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Ok so who plans to go?

April 11, Dallas.
https://www.facebook.com/events/965357186816708/

Thinking of going.

Uh... Going to the drive in medina instead :p

HINs still exist?!?!

I went to last year's HIN Dallas... it was my first time since 2005 or 2006...I have to say the turn out was disappointing... The overall experience was a letdown compared to HINs I've been to in the past: HIN Orlando, Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas. I thought about showing at HIN Dallas but I think I'll do HIN Houston instead.

I hope for those that are going this year that the HIN crew and the participants step it up this year. Quality rides, show stoppers, better entertainment, and more spectators!

projekt zeal86 build

Is there anything else you would like to see from HIN other than what you mentioned above? Always would love to hear suggestions from show goers and show participants.

I mean, true HIN isn't in the "glory days," but from what I hear it's still a pretty decent showing for the past year. I've seen some photos from the recent events in Texas and that's actually what got me curious in going again - the turnout looks pretty good.

Thanks for the input, as I have not been since 2005-2006. Might have to check it out again. What's the input as to if Houston or Dallas is better?

Maybe it's the "grass is greener" effect? People from Houston say to me the same thing about HIN Houston and say they'd rather go to Dallas. Going to car meets in the same area frequently you'll see some of the same cars/teams often. It's just inevitable and there's nothing wrong with that. Especially if you're doing a screening process to get the best product out there like you state you wanted. Most people can't just decide to make crazy quality builds whenever the next show is in town. That costs money and lots of it.

It basically boils down to marketing and good past experiences imho. Enthusiasts are going to go regardless (as long as they have no scheduling conflicts) ... so getting the hype out there through social media is where you draw the most spectators. If spectators had a good time or were impressed with the venue previously then the marketing will hit home and be effective.

HIN Dallas 2014 wasn't bad compared to other car shows just not as good as past HINs.

Hopefully the turnout this year will be a good one.

projekt zeal86 build

I don't know how HIN Houston is going to be but I'm going to give that show a try this year. You might be right about the "grass is greener on the other side" efffect... however in my case I am not familiar with either cities rides. I'm just going to show, learn, get ideas, and meet other enthusiasts.

All great input! Thanks guys! Would yall like to see certain models (if so, who?)? or maybe more prizes given away? we're trying to make the show more well rounded. HIN's vision is for it to not only be just about cars but an all around event.

@pleong, your ride was featured in D-Sport right? That's what I want to see at HIN... builds like yours.

Last year I had a very difficult time tracking down owners (specifically 86 owners) to ask questions about their parts, performance, general and specific knowledge, etc... It would be nice if there was a way to get owners to hang around their rides more in order to have such interactions...plus it would be cool to meet other forum members in the flesh.

projekt zeal86 build

I completely agree with this. I want to see the crazy builds. I want to see extensive custom work, craftsmanship, and creativity. Not just some cars with off-the-shelf aftermarket parts slapped on (like mine :bonk:). From pictures, I've seen a lot of slammed <insert car here> with expensive wheels, and a lip kit.

I enjoyed seeing builds like @pleong 's even though it's not my style. Not because he's my fraannddd :cheers: but the amount of work and details that goes into the car. It's show worthy.

exactly.... perfectly put!

projekt zeal86 build

This is literally what HIN already is lol.

Didn't seem like it from the photos I've seen. :iono: Maybe I'll go see it for myself. We'll see.

Here's the thing about car shows I've noticed after working them for so many years. People have been saying this exact same thing for years:
"I want to see the craziest most ridiculous builds evarrrr! Anything and everything!".

What they actually mean is:

"I want to see the craziest most ridiculous builds ever within the standard norms and that also cater to my taste! If not then what's the point of going?"


From strictly a spectators point of view, HIN has been doing a great job of mediating this. A crazy and outlandish build doesn't necessarily mean a good build. They can't just let everybody with a crazy build into the show. They have to hold the cars they show to a standard; just like you hold them to a standard to determine whether or not you attend. At the end of the day it's still a business. If business isn't good then there is no show to be had.

Personally, I don't expect any of the builds to cater to my taste at all. In fact, some of the best shows I've attended had a lot of cars/builds I would never drive. Again, from personal experience, I've seen lack of details in the "show cars",paint overspray, body panel gaps, filthy interior, etc. And that's in terms of presentation alone.

Since you work this these types of shows, maybe this feedback is something you can take away FWIW.

This is me at car shows. This is how they all go, right?

http://www.autoguide.com/blog/wp-con...-6-trailer.jpg

Dude... you might be my brother from another mother. Totally agree with your comment. I'm not into outlandish builds either but I don't mind checking them out... there is always something to be learned from such builds.

I do expect show cars to be clean, inside and out... in fact, that is my number one requirement...I feel that engine bays should always be on display. I'd rather see a half-ass clean engine bay than the top of a hood.

I'm a perfectionist so I expect presentation to be more important or impressive than the actual mod list.

projekt zeal86 build

Sorry this thread has gotten a bit off track... let get it back on track

Who is going to HIN Dallas on April 11th?

projekt zeal86 build

Sounds like what everyone want's is SEMA to have a road tour or let people not in the industry in.

Basically E3 but with cars!


I will be at HIN Dallas. People, for whatever reason, are starting to mod SW20s again. Hoping to see at least one there!

MR2OC member here since 2004. Lol. Seeing one of those always brings back good memories. I'd love to own an MR2 again one day. Any gen. :wub:

Yes it was. and thanks!

I'll be out at HIN with my team. But as of right now I'm unsure if the car will make it... but we'll see.. it's crunch time.

We'll I think I'll try to make it out. @pleong guess you need to hit high gear on that car or I'll have to go by the shop to get a glimpse.

went by the body shop yesterday and they said the latest it'll be done is this Friday.. Then back to another shop for something else.. they told me a week. So hopefully it'll be back at PRT by April 3rd.. and hopefully we'll have the motor done or at least majority of it.. and that'll give us a week to get everything back in.. I have a day job, so I'm only at the shop for a few hours after work during the weekdays and weekends are usually busy with other customers lol but feel free to swing by anytime!

Anyone going to the HIN pre-party at Monroe Lounge Friday night?? What about the After Party at SISU??

For those that go, please take pics...


My "car club" (really, a bunch of friends - Team Nohaven) used to show at HIN Dallas the first couple of years waay back in the day.. We've since all gone our separate ways but most of us still have at least one "tuner car" in the garage. We've talked about a "15 year reunion - where are they now" & all show together at a HIN-like event in the near future... Kinda wondering what HIN is like now...

When did they stop? We've barely had any down time in the 2+ years I've been with ATS...and a good 99% of the customer cars we work on are SW20s.

I meant in terms of show cars.

I know there will always be support for this platform just like all the older Toyota sports cars.

Gotcha. I finished a show car for a guy in OK not too long ago. Not sure if he'll be there or not. About to finish another show car for a guy in Houston, but after it leaves our shop it's going for paint and body work. He should be at HIN next year, so he says.

I want to get Aaron and Scott to go to these types of things (relatively clean cars, 828rwhp and 760rwhp, respectively, so some say "crazy builds"). But they don't care to :(

I thought about putting my FRS in HIN, but it's a stock bodied and looking car. And I'm terrible at detailing my personal vehicles. And even the turbo setup is very tame looking, so *I* wouldn't deem it show-worthy, I certainly don't expect others to.

I don't blame your friends for not wanting to show. Personally, as much as I enjoy working and attending these events, I would never want to show my car. I guess the main reason would be that I'd prefer not to advertise my car and everything that's done to it. Mods on my car were put on for my enjoyment.

They are both owners of ATS, which is an MR2 shop...so advertising their MR2s is probably the best thing they could do. ;)

But I get your point. That's a big reason I never cared about shows either: I build cars for myself. Well, I build my cars for myself.

Having been in 2008, 2012, and 2014 I gotta say the event seems to have gone downhill at least in DFW in my opinion. The venue in '08 (Dallas Convention Center I believe) was great compared to TMS and the Market Center. But way more importantly, the sheer number of cars that were around in '08 blew away the last 2 I've attended. There were rows of Supras, some Skylines, GTRs (if I recall correctly and they had just showed up on the scene), RX7s, 240s, STIs etc. Basically, the difference has been the decrease in the amount of tuner cars especially those from the mid 90s that are getting harder and harder to see on the streets.

The more I think about it the difference between '08 and the last 2 was night and day the event in '08 was a very memorable experience there was so much going on and the last 2 were such a letdown comparatively (I know there are extenuating factors; economy etc). These days my friends and I are to the point where we want to get excited for HIN but it just isn't the same. Definitely, hoping it bounces back though like I said the '08 one was a memorable one for me and easily the best car show/meet I've ever attended.

You must be thinking of another show.. HIN's last show before last year was 2005.

Nah HIN was definitely here in 2008 and then went on a hiatus til 2012 where it took place at TMS.. I can find pictures to prove it if I have to lol actually you can Google it and watch YouTube videos of those events. I highly recommend '08 was a great event imo..

So it would appear you're right. That was during the time of different ownership. The original HIN guys bought it back last year and started doing events again.

Ahhh I see. I think one of the things that made it a good show was local tuner shops had a strong showing I recall JoTech having a huge presence there which added a lot of built cars that you don't typically see driving around..