SP Rides: It’s So Shiny
BY MICHAEL KITCHENS
Originally from Waipahu, Eldin Tomas has always had a penchant for modifying rides. He’s owned quite a few different makes and models starting with a RWD Astrovan…which was the people carrier for his friends while growing up. He has since owned a high quality, show-winning Sentra SE-R as well as dabbled in the 4-wheel drive scene plus a little something in the mini-truck market.
He has always been an import fan, however…for this article, he’s a Euro import fan and a proud owner of this incredibly well built 1967 VW Bug. Eldin traded a sweet modified truck and some cash for this beauty and has since added his personal touch to it to really make this beetle fly.
Painted by Global Auto Repair, this bug is coated in a sexy Toyota Magnet Gray which is highlighted by a cornucopia of shiny chrome bits. Of special note are the custom front and rear “safari” windows. These were hand-built by Jeremy Brooks of VW Loosenuts. A vintage luggage rack adorned with real wood slats rests lovingly over the sunroof equipped roof. With new lighting gear all around, the rear is also adorned with an original 1967 rear convertible deck lid.
The suspension has been worked over well, featuring 2” narrowed front beam with drop spindles with adjustable spring plates in the rear. CB Performance front and rear disc brakes work well beneath the 17×7 powder-coated gun metal gray EMPI Raiders. One of the best parts is the custom red wheel pin-striping done by Eldin himself! It’s amazing how such a minor mod can really change the look and character of a vehicle.
The interior is stunning and features black and red velour upholstery by Al’s Upholstery. A CSP shifter stands out amidst the large variety of gauges and a custom Alipine head unit. This bug has some bump though with an Alpine setup consisting of two 450 amps pumping through a very loud 8” sub as well as 6 ½” coaxials in a custom rear dash. The amps are housed in a special enclosure built-into the front trunk.
Last but not least, the 1835cc motor is a gorgeous piece of machine work. The engine has an Engle 120 cam, Magnum straight cut gears, and a Bosch 009 distributor for spark. The look is really stunning thanks to the Weber dual 48’s and CB performance intake manifold and linkage. An A-1 ceramic coated exhaust helps contain the heat while a Holly fuel regular keeps the pressure appropriate. Lit with custom red LEDs, it truly is pretty to look at.
Even with the way this ride shines, Eldin make sure to drive it every other day. It even rained during our photoshoot with nary a worry in his eyes. This bad bug was meant to cruise the mean streets of Honolulu and it does just that!
