The Before...


http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/47267.jpg



..and the After.


http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/83129.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/83130.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/83131.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/83132.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/83133.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/83134.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/83135.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/83136.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/83137.jpg


Accessories so far:

Sidesteps
Roofrack
Splash Guards
All-Season Mats
Fogs
Storage Armrest
Pilot Leather Steering Wheel
GG Bailey Cargo Carpet
235-70-16 Bridgestone Revos
Panther 272 Wheels
Billet Grille
Front Window Tint
Injen Cold Air Intake
Custom Dual Magnaflow Exhaust
Kenwood DDX-7015 in-dash DVD
Kenwood KSC-WA62RC Under Seat Sub
Plug & Play Classic Video Game System
Front and Rear Mounted AV Inputs
Custom Painted Engine/Spark Plug Covers
Billet Oil Cap
Silvania Silverstars
Side Marker/Blinker Conversion
Custom Rally Stripe with Imperial Insignias

both looks great!
What's gonna happen to all those gear?

Empire!

Are you sure this is the same "E"?? Wow! Those stripes are simply AWESOME!! First I've seen on the "E" and it looks absolutely terrific!

I too am wondering what you've done with all the former accessories. I thought the former look was also very nice!

Anyway, thanks for the pics buddy! You've got great taste! :D

LEGO

I sold most all of the previous exterior gear.
BriBoy01 is sporting it now.
Or he was last I heard :D

Great lookin changes Empire!!! I have a FBP and did my engine parts in blue, where did you find the billet oil cap thanks. drew

looks good! nice touch with the stripes. aha, so u went with the double tips. those should stay chrome for you. nice work empire!

Tips are double walled and mighty beefy.
If I remember correctly they weigh about 6 lbs each. :shock:

Oh, the oil cap can be found on ebay.
There should be several styles available.

:P WHOA!
OK... What am I to say next?
Duh... I'm speakless.... yeah Nice! WoW!
That's Smooth!

8) DasBear

Looks good... I knew when we were installing the stuff on my E that your brain was in overdrive coming up with something new. Looks really good.

And yes im still sporting the gear on my E
http://bboyles.brendan.org/e.jpg

http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/83514.jpg


* Cue El DeBarge

JOHNNY 5 IS ALIVE!
No disassemble there! :P
Looks great Empire! You're always on the cutting edge of fasion, for the E anyways! :P I do like those double tips! 8)

LOL

That's the first I've seen of stripes on the E too, and it's MAGNIFICENT!!! :shock: :D
Very nicely done - thanks for sharing and always raising the bar for the rest of us peeons to reach for! :wink: :lol:

Now you got me thinking 'bout racing stripes too!
Think I'd use the Steal Your Face logo though ;-)

jesse

I originally had applied another vinyl graphic. Dark gray to match the plastic panels applied within the recessed area in the center of the hood. Similar to the black center as seen on Vehicross hoods. Then I had 4 dark gray stripes within the 4 grooves along the length of the roof. It looked neat also and gave it a concept model appearance. Then about a month later the rally stripe idea just hit me. Our Cooper has a centered body length checkerboard stripe that I applied so I already had an idea of what to expect in looks.
Since the Element has a grooved roof it gives you a few reference options. I custom ordered a 7.5" wide double stripe to fit along the 7.5" center roof "hump". Now I also thought about going with 2 stripes across the left and right 7.5" wide humps. With this option you may need to work around the raised rear hatch handle, key hole and do something with fitting around or removing the ELEMENT badge. About any vinyl sign/lettering shop can make or order the stripes for you but internet prices can be cheaper.
The only thing about that is it seams most online race/rally stripe dealers don't keep a 7.5" stripe available without special ordering and cutting which means added cost. Usually an 8" stripe seams to be a standard. That will work but without trimming it will hang past the edges of the raised roof sections and down into the grooves. Another thing is that most of these "ready to ship" stripe kits come in increments of 60" pieces. Well the area from winshield to atleast the sunroof is longer than 60". One place I really like and where I ordered my stripe from was here: www.viggdesigns.com. They actually have 2x 7.5" solid stripes in 18' long rolls for $60. Just tell them what color you want.
You can also check out www.cooperflags.com to get some stripe ideas.
Oh and installation is simple. Soapy water, a spray bottle and a credit card sized squeegee is all that's really needed.

Empire, did you take any pictures of the other graphics?

Nope. :(

Hey, tell about the magna flo exhaust. Is it cat back? What was the installation? have you had any adverse intake problems like water for one, with the injen system? Talk about that stuff. I love what you did! Saw a post of a car with 18" enkei wheels. I loved those as well. Have you noticed and changes in your turning radius with your rims?

Thanks for the info ahead of time! Show a photo of the interior! I want to see what the set is like for the indash audio work you've done.

Great! :D

M

The exhaust was a custom system eventually consisting of 2 Magnaflow mufflers and 2 dual square chrome tips. All the pipes were bent in a shop specializing in custom exhausts. You can read more about it in JoeBoxer's thread here:http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9004.
You'll find plenty of pics of both our similar systems to give you an idea for what all was done.
No intake problems at all. Virginia has it's share of washouts and flash floods but I haven't or wouldn't go through anything deep enuff to submerge the fog lights. The CAI sits behind the left side fog light and would really have to be completely underwater for the intake pipe to act as a straw for the engine to suck water.
The wheels are the standard 16" size but the tires are larger than stock, still no noticeable increase in turning radius.
Here are a few interior shots I had posted in a few past threads.

http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/10082.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/43198.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/43199.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/43197.jpg
http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/42162.jpg

I like the BEFORE :)

Me too. :(

All I know, is that Empire "builds" one awesome E, be it the rugged urban assult vehicle, or the eurostyled Deathstar Transporter. Keep up the good work. By the way what model is that video head unit?

The J

eurostyled Deathstar Transporter

Oooh, I like the sound of that. :D
But I have a ways to go if I want to get really geeky with it.


http://www.x31.com/~andy/pics/NSVA-nationals-2000/1162-star-wars-van.jpg



Oh, the head unit is a Kenwood Excelon DDX7015.
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-dz07q4cLnfn/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=62600&I=113DDX7015&o=p&a=0&cc=01&avf=N&search=

Empire, YOu are just plain havin' too darned much fun with that E!

Nice work!

M

I really am.
It's like a freaking toy for me.

I'm new to this board. I must say that both versions look great. I noticed the small detail of the 4wd emblem under the ELEMENT logo. Is that a metal emblem or a vinyl decal? Is it just adhesive backed?

It's from the Honda Passport.
You can order one here:
http://www.handaaccessories.com/elementext.html
Toward the bottom of the page.
Peel and stick.

As always EMPIRE very cool.......

-SS

HEY EMPIRE

Bet you could do some amazing things with my BMW Z8 Raodster.

-SS

Empire,
What differences if any have you noticed with your new tire size? Would you buy them again? Eventually I will put new tires on and am curious about ride quality and other issures. BTW...your E is an inspiration to us.
Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Steve

HEY EMPIRE

Bet you could do some amazing things with my BMW Z8 Raodster.

-SS[/quote:01421ef717]
Hmmm, how do yo feel about fins and plaid?
I'd probably stripe it also.
I'm on a rally stripe kick lately.
I replaced my center stripes with two 6" stripes now.
Gives it a beefier chunky look.
Also added additional smaller stipes along the bottom edge of the doors.
It now looks like the bastard child of a Ford GT40 and a toaster. :shock:
I'll take some new pics when I get the chance.
I'm adding nav and a flip-down monitor within the next week or so.

[quote]What differences if any have you noticed with your new tire size? Would you buy them again?

I've had the Revos for about 20k miles now. They're still holding up nicely. And grip isn't a problem in snow,rain or mud. The larger size gives you a slightly taller "feel" and acceleration is a tad slower from a stop than with the smaller stock size. Nothing terrible just a bit. Road noise was a tiny bit more pronounced but I don't even notice it anymore. The taller and wider tires really do give the vehicle a more stable , sure-footed feeling. Would I buy again? Sure, but when these wear out I'm actually considering upsizing the wheels. 17" maybe 18" max. But who knows, I might change my mind until then.

Hey Buddy! Great Work on the car. I like the exhaust. Looks real nasty!

Good luck with it.

Very nice! SWEEEEEEET! One of a kind, at least for me, have not seen any like it. :grin:

It looks a little bit different now.
Took off a few things added a few things.
I recently added the MINI inspired driving lights.


http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/305214.jpg

http://www.pix8.net/pro/pic/7564FApN/306631.jpg

This is getting interesting. All these refinements to your Element. I have to say though that of the 3 that I have seen, to date, I liked the Rally Stipes. I could almost see doing it to mine. Keep all the ideas coming though. Nice that someone out there is trying out a lot of stuff.

Love the stripes. Where do you get em?

I could always add them again. It only takes about an hour maybe less to install depending on detail and location. You can order a set of stripes from any number of online racing/rally stripe dealers. Ranging in price from $25-$100+ depending on size of stripes,outlines,single,double stripes,color etc. Just do a google search for racing or rally stripes.

I think you will find a Split in Appreciation by Age.
Those in their teens and early 20's probably prefer the "after" ...while...
Those of us (me included) 30yrs+ prefer the "before" - I realy liked the Rovery Discovery looks of the "before"
Nice work on Both!

I think you will find a Split in Appreciation by Age.
Those in their teens and early 20's probably prefer the "after" ...while...
Those of us (me included) 30yrs+ prefer the "before" - I realy liked the Rovery Discovery looks of the "before"
Nice work on Both!

I'm 38... what he said. I like the before.

Although the last few changes bring it more in line to what I like. The racing stripes were kind of hokey.

The Brush Guard is Awesome...Where can I get one, and is it hard to put on ?

Check here:
http://www.suvxccessory.com/xccessory/specials-2004-honda-element.html
Or:
http://www.aiwana.com/elext.htm

It's a fairly easy bolt on installation. A bit heavy and awkward but it should only take one or two hours if you take your time and things go smoothly.
Do a search here for "brushguard" or "Aries" and it should give you a good number of threads discussing it.

the busch bar is it from honda? I was thinking a land rover bar might look more slick

No, I think Honda only makes a nudge bar for the Ridgeline. The brushguard I had was from Aries Offroad. Do you mean a Landrover style guard because I doubt any bar made for a Rover would fit the Element?

Empire...I liked all the looks...I have a Yakima Load Warrior left over from one of my Jeeps I used to have, I might just have to try out your first look from the first photos...but I like all the looks you've had over time...each one good in it's own way. Looking forward to seeing all of your cool interior gadgetry at one of the upcoming Richmond meets :grin:

One thing I disagree with though, I"m more of a "Rebel Alliance" type guy myself, but lets not let that get in the way of anything when we meet up at one of the local meets OK? :twisted:

Dave.

Empire, did you install the grilles yourself? If so, run me through the application process. Thanks, The Rube.

Empire, did you install the grilles yourself? If so, run me through the application process. Thanks, The Rube.
Not sure if you mean the brushguard or the billet grille inserts. I installed both myself. The brushguard just bolts on to existing holes and the billet grilles just pop into place and mounts using cable ties. Tho you will need to cut out and remove the "H" in the stock grille for this particular style.

I think you will find a Split in Appreciation by Age.
Those in their teens and early 20's probably prefer the "after" ...while...
Those of us (me included) 30yrs+ prefer the "before" - I realy liked the Rovery Discovery looks of the "before"
Nice work on Both!

Drop kick me into that category (age and preference wise) that liked the smokin' "before" version with the brush guard, basket on top and rough look. That was very inspirational to me and has me thinking as a new Element owner. I'm moving cautiously at the moment and thus far have only added interior mats. The side steps, rear bumper guard (from HandA) and the Sportwing painted moldings all arrived this week giving me work to do this weekend for the new additions. I already had the Yakima rack from my previous Honda, so just picked up the required landing pads. I'll get that mounted this weekend as well. That front brush guard may be the ticket to completing my "outfit" as I have to confront deer just about every evening. I haven't hit one in 2 years, but know that the overpopulation of the critters are not stacked in my favor out on the road at night with my new Element. I'm still trying to detemine if it would indeed protect the front end in such a collision - or if it would be a purely cosmetic addition. That and some parallel parking protection would possibly make a worthy "icing on the cake" touch to my E.

Then again, it's Empire's toy and money to play with and change when so desired. Empire - maybe you should keep all of your seasonal dressings and just rotate the look every quarter or 6 months to keep it fresh and fun for yourself. :lol:

LeadFoot

Hey Empire,

Tell me about your accessories from the 'Before' Picture.

Specifically, the roof rack and cargo basket and the crash bar on the front.

Tell me the make and model if you please, sir.

Peace

Honda Rack
Yakima Load Warrior Basket
w/ Tire Mount and Light Mounts
also Cargo Net
Aries Offroad Brushguard and Taillight Guards

Here's an updated current set of pics.


http://img331.imageshack.us/img331/7294/mine2yd.jpg

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/834/night5zr.jpg

Nice! I'm loving the black bumpers and grill. How did you bring the wires in for your roof lamps?

More pictures!!

How did you bring the wires in for your roof lamps?
Wires are snaked under the roof trim and winshield trim on down to under the hood. I did the same thing with the wiring for the red and amber clearance lights on the roof trim. You can see the 2 amber rooftop corner lights here.


http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/694/nightshot5fs.jpg

Sweet Transformation!!!! :-P

Bishop

Hey Empire, would you mind sharing some more pics of the "before" E? I love the rally-stripe, but the rough-n-rugged-assault-vehicle look from the before is just killer :)

I'm sure you've posted pics of it before, so maybe just a link to another thread; don't wanna kill your current thread with old pics.

Those were really about the only pics I had with the stripes. I was just trying some different looks out that I had in mind.I think I had them for a few months before I changed my mind again. One time (I may have mentioned this before) before the stripes , I had the recessed center section of the hood and the four recessed gullies on the roof vinyled with dark gray to match the panels. It really gave it a more concept, Vehicross look to it. But I never took pictures of it like that unfortunately. I was just trying to swing thru both extremes of "looks" with off-road and street racey. Eventually I decided to settle on a more simplified mixing of the 2 with a clean stock like surface having no other extending bars or guards and a billet grill giving the front a more flat-like appearance. But I also equipped it with unobtrusive additonal lighting along the stock forward roof rack and the small LED red and amber clearance lights on the corners of the roof. The H2/H3 accessories, the Subaru Baja options and a few European concepts were big inspirations for the rooftop "sport" lighting. I love the squatty flat nose of the Element and after awhile, for me anyway, the guard felt like too much of an extension, in weight and size. That's not to say that one day I won't have another one but it would be a much smaller, simpler model if not a custom fabrication. I still have plenty of ideas bouncing around for more simple yet custom looks that involve painting the majority of, if not the entire, body but also very much keeping with the Element's signature gray panels.