Minneapolis Street Sighting: Buick Electra 225

I try to keep custom cars down to a minimum unless they're special or outlandish. I tend to flock to cars done in a style or theme that's not too common around here. For that reason, I tend to avoid rat rods and most Tri-Five Chevies. Not that I don't like them perse, they're just a tad too common.
Car trends come and go every few years; about ten years ago, having a bright orange Honda Civic with white wheels, white graphics, and a big wing on the back was considered cool, and fast forward five years ago, and all-out "rice" started to die out. However, in the bling trend, it worked much the same. About ten years ago, having 24s and lift was considered "ballin"; and then rims got bigger, and there were better styles and brands available. Lifting is now quite passe, and often looks ridiculous. The idea now is to fit bigger wheels on the car, but have it sitting relatively stock. Here, we have a custom Buick Electra done in donk style. Unlike most of the examples I see around here, this gorgeous one is rather tasteful.








This car is awesome! The paint color is great; not too pearly, and no ridiculous murals. The vinyl top, too, is quite a nice contrast to body's darker hue. Definitely the route I'd go. There are a few nits to pick with this example, though. I don't approve of the exhaust tips--they look stupid on a Camaro, and they look even worse here. The wheels, too, could leave a bit more to be desired. Asantis or Forgiatos would do this car the justice it so much deserves. I didn't really inspect the inside, but that's where quite a number of donk-style fall flat in my book. Ugly steering wheels, TVs point every which way, and dumb-looking sound installs. Thankfully, from what I saw, this Electra had none of that.
All it needs is a wheel swap, a Sunday afternoon spent detailing, and me behind the wheel. Overall, quite a clean cruiser that could stand to be cleaned up some.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS

I usually stay far away from posting modified cars on my blog, but this week is different; I chose to focus on modified (for better or for worse) examples of some of Chevrolet's most popular nameplates; we saw the Impala, we saw the Chevelle, and we saw an example of a typical Chevrolet station wagon. Now it's the Monte Carlo's turn. Often turned into donks and other automotive atrocities, the Monte Carlo lives out a rather played-out life in the car customizing scene. But, since so many have been customized, it's almost a guarantee that no two look exactly alike. Although the modifications shown on this example would earn a "D" or "F" on my automotive coolness scale, I have to give the owner credit for definitely thinking outside the box.
Outside, the stock exterior has given way to rather unique silver metalfake paint job, which has further been slathered with dark cherry red flames; while the said color combination looks decidedly tasteful on paper, the real world tells an entirely different story. The 15" rally wheels have been replaced, too, with items much bigger (and wider) than the stock rollers. Gone are any notions of the former muscle car this Monte Carlo SS was, because the only thing muscle about this set of wheels is the amount of muscles the owner will have to use if he ever decides to rotate his tires.
Inside is where the biggest change took place; velour and vinyl there is not. Instead, the whole interior has been redone in a way that more or less screams "Seward area car customizing shop"; it's the complete opposite of the word "classy". While I understand that the owner of the Monte Carlo has a set theme going on (red and silver, I presume), the execution leaves quite a lot to be desired. First off, painting the dash is a definite no-no unless its done correctly. Second of all.. the door panels-- we already know this is a Chevrolet product, and I would hope the owner does too; it is his car after all. The last thing (and the easiest to make right) is that cheap little steering wheel. I do realize most "donk" owners often replace the steering wheel for style points I assume, but good lord.. can we choose something a little less toy-like? Retract that; this whole car looks like a caricature of its former self, so I think that little steering wheel does have a place.
While I am definitely no fan of this particular Monte Carlo, I do have to applaud the owner for sticking with a normal color scheme; the colors chosen could've been alot worse. Now, if only this could be said for the execution of the rest of the customization. Granted, I have seen quite a few donked-out Monte Carlos in my days of shooting, but honestly this one takes the cake. I'm almost ashamed to be writing so negatively about it because the owner seemed to be a pretty nice guy. Shame his taste in people skills are better than his taste in automotive modifications.

Minneapolis Street Sighting: Ford Galaxie 500

This Galaxie represents sort of an iffy find; I see cars in this shape all the time. Classic, but sort of beaters-- often with aftermarket wheels and/or trim pieces. Why I shot this one is honestly beyond me. It looks great from across the street (okay, not really, it still looks like a beater)-- and even the wheels don't look terrible per se. Up close is where the scrutiny begins and this old Ford's faults come into plain view.
First off, the paint is extremely lackluster; the color is a bit "meh", not counting the various rock chips and paint chips that mar the vehicle's backside. The only plus I can count in this category is that the trim and badges are still intact. The wheels are another letdown. I was hoping to come across the stock hubcaps but nooooooo, the owner (or playa) had to put Dayton wires on it. I fess up, though. In this application the wheels don't look disgusting. In fact, the wheels actually kind of suit the car. I wish they were chrome instead of black, though. For some reason, black wheels on a big barge like this simply doesn't work.
I don't remember very much about the interior, but it was my recollection that it was, for the most part, stock. Granted, it probably had a custom stereo of some sort, but honestly that's supposed to be expected in the age of digital/downloaded music, no? All in all, despite the overall bodywork status, I don't mind this Galaxie. I'd probably switch up a few things if I were to make it mine, though.