2014 Sonic RS Sedan Silver Ice Build

[Brad Ferrell]

No. I've figured that out. Each signal has it's own strengths. That is what I was talking about. It's like playing vinyl at home vs. CDs or MP3s. They all sound different. Take XM for example. Bass is like -2, mids -2, and treble +1 and it hits harder and deeper than USB MP3's at 320mps at bass -1,mids -1, and treble flat. I need electronic crossovers so i can turn the bass back up and protect my speakers at the same time.

 

[AndrewGS]

I've really only noticed the volume is a bit lower on the USB iTunes input, but I've never used the AUX or Bluetooth audio. I really only switch between XM and iTunes, but I have the EQs set exactly the same way.

 

[Brad Ferrell]

After further investigation, it's the gain that's different between the sources. My link just needs to be turned up for some sources. Listening to Bluetooth yesterday my friend called my Sonic "a little dance club" so I think I'm on the right track with the sound system. Next up is a video of my rear view mirror. The bass hits so hard it turns the headlights behind me into little circles...

 

[Brad Ferrell]

Calipers this month. I decided on red because RS... We're going to take the calipers off of the car and sandblast them, clean them, prime, paint, and clear. Then we'll bleed the brakes. Seems like a lot of work for so little bling, but it's the details, isn't it?

I also bought a decal from JP, something I haven't done since I was in my 20's but it's got a nice script to it. I ordered the 8" but might go back for the 24" later...we'll she how she looks.

James Palmer has these for sale at JMP Vinyls.

 

[Stew]

Calipers this month. I decided on red because RS... We're going to take the calipers off of the car and sandblast them, clean them, prime, paint, and clear. Then we'll bleed the brakes. Seems like a lot of work for so little bling, but it's the details, isn't it?

If you're going to do it, it's best to do it right though, that way it looks good for a long time. Would powder coating be more durable than painting? Can't wait to see the finished result!

 

[Brad Ferrell]

This is the cheap way with rattlecans. To be honest, the only thing I know about powder-coating is that it is expensive. Also, while most people would powdercoat a frame for a frame-off restoration, my boss wouldn't because if it chips and it will chip you can't touch it up like paint.

While there may be a DIY on this forum I watched a few videos on youtube about painting calipers and Joe and I both agree this is the best way to do it. I'll try and take some pictures but honestly, there is already a ton of stuff out there about this subject. We've got a tentative date for Monday.

I'm going to have a change of plans on my wheels. I'm keeping the RS wheels for a while. I had to buy some photographic equipment. I will still be getting a new set of tires 225/45R17 for my birthday next month.

 

[Brad Ferrell]

My birthday came early. I put the Hankooks on the car on Craigslist and sold them while still on the car. I had to set an appointment for the Pilot Super Sports on Monday morning to deliver the tires that evening. Woohoo.

 

[Brad Ferrell]

The Michelin's are golden compared to the Hankooks. I almost rear-ended someone in the rain the other day with the Hankooks. They had no traction. These tires are smooth and absorb the road better. Almost no noise and they stick effortlessly. I would recommend them to anyone. Next up, calipers, then maybe I'll try for SOTM again...

 

[Brad Ferrell]

Calipers...

Products used: sand, VHT High-Temp Primer, VHT High-Temp Caliper Paint (Red), VHT High-Temp Caliper Paint (Clear)

 

[Stew]

Look at all that red caliper hotness! I know the brush on products are more convenient because you don't have to take as much off, but doing it like this turns out so much better! Get another shot from a little further back showing fronts and rears together. Nice job!

 

[Hawkdsl]

Sweetness! I'm going with black, as my car will be CystalRedTin. With Non RS... only have to bleed the fronts!

 

[Brad Ferrell]

Thank you for all the compliments. If you're going to attempt this, give yourself 3-4 hours for the clear to dry in the sun. It should be enough to work with the brakes again without chipping them. Also, brake fluid and paint don't mix. We did touch up with paint from the rattle-can sprayed into the lid and a Q-tip.

 

[Brad Ferrell]

 

[Brad Ferrell]

Haven't really been active lately. I've actually been working on my 4x4, a 93 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I picked it up for $500 and now I'm sinking a few grand into it to get it ready for the trails in March. I've had a few concepts up but I'm just going for a 3.5" lift with 33x10.5x15 Tires. Custom Bumpers are going to be cool and she's black on black. I'll post some pics once we're done but after May, I'm putting Toasty in the shop for an overhaul. She'll be in there for a few months. I'm not listing my mods but there are some cosmetic changes as well as performance planned. Don't want to ruin the surprise but I'll post pics of the build once she's done.

Oh, I start back at Adrenaline Offroad & Customs again. I've been promoted to shop foreman and start in Jan...I've only got one role model, Steve, from Boyd Coddington's shop. Man, this is going to be fun...

ttyl...B-rad.

 

[Stew]

Hi there Brad, yeah I haven't seen you here for a while! Glad everything sounds like it's going good.

 

[Brad Ferrell]

Life has been good to me and i am blessed. Getting everything in life i ask for, and more.

 

[Brad Ferrell]

I've got some big plans for Toasty. She's got a little over 26K on her this month. Not bad for a year on springs. A trip a couple months back to Dallas softened up my springs. I think I like the ride better now. She still sticks to the road but the ride is softer. Going to do what I do, but I can always go with coils down the road if duty calls. I think I'll have to once I get my wheels, just to get the right fit. Another mod to put on the list...suggestions are welcome.

She'll be going into the shop in August for her makeover. That gives me plenty of time to get my money sorted and make sure my Jeep is ready for Fall after a tough summer of wheeling...She'll be my daily driver as Toasty gets her work.

The Jeep is a mix of the front pictured and the rear pictured below.

This is a look at a similar lift and tires...

I kinda like having a 4x4 and a tuner now. It's a mix of two worlds and having both and the shop will be a great marketing opportunity. I'm also going to do most of the work myself now I've got a shop, lift, and tools. I even have access to a paint booth and body shop...this is going to be fun.

Plans for Toasty are first going to be shared with my home group, then I might sound off. We'll see. I'd love to share I just don't want to build a copy of someone else's car, you know? I'll keep it to myself for now, but I have the advantage...

 

[ak215371]

Hey Brad, loving the build. My old Green LT I had Eibaches on it. Well a week after putting them on I got hit at 83 mph by a drunk driver. Anyways it was totalted, just got a RS hatch in Red. Once the springs settled, on your RS how low is it really? But one funny thing is getting hit at 80+ mph my springs settled really good lol.

 

[Brad Ferrell]

Thanks. I've got about 3/4" gap between the top of the tire in front and about 3/16" greater in rear. The rear has settled the most but I've also noticed my nose dipping now when I brake and a little body roll. Can't believe I only got 25K out of them in "sport" mode. They're a lot more "cush" now and the ride is softer but I like the look better. Oh well...

 

[kevjam79]

You need new struts. I really wish Koni offered Reds for the Sonic.


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