August 02, 2019

Jeremy Mendez's "Gilded" Cruze

Suspension

Eibach Pro-Kit Performance Springs

Ultra Racing Front Strut Bar
Moog Stabilizer Bar Link Kit

Wheels/Tires

JNC Wheels 005

Gloss Black with Gold Rivets

18x8 +34
Accelera All Season 225/45/18

Sick Speed 24K Gold Lug Nuts

Sick Speed 24K Valve Gold Stem Covers

Sick Speed Gold Bumper Quick Release Fasteners

Performance

Custom Catback Resonator Delete
DC Sports Muffler
Forge Motorsports Recirculating Bypass Valve
AEM Cold Air Intake
BNR Throttle Body Spacer

Interior

Carbon Fiber Wrapped Interior Trim Pieces
American Brothers Cruze Shift Knob
Full Weathertech Floor Liner Kit
AT&T Unlimited WiFi Hotspot
Onstar Security Package
Car Window Controller Remote
iJDMTOY Full LED Interior Light Kit
Onstar Navigation

Exterior

Stock Black Granite Paint
Chrome delete
Well Visors Vent Shades
California Cruzes/Cruze Culture Banners
AJP Distributors BMW Style Tail lights
20% rear window tint
SPPC Projector Headlights w/ custom installed HID lights
DEPO Euro Clear Front Bumper Side Markers
Stubby Antenna
Carbon Fiber Rear Window Triangle Panel Trim Cover
Carbon Fiber Wrapped Rear Bumper

Bosch Wipers

Rear Bumper Cover

Why did you choose this car?

I had a Mustang, but shortly after my son was born I knew I needed a four door gas efficient car. I had a close family friend who was a manager at a Chevy dealership that was highly recommended and I chose the Cruze because I thought it was different. I told the manager at the Chevy dealership that I wanted a Cruze as black on black as they come and he had this beautiful 2LT with all black leather interior waiting for me. After the test drive I couldn’t resist and I pulled the trigger.

What was the main goal when the build started and what is it now?

My initial goal was simple, murder it out. As I became more influenced from sources like Cruze Culture and Elite Cruzes, the possibilities were nearly endless. I immediately chipped away on establishing the exterior look starting with window tint. Now, my main goal is to fulfill a full BNR engine build and tune once my car is out of warranty.

What are your future plans for the car?

An upgrade to coilovers, but in my dreams, an Air Lift suspension. I long for a carbon fiber Stingray hood one day with a splitter, side skirts, and a decent rear bumper diffuser or kit.

Is there anything you would have done differently if you could go back?

Maybe divert funds I spent on exterior to getting coil overs. Maybe Winjets instead of SPPC headlights. When I look at my car sometimes it’s hard to think of what I should’ve done different. I enjoy every second of how she looks now.

Shout Outs

Huge shout out to the @californiacruzes family. I want to thank @stormtrooper_cruze for getting me started with California Cruzes and Cruze Culture. He has always answered every question I had and I look up to him and his build a lot. Big shout out to my SD Cruzen fam - @black_dragon_cruze, @brase619, and @datpapiimando. And last but not least, @clean_cruze for being the mastermind behind letting my build have a home and a place. You orchestrate everything so well and the Cruze scene would practically be nonexistent without you. Thanks @cruzeculture for the parts and for everything!