Welcome back to another weekly update video!
With summer just around the corner, our warehouse has been buzzing with activity as we tackle various car projects. Unfortunately, we hit a snag when a neighbour at the warehouse managed to drop a double-stack pallet on the passenger fender of our G35, causing a substantial kink along the bodyline. While the damage wasn’t too severe, it left us feeling disheartened for a couple of reasons. Firstly, we’re committed to giving this underappreciated platform the attention it deserves, aiming for a clean and complete finish. Secondly, while we expect wear and tear on our drift car, we prefer it to be the result of our own actions rather than someone else’s negligence. However, this setback prompted us to delve into some paint and bodywork, sparking ideas about a complete colour change.
Following our exploration of the fender, both mine and Dylan’s motivation skyrocketed. We decided to enhance the car’s safety by adding a bracketed fire extinguisher and trimming down the automatic brake pedal for better functionality. With our first drift event approaching in early June, the car is now primed and as ready as it’s going to be.
Continuing our tradition of documenting our shop endeavours, we made significant progress on modifying the hood of the Cressida to accommodate the raised engine with the new front subframe. Additionally, Dylan and Sandra took it upon themselves to remove an old, dilapidated lightbox sign from the shop premises using a “borrowed” forklift.
Meanwhile, Jake brought his JZX90 by the shop, and together with Milo, they installed a sleek DEFI multifunction gauge. Not only does it provide a wealth of information, but its design seamlessly complements the car’s aesthetic, all while having a nostalgic feel.
Dylan made headway on the Supra, saving valuable time by tightening loose cam seals instead of spending hours having to replace them to fix his oil leak. With the extra time saved, he and Milo focused on installing freshly refurbished valve covers crafted by Keith. The new valve covers really cleaned up the engine bay and will soon be complemented by a new exhaust manifold.
With an upcoming trip to Vancouver Island on the agenda, Dylan and I turned our attention to the Alphard, giving it a thorough cleanup. We also removed the front inner fender liners, shaving down brackets and tabs to improve front clearance. Anticipating a significant load of trinkets from Adam (Moistboys), driving a fully loaded van with a screeching front end didn’t seem like an ideal scenario.
Thanks for tuning in for another week of chaos with us!
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Now live! Limited quantities are available, get it here: Checkpoint Heritage Umbrella.
We also have recently added a ton of new goods to our store, including a ton of car fashion accessories and vintage racing apparel.
Check it all out in the Checkpoint Japan Online Store.
