TheGreenDragon's Build Thread (Warning!: I honestly have no idea what I want...)

[TheGreenDragon]

Welcome to my build thread!

My plans for modifying my Sonic are pretty straightforward. I want to create the Sonic SS that Chevy didn't make.

When people look at my car, I want them to seriously question if it is a genuine SS and believe it came from the factory as they see it; save for the Lamin-X of course...

In this regard, I don't plan to do anything too crazy to the exterior. I'm not going to plaster aftermarket stickers on the windows or slam the car or put in a roll cage.

I plan to be subtle and deceptive. I want people who aren't on this forum to truely believe that my car is a stock SS trim.

*Evil laughter ensues*

 

[TheGreenDragon]

The finished Lamin-X results:

After much debate, I decided to go with a mix of practical and cool. I ordered universal sheets instead of pre-cut film for a couple reasons. First, it was cheaper to cut the sheets to size myself. Second, there have been a few complaints of the pre-cut films being too small for the lights they are supposed to cover. So I decided to save myself some money, and possibly some trouble, by cutting the film to size myself.

The main headlights are clear, as I did not wish to diminish their light output. The high-beams and fogs are yellow to help with visibility and give a nice contrast to the green of the car. Rear lights are all covered with gunsmoke tint; just enough to give them a smoked look without making them hard to see.

I'm just going to say, the Lamin-X customer service was fantastic. I had a problem where my coupon code for 10% off wasn't working, and the customer service rep helped me get the correct discount. They even threw in some Lamin-X decals for free for my trouble! The films come with a 5-year warranty against discoloration, fading, and fogging.

 

[TheGreenDragon]

I have finally committed to a wheel.

The ICW Racing Drone in 16x7.5 et38

They make the car look almost stock and will allow me to run my stock tires until they wear out, at which point I will switch over to a 225/50 tire for some added grip.

Will probably run some Achilles ATR Sport all-season tires.

Hopefully they will be compatible with some stock chevy bowtie centercaps.

 

[TheGreenDragon]

Reserved #3

 

[TheGreenDragon]

Reserved #4

 

[TheGreenDragon]

Reserved #5

 

[mk6sean]

Can't wait to see this thing put together...

What about black RPF1's? They're pretty light and you can get them in almost any size.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

 

[Dubbs_RS]

Sparco Assetto Gara

Pros: Awesome weight reduction. Available in 16x7". Proven brand.
Cons: Wheels was discontinued. Lots of Sonic owners have these, so they aren't unique.

I agree they aren't that unique, but they look fantastic. Bought a set of 17x7.5 in Red for my Black RS yesterday. They were $79 a wheel from Tirerack, so right now there are some good deals if you can find them!

 

[TheGreenDragon]

Can't wait to see this thing put together...

What about black RPF1's? They're pretty light and you can get them in almost any size.

Hmmm... I haven't seen those yet. I'm guessing they'd have to be custom drilled from a blank? I do like the 6-spoke design, just not sure if I like the flat face.

 

[TheGreenDragon]

Update. Lamin-X is a huge PITA when attempting to apply over the forward turn signal. I can see now why their pre-cut options for the Sonic never included this piece. I got the clear over the driving lights just to get used to working with the material, and then tried to tackle the hardest part while I was fresh.

4 hours later, I ripped the horribly mangled 8x12 piece of gunsmoke off the car, balled it up and scored a three-pointer in the trash bin. I tried a heat gun, I even tried strategically placed slits. It can't be done.

Moral of the story; DO NOT attempt to put headlight film over the forward blinkers.

 

[Natesriv]

Trying to smoke the turn signals?
I bought two types of smoke paint... One is a acrylic type spray paint... it comes off with rubbing alcohol, but H20 has no effect once it dries... I bought it to smoke the windows of my models

It sucked on that type plastic...but on turn signal plastic, you could do it in thin layers... THIN... if it gets too wet it starts to re-moisten the layer below it.... If it sucks, you just remove it with alcohol.

I then bought a can of Nightshades paint. it doesn't come off with alcohol though... it didn't do any better. Went on smoother, but by then I'd broken the plastic. Model clear plastic isn't nearly as robust and tough as our turn signals though... Was expensive, but seemed to put on a smoother coat.
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/...9/7141584-P?navigationPath=L1*14919|L2*14993#

The angles on those turn indicators are too tough for any vinyl...

 

[TheGreenDragon]

I then bought a can of Nightshades paint. it doesn't come off with alcohol though... it didn't do any better.

Only problem with Nightshade paint is that it is translucent and not transparent, which makes it very illegal. Not to mention permanent.

But, I finally got enough time to finish the first stage of the Lamin-X! I have photos on the second post of this thread. I'm still trying to decide what to do with the turn signals. I have a crazy plan to get some amber tint and do a shaped design that only covers the center raised portion and the front for chip protection. But for now, I'll sit on that idea.

I put yellow on the high beams and fogs, clear on the main headlights, and gunsmoke on the taillights and bowties.

Is it a 100% perfect job? No. Am I happy with it? Yes.

 

[mendoza_juan]

What's the widest you can go on wheels?

 

[Natesriv]

Only problem with Nightshade paint is that it is translucent and not transparent, which makes it very illegal. Not to mention permanent.

Dang, you're right... good call!!!

Guess I'll just NOT use it...

Rustoleum makes this too.... what do you think?

 

[TheGreenDragon]

Rustoleum makes this too.... what do you think?

Nope. Same problem. Right in the intro they say 'translucent'. At the 3 minute mark they have a shot of the label of the can. First line of the disclaimer on the back says it is a translucent paint designed for off road use only.

Exact same problem as Nightshade.

Honestly the only safe way to go is transparent overlays. That way if you do get in trouble with the law, it is easy to remove.

I do appreciate your help, though, Natesriv.

 

[TheGreenDragon]

What's the widest you can go on wheels?

There are a ton of resources in the wheel and tire discussion area that you should browse through. It's an absolute gold mine of knowledge.

There are many, many factors that go into figuring out what dimensions you will want for your wheels. Is the car going to be lowered, what diameter wheels are you looking at, what style of wheel are you considering and in what offsets is it offered, is it a direct 5x105 pcd or are you planning to run adapters, and what tire size are you hoping to run. These are all important questions that need to be answered.

Personally, the widest I'd go is 8" on the wheel. But keep in mind that an 8" wide wheel can fit several different tire widths, and unless you are going for a 'stretched' look, the tires will probably extend past the lip of the rim which could mean trouble.

 

[mk6sean]

Personally, the widest I'd go is 8" on the wheel. But keep in mind that an 8" wide wheel can fit several different tire widths, and unless you are going for a 'stretched' look, the tires will probably extend past the lip of the rim which could mean trouble.

I've had stretched tires on a few sets of wheels. Last year I ran a 205/40 on an 18x9 and then right now I'm running a 205/40 on an 8.5 and a 215/40 on a 9.5. It all depends on how you drive in my opinion. If you aren't ripping it and are avoiding potholes, you'll be fine. It definitely takes away from the reliability since you always have to keep your wheels in mind and be cautious of where you're driving, but then the reward is a more aggressive look and better fitment.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

 

[bluejay]

I agree they aren't that unique, but they look fantastic. Bought a set of 17x7.5 in Red for my Black RS yesterday. They were $79 a wheel from Tirerack, so right now there are some good deals if you can find them!

these are awesome , had them on my last car . very strong , if u live in a city with sh11ty roads and massive pot holes u got to grab a set of these . I hit a pot hole real bad one day and destroyed a tire . I was positive the rim would be toast but it wasn't . would recommend them to all my friends and family . u cant beat the price and + great quality sparco is owned by oz wheels the ppl who have been making wrc wheels for years.