Now set on model, Rudolf found his project a couple of blocks
away from his house where a father was selling his daughter's
1993 Civic hatchback that had only been used to commute to and
from university. Within 30 days of buying it, he set to task.
Rudolf began his customization where many custom jobs end,
the interior upholstery. He ripped out the stock black interior
and replaced it with a grey and red colour scheme. Thus began
a total modification process that would consume much of Rudolph's
spare time, performing much of the work himself. "It
was a weekend hobby," he said. "Every weekend I'd
spend a good portion of the weekend doing things."
Numerous fully integrated body modifications, a total engine
swap, elaborate ICE, etc., Rudolph constantly strove for over
the top appearance and performance while staying conscious
of avoiding becoming over done.
Despite Civics being a commonly modified vehicle, Rudolf
strove for originality. For example, he spent two years searching
for the Bomex Aero mirrors. They had been discontinued in
2000; yet, Rudolph managed to source two pairs forgotten in
a warehouse in the US.
The pursuit was not without challenge.
Swapping in a 200 horsepower Prelude engine imported from
Japan, to match the Prelude taillights, was not only his first
attempt at a full swap but also turned into the greatest challenge
of the build. While the physical swap was done over a weekend,
the electrical proved to be a bit of a tripwire. "The
motor has been a lot more work than I had anticipated,"
Rudolf said. "Doing the swap, doing the wiring turned
into a lot more work than I thought I was getting myself into."
The investment in the plan, the weekends and the work, has
paid the dividends Rudolf was originally seeking. In the three
years since the car has entered the car show circuit it has
won 15 awards and prizes in addition to numerous features
in local and national media. "I got them all in my room
and I look at them everyday," he said.
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