wheels are Willwood brakes.

In addition to being in Norwegian the build thread has a couple pages of broken images so it’s a little hard to gather a lot of information from but the videos below do show promising progress.