Tuning. Enthusiasts. & Our Direction.

In a recent discussion and overall view there's a little contention between what "IS" and "ISN'T" tuning, as every enthusiast has their views of whats right, wrong and downright ugly in reflection to their taste of definition of functionality, but recently I'm beginning to realise that this mentality is impeding the world of automotive enthusiasm rather than excelling it.

Hellaflush is one in a variety of tuning subcultures that is either praised or questioned in it's mode of tuning, their focus revolving around the offset and fitment of tyres and rims sitting 'flush' to the car, fenders, and tyre wall itself. With pure emphasis on aesthetics rather than the mechanics of running such a setup or even the perils of tyre wear or legality.

To me, I don't really care either way, I actually like Hellaflush and I believe cars can be an artform in them self. Its not necessarily 'fake' or 'wrong' as what some people would call it, it's just not what some average tuners think what tuning is.

I think what a lot of people don't understand is that tuning is subjective just like any other hobby, art form or personal outlet of expression as some people say in the tuning world "Your car is an extension of your personality".

After reading Charles Kha's article in Issue #85 of Autosalon Magazine, I've properly recognised how absolutely bullshit and critical tuners and car admirer's are towards one another, be it in or out of JDM culture, you'll see it across Show Car Builders, Hot Rodders, Muscle Lovers, Vintage and Nostalgic Fans- the list goes on, when at the end of the day It's better to admire and welcome.

E.g 'Hellaflush', Try to admire the fact that the guy is rocking Workmeisters rather than whining about the impractical camber. As much as I hate Sex-Spec I can still admire the workmanship in aesthetics, time and effort, even if each rim ends up adding 10kgs to a car wielding a blinding pink paint job. Although I don't favour this style, I will attempt to emote a sense of appreciation but more importantly, try to accept rather than merely tolerate.

Cultures, sub cultures and memes such as 'Hellaflush' should be welcomed to our overall car loving community- rather than flame and ousted on a fundamental basis of dislike due to one's personal disapproval. Hey I'll even be the first person to put my hand up and admit I'm guilty of it too, but I'm now making the effort to see the greater picture in hindsight and change my judgment.

Regardless of content, it's our enthusiast context that matters and I believe that the sooner car enthusiasts (we) adopt these qualities the sooner we can be on track to a greater, better, more accepting global passion that can expand upon. Who knows maybe someone will discover a style or method better (god forbid) than 'JDM styled tuning', but If we keep excluding others in what they're bringing to the table then we're inhibiting evolving a possibility of outlets, when you consider the variety of misconceptions against car enthusiasts as portrayed by the media or naive individuals, it's safe to say that we don't need anyone else against us, or their stereotypes, yet here we are going against one another on various other levels, for shallow reasons at that.

As Charles' column writes, "Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but an opinion doesn't entitle us to turn on our own kind".

Just something to think about, drop a comment in the box. These are purely my views compounded with views of others that share the same thoughts. Cheers for reading :D