Richard's Bagged Element
- Photography: Kevis Mulchan
- Writer: Ariel Mulchan
Richard Tse, from South Florida, is not your average enthusiast. His natural edge for the VIP lifestyle is evident in his elegant 2009 Honda Element SC, a.k.a. Miss Daisy.
This is not Richard’s first attempt taking his inspiration to polish up the look of a Honda Element, though. His first was a 2007 SC with 20” Work Meisters. Although he loved this first work of art, he was starving to build something different, something that he could build solely for himself. After getting a look at the 2009 SC, he was sure that this would feed and refine his inspiration.
Purchased in 2011, Richard spent approximately one and a half years with Miss Daisy to get her geared up to her current state. Miss Daisy has factory navigation, rearview camera, voice command, and integrated iPod hookup, making this Element to be a little bit like Heaven compared to his last.
Starting with some basic mods, Richard cut the bumper reflectors and installed LED lights. After finishing these mods, he kept her stock for about a month. Still in possession of the Work Meisters and the Tein basic coilovers from his first Element, Richard was hesitant to put them on because he wanted to create a different look. After aimlessly researching for the right fit, Richard got impatient. He was then inspired by an Element owner in Japan to use a stiffer spring and revalve the rears to handle the additional spring rate. While waiting for Tein to send his coilovers back, he decided to powdercoat his Work Meisters gloss black. He was later disappointed to find out that the place who did his “powdercoat” actually used paint.
Once the Teins were ready, Richard headed to Marco at Billet Design for some lowering; coilovers and wheels were added at the same time. He knew it was going to rub, but did not expect it to rub that much, so he took a grinder to the rear fender lip, taking off about an inch. Richard then nicknamed her “Miss Daisy” because he had to drive “sLow”.
Additional mods included adding fog lights and a spoiler, then painting the grille, rear tailgate lip, and front middle lower bumper portion gloss black. One obstacle he faced with the mods was his headlight retrofit, changing it about 5 different times without satisfaction. Although he is still not satisfied, he is pleased with the level of expertise and skill of the professional retrofitters.
The biggest obstacle he has faced, however, was the suspension. Richard kept up his research and found that others used suspension designed for an Acura Rsx (dc5). He then ordered his struts from Marshall at Airrex and had them installed at East Coast Garage in Tampa by Doug. Wanting to keep the car as utilitarian as possible, he retained his trunk and spare tire through the install process. Now being content with her current stance and planning to keep her “sitting pretty” for a while, he has a few projects in mind to bring her to the next level.
Richard’s current project is a 1972 VW Bay Window Bus. Although she could use a bit of TLC, his excitement is exuberating with the thought of generating a feeling of nostalgia for some. Otherwise, he already has a color and theme picked out and is ready to have some fun. Richard was also excited to share about his dream car, a Porsche Carrera GT. When asked why this is his dream car, his response was, “Have you heard that thing rev?”
Richard is a frequent visitor to www.elementownersclub.com and www.elementalmotorsports.com for inspiration and to share a mutual love for Elements. Unfortunately, because there is no significant aftermarket support for Elements, he does not have a “go-to” site for parts.
Richard would like to give a shout out to: Chief and the Elemental Motorsports Crew, Marcus at Five-0 Films, Doug at East Coast Garage, and his girlfriend, Erica, for her patience and understanding with his car projects.
Currently playing in his headphones is the Pusha T, Drake, and Eminem album, but he does love to listen to Kid Cudi!
Modifications:
Exterior
- 19x9.5/10.5 Work Schwert SC2 Wheels (Matte Deep Black Center w/ Glossy Anodized Bronze Step Lip)
- Black painted front grille and rear gate lid
- Bronze painted front and rear emblems
- Custom headlight quad retrofit utilizing Lexus Ls430 and Fx-r projectors
- Custom led rear bumper lights and 3rd brake light
- Oem foglights
- Oem rear tailgate spoiler
- Oem front door visors
- Oem splash guards
Suspension
- Airrex 12-way dampening adjustable airstruts
- AccuAir E-Level Air management w/ I-Level interface
- Eibach rear adjustable camber arms
- Modified Oem Acura Rsx adjustable tie rods
Interior
- Nardi Basic Kallista Steering Wheel
- Red Katskinz Leather Seats with square stitched inserts
- Grey perforated suede headliner and pillars
- Black Handscraped Bamboo rear trunk floor
Engine
- K&N drop in air filter
- Magnaflow muffler with black powder coated tip
CREDIT:
- Photography: Kevis Mulchan
- Writer: Ariel Mulchan