Julian's Honda Beat @ Obsessive Security

This weekend has been full of ups and good weather - I like this. Even though it is indeed starting to feel a bit more nippy, the crisp air still lifts the mood as it buckets down in sunshine. The following car is owned by a Wellington based vehicle alarm specialist - Julian Dunster. Someone who truly is passionate about people's cars safety and doesn't spin bullshit on the alarms he sells and installs (very well I must add!). Check him out here.

I had the pleasure of shooting a unique and full of character car - a Honda Beat. Don't let the body deceive you into thinking this is some post-2000 brain explosion that many car companies were having, but a very early 1990s car. The car was originally yellow, then resprayed a BMW yellow (before Julian) to what it is now, a custom silver with a hint of pearl. The paint refreshes the whole car and really makes you forget a car like this is 20 years old! The very first thing that strikes you about this car is how little it is. It's really hard to get a sense of how small this is without other cars around but take my word for it, it is not a big car. However, this car doesn't need to be big to do what it does - with a 660cc mid-mounted engine going to the rear wheels, lots of fun can be had without the need of power. It's light, nimble and will definitely put a smile on your face even as a passenger.





The interior has seen a refresh - retrimmed seats (again, very understated and looks very factory) in leather, suede door and dash retrim, marine Fusion headunit, Momo steering wheel and of course, a cupholder (the most important part of them all). The only remnant of the yellow is under the bonnet.




The exterior, at a glance, retains the OEM look. If you look closer, it's the subtle things that strike you - the front lip, the aftermarket side skirts and the body colour mudflaps enveloping the twin exhaust tips. Although it is no stance monster or a ground hugging machine, the little car holds its own and oozes character.

This is a car I would happily own. Cheap to run, lots of fun, RWD and best of all - it's unique. You're not going to find another one like this around, even if you tried. It's very subtly styled and it is a rolling advertisement for Julian. Boy, the alarm is LOUD. I could feel my ears oscillating as he set the alarm off. It was a shame that the 'smoke bomb' he had setup needed a refill for the smoke canister, because I was looking forward that! If you ever need any alarm work done, fixing or installing, go see Julian. Truly values car security for the people not the money.



Yemo

Procrastination at it's finest

Hey everyone,

It's been a big week for me that's just past. Law school has kicked it up a notch and so did the sunshine (finally!). Although, it is dreary and raining now; I shall hope to rekindle some good memories from the week that's just gone past in the photos from NZPC Hardpark in Wellington. It is the second time it's happened and I have to say I was absolutely astounded by the number of cars that were there,. Even the standard was higher from last year - the trends have really taken hold now. It's pretty obvious, everywhere you looked, stance and stretched tires was the keynote of the day. However, V8s, classic American and Japanese cars were still on the menu; many of very impressive stature and classiness.

Of course, with the territory of such events is the hoodlum trash that fill up the other end of the spectrum. I'm not talking about the cars but rather the behaviour by some in cars: dropping skids in a busy car park with people walking around? That's not really appropriate. Yelling abuse at police officers? Grow up. Leaving your rubbish behind and everywhere because you know that someone else will clean up after you - what are you 12 years old? I left early because of other arrangements and am glad I had missed the crap, but have heard some terrible recounts of shit just going down in the wrong way. It's one day where Wellington could have set the standard high - no dramas, no stupidity and try and change the perception of young people (and old) with modified vehicles. Of course, Japanese vehicles which are modified will have that stigma attached but I don't want anyone who genuinely chooses to modify cars for genuine applications to be associated with that stigma. Usually, I wouldn't complain about it and even if NZPC are complaining about it (you can email them and they're currently working with the Police and the Hutt Council to track down some of the vehicles) then you know something's up. I wait with baited breath to see if they come back next year...

Enough ranting - photos are available on Flickr as per usual. Titties!














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GSS on the Wellington Scene

How's the spring weather treating you all? As days get longer, the feel of summer begins to creep in and for me, the smell of sea springs to mind. A wee while ago (I apologise for the delay, I'm frantically cramming for exams in the upcoming week and they're not gonna be a walk in the park!) my friend Mikey wanted to play around with his video feature on his SLR. I was willing to provide some static cover (admittedly, it would've been nice to shoot some video but shooting 1080p on an 8GB card would mean no photos) whilst he was shooting. Excuse the continued experimentation in the logo and watermark. I'm looking to finalise soon enough, let me know your opinions upon the new stuff!


Matt and I were a bit early, so we popped off onto the marina for a few quick shots. Car's way too jizztastic for it's good. I love the stock look, but upon closer inspection, there's much to it that is very subtle. There are big plans for this car, just need the time and money to make it happen. Ravi's beautiful RX7

Sits rather well, practical yet staunch. I've not seen a set of XD9s in this colour, Ravi tells me they're limited edition. I don't put it past Work to do such a thing, they look very, very good. Goes really well on the car - and yes it is a factory colour! Had a wee sit in these. Despite my fat (and ever growing) ass, I fit in them snugly. I'm sold. Want! (Dear Santa...) Very nice piece of kit under the hood too! It's not just all show, got plenty of go to boot.
Bit of a laugh! Dom - a regular on the Wellington scene. Seen plenty of track time in that S15, still reliable as ever! That's my goal very soon, fair bit of power and reliable. There's a long road to go on the 180, but it'll get there. Reliable 220kw at the wheels. Shreds the tires no worries!
He did say he just got some genuine drift bumper stickers. Enlarge the photo and take a look at the writing - amazing Engrish! Man himself, Mikey hard at work. Michael's AE82 Corolla FX-GT; notice the giant whale penis - it's loud. It's light, nimble...
and helladirty! It adds some character to the little thing.
Forgive me, the early Evos are all dominated Evo 3 bodykits - I'm unsure what this actually is.
However, it looks to run some big numbers at the wheels. I heard 300kw floating around at the meet, perhaps I heard wrong, though.
Unfortunately, I didn't get more photos of this. It's a very powerful Civic, running B20 block and B18CR head making a very healthy amount of power (300kw+?) at the wheels. I wonder how much he struggles to put that down, though. I can't imagine how hard it would be to control that beast. The bonnet and guards were both carbon fibre pieces, visually striking appearance too.
Another regular, Ryan and his RKLESS CL1. Drives it low, hard and fast. An emerging character, Matt aka Muscles, and his beautiful STI coupe. Take a closer look 'Nuff said. I really like the factory look but it had a subtle edge to it. I dig it.
Every time I look at this, it looks slightly wonkier than the other time. I've tried fixing it, I blame the shaky ground. This sums it nicely for the coverage. It was a quiet meet, on the eve of historical rugby too. When we left for a cruise, the streets were teeming with people cheering in jubilation. 3 guesses what had happened huh? You can find Mikey's video of the night here. At the time of writing, it is just a teaser with the full length (hopefully) coming soon.

Anyway, have a good night everyone. GO THE ALL BLACKS!

The Inaugural Photoshoot

This year, Wellington has had its share of extreme weather - today being no different. It was a warm, breezy Spring day and I've (hastily) called for some friends to come together for a nice little photoshoot and a cruise afterwards. Yes, this is Green Sticker Society, and yes we got someone with a Green sticker. It was unfortunate and badly timed. However, it is simply life and one can learn from their mistakes (like putting their seatbelt on). Without further adieu, I shall present some pictures. For full resolution, click on any photo or HERE. Mat's very, very clean example of a 180SX. Somewhat jealous of his car. Want that CF centre garnish... However, I have a front lip :P Dom's S15 - nice and tidy. Subtle bits and bobs. Flatpeak spoiler and D-max tail lights. Choice. Green stickered car in question - Nimesh's S13. Daily driven at this height. Like a boss Can you say flush? Interior to die for. This is what I have hopefully waiting for me in the near future, my Bride fabric arrived in the country in the last few days. I was quite stoked about that, hopefully I can find someone to cut and fit it for me. Mr. RKLESS - once again, daily driven at this height and never afraid of a bit of RKLESS driving. Tough. Realising the amount of S-chassis win we had, I sought to line us all up. We almost had the order right... Credit must be given to James "AE86" Blance also (check out his cool blog/build thread here) for these pics whilst I was moving cars and helping set up I look REAL mad up in hurr. Real retard. As the sun dropped lower, we sought for warmth and a cruise! There's not much to say as the pictures say it all. Thanks for all who turned up and made it a good day. I had fun shooting cars, and I hope for the next round for newer, fresher and doper cars than ever. Look forward to seeing you all next time Yemo.