The term "Restorod" or "Restomod" is usually reserved for the domestic automotive community. It is probably best used to describe a classic vehicle that has been restored to spec while utilizing aftermarket performance modifications. For purists, it may be automotive sacrilege. They want everything to have numbers-matching and be period-correct. For others, they see it as the perfect mix of OEM-restoration and aftermarket parts.
In the import automotive community however, this term is probably unfamiliar. This is most likely due to the fact that the majority of the cars being built aren't exactly cars that we consider to be "old" or "vintage" vehicles. Sure, the Fairlady Zs and Hakosuka Skylines are placed in that class but a vehicle the likes of a 240SX could never be a classic, right? It's hard to imagine that some S13 240s are now over 20 years old! These cars blew up in a big way when drifting hit the U.S. Though it's not exactly regarded as a classic, the S13's popularity and almost cult-like following will eventually catapult it into collector-car status.
The problem with it becoming a collector-car is that more and more of these are getting beat on worse than the mystery meat at a truck stop gloryhole. Drifting is still very popular and the S13 is one of the more popular chassis for beginners. Jared Hageman isn't exactly a beginner and definitely not a hardcore drifter. He just happens to be a fellow enthusiast with a love for the 240SX and it's Japanese-counterpart: the 180SX.
"I have mad respect for drifters as well as grip 240s." Jared states. "But I wanted to restore a 240SX so people can enjoy what one looks like with quality parts from Japan that's not all beat-up."
There are some that would contend that a car like this only looks good after it's been beat on. Jared isn't one of those guys. It's understandable that the guy likes his cars to be clean and damage-free, but restoring a 1989 240SX? Why?
"I guarantee that I have more brand new OEM parts for this chassis than most people." Jared says confidently. "You'd be surprised how many OEM parts are still available from the Nissan dealership." He went as far as to install a brand new OEM hood with all the OEM hood seals, clips and hood prop. Being a fan of his car's Japanese-counterpart, Hageman turned to the internet to locate every OEM 180SX piece he could find.
"During my search, I came upon a set of original 180SX rear quarter windows with the louvered visors. It's probably one of the rarest pieces on my car."
One will never be able to predict what they'll come upon while searching the net. Often times, you either find the exact opposite of what you're looking for, or the x-rated version of it. So Jared's next come-up, a carbon-fiber "Wangan-style" rear wing, landed in his hands by pure luck. "People ask me about the wing all the time," Jared says. "I have no idea what brand it is or who makes it, I just saw it online one day and I knew I had to have it."
To compliment the aggressive wing, Hageman decided to go wide with a complete Version Select Type 1 widebody kit. Before going into paint, Jared and his painter, John Jansen, decided it would be best to reinforce the over-fenders for added strength. Jansen also molded the widened rear panels to the body and added wider corners to the door for a more streamlined look. All this custom fiberglass work would be overlooked if Jared stuck with the stock paint so John Jansen re-shot the entire car in six coats of Imperial Orange. The bright orange hue happens to be OEM as well but for a different year and model Nissan. He just added his own little custom touch by having gold flake added to the mix.