DIY 2

Last Friday, my special someone asked me to look at her mother's Toyota Camry. Her Camry's rear lamp has broken and it appeared to be an aesthetic damage. The first thing I thought of was my friend who works in a car accessory shop, where I bought the Vios Fog Lamp for my special someone's Toyota Vios. The next day I went over to the shop he works in and collected the brand new lamp. I planned to once again install it myself. Mainly to impress her and especially her mother to get a good impression of me. l had a look at how I am supposed to remove the lamp but was not so sure because I had not done anything similar before. I went to YouTube and search for a similar video and indeed I found the steps and even the tools needed to get the deed done. Luckily I have the exact same tool lying in my office. Needless to say, I went to her place as soon as I finished work. After some time and some extra steps that was not on the video, I finally installed it nicely. I was proud of myself that I could do it and even more happy that I made someone else happy.

Before

After

Good Job

Few years ago, I helped her bought aluminum pedals for her Vios but only managed to install the brake pedal, which is just a cover. I could not fix the acceleration pedal because I did not had the tools needed and only had it today. So, I took the liberty to get it done but I faced difficulties with removing the pedal (without the right tool) and it was difficult to remove and insert the pin holding the pedal. It took a lot longer than expected but the effect is worth it and I get to finished what I started few years ago. I really had a sense of satisfaction, knowing I am capable of doing small and easy installation like this. Plus, I get to help save up the installation cost that would incur if I brought the car out for a small installation like this. It is great to do something car related rather than just look online and write here on the blog. I wonder what could be waiting for me to do next time.

Before - Dull and Ugly

After - Sporty

Thank you, trusty wrench

Valentine Eve

I could not remember the last TT I joined with the Celica Club but I think it was around slightly more than a year ago. Recently, my buddy, the president's son called me up regarding a new club t-shirt that he was designing and wonder would I like to buy one. I told him it would be embarrassing to buy the club t-shirt while I do not drive a Celica anymore. He said my membership is a lifetime one and it is I who does not want to join in any club activity. I answered, it is not me but the nature of their recent meetups are convoys and my Mazda 6 could not catch up the Celica, which is a sports car. However, out of friendship and nostalgia, I bought one. Soon, he informed that the club t-shirt is ready to be collected on 13th February, Valentine's Day Eve. I wanted to borrow my buddy's Celica with the 3S-GTE turbo engine but his beast is in the workshop. I was nervous when I was heading towards the usual meeting place but good memories of me rushing there every weekend, seeing many modded Celicas and the drag races, certainly came to my mind. Those were the good old days.

Sample of the new Club T-Shirt

When I arrived, one particular Celica caught my attention. It was a dark grey Celica (my current favorite color) with wide body arches. Over the years in the club, I have yet to see any Celica with wide body arches that looks good. This one is similar to the Rocket Bunny Wide Body Bodykit for the Toyota 86 where the arches stops at the back. Certainly gives it a racing plus drift car feeling to it. I also particular like the rear arch that uses studded design. At first look, the rim used is huge and match the wide body arches and I like how he painted the brand and model of the tires white. Upon close look, I found out that the offset of the rim is indeed nice but he used a thick spacer, roughly around 20 mm to push it further out.

Front TRD

Front Wide Body Arch

Rear Wide Body Arch

Better view of the Studs

Toyota 86 with Rocket Bunny Wide Body kit for reference

While I was talking to some members that I have not met for a long time, I saw a face that was familiar. He was the mechanic who recently came to me to purchase ST205 front 4 pot calipers and ST205 rear 2 pot brake set to install on his Celica of 1 year. I remember asking him what has he got under his hood to need the brake upgrade (I upgraded even though my car was slow). He told me his story of how he miraculously found a half-cut Celica with the ultra-rare Blitz Supercharger kit and he installed the new engine and supercharger kit into the Celica as an overhaul. I was glad to meet new owners that is so enthusiastic in modding. I took the opportunity to see his car up close and hear the roar of the Blitz Supercharger that I love so much. I could spot his Celica a mile away because of the intercooler that has the BLITZ word on it and love how the intercooler piping could be seen clearly. I had him start his car and open up the hood. Then I proceed to play with the throttle body to hear the awesome sound from the supercharger and soon it captured everyone's attention.

Front Rare, Weber Sport Bumper with Blitz Supercharger kit

Ultra-Rare and Expensive Treasure - Blitz Supercharger

The Blitz Supercharger was definitely the highlight of that night for me and my partner. It really did remind me of the good old days where we spend almost no time in the cafe but instead stand beside cars and look at the mods each car has. It would definitely be awesome if there were some drag races too. I really do miss watching and especially miss racing myself. In the end, I am not sure whether I will still join another club meeting or not. Maybe if I get to borrow my friend's turbo Celica or after I bought a new sports car.