The Chronicles of Sophie

[KidKobe210]

So I've bought my 2003 Eclipse Spyder GTS in 2009 and I absolutely love it. I came across this forum several months ago and ever since I am constantly on it looking for ideas and learning from everyone. I've been hesitant to show you guys since I hit a stupid deer in November going from NorCal back home to Idaho, in Oregon doing 60, and it's not very pretty right now. But I've figured to just do it and get some feedback. Plus today has been the warmest day of the year (at only 69ish) so It was perfect for taking some pics
So feel free to comment/make suggestions/criticize.

Modifications:

Interior:
-Black leather interior swap w/ custom white cross-stitching
-Heated seats
-LED interior swap: Red.
-Dome light LED: White
-Door triggered white LED footwell lighting
-Color matched headunit remote
-Color matched painted door panel strip
-Black dyed door panel armrests
-Black dyed arm rest
-Black dyed/painted seat plastics
-CF vinyl wrapped convertible top pillars

Audio:
-Pioneer® AVH-P4300DVD headunit
-Video brake bypass
-Rockford Fosgate® P1694, 6x9 speakers
-Rockford Fosgate® P1652-S, 6.5" component speakers
-Rockford Fosgate® P400-4, 4 way amplifier
-Rockford Fosgate® P500-2, 2 way amplifier
-10" Sony® sub, until I get the P2


Exterior:
-New paint color: Summit White
-Dual Halo Projector Headlights
-Modded '03 stock tail lights, black with LED rings
-New signal markers
-Black 3rd brake light w/ red LED bulb
-Painted red calipers
-5% tint all around
-Backup Camera Installed
-Debadged
-Color matched gas cap
-Yellow fog light tint
-Black taillight tint



Wheels/Tires/Suspension:
-19" x 8.5" +32 Stern ST-5 gloss black wheels
-Color matched Summit White lips
-Federal 225/35/ZR19 rubber bands
-Gloss black tuner lugs
-Powder coated gloss black center cap rings
-Custom "Kobe" logo center caps
-D2 Racing Coilovers
-Ingalls rear camber kit
-Moog front and rear end links
-Rolled fenders/quarters

Beneath the Bonnet:
-Injen annodized red cold air intake.
-New spark plugs
-New spark plug wires
-Replaced valve cover gaskets
-TYC A/C condenser
-New radiator


Purchased, not yet installed:
-Prothane motor mounts


Future Mods:
-AEM/Injen intake
-D2 Coilovers
-Brembo swap
-Powerslot slotted rotors
-19" Stern ST-5
-Rockford Fosgate P1694, 6x9 speakers
-Rockford Fosgate P1652-S, 6.5" component speakers
-Rockford Fosgate P400-4, 4 way amplifier
-2 Rockford Fosgate P2 subs
-Rockford Fosgate P500-2 amp
-Rockford Fosgate P132, 3.5" speaker for dash
-Modified custom front bumper
-New leather. Black/white inserts
-Paint some interior components
-heated seats
-Redlinegoods armrest cover and ebrake cover
-Put my NES in it, maybe
-new reverse lights

Suggestions accepted

Don't really want to put much into performance since it's an automatic

But let me know what I should look into

Can't find a pic from the day I got her, but heres what I started with.. if you ignore the messed up front end. haha. Nice and stock and in a tree



So here are some pics from when I started my members ride thread (this is after I hit a deer):







Damn Oregon deers!

Dual halo projectors. I know, that lining thing around it needs to be taken care of

Top down















My goal is to keep my Eclipse original, clean, and respected by the Club3G community

[brewcitygts]

IDK how you dont like the pearl! but regardless, gl on the fixes!

[KidKobe210]

Thanks! And I've just always liked white on this car, nothing against pearl

[rsingh12]

wow looks exactly like mine im still in the works im about to start my thread soon but my car is missing those reflectors as well lol (stupid previous owner) and just get that front fixed and youll be okay

[finesse49ers]

The Chronicles, a 2003 GTS Spyder Dover White Pearl? I guess I should be flattered.

Originally Posted by rsingh12

wow looks exactly like mine im still in the works im about to start my thread soon but my car is missing those reflectors as well lol (stupid previous owner) and just get that front fixed and youll be okay

I thought you sold your 3G.

[04MOJOGT]

I should have got a Spyder.

[HomieG]

why don't you run that ipod cable into your glove compartment so that no wires show. That's what I did.

[Got Rice Boy]

Originally Posted by HomieG

why don't you run that ipod cable into your glove compartment so that no wires show. That's what I did.

That is where my Ipod cable is at as well.

[clssiercke]

Originally Posted by rsingh12

wow looks exactly like mine im still in the works im about to start my thread soon but my car is missing those reflectors as well lol (stupid previous owner) and just get that front fixed and youll be okay

Yes! Finally!!!

I agree after the front fix it will look really clean

[Fritz]

Or you could run the ipod to your center consol. and I remeber paying a good amount for a reflector at the dealership =/ GL with the body work

[KidKobe210]

Originally Posted by HomieG

why don't you run that ipod cable into your glove compartment so that no wires show. That's what I did.

I finally had some free time to get that done. Looks a lot better without it hanging there.

Originally Posted by Fritz

I remeber paying a good amount for a reflector at the dealership =/ GL with the body work

Thanks! I actually found both of the reflectors today, but all the clips are broken off=/ Do you think it'd be okay to just super glue them on? Like a dab on each side to hold it in place.

[Jerseykid03]

good thing u put a seatbelt around the bball u never kno where there gonna go

[KidKobe210]

Originally Posted by Jerseykid03

good thing u put a seatbelt around the bball u never kno where there gonna go

That's how I keep little gang bangers from stealing it when my top is down

[ccarrillo717]

White spyders FTW but take care of the body damage!

[rsingh12]

I thought you sold your 3G. [/QUOTE]

oops i meant what mine LOOKED like lol
i did sell it i might be picking another one up soon that looks exactly like mine but as less miles and a clean title just for temporary

[KidKobe210]

I got some presents in the mail!

New bumper came in Friday, then the fender the next day
The bumper doesn't have the indent things for the Mitsu emblem, so I'll just have to go without it now.

Next to arrive is the hood. And my buddy Mark and I should be starting with the body work here this week or the next. So stoked!

[ccarrillo717]

Nice pickups... now get them painted and installed

[rsingh12]

are you going with an oem hood or a carbon fiber

[KidKobe210]

Originally Posted by rsingh12

are you going with an oem hood or a carbon fiber

OEM for now. I've been thinking of how a CF hood would look on my car. I don't want to spend that much money on one if it wont look right. Any opinions?

[mitsu3g01]

Originally Posted by KidKobe210

OEM for now. I've been thinking of how a CF hood would look on my car. I don't want to spend that much money on one if it wont look right. Any opinions?

do it, you will like it. trust me.

[2002_GT]

where did you order your front bumper from and about how much did it run you for?

nice car btw, i really like that color spyder

[KidKobe210]

Originally Posted by 2002_GT

where did you order your front bumper from and about how much did it run you for?

nice car btw, i really like that color spyder

Thanks

And I got the bumper off of eBay, $92 with shipping. I'm actually happy It doesn't have the emblem indents now

Here's the link:
Click to see the goods

[2002_GT]

Originally Posted by KidKobe210

Thanks

And I got the bumper off of eBay, $92 with shipping. I'm actually happy It doesn't have the emblem indents now

Here's the link:
Click to see the goods

Thanks for the link!
and good luck with your future mods

[rsingh12]

I would do a cf one but i would leave it cf thats just me i dont think cf looks good on spyders. If you color matched the cf then we are talking

[RicoSmooth]

I can just take your front leathers, my back can stay cloth or just save up money for them later . Hurry and buy black ones

[KidKobe210]

Originally Posted by RicoSmooth

I can just take your front leathers, my back can stay cloth or just save up money for them later . Hurry and buy black ones

What am I, made of money? But I'm working on it

Do you know if leatherseats.com is a respectable source of new leather on these forums? I haven't seen too many people going away from their stock leather or cloth. It's about $700 for new leather for my car so i'm hoping I'd be getting my moneys worth.

[RicoSmooth]

Originally Posted by KidKobe210

What am I, made of money? But I'm working on it

Do you know if leatherseats.com is a respectable source of new leather on these forums? I haven't seen too many people going away from their stock leather or cloth. It's about $700 for new leather for my car so i'm hoping I'd be getting my moneys worth.

if your a kidkobe you better!! and i just checked them out and they seem pretty good and legit. But I can't say for sure, your best bet would be contacting them by phone, usually have phone conversations with them will let you know if they are good people. Better believe before I sent 800 to joey, me him and my dad talked. its professional and helps sniff out any sketchiness.

[KidKobe210]

So the new hood came in today.
It's bitter sweet though.
As I'm not so sure about the fitment and a small section near the bolts where the hood is attached is bent

Here's some pictures though:









Maybe this gap will close up a bit with the new fender




Also, I really need some help with this from you guys. So here's what I'm dealing with under the hood due to the accident. As you can see, it's pushed inward and down. Not good



The guy helping me fix my car says we can pull out all that bended part of the radiator support. Do you think that'd be a plausible, more cost effective way? Or should I buy a new radiator support to make the fix go smoother? It's about $180 for a new one I think.

On a different note, looking at the car with this hood on helps me picture my car with a CF hood. And i must say, I think it would look pretty good

(and let me know if the pics are too big)

[rsingh12]

the car would look good with a cf hood. Going to your radiator support its really up to you what you would do you can push it back but if you want to buy a new one go ahead

[StratRod]

buying the new core support is the easy part, installing it isn't the most fun. If you do go the route of a new/used one make sure you know what you re getting yourself into with putting it on the car.

depending on how bad yours is really tweaked it might be easier to try and straighten yours?

[eclipto]

try and straighten it first replacing the core support is no easy task. and if you do replace it. it will have to be done on a frame rack or measuring system anyway

[KidKobe210]

Thanks guys. Very helpful
The body work starts on monday so we'll stick to the straightening out option.
That should do the trick.
I can't wait to get started!

[StratRod]

the core support on my strat was too far gone to fix, we actually had to hook it to a tractor and pull it out to get the radiator and fans out.

I don't recommend you use that method. lol but they are fairly tough. yours looks like it should straighten out okay.

Putting the new one on the strat was a PITA. we didn't put it on a rack, but we took a good amout of time measuring to make sure it was right. It turned out to be straight but my dad also has years of expirence putting front ends in classics. with out him I never would have been able to do the core support.

Good luck with your repairs!!

[JeremyV]

Originally Posted by KidKobe210

OEM for now. I've been thinking of how a CF hood would look on my car. I don't want to spend that much money on one if it wont look right. Any opinions?

Love the headlights. I see that you already bought a hood. The carbon fiber would actually look good since you have the black convertible top.

What kind of rims are you thinking about? Congrats on your purchase!

[KidKobe210]

Originally Posted by StratRod

the core support on my strat was too far gone to fix, we actually had to hook it to a tractor and pull it out to get the radiator and fans out.

I don't recommend you use that method. lol but they are fairly tough. yours looks like it should straighten out okay.

Putting the new one on the strat was a PITA. we didn't put it on a rack, but we took a good amout of time measuring to make sure it was right. It turned out to be straight but my dad also has years of expirence putting front ends in classics. with out him I never would have been able to do the core support.

Good luck with your repairs!!

Thanks! I'll keep you guys updated as I make progress. I see a lot of potential in my car, so it'll get good
But good to know about the whole radiator support thing

Originally Posted by JeremyV

Love the headlights. I see that you already bought a hood. The carbon fiber would actually look good since you have the black convertible top.

What kind of rims are you thinking about? Congrats on your purchase!

I think once my car is repaired, I just might save up and get a cf hood

As for the rims, right now I want to get 18" Stern ST-5 wheels. Same one's that treehead has Those have exactly the spoke style I want, although if i find some just like those but without the little silver bolt things that go around the wheel, I'll take those instead. (if that makes sense)

[treehead]

Looking good, I had to bend alot to get mine back to normal after my wreck, so just keep bending

What do you have in mind for this modified custom front bumper you listed??

[KidKobe210]

Originally Posted by treehead

Looking good, I had to bend alot to get mine back to normal after my wreck, so just keep bending

What do you have in mind for this modified custom front bumper you listed??

You wouldn't mind if i end up getting the same wheels as you, would you?

As for the bumper, I really want to give it a different grill. Not sure how to explain it. Like make it a bit bigger to give it a more aggressive look, and set it apart from all the other eclipse's in my area.

I came across this pic on here the other day, so something similar to this:

Minus that lip.
And that opening looks like it may have sprung with a little inspiration from an Evo X:


And here's another car I'm using for inspiration, it's a VXR8:


So yeah, basically it's the black grill/opening that I'm talking about. Molding it out of fiberglass probably. The fog light holes will probably no longer be there. I'm still thinking about what to do with them though.

Not sure how crazy this sounds, but I have a huge imagination so in my head this is going to look great Haha.
Let me know what you think.

[rsingh12]

cant wait to see the body work all done man its gonna look good

[KidKobe210]

So here's the update on my car. Last Monday and Tuesday, Mark and I got the radiator support straightened out as good as we could. Took both the days but well worth it. Got the bumper cover and the hood on it now.
Next week hopefully we will get started on the body dings and dents, put the new fender on, and get her ready for paint

But for now this is how she stands:



Fitment didn't come out too bad we will make any adjustments before we get it painted.



Ps. Does anybody know where I can get that plastic thing that goes in the bumper cover opening that guides the air up? Goes here:

I have no idea what it's called But I need to find one.

[rsingh12]

what are your plans with the color of the car?
btw she looks good

[MitsubishiOwn]

Looks really goood! You just have the stock hood painted black thats what I wanted to do

[KidKobe210]

Originally Posted by rsingh12

what are your plans with the color of the car?
btw she looks good

Thank you!
Not sure why, but a lot of my friends want me to paint it black for some reason lol But I'm planning on painting it white. Not sure exactly the color name, but think of Treehead's car type of white. So no more pearl dover white, or whatever it's called

Originally Posted by MitsubishiOwn

Looks really goood! You just have the stock hood painted black thats what I wanted to do

Thanks! It's suppose to be "primed ready to paint" But i'm assuming it's the same thing pretty much.

[treehead]

Looking good!

Originally Posted by KidKobe210

You wouldn't mind if i end up getting the same wheels as you, would you?

haha it's your car, you do what you want with it!

Originally Posted by KidKobe210

Not sure exactly the color name, but think of Treehead's car type of white. So no more pearl dover white, or whatever it's called

Mine's Northstar White

[MitsubishiOwn]

See I don't know how I feel about Dover White Pearl thats what I have. I mean I like how it looks from the front and side but the back looks dumb.

I am going to go with a non-traditional looking white once I get mine re-painted so its not like everyone elses

[rsingh12]

i actually like the dover white pearl its a bitch to keep clean though and it looks odd at first but after a while it sets down on you

[StratRod]

I believe this is the part you are looking for? (picture is a stratus)
Radiator air dam plastic

[KidKobe210]

Hey guys Just thought i'd give you guys a small update on the car.

It's hard to find time when both Mark and I can work on the car, so it's taking some time. But here's where we are at.
(sorry for the quality of the pics, it was very bright outside)

Got the new fender on.


Got the big dents pulled out



And I removed the SPYDER and V6 badges, They will be coming off before paint anyways, but I figured why not



We continue with the bodywork and all that good stuff tomorrow.
And slowly, but surely, she will be ready for paint Can't wait!
That's it for now. Have a great day guys

[rsingh12]

looks good man i would de badge the GTS badge as well.

[MCMike37]

Originally Posted by StratRod

I believe this is the part you are looking for? (picture is a stratus)
Radiator air dam plastic

Just buy that from the dealership, I was surprised when I asked and I think it was seriously like 14 bucks brand new.

[errol12061]

take out GTS

[KidKobe210]

UPDATE TIME!

Hey everyone. So the past few weeks my friend Mark and I have been hard at work on the car.
And we are finally entering the painting stage

I know how much everyone loves pics, so I thought I'd share some with you guys of the progress







Previous owner must have had some kind wing on there, leaving these holes for us to deal with


New radiator finally! Thanks to that deer, old one was splooging aintifreeze all over my engine bay



Got some TYC's!.. Not really, just got a new TYC A/C condenser that said deer also ruined.



Getting close to paint





First coat of primer




Paint and other goods



And a little teaser pic of the color
I'm proud of this hood because I painted it myself. For being the first time I pick up a paint gun, not bad at all



Also, I need some help. I want to do what's done in this thread for my gauges, clockpod, and dials.
So n00b question of the day, which bulbs do I get from here?
I know I need 6 size 194 bulbs, and 6 size 74 bulbs.
But there are many options that say "Replaces: 194,..." and there're bulbs like "74-x, 74-xHP, 74-xHP3"
So basically I have no idea which ones to get since I don't even know what the stock bulbs look like, and I'm just plain confused
So if anybody could please help me pick the right ones, that would be greatly appreciated


The rest of the car will be painted during the next few days. I will post pics then

[Special_K]

New paint job looks good thus far. Keep it clean and make sure you prep real good!

[KidKobe210]

Thanks And believe me, I am. It's a lot of work, but It'll be worth it.

[rsingh12]

Looks good man as far as the gauges you need to pull the faces off and take off the orange film behind the gauge. The hvac you take the knobs off and pull the faceplate to access the bulbs and the clock pod you have to pull the clock face off and put the bulbs in while the sockets are still attached at the top, I thought this was easier imo.
I cant remember what bulbs to get sorry bro but if I remember I will let you know

[KidKobe210]

UPDATE TIME!

I finally got my car back yesterday, so I thought I'd share some new pics with you guys

-Summit White paint job
-Color matched gas door.
-Color matched remote and key, I got bored

We still need to buff out the car sometime this week.
Next up:
-Repaint the black pillars/mirrors and anything else that's black and faded.

Enough talk, here's the pics














That's it for now. I'm very happy with my car because I painted it myself and I've never painted anything before
I've learned a lot the past couple weeks.

I'll appreciate any feedback, negative or postive

[RicoSmooth]

Beautiful!

[Porca]

Looks Clean But Gotta Do Something About Those Wheels.

[LimeGreen3G]

Looks great!

[rsingh12]

Looks great man If i were you I would paint the mirrors white as well and the pillars it would look nice imo

[davila825]

props for the detail in the remote lol good job