Scion Owner Spotlight> KIDJUSTIN

BY Scion CM
May 07,2012

Not only is KIDJUSTIN a very active and helpful member here at Scion Owners, but he's also been hard at work on some original modifications. We thought it was time to feature his car, so read on to hear from Kidjustin about his 2011 tC.

A lot of people always ask me why I chose to go with a 2011 Scion tC, and while that is actually a pretty long story stretched-out over a couple months, the gist of it was I needed a new car since my old one crapped out. I wanted something you didn't see on the road much. During my long search for a new car, I stumbled across the recent release of the newly redesigned Scion tC. 

At first sight, I tuned it out, but the more I looked at it, and the more research I did, the more it grew on me. Seeing owners pictures posted on ScionLife helped solidify my decision on the car - and even influenced me going with the Super White color! The 2nd generation tC was perfect for me: it's a known car without being brand new, the style was something not yet common to see on the road, it was affordable, plus I was eligible for a $1k graduation rebate, and it came with the whole Scion lifestyle of being original and creative.

While the top photo is the most recent (May 2012), the picture above is from day 1 (October 2010).

Modifying a car to reflect my originality has been a dream of mine as far as I could remember. Unfortunately my previous car didn't provide that platform, so imagine how happy I was to finally own a car designed to be modified; customize or die!

My idea was to do mods that are clean and subtle. I want it to look nice and standout without being obnoxious. I also prefer mods that can be reversible - in case I change my mind later on. Since 2nd Gen tC aftermarket modifications are scarce, I had to let my own creativity step in.

I made my own license plate relocation. I made my own emblems, customized with the help of IMPORTequipment. I made my own DRLs. I made my own carbon fiber eyelids. I made my own carbon fiber b-pillars. And I have a lot more ideas rattling around in my head!

But painting, vinyl wrapping, and little tweaks can only go so far. Which is why I made it my mission to appeal and promote to aftermarket companies as I searched around for possible modifications. Just as I have had a hand in every mod on the tC, I've talked to many companies such as OEM Audio+, CUSCO USA, Berggs, GReddy, Racing Solution, and more. While I've gained friendships, and even a few sponsorships along the way, I feel confident that I have helped open the vision of producing parts for the tC2.

The best part of owning a Scion has to be the community that comes with the reputation. Whether it is online (ScionOwners, SconLife, or Facebook) or through clubs (like my own, Scion Evolution) - there are always enthusiasts looking forward to meeting new people and getting new ideas for things to do on their own Scions.

Car meets and events are also a great part of being involved in the whole import scene. So far, of all the events geared towards Scions, the Longo Reconnect 2012 has to be one of my favorite. All sorts of people showed up, from long time modders to brand new owners. The atmosphere was fun and unique. I met a lot of cool people, and each one very interested in learning about more things on how to mod their own Scion. I got so many compliments and just felt so much love for what I've done with my car.

Modifications List*:

Engine:

• Descendant Cold Air Intake with AEM Air Bypass Valve
• custom modified to fit with my CUSCO strutbar
• AC Insulation (Scion202 diy mod)

Suspension:

• Prototype CUSCO Strut Tower Bar
• KW Suspension Variant 2 Coilover system

Interior:

• OEM Scion floor mats
• Toyota Cabin Filter
• LED glove box mod (Scion202 diy mod)
• IMPORTequipment Visor Warning Labels with custom Scion logos

Exterior:

• OEM rear spoiler
• Honda s2k stubby antenna
• DIY front license plate relocation
• White carbon fiber wrapped Scion license plate
• 20% window tint all around -Prototype Berggs Rear Window Visor
• Prototype Berrgs Door Window Visors
• Custom painted Emblems with Prototype IMPORTequipment Scion vinyl inserts
• G2 Caliper Paint - white
• Pioneer tire valve cap locks
• Custom white carbon fiber vinyl eyelids
• Custom carbon fiber vinyl wrapped b-pillars with stealth tC logos

Audio:

• Pioneer AVH-P4300DVD
• OEM Audio+ Reference 400CF (first system tuned to an aftermarket headunit) with customized tC subwoofer

Lighting:

• DDM tuning 35w 6000k HID Kit
• RetorSolutions 35w 6000K HPX high beam bulbs
• Audi style LED DRLs (6000k)
• Full exterior LED swap
• license plate lights (cool white)
• reverse light (cool white)
• brake lights (red)
• front and rear turn signals (amber)
• Interior LED swap
• map lights (cool white)
• dome light (cool white)
• hatch light (cool white)
• shifter backlight (cool white) *blub replaced with LED strip
• window "auto up" light (cool white)
• HVAC backlight (cool white)
• HVAC buttons (blue)
• removed orange clock film
• removed TRAC control button light
• removed passenger airbag indicator light

So now that you've seen my car, if you ever find yourself at a meet in SoCal, don't be afraid to say come over and say hi!

To stay updated, I've got a build page on my website, KidJustin-Studios | KidJustin's Scion tC2. For more photos and additional coverage, visit the feature on ScionEdge.

*Modifying your vehicle with non-Genuine Scion parts can negatively affect your warranty, safety performance and street legality. Other trademarks and trade names appearing on the vehicles are those of their respective owners. Vehicle shown is with some accessories not available from Scion.