Bugs Palace!

Well, the beetle is coming along slowly but surely. Sound proofing, and other small tasks are completed. I’m waiting for one more little thing from Paul and then I can get back to working on the wiring, engine, and all the other millions of outstanding tasks.

MINI got some upgrades this month. New running lights are installed, and so is an Ipod adapter. Now I can see clearly where I am going, and and listen to even more good tunes along the way.

Shannon’s a little closer to her goals with the Jetta. The GLI Grill is installed, and looking pretty sweet if I do say so myself. To add to that look, Grant and I made a small.. 11 hour road trip to Scranton PA, to trade her factory 17’s for some big, blingin’ GTI 18″ wheels. She also has an iPod adapter to be installed. Tint and a drop and the car will be done.

Xtacy is finally back on the road again. The 240SX passed his safety test. Nice to see the drift-beast up and on the road where it belongs. Curious how long before it ends up in a guard rail from an over zealous tail end.

Lastly, Mom and Dad have FINALLY bought a new vehicle. Well, new to them anyways. Guess what they replaced their blue Astro with. Thats right@! A newer blue Astro! Its in really good shape, runs well, and will hopefully get them ALL the way to Florida this March AND keep them dry when it rains.

Very happy new year in fact. My baby came home today, after a lengthy stay at the body shop. Thats right! THE BUG IS PAINTED AND HOME!!! And it looks incredible. A huge thanks go out to Paul and Alex for all their hard work on the car this year. I’m sure we all would’ve liked to have it done sooner, but the fact is, good things come to those who wait. The colour looks awesome.  Still needs to be wet sanded and buffed smooth, but that will be done as a final step before it goes on the road.  I’m having a tough time deciding just where to start. So much still needs to be done.

MINI updates. Kev came over and helped me drill and tap a couple holes to remount my exhaust hangers. Exhaust is now hung, and nice and snug. No more rattles, and the cat-back system sounds super sweet. Next up for the MINI, is mount the new driving lights. Brackets are on order. Should be here some time next week.

Went to the Wilsons today for a New Years/Happy Birthday Linda dinner. Good food, many laughs, and a as always great to be with family.  Thanks guys!

Wow, been a busy couple weeks. Let me start out by wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas. Shannon and I have had a busy holiday yet again this year. We were both spoiled with gifts once again this year. I really need to invoke a limit for my parents 🙂   Shannons Christmas presents started a bit early this year. The week before, I took her to Bronners Christmas Store in Frankenmuth Michigan. It was a surprise, and I nearly made it the entire way without her knowing. But as luck would have it, she guessed before we made it to the store. We took a bunch of photos from this years holidays and holiday preperations. Feel free to check them out. I got lots of good loot as always.  Big thank you to everyone for making this years holidays as special as always. Especially Uncle Shoupie and Aunt Linda for puttnig up with the entire family for 3 solid days and nights.

EDIT: HERE are all the photos from Christmas this year. From the prep, to the cleanup 🙂

Shannons new car recieved some Christmas presents. A nice shiney new GLI front end (Thanks Matt, and Matt for helping to get it to me), and next Tuesday I will be going to pick up some new 18″ wheels for the car to replace the 17’s she has now. So now she will have a fresh set of 16″ wheels for winter and some high performance 18’s for summer. Going to look pretty sweet.

Speaking of cars, Kevin finally purchased a replacement for his BBQ’ed Talon. The final choice was 1989 Nissan 240SX. Car is bright red, loud, and rear wheel drive. READ: drift machine in the making. He’s been having some fun with it in the rain so far. Can’t wait to see it with some serious power under the hood. Pics to come.

MINI has had its share of updates as well. Kevin and I tossed in a new set of rear lower control arms, and I got the car alligned back to factory specs. Wheels are straight up and down again, and no more crazy rear camber. It’s incredible how much difference in handling an allignment can make. Also, I was finally able to work out a deal to trade exhausts with a local MINI owner. He got my nice and rumbly Borla, and I recieved his refined and drone free Milltek in exchange. The car sounds sooo much quieter inside the car. I do miss the burbles and raspyness that the Borla had, but the new exhaust still sounds fantastic outside the car, and now I can put the puppies in the back seat of the CooperS without worrying about their hearing. And finally, my parents bought the MINI a new pair of big ass lights for Christmas.  6″ 100w rally style lights. I’m working out the brackets right now. Hopefully I can get them installed during my holidays as well.

And finally what everyones waiting to know…. Has the beetle been painted. The answer is NO. Not yet. From what I have been told, the engine bay, trunk, and floors are now painted a nice coat of flat/matt black. I haven’t seen it yet, but thats what i’ve been told. The current plan is for paint this Saturday. I am off from Saturday the 30th until January 8th. So I really am hoping to get the car home so I can get as much done in the week as I possibly can.  Stay tuned.