Most people that have walked or driven into any of the parking lots here at Cerritos College, may have come across a number of modified cars.

The modifications vary from car to car, but cars that have gone through changes are quite evident, even from far.

One proud owner of a modified car is business student, Ramses Vargas, he has a 1993 Honda Accord. “I’ve been doing this for about three years” Vargas said.

These cars can go through various types of changes. Some of the transformations that these cars may go through are exterior, interior, changes in the engine or all.

“The first thing I ever did to my car was to put clear corner head lights, they’re generally orange,” Vargas said.

Exterior changes include anything that is done to the outside of the car. Like changing the rims, installing a spoiler (also known as a wing), adding windshield wiper lights, and molding on body kits.

Psychology student Ruben Munoz is also into the look of “fixed up” cars. He said that spending a lot of time and money on fixing his car is very addictive. Munoz has added and changed things in his 1998 Honda Civic for almost two years and hopes he can someday complete it but adds that he will always want to keep on changing something on it.

“I began changing the inside of my car first, I reupholstered my seats, I got a custom dashboard, and I just added a TV behind my head rest,” Munoz said.

Competition is an another part of this sport.

“Anyone can enter, really. But you won’t win anything unless you have some modifications,” Vargas explained.

A lot goes on during a show, they have to arrive around 7 a.m. to set up their cars even if the show doesn’t start until the 3 or 4 p.m.

“During a show there’s all kinds of booths promoting new products, we get to promote our team, get to meet new people and we share tips and discuss how we started out, it’s also an opportunity to get corporate sponsorships, and there’s also a lot of girls,” he said.

Vargas, like some car enthusiasts, also belongs to a car club, they are not only into car shows and racing but they also help out their communities.

Team Cypher has donated toys for kids in toy drives and will continue to do so in the future.

Vargas’ ultimate goal is not only to put his car into a competition but win a trophy as well.

“I’ve spent about $5, 000 so far and it’s not even close to being done, I still need a custom paint job, a rear light conversion, head rests TVs, and my interior,” Vargas said.

Vargas has added a full body kit, 18″ rims, he has shaved-off handles, shaved moldings and trunk, and an air ride system.

“This system [air ride] allows your car to go up and down and side to side, it’s similar to hydraulics but it’s all air” he said.

Vargas is only changing his car for looks and for shows, he will not be competing in racing [legally or illegally].

On the other hand Munoz is thinking about it. “I might do it if I can get my car to reach higher speeds” he said.

“It can be dangerous and pricey if it’s done illegally but there’s legal races too, I don’t think I will be doing it illegally cause there’s always extra dangers,” he added.

Next time you’re walking past the parking lots and you come across an altered car think about the time money and dedication that these students have put into having a one of a kind vehicle.

Average costs of parts:

Wings: $100-$250

Body kits: Around $500

Lights: $100 to $500

Air Ride System: $2,500 to $4,000

TVs: This depends where you buy them

Interior upholstering: $800 to $3,000