We all have different reasons for building-up cars. Shoot – we might be chasing performance and/or lap times. Or maybe it’s just good vibes we’re after. It could be a look/style from overseas. Or it could be a trend from the past. A lot of times, nostalgia plays heavy into what we build/drive. And sometimes, it’s largely sentimental. Sometimes ‘the story’ speaks louder than the build. The car might mean something… or belong to someone we loved. Which is the case with BackyardJoe’s Honda Element.
This Honda Element’s backstory…
Knowing a car’s backstory… allows us to see & appreciate the build on a different level. It gives us a sense of relatability that bridges gaps and creates common ground. After all, isn’t that why we do what we do? For the conversations & camaraderie? If you’ve been reading S3 for some time, then you might recognize the name Backyardjoe… legally named Joe Schneider lol. We met Joe back around 2011 when he was with Skunk2 Racing. Over the years, he’s done quite a few features & articles for S3. From his well known yellow graffiti bay EK Hatch, to the latest funky Honda Fit.
This Honda Element is sentimental…
It wasn’t built to shock or show off… it was just built from the heart. See – this Honda Element was inspired by the unfortunate passing of Joe’s father. It was his dad’s car. His dad was disabled from the waist down. And the Honda Element provided the suicide door option, making it (rather ingeniously) perfect for him to easily slide his wheelchair in the car… right behind the front seats. And that allowed him to return to daily activates by himself. Honda FTW.
As a veteran…
When Joe’s dad originally bought the Honda element, the first stop was to the VA for a set of modern-day hand controls (as shown in the photos above). Memories are made daily in all different aspects. It could be that one car ride matched to that one song that you hold onto for a lifetime. Or a small conversation on a small roadtrip that means a lot more in retrospect. Growing up modifying cars with his dad, Backyardjoe was led to do a tribute to him. And what better vehicle than – the vehicle that so many memories were made in.
Joe located a set of anodized gold 18” Volk SE37 wheels…
BC coilovers were used for their performance, style, and overall comfort. And they were paired with some Skunk2 LCA’s and a rear camber kit to achieve the sleek look & handling. Skunk2 also stepped-in to provide the Element’s final touch with all their accessories.
Backyardjoe located some hard-to-find parts from Japan…
Factory window visors, a JDM wing, JDM fog lights, and JDM floormats were sourced to accent the build. Joe also added a roof rack & light bar. Step-sides accent the side of the Element nicely, while a custom-fit Honda Accord front lip plays to the aggressive look. A complete audio system was installed. Backyardjoe also installed a Sparco seat… but didn’t want to take away the hand controls, or any key ‘elements’ of the original reason for his dad’s purchase.
Presence & Performance is important…
So the Honda Element was equipped with an OBX exhaust manifold to accommodate the Injen intake system. Gold hardware was used to accent the engine compartment. And gold chrome vinyl was applied for that final touch on the memory-filled, emotional build.
Once the Honda Element was complete…
Joe struggled… wondering what his dad would think. Lol – they often talked-trash when it came to one-another’s automotive styles. His dad was more of an old school Southern California guy. And Joe was a 90s/early-2000s Honda kid through & though. Which made the Honda Element kind of oddly full-circle. Knowing his dad would ultimately approve, there was just one more thing to do. Backyardjoe got in touch with Danimal for a photoshoot. And what better day to do it than Father’s Day. Joes mom & older brother came out for the last piece of the puzzle… in a tribute to a man that inspired Joe, and so many others in so many ways.
Sure – This Element may not be engine-swapped, monster boosted, & caged…
Annnd admittedly that would be cool (somebody do it). But what this Honda Element does have – is a history, huge sentimental value, & priceless memories that rise back to surface every time Joe drives it.
Photos by Daniel Pulido (Danimal)
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