argon's build thread

[Argon]

Figured I finally had sufficient reason to create one of these.

Athena is a 2010 Mazda3 GT; 6 spd manual transmission; 5-door; tech package; bose/moonroof package; ipod integration kit

Still on the lot and stock as fuck.



Stock profile



Stock rear



First mod: Debadge the "Mazda3" & "2.5" on the hatch door and add "Axela". Wanted to start off with a performance mod Also added a SJ Sharks decal on the hatch window.



Tint: 33% front / 23% rears





Custom LED strip lighting in the cargo area





Enkei PF01's installed on 2/23/10








G2 Red Caliper Paint + MAZDA decals






Eibacch Pro Kit spings & SPC camber arms




Tri-Point Rear Sway Bar





Fumoto Oil Drain Valve





Current mods:
-Rear emblems debadge / Axela badge
-Horn upgrade (FIAMM Freeway Blaster low-tone)
-Red calipers + Mazda decals
-Yellow Lamin-X film on fogs
-Custom LED lighting in cargo area
-K&N drop-in filter
-Window tint 33% front / 23% rear
-Not really a mod, but strong-armed the dealer into not drilling holes for the front plate bracket
-Enkei PF01 18 x 7.5 +45 (17.03 lbs) wrapped in S.Drives ( 225/40R-18 )
-Eibach Pro Kit
-SPC camber links
-Koni Yellows struts & shocks
-Tri-Point rear sway bar
-3m Di-Noc black CF interior trim
-Fumoto Oil Drain Valve



Future Mods:
-Pedals
-TWM shift knob
-Redline goods leather shift boot
-door sills
-SS brake lines
-Front lip (GV or M'z Custom design)
-Painted rear valence
-Corksport motor mount inserts
-3000k HID fog lamps

[Celeste B. Mica]

Okay, so uh... what's the best way to take off the badges? Hair Dryer? Heat Gun? Brute Force?

[BSUBigMac]

Originally Posted by Celeste B. Mica

Okay, so uh... what's the best way to take off the badges? Hair Dryer? Heat Gun? Brute Force?

I would suggest to not use brute force!!! I would say a heat gun would be best, hair dryer would be a close second!

[CorkSport]

Fishing line and heat gun.

[anthony@ddnmobile]

lookin good, and props on gettin the wing mirrors with blinkers on them!

[Argon]

I used a blow dryer and doubled up the dental floss to make it strong enough so it wouldn't break. Do a search for "debadge", there are a couple threads with detailed instructions and tips.

Thanks Anthony; I think it's BS that they made that switch mid-year and am pretty fortunate to have purchased mine before then.

[ilandaze_808]

still got your old mazda 3 badge lmk i got plans for it if u wana get rid of it

[warlord]

Hey Argon, I'm thinking of getting laminex fog overlays. Did you have to take the trim rings off to put them on. Or did you take the bumper off and pull the fog lights out from the back.

[Argon]

I tried doing it from the front and it wasn't working out so I just took the bumper off. I used the how-to on this forum and it was much easier than I thought. I would just do it that way from the start and save yourself the hassle + make it an easier install.

The film doesn't make the light very yellow. I want to supplement or replace it with some Hoen Endurance fogs but they are pricey.

[Argon]

Originally Posted by ilandaze_808

still got your old mazda 3 badge lmk i got plans for it if u wana get rid of it

Sorry I got rid of it because it snapped when I wasn't taking it off. Thought there were only 2 pins instead of 3 so I forced it before they were all out and broke off the "a3" at the end.