HOW THE D1VYL DID WE END UP WITH A SUPRA?
When is a car more than a car? Is it when your car becomes more than just a mode of transport? Is it when vision and ambition seems more important than the financial repercussions? Or is it when you simply can’t think about anything else other than your car !!!!
I recently watched a feature length documentary with Hollywood star Eric Bana where he tells the story of his obsession with his 1970’s Ford Falcon. This is a film which I and I’m sure many other petrol heads can really relate to, his car is clearly much more than just a car, he needs to have this particular car in his life, not for it’s foremost purpose as a method of transport, but as an extension of his being. This Film reminds me of Arlene’s Supra. Arlene’s car is a modified masterpiece, but the car’s story is almost as interesting as the cars features. After Arlene’s Jeep Cherokee had given up the ghost in 2007, she did what all good mother’s should do, consult her 8 year old son Shawn and husband Graeme for advice.
Shawn has always been into cars and proceeded to trawl through the Internet finding loads of scoobies, supras, ftos etc, whilst Husband Graeme reminded Arlene that as a near middle aged mother, maybe something more respectable should be considered. The rebel in Arlene disagreed.
From new “green” cars to executive “top of the range” cars – they all looked the same until Shawn stumbled across a car which both he and mum fell in love with. This particular Supra was sprayed in a BMW gold with a sparkle and had a carbon fibre spoiler, lambo style doors, flared wheel arches and veilside body kit – they were smitten and the husband was disgusted. As the weeks wore on they continued their search for a new car, but nothing captured their imagination as much as the supra and in the end mum and son simply flew down, had the car inspected, took it for a test drive, paid for it and drove it home. One moment of madness Arlene never imagined would lead to such an epic journey.
But soon the honeymoon period wore off and even as complete novices to the modified car world it became apparent that their beloved supra needed some TLC. The paint was flaking, the bodykit was cracking, the carbon fibre was peeling, the lambo style doors were ill-fitted and so heavy Shawn couldn’t open or close them by himself. Overall the supra was tired but where did they start?
Shawn had plenty of ideas of what the car should look like but how would they achieve this? Initially Arlene approached a number of local coachworks for advice and assistance but they took one look at it and said “no chance”. Unfortunately this ignorance is becoming far to frequent in the modifying world. Luckily however Arlene wasn’t put off by this and discovered Simon’s Accident Repair Centre in Irvine, and despite the tired state of the car Simon remained enthusiastic, patient and diligent throughout the 9 months it took for the outside of the car to be re-built. Not only did Simon revive the car’s exterior, he also incorporated Shawn’s ideas with his own expertise and they were both delighted with the outcome. The outside of the car was looking beautiful having been resprayed in “devils blood” red, Arlene believed the 9 months was well worth the wait.
As a novice Arlene had no idea just how addictive modifying could become and within six weeks of having the car back on the road Shawn suggested the inside needed updating, and he had plenty of ideas including installing a PS3. Arlene says she could not say no to those big brown eyes.
Yet again Arlene started to search for someone to help turn Shawn’s dreams into reality, and soon they met with Alan and Sharon of Audiowise East Kilbride who were experts in this field. Arlene expresses extreme gratitude towards them and all of their staff who worked on the car tirelessly. The build soon became one which could not be stopped ! The inside was taken out and completely re-built. With the Toyota devil as a theme there are new carpets, a dashboard which incorporates the screen for the PS3 on Shawn’s side of the car, Dakota digital dials, re-trimmed seats, a custom install incorporating amplifiers, PS3, subs and more screens. The headliner has also been re-done in black leather incorporating sparkling led lights. Outside the car there are neon’s, as well as underneath, as well as on top, on the bottom and on the sides for good measure.
Arlene admits that she is not very technical and insists that you really need to see the car to appreciate the work that has gone into it. Lots of blood, sweat and tears. The build was not without problems of course which included a rear fog lamp being screwed into the petrol tank and the monumental task of calibrating American digital dials to UK spec in a Japanese import. However Audiowise rose to the challenge and went above and beyond the call of duty resolving every single issue with the car so that 9 ½ months later the supra was perfect in every way. Speaking to the guys at Audiowise is very refreshing, they have a genuine passion for everything they do, and Arlenes car is not only a wonderful example of their skill, but also one of their intense dedication to the job. One of the guys at Audiowise told me that half way through the project he lost his father, but he was determined to get the car finished for him, that’s how much it meant to them !!!
So when does a car become more than a car ? It becomes more than a car when someone has a vision, It becomes more than a car when a family give up holidays, luxuries and contemplate the genuine possibility of divorce, It becomes more than a car when 18 months later you see your son smile everyday when you can take him to school in a car you know he designed.
Arlene mentions that throughout their journey they have met so many nice, knowledgeable people willing to lend a hand and offer some friendly advice, that it has actually restored her faith in humanity.
She admits it’s hard to imagine not being part of the modified car scene and is already looking to the future to create something special for Shawn. Arlene told me that as soon as he is 17 Shawn will have the car, and she will no doubt get dumped with a Fiat Panda! But what childhood memories Arlene and her Husband have given young Shawn, that’s when a car is more than a car !!!
ABOUT AUDIOWISE
Audiowise are specialists in auto electrics, diagnostics, car audio, visual, security, navigation, i-pod integration, central locking, electric windows, park distance controls, Lighting, mobile phones and hands free\Bluetooth kits.
Audiowise can supply and install the very latest Satellite Navigation, Tracking Systems, Parking Sensors, Reversing Cameras and Hands Free Phone Kits, the latest TV Screens, DVD Players and various Game Stations all packaged to each customers vehicle's.
Audiowise also supply and install top quality Amps, Subwoofers, Speakers and many more gadgets, with the leading names in the business such as Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC, Rainbow, Hertz, Audison, Focal, Vibe, Edge, Kicker, Veba, Parrot, Toad, Clifford, Viper, Tracker, Zenec and many more.
Customers wanting to take advantage of our professional fitting service our workshop is available for installations 6 days a week and we will happily provide a fitting only service for all those of you who may have already purchased items elsewhere. Our staff are qualified and have many years of experience working on all types of vehicles so you can be assured of a quality installation backed up by our Lifetime Installation Guarantee that covers any defective workmanship whilst you own the vehicle.
We offer a waiting area to relax in while you wait on your car or if you can't come to us we can also offer a mobile fitting service bringing more convenience to you, our Customers.
Please do not hesitate to call us with your requirements on 01355 222 333 we are here to help.
Words by: Scott Brazil and Arlene Reid
Photos by: Rikki
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