Oahu's JDM VIP bBox
Written by: Tu Le aka @ogdrift
The islands of Hawaii are no stranger when it comes to jdm culture. Even from way back, I've always wondered why there were so many jdm inspired built cars on one island state. It's not only the amount of jdm builds that are there, but also the quality of these builds are high as well. Does it have something to do with it's closer proximity to Japan? Or is it because of the influx of Japanese tourists every year? Whatever it is, the xB featured here owned by Co Yara is the result of pure dedication throughout the years.
Co Yara is not like your average jdm enthusiast, he has a long standing history with his xb build. From years back before Instagram I would notice this xb on Car Domain because it stood out from the rest. At a time when jdm wheels were unheard of and even harder to find, this xB was already on a set of SSR Vienna Kreis with an aftermarket Red Genie lip kit. Co has always been a Toyota head, and in fact, straight out of high school he had a 1975 Corolla TE that he fixed up with a Porsche red paint job and aftermarket wheels. Not bad for a first car, considering this was when Corollas still had the F/R layout. All this changed however, a little down the line, when he was introduced to the Scion xB by a friend. At first, the exterior styling didn't appeal to him as much as the spacious utilitarian interior does, which eventually lead to the purchase of the 2005 black cherry pearl xB build you see here.
Now on to the fun stuff, the history of Co's one of a kind xB build. Around the time when Car Domain started to die off in 2012, the look of the xB was changed with jdm bumpers and a Dominator lip kit. Described as jdm style with a little bit of VIP, Co had help from Marshall from Air Rex for the air ride and his friend Travis Harada, who was the middle man that sourced him some of the jdm parts. I remember Travis Harada, at that time, as being the only one that had the butterfly system effects lip kit that I have ever seen outside from the bB bible.
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The xB was this way for a couple years until 2015 when he was able to source the jdm Topline kit and the Work Eurolines which would account for the most famous look of the xB that we would see online today. Running on early Easy Street air struts and management from Air Rex, the xB would eventually go on to win first place at Wekfest Hawaii. Interesting fact, the Topline kit was actually sourced from a female driven bB in Japan, and it came included with heart cut outs that had to be filled in. Thank goodness he got rid of those and kept the sporty custom vents on the jdm lip kit instead. Being a mechanic for Hawaiian Air Lines, working in the carpenter's/facilities shop, he also did all the interior upgrades himself including the complete JL audio system installation, all the upholstery sewing and the color change. Skills y'all!
Fast forward, now it's 2019 and the xB's look is being changed again. If you're in the xB community, you might remember a certain dark green xB on Work Emitz with a Garson body kit owned by J.B. Well J.B ended up moving to Japan and parted out his car and he was able to get this body kit that would make for his current look. Co was never a flashy guy and describes his style as being subtle. But subtle by definition in the car world, is just another word for clean when referring to car mods. With the newly installed kit that he has always wanted, this xB is looking as clean as ever.
So what's in the future now that the xB has reached it's current phase? Maybe a third trip to TORQ, or another holiday to Japan made possible by HAL? Who knows, those visits to Tokyo Auto Salon and Osaka Auto Messe might even change Co's mind once again and the look of his xB might take on another stage. Only time will tell. Stay tune and follow this jdm, with a hint of VIP, inspired build to see what lies ahead.
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EXTERIOR MODS
Garson: (Exterior ) Full body kit with door caps ~ Side markers ~ Rear hatch ~ Head lights ~ Window visors ~ Chrome mirror covers ~ Emblems Chrome handle overlays ~ Chrome tail light garnish ~ Chrome side marker garnish ~ Rear step guard Strut bar ~ Crystal eye LED tails ~ Varad under carriage lights ~ Misc LEDs
INTERIOR MODS
Garson: Chrome door latch covers ~ Chrome seat belt latch covers ~ Neck pads ~ Blanket ~ Curtain holders with crystals ~ Crystal shift knob ~ Cigarette lighter ~ Foot plate ~ Door caps ~ Coasters ~ Dash tray ~ Remote holder ~ Tissue box ~ Astray lighter ~ Nobori ~ Ryujin unlimited custom front table ~ Ryujin unlimited rear console ~ Steering wheel ~ Seat covers, Headliner, Rear deck cover with infinity light, hand made by yours truly
I.C.E - IN CAR ENTERTAINMENT
Panasonic flip up deck with TV JL Audio ~ 10w1 subs ~ JL Audio Amp ~ 3" Headrest monitors
WHEELS & SUSPENSION
Work Eurolines ~ Easy street air suspension ~ 5 gallon tank ~ Airrex air management ~ Viar compressor ~ Custom Hard lines
Shout out to:
Marshall at Performance air suspension, Trav (Toragraphy), Progressive Auto sounds, Kerfoot garage, and BL for the feature. `Boxed Lifestyle would like to welcome Tu Le as our Official writer for our featured rides. Thank you Tu, for joining us as we continue to promote the box, van and wagon movement. We can't wait to read more articles of the Best of the Best in our community.
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