Then, now, and what's to come

This is right after I bagged my car for the first time.  I was very limited at the time for air suspension so we built one ourselves.
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/AIMDCARSHOW001.jpg[/IMG]

These are the brackets I had (black) and switched to (silver). It helped lower the car more but I sacrificed uppward motion. GRRRRR
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/UniversalAirbagbrackets002.jpg[/IMG]

After the install this is the slammed height I was able to obtain.
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Sunnyday011.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/DSC_0219e1.jpg[/IMG]

Sorry for the weird post, I can't put more then 4 pics at a time.

After alot of thought I knew that with the spirits body kit I would have to be able to go higher or I would be in some trouble so I bought a whole different set up for the front and this is what I was able to obtain.

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Thegoodandthebad001.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Thegoodandthebad6.jpg[/IMG]

[b]Front[/b]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Thegoodandthebad002.jpg[/IMG]

[b]Rear[/b]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Thegoodandthebad003.jpg[/IMG]

[b]But all this came with a price to pay....[/b]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Thegoodandthebad004.jpg[/IMG]

Let's just say to keep a story short, Don't let you air line rub till it gets a hole in it.  Then lets say while your pulled over and trying to replace an airline don't have your friends arm between the fender and tire and have the jack fall. Holy Crap I thought his arm should have been broken but we found out Wayne (Suspended) has arms of steel. LOL  I'm glad we are able to laugh about it now.

So after all this I brought my car to a shop today for an estimate and my box should be going into the body shop tomorrow if all goes well, so keep a look out on progress pictures w/ all the Fabulous and Spirits Goodies!!!

Good news is now that my car is lower in the front, I'll be able to prob lay bumper on the ground what do you think? 

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/EbayPlate006.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/EbayPlate003.jpg[/IMG]

Plans at the shop besides the obvious is to shave the front fender signals, the rear wiper, and the front face finisher.  The Mercedes mirror turn signals  will be coming soon. Should look like this--->
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Mbenzt-1.jpg[/IMG]


Once this is done, I'll have to take it a little bit more easy but Next will be the whole interior....

One word PHAT...What is the new setup because the stance and fitment are incredible.Your b has always been nice but when you get all your exterior mods done your s*** is gonna be bananas you've definitely stepped it up to the next level which only a few b's in the U.S. (bboxed,jdmpalace,jdmjim,toyxbox...just to name a few on here)have. Cant wait to hear what you have in mind for the interior.

Damn thats crazy about Waynes arm and the jack!   I never usually throw a jack stand under the jack when Im adjusting the coilovers.  Looks like maybe I should.   Cant wait to see this stuff done.   What kinda front bag are you running up there now?    

Scotty

Tiiight!

Lookin real good

I dropped off my baby today and I should be getting her back a little after christmas.  I will be going there every other day or so to keep up on the progress and take pictures.

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Onitsway002.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Onitsway003.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Onitsway006.jpg[/IMG]

cant wait to see the outcome.

glad nothing serious happened. cant wait to see it finished.

any progress pictures????

Well, 2 days after dropping my car off they have already fitted the kit and massaged the front area (making brackets for bumper and fender and pulling both fenders for clearance.)  Carl my body guy said that the sides and rear were really easy to work with so far.  The side markers and rear wiper hole have been welded already.  So far this is looking better than expected.  
[b]Looking Sexy[/b]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Bodyshop001.jpg[/IMG]
[b]New Fender shaved and pulled[/b]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Bodyshop003.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Bodyshop004.jpg[/IMG]
[b]With Fabulous Hood Wing[/b]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Bodyshop005.jpg[/IMG]
[b]Flushness!!! Man, that exhaust looks pathetic, Need to install the Twimble after paint[/b]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Bodyshop006.jpg[/IMG]
[b]I can only fit half of my phone under the front bumper[/b]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Bodyshop.jpg[/IMG]

Oh man, I get all excited when I see the car fitted. My exhaust was the same for a week before I changed it.

oh my god that is so sick. That body kit is starting to grow on me. great thanks now I cant figure out what kit to buy im so lost on which one to get.
HELPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!

that thing is lookngi hot as hell.

Looking really good!

looks sick! post pix as you slowly put it together! ha

Thats looking great so far Im glad I can watch you mod your b since I can't at the moment due to my big kitchen remodel...I think its a good excuse but still an excuse anyway keep the project movin we're all ready for more.

Looking good!!! Can't wait to see it done.. 

I wanna build one now,,,

Day 3 at the body shop I was able to see the car again and my body guy had finished doing the mud work on the fenders and the hatch.  The hood was shaved and the parts that were shaved were primed.  He also filled the washer nozzle hole on the wing and shaved the Front Face Finisher.  They won't be going to work on it until the 26th but I can't wait to see the results.

[b]Shaved FFF and Rear Wing[/b]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/christmasdinner007.jpg[/IMG]

[b]Primed panels[/b] 
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/christmasdinner010.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/christmasdinner011.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/christmasdinner012.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/christmasdinner013.jpg[/IMG]

Cool and Clean Ride!!!

looking bad ass bro. Good job man

have you been to the shop???

anymore pics???

We Want More Pictures!!!!!we Want More Pictures!!!!!we Want More Pictures!!!!!we Want More Pictures!!!!!we Want More Pictures!!!!!we Want More Pictures!!!!!we Want More Pictures!!!!!we Want More Pictures!!!!!we Want More Pictures!!!!!we Want More Pictures!!!!!

awesome progress post... Looking forward to more!

Looking great! I love progress photos!

Sorry I took so long, I've been swamped with the holidays and b-days.  Well as of today I found out that the car will be going into paint most likely thursday and I'll be getting it back friday if things work out ok.  Let's just say I wish we had more quality places to do custom work on the east coast.  He almost turned me away on the paint because he thought I was too meticulous and he thought that I would complain about the paint job not being perfect.  Man oh man... What else am I going to have to deal with???

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/serranosbodyshop001.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/serranosbodyshop002.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/serranosbodyshop003.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/serranosbodyshop004.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/serranosbodyshop005.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/serranosbodyshop006.jpg[/IMG]

Very nice update....the work its coming out very nice. Much props!!!!

toit. are you sure you're keeping it TCM?? ;) 
nah. mad props.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/serranosbodyshop001.jpg[/img]

I love how they sanded AROUND the emblem... hope it all turns out well!

[QUOTE=gmckey;38124]I love how they sanded AROUND the emblem... hope it all turns out well![/QUOTE]

if you looked at all the pics, you'll see that they removed it.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/serranosbodyshop006.jpg[/img]

Damn there doing it up cant wait to see the final results.

how come the front bumper looks long??

man that is one sick bb...i cant wait to see how the finished product will turn out...
your bb has always been a favorite of mine...gj on pickin out a nice kit..

[QUOTE=antbo;38160]how come the front bumper looks long??[/QUOTE]

It is a little long but it looks good finished, trust me =P

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/SilverSpirits.jpg[/IMG]

Yea I love the shape of the kit but the bumper is little too long for me too.  Straight on it looks great from the profile looks too long.

Looks good. Hurry up and post up more pics =p By the way, what wheels are those in the last pic you posted.

[QUOTE=mdenoga;38223]Looks good. Hurry up and post up more pics =p By the way, what wheels are those in the last pic you posted.[/QUOTE]

Those wheels might be garson deep racing.

Its FRIDAY!!!!! 

Do you have any updated pictures?

Trust me Im really excited to see the final producto!!!!!!!!!!

hurry hurry, i wanna see pics too. can't believe what i missed on these forums.

wow dude wow

Well they ran into some problems when they took off the kit (cracked the sideskirt) so now they are repairing their mistake and my car should be done no later than next week thursday.  GRRRR  I want this thing already because I'm going to be installing the Rear wing, Hood wing, exhaust, foglights (HID), and Front Face Finisher.  I got some work ahead of me plus I still have to do the powerfolding mirrors with the MB signal lights which I recieved today!!!

looks very pimp
i love build ups
the bumper reminds me of a instant gentlemen kit from supermade hahaha

pimp stuff man

nice bB cant wait to see more pics

So do we have any updates?????

[QUOTE=bcherry;38918]So do we have any updates?????[/QUOTE]

So......

im sure he'll post pics when has them.

yes I know he will.....

Sorry guys....

The update.  

The bondo on the fenders started to get little holes in it after the car got sprayed with primer.  So the paint guy sent it back to the body guy to fix the problem.  The plan is to fix it, prime it, and then wetsand it.  Then from there we should be looking toward paint.  This has really started to get on my nerves but i'm trying to be as patient as possible.  This car has been in the shop since before Christmas....

Trust me you will get new pictures as soon as I get them.  I'm hoping for a complete car in my hands by mid next week.  Cross your fingers!

better for it to take long than for them to hurry it up.

subscribed...nice bB dude.

Well I stopped by the shop today and the car had been painted and had been sitting there since the night before.  The car was dry but it was pretty glossy!  The painter told me he put 4 coats of clear.  There were some places that will have to be wetsanded and buffed but the painter wasn't shy to point out where.  Like I said before here are the pics as I get them.  

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/serranosbodyshop2007.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/serranosbodyshop2004.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/serranosbodyshop2006.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/serranosbodyshop2005.jpg[/IMG]

The rest of the stuff has been primmed already so they should be seeing paint tomorrow.  If that is the case those pieces will have to sit overnight but since it is falling on a weekend it will sit there till monday.  Then the reassembly will begin!  I'll keep you all updated as soon as I find anything out

Very nice!!!! Its looking very good!!!!

curiously, the OEM side skirts are back on the car?

[QUOTE=JDMJim;39927]curiously, the OEM side skirts are back on the car?[/QUOTE]

Fitting the spirits side skirts over the stock for stability.

I went today and I guess they are trying to have the car back to me by next Wed.  I'm getting tired of this place really quick.  If I could go back in time I would have went somewhere else thats for sure.

My W-Blood sides would never have fit over the OEM ones. Wow!

Effin Serrano's told me that they didn't want to paint the fiberglass pieces because they said that i'm too picky and that I wouldn't be happy with the work that they can't warranty.  So I'm picking up the car tomorrow and on my way to find another paint/body shop. Over a month there and this is what I get in the end.  I'm so Effin pissed.  The total was supposed to cost me $2400.00 but he told me that he would charge me $1200 for the work they did (shave, paint, and semi prep fiberglass) I told him NOPE I'll pay you $1000.  The paint guy said that he would give me the paint he mixed for the car on the low low.  That should save me some money at the next place. I'll keep you up to date.

what the hell? thats fucking retarded!

WTF??!! That's gay!
I hope you can fond someone who can spray it propperly and make it look hot. 
So far, that baby is looking [b]SPECTACULAR!!![/b]
Keep ups updated.

Wow, 1.2 for shave, paint, prep and some paint, sounds like you ended up with a fairly good deal in the end, despite the delays

Im sorry to hear that...but you know what I get the feeling that Serrano's
understands the quality of where you want to take this car....and someway somehow he feels not capable of doing the right job at least he was honest.


But then again I understand all the time wasted.

why dont you get OnTop to paint the parts?

[QUOTE=bcherry;40293]Im sorry to hear that...but you know what I get the feeling that Serrano's
understands the quality of where you want to take this car....and someway somehow he feels not capable of doing the right job at least he was honest.


But then again I understand all the time wasted.

why dont you get OnTop to paint the parts?[/QUOTE]

True to what you said but man that was a waist of time and money and seeing that I had to carpool and share my headache with other people....makes me a little more irratated.  He shouldn't have taken the job in the begininng if he wasn't planning on finishing.  I WISH I could have Ontop do all my stuff but he doesn't really do that on side anymore....  I'm sure he will try his best to help seeing he is going to be my brother in law in less then a month. :)

[QUOTE=Dajap;40307]True to what you said but man that was a waist of time and money and seeing that I had to carpool and share my headache with other people....makes me a little more irratated.  He shouldn't have taken the job in the begininng if he wasn't planning on finishing.  I WISH I could have Ontop do all my stuff but he doesn't really do that on side anymore....  I'm sure he will try his best to help seeing he is going to be my brother in law in less then a month. :)[/QUOTE]


Well I hope he does help you.......

Hopefully he does say....( Its going to be alright Chris, lets just wait after the wedding its all over with......then we can talk about it) lol

Wish you the best on this built....dont give up!!!!

Well the damage......
Picked up the car today for $400.  
Car was pristine when dropped off besides the passenger fender.

The after math....
Stress cracked passenger headlight
Two front wheels have small scratch. needs to be refinished
scratched E'sam visors
$3itty Paint job
1 month of waisted time
Chrome window visors bent
Still needed to be wetsanded
paint chipping on sideskirt

I pretty much paid the $400 for all the shaving and I took the left over paint form the painter.  

I already dropped the car off at a friends shop and he is going to be redoing the whole car from scratch. He is also painting the E'sams black so that I don't have to buy new ones.  This guy plans on starting tomorrow.  I'll be going by to take pictures of the process..... agian.  Let's hope for a better out come this time!

[QUOTE=Dajap;40369]Well the damage......
Picked up the car today for $400.  
Car was pristine when dropped off besides the passenger fender.

The after math....
Stress cracked passenger headlight
Two front wheels have small scratch. needs to be refinished
scratched E'sam visors
$3itty Paint job
1 month of waisted time
Chrome window visors bent
Still needed to be wetsanded
paint chipping on sideskirt

I pretty much paid the $400 for all the shaving and I took the left over paint form the painter.  

I already dropped the car off at a friends shop and he is going to be redoing the whole car from scratch. He is also painting the E'sams black so that I don't have to buy new ones.  This guy plans on starting tomorrow.  I'll be going by to take pictures of the process..... agian.  Let's hope for a better out come this time![/QUOTE]

Well I guess its worst than what we thought. Sorry to hear that.
Hope Everything comes out better this time.

SUCKS to go try somewhere else. At least he was honest w/ you. Here in Japan most places say the same thing I just say " Do It " I dont need a warranty. BUT if they mess something up they fix it on the spot or w/ in a week. 

Once you had your wheels set where you wanted them with the KIT you should have put your stockies on. Stuff like the window visors and easy stuff you can take off and put back on you should have done it. Some places are shady they wont take it off and just tape it up for before paint.

Sorry to hear about this, while you have a chance take care of some of the easy stuff before the other place works on your car. Hell they might even give you a better price if you remove. Over here the kit gets painted while its off the car they just test fit it 1st to make sure there is nothing they have to tweek or shave to make it fit better. By the looks of the pictures they were going to paint it while its on the car. If thats what you want cool.

Damn bro Im sorry you went through this crap Im with you I hate when someone takes on a job knowing deep down inside they can't handle it.Well this is how we learn sucks that it's that way but all will be well in the end Im sure keep us posted.

JEEZUS CHRIST!

thats a terrible situation man, best of luck.

Well the plan for the stockies where to change them out but they worked on it without telling me.  Their communication was 0.  I had to find out everything by going there and finding out myself...  As for the kit I told them to take it off and paint and when they took it off they cracked some things and then were afraid to paint and put back on without cracking.  As for the new place, I'm bringing them my stockies tomorrow and like I said I'm just going to paint the E'sam visors now so no big deal.  Lesson learned you can say!

[QUOTE={-.-};40372]SUCKS to go try somewhere else. At least he was honest w/ you. Here in Japan most places say the same thing I just say " Do It " I dont need a warranty. BUT if they mess something up they fix it on the spot or w/ in a week. 

Once you had your wheels set where you wanted them with the KIT you should have put your stockies on. Stuff like the window visors and easy stuff you can take off and put back on you should have done it. Some places are shady they wont take it off and just tape it up for before paint.

Sorry to hear about this, while you have a chance take care of some of the easy stuff before the other place works on your car. Hell they might even give you a better price if you remove. Over here the kit gets painted while its off the car they just test fit it 1st to make sure there is nothing they have to tweek or shave to make it fit better. By the looks of the pictures they were going to paint it while its on the car. If thats what you want cool.[/QUOTE]

I can imagine the frustration of the new shop doing hte work as they will have to undo the old work some. whos knows what they will find. Better luck this time

so any good news yet?

sorry to hear about your bad luck chris.  i finally finished the outside of my car and now i leaving for a year out of the country.  i guess its my turn to leave haha.  anyways good luck man .  and take care.

peace.

:( Bummer. I waited a loong time(5mo!) for my paint job. But they did a pretty nice job. Still it was a loong time. It was before Sema time. I recommend getting a clear bra after its all done to save your investment. I didnt:(

Well as of 31Jan07, New shop has figured out a way to mount front bumper (fitment perfect) where it can be removed easily and is currently working the issue, side skirts mounted on w/o stock side skirts (fitment perfect), and has gotten the rear bumper mounted (fitment perfect).  Pandanky (guy on another forum) shaved my grill and is in the mail to go with the shaved FFF.  Second Gen HID Headlights in the works to replace the stress cracked first gens and I've gotten the jdm guts of the side mirrors removed and mounted on the usdm base, now I've got to start cutting into the jdm mirror covers to get the mercedes lights mounted.  I still have to put in the fog light relay, wire the Jdm powerfolding mirrors and wire the Jdm foglight switch.  Going to be ordering new chrome weather strips to replace damaged ones and thinking either chrome door handles or Jdm blue tint mirrors to finish off the mirrors.  Seeing that everything fit great all the fiberglass pieces may be going into paint sometime this week.  I wouldn't mind having my car done for my wedding.... which is on the 10th of feb but i'm not counting on it.

Well it good to read some good news about your b I know your glad all the fitment was perfect can't wait to see it done....and good luck and congrats on the big day hopefully your car will be done so it can be part of the party.

Good news is good to read. It really sounds like this your rid is gonna be a show stopper. I can't wait to see the finished product. 
Question for you... How will the LED's from the benz mirrors mount into your mirrors after you cut the opening for them? 
I installed some mirrors off of an 07 Accord Hybrid (because they come with the LEDs) but I would much rather cut them out and install them into my power folding JDM mirrors. I was curious how the LEDs would mount. 
Are you going to have to fabricate a bracket?

Yeah I'll have to fab up a bracket, the only thing is the mercedes lights are kind of thick, So I know it won't fit.  But I can always trim down the insides of the mirror and some plastic from the lights.  My new friend for the weekend will be the dremel. OnTop I'm going to need some guidance!! LOL

Good luck with that. I hope it turns out good. 
I'll be making my 2nd attempt this weekend. I already botched it once. Luckily I just broke the old stock mirror and not the LED. Be careful with the fitment...you might have a pain in the ass time on the folders when you add the led since the actuator is inside and the LED sits kinda far back. 

Like I said....The box is going to look DOPE!

Sounds like things are falling into place!
Lemme know when you don't need your fender markers any more eh?

will do!!

well it seems to be a bumpy road but your destination is well worth it!!!

The anticipation is probably killin u.

Alright, I just left the shop and I was only able to grab a few shots before sundown. So here it is guys and gals finally back from the dead. 
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Boxisback004.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Boxisback005.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/dajap/Boxisback007.jpg[/img]

I have to get it cleaned up for some nice photos really soon.  Well I hope you enjoy.  

Shoutouts go to:
-Jolyne my wife for letting me spend my money on my hobby
-My family for putting up with me because I'm never done with the car
-Auto Techniques for fixing what Serrano's F'd up- should have brought it to yall in the first place.  Thanks Christian and Nick!!!
-The guys at [url]www.luxury-bippu-style.com[/url] for helping me source and buy rare parts!!! Thanks Sean and Robert
-Pandanky for shaving my grill to go with the FFF, thanks for the great craftsmanship Chris!!
-MyAutoFashion for helping me get the Spirits and Fabulous goodies while I was in kuwait. Thank you Mrs. Ukimi
-Of course thank you to Suspended for many nights at the Wieland garage. Thanks for the help Wayne!! 

Style bB is coming hard this season so keep and eye out!!!!

Oh and check out them second gen headlights!!! Fogs w/hid is coming this weekend!

looks real sick!

Nice work..... Its so sharp.Im speechlessssss!!!

Your welcome Chris, glad you like the grill. The box looks awesome, the front looks a lot better with the shaved emblem, and I'm glad I was part of the build.

HOLY CRAP! 
i'm throwing in the towel. :smiley: 
that thing belongs in the bB mags man. 
:thumbsup:

Im going to throw up. THIS GUY IS CRAZY. No, the car is crazy. 

HHHOOOOTTTTTNNNNNEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AHHH YEAH FINALLY this thing is ON!!  yo chris you know we have to ride out this weekend!

Chris, the Bb looked great yesterday!! If you guys ride out tonight hit me or Chris up. I want to take the Q out finally got it lowered.

hey mel, i think we're hittin up waynes garage. CHRIS call him

Hotness! Inspiring.

That's beautiful, looks great

As of tonight we put on the chrome door handles and installed the foglights w/ 6000k hids.  Ontop, Suspended, and I will prob be rolling out tomorrow night so hopefully we get some good pictures!

Now that's a nice Box :thumbsup: !! Damn you Chris, you teasing me to start another one :drool:

[QUOTE=jdmpalace;43584]Now that's a nice Box :thumbsup: !! Damn you Chris, you teasing me to start another one :drool:[/QUOTE]

That's a big compliment coming from you!  Thanks Sean

Looks incredible very well executed

uber gangster!! great job!

Very well done, man. I love every inch of it. I cant wait to see it cleaned and shiny. 
This thing looks flawless and you deserve a magazine shoot. 
MAJOR PROPS! 
PM me when you get some new pictures upped.

:eek: whow looks soooo sweet :cool: 

to bad we got no scions here :mad: 

front bumper is so nice makes the car look so much more agressiveThanks- (arigatou)

Its sunday....I know you took that baby out last night....
specially being in FLORIDA....(yes Im jelous..its to cold for me here in Chicago)

Post some more sexy pictures.....