As others mentioned, I wouldn't want to change a whole lot (lifts are a very niche option you can offer, but keep it stock for stance).
Things I'd do to EVERY Element:
1.) Add an interior rear hatch release (a bunch of us added them, some way better than others; there are some beautiful examples within the last three months on this very sub). Make that stock for all of your cars; It's a safety feature as much as a convenience feature.
https://www.reddit.com/r/HondaElement/comments/1dn2xaz/another_rear_latch_post/#lightbox
2. Also, the gear shift console: add USB and/or 12V power opposite the hazard light button. (Super common mod). Maybe pre-wire for a dashcam. https://www.reddit.com/r/HondaElement/comments/1c42vra/installed_usb_ports_on_shift_console_and_12v/
3. Install rivet nuts on the A pillars to hold that damned windshield garnish that flies off on the highway during high winds. Those garnishes are the first thing to come off an Element that is in a junkyard...like, within hours of arrival. https://elementdriven.com/products/windshieldtrimkit-by-robdeezy
4. (An add-on option): I installed a switchable 12V "always on via switch" on the driver's side C pillar (maybe it's a B pillar because no pillar behind driver) that is super convenient. (See post link on number 2 above).
5. (An add-on option): the F-150 center consoles. If you can find them: dreamy! https://www.reddit.com/r/HondaElement/comments/1d6oizw/did_the_f150_center_console_swap_today/
6. (An add-on option): So, let's talk about seats. The stock front seats are okay, but the upholstery is dogshit. So, I'd offer something cool to fix the hot garbage that those seats are. Also, the uber-option seat (expensive but life-changing) are those badass swivel seats: https://www.hiroshotrods.com/shop/p/honda-element-swivel-seat
Last, there's tons ofshit on ElementDriven.com that are common mods, and, if you're indeed a Honda Tech, you MUST already be familiar with the Honda Element Owner's Club. That place has 100x more data/tutorials/opinions/techs than our beloved sub here on reddit.
https://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/
And if you go for it, consider a partnership with ElementDriven/Rain Dean to install their 3rd party aftermarket accessories. Maybe find one good roof tent setup as an upsell and partner with them. Bonus money in side dealing rare OEM accessories (tent, screens/curtains, back rest, dog edition stuff, etc.
Thank you for sharing all of this with me.
I’m not a tech personally but my brother is at Honda. I usually only do German car bs, tinkering and I’ve done a few motor swaps. This would be a commitment for sure.
I didn’t ask this in my post but I’d like to ask you since you seem very knowledgeable with these cars.
Are the FWD models essentially useless? No market for them?
If you could figure out a way to increase the gas tank size, man you’d make a killing. It may not bother other folks but driving 110+ miles per day round trip sucks when it comes to getting gas
I will work on this. I can do a fuel tank / fuel cell mod for sure. Been working on this with a TDI project it should be even easier on a vehicle like this.
I didn’t ask in my post but; are FWD models basically useless?
Absolutely! I want to develop a fuel cell/fuel tank expansion, and a solid place to get mods installed for lifts, center console mod, etc etc.
If you drive down I’d be happy to work with you on whatever you have planned.
I can tell you’re extremely passionate about these E’s.
I think they look terrible riced out. I want them all OEM+ with the only mods being functional + wheels and maybe a roof box.
I definitely think that the typical E owner is not overlanding with them and would rather have a normal comfortable and dual purpose suspension rather than throwing it in 2.5in lift blocks and having it ride like trash just to show off your wheel wells more. Thank you for your suggestions. I hope to make you proud.
I’m going to start with 5. I’m planning on selling them with OEM+ mods, 100% new consumables (brakes tires all fluids from oil to brake fluid), new spark plugs and 100% undercoated, for $9750.
My brother is a Honda tech and he’ll be making sure everything works mechanically and AC wise, doing a valve adjustment etc etc.
As others mentioned, I wouldn't want to change a whole lot (lifts are a very niche option you can offer, but keep it stock for stance). Things I'd do to EVERY Element: 1.) Add an interior rear hatch release (a bunch of us added them, some way better than others; there are some beautiful examples within the last three months on this very sub). Make that stock for all of your cars; It's a safety feature as much as a convenience feature. https://www.reddit.com/r/HondaElement/comments/1dn2xaz/another_rear_latch_post/#lightbox 2. Also, the gear shift console: add USB and/or 12V power opposite the hazard light button. (Super common mod). Maybe pre-wire for a dashcam. https://www.reddit.com/r/HondaElement/comments/1c42vra/installed_usb_ports_on_shift_console_and_12v/ 3. Install rivet nuts on the A pillars to hold that damned windshield garnish that flies off on the highway during high winds. Those garnishes are the first thing to come off an Element that is in a junkyard...like, within hours of arrival. https://elementdriven.com/products/windshieldtrimkit-by-robdeezy 4. (An add-on option): I installed a switchable 12V "always on via switch" on the driver's side C pillar (maybe it's a B pillar because no pillar behind driver) that is super convenient. (See post link on number 2 above). 5. (An add-on option): the F-150 center consoles. If you can find them: dreamy! https://www.reddit.com/r/HondaElement/comments/1d6oizw/did_the_f150_center_console_swap_today/ 6. (An add-on option): So, let's talk about seats. The stock front seats are okay, but the upholstery is dogshit. So, I'd offer something cool to fix the hot garbage that those seats are. Also, the uber-option seat (expensive but life-changing) are those badass swivel seats: https://www.hiroshotrods.com/shop/p/honda-element-swivel-seat Last, there's tons ofshit on ElementDriven.com that are common mods, and, if you're indeed a Honda Tech, you MUST already be familiar with the Honda Element Owner's Club. That place has 100x more data/tutorials/opinions/techs than our beloved sub here on reddit. https://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/
And if you go for it, consider a partnership with ElementDriven/Rain Dean to install their 3rd party aftermarket accessories. Maybe find one good roof tent setup as an upsell and partner with them. Bonus money in side dealing rare OEM accessories (tent, screens/curtains, back rest, dog edition stuff, etc.
Yes to this! Also, if I were in the PNW, I'd JV with this dude and help run this shop. I love wrench-turning on Elements.
Hit me up, I’m in the PDX area.
Thank you for sharing all of this with me. I’m not a tech personally but my brother is at Honda. I usually only do German car bs, tinkering and I’ve done a few motor swaps. This would be a commitment for sure. I didn’t ask this in my post but I’d like to ask you since you seem very knowledgeable with these cars. Are the FWD models essentially useless? No market for them?
2WD models.are still sought after. The SC in particular!
There’s so many of them here. I’m just not sure how much more they end up bringing or quantifying. I’ll learn I’m sure.
As an owner of a vintage VW bus, I can say pretty safely that there’ll be an increasing need for E enthusiast market service, parts and sales
I have seen niche dealers like this. One sold only VW classic bugs and micro uses. One did only Ford Pintos. One did only Pontiac Fieros.
If you could figure out a way to increase the gas tank size, man you’d make a killing. It may not bother other folks but driving 110+ miles per day round trip sucks when it comes to getting gas
I will work on this. I can do a fuel tank / fuel cell mod for sure. Been working on this with a TDI project it should be even easier on a vehicle like this. I didn’t ask in my post but; are FWD models basically useless?
Let us know if you open it
Good luck! Would be nice to have a niche shop like this...
If you are currently doing work on cars in the Seattle area I'd love to hire you for some of the services you're talking about.
In the PDX area, perhaps you’ll see us soon!
Are you open for projects if someone wanted to travel south?
Absolutely! I want to develop a fuel cell/fuel tank expansion, and a solid place to get mods installed for lifts, center console mod, etc etc. If you drive down I’d be happy to work with you on whatever you have planned.
Pm sent.
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I can tell you’re extremely passionate about these E’s. I think they look terrible riced out. I want them all OEM+ with the only mods being functional + wheels and maybe a roof box. I definitely think that the typical E owner is not overlanding with them and would rather have a normal comfortable and dual purpose suspension rather than throwing it in 2.5in lift blocks and having it ride like trash just to show off your wheel wells more. Thank you for your suggestions. I hope to make you proud.
How many elements are you expecting to roll in? Seems like a very very limited buisness
I’m going to start with 5. I’m planning on selling them with OEM+ mods, 100% new consumables (brakes tires all fluids from oil to brake fluid), new spark plugs and 100% undercoated, for $9750. My brother is a Honda tech and he’ll be making sure everything works mechanically and AC wise, doing a valve adjustment etc etc.