Extreme Body Work
In a huge category that spans anything a body shop can handle (i.e., head and taillight conversions, Z3 fenders, MR2 side vents, color-matched/shaved you-name-its, and big wings), if you can think it, it's probably been done already. Supra taillights on your DC2, air scoops on roof tops, or just taking the rear emblems off the trunk of your IS 300: they're all costly yet unique ways you could separate your car from everyone else's. We've even seen Integra front ends on Civics and vice versa! 5Axis takes the cake when it comes to extreme, however. Remember their Scion xB and tC concept cars?
Year of origin 1997
When it blew up 1998 and still going
Big F'in Wheels
When it was 1987, 15s were considered unreal.In 1992, the thought of 16s made us giggle like school girls. When Dazz released an 18-inch wheel in 2000, nobody thought the Civic they were bolted onto could turn a corner without rubbing. Now there are VIP sedans running around with 20s. You figure flying cars are still some time away, so maybe someone will come up with an even bigger wheel to fit under the wheel wells of your ride. SUVs and trucks not included.
Year of origin 1987
When it blew up 2000
Trendwatch
The next generation of stylish and race-functional wheels, like Work's latest additions to the Emotion line, will be huge in '06. Turn to page 086 in our Tokyo Auto Salon coverage for more details.
JDM (Japanese Domestic Market)
Thanks to his circle of Honda Internet friends, our resident JDM commander, Jonny Wong, was able to unleash the magic of JDM to the mainstream masses, not knowing what an impact it would have on future generations. What started out simply as a clean approach to building and racing Hondas-headlights, engine swaps, hard to find interior pieces-has now expanded to Nissans, Toyotas, and so on. Basically any car offered here by a Japanese manufacturer is bound to have some sort of Japanese counterpart. Hardcore JDMers are now using influences from sources outside of the car world, like hip hop, to create a whole new style of JDM. It's an ever-changing scene that brings fresh ideas to the table with each passing show or Honda forum topic.
Year of origin circa 1997
When it blew up 2002
Trendwatch
JDM took years to catch on, and recently, we've been noticing an influx of old school rides on the come up. Celicas, Corollas, and Skylines built by serious afficionados are about to show the youngins what time it is.
Vinyl Graphics
What ultimately started out as a real custom, do-it-yourself type of deal is now a must-have, accessory for most owners of a modified vehicle. Vinyl graphics had to be cut with an exacto knife back in the day, but thanks to the wonderful world of modern electronics, a computer can now cut any logo or graphic scheme, from simple sponsor placement to a full revamp of the exterior. What's great is that this type of modification can be easily altered or removed without sacrificing an entire paycheck or two to a paint job.
Year of origin unknown
When it blew up 1996
Clear Taillights/ Euro Lights
In the beginning, there were amber colored turn signals. Then someone decided that we'd be better off clear. That's when local show guys in Los Angeles started replacing the outer lens on their taillights with clear reflective plastic from Home Depot, a highly illegal substitution for OEM lighting equipment. Then, APC created a DOT-legal clear lens that everyone could enjoy without getting busted...until the DOT actually deemed these lights illegal. Clear corner lights were another hot trend in the mid-'90s and could actually be bought for certain applications straight from Japan (yet another introduction phase to JDM). The release of Lexus' IS 300 also spanned a subculture of wannabe "Altezzas," giving many a Civic or Accord an unnecessary identity crisis.
Year of origin early '90s
When it blew up 2002