It’s no secret that the boys here at Stance Stories aren’t the biggest Honda fans in the world, but even we can’t deny that there are few that flatten the show. However, no hatch has ever gotten more juices flowing then this yellow bomb shell built by Joe Schneider. From first glance you can already begin to get an idea of the man hours, blood, sweat, and love invested in this car that is both screaming monster, and rolling urban art mural. With that being said we wanted to give Joe the chance to tell his own “stance story”. 

Question: Tell us about yourself, and how you got involved in the stance scene?

Answer: Im a 32 year old guy who got the notch at the age of 16. My mom is V.P for a few Honda dealerships, and my uncle was the CEO so I was always around Hondas, my dad was a huge influence, as he himself is an enthusiast in the hot rod scene. I remember seeing the Honda races on Speed Vision and I was instantly hooked. I started in this industry at the young age of 17, working for several companies over the years, culminating in my current job at Skunk 2.

Question: Tell us how you obtained your car and why you chose it above all your other options?

Answer: I traded my DC-2 Integra for the shell, I was bored with the Integra. I did it cause it was the only Honda model that I had yet to own or attempt to build, and theres something about a EK hatch that just looks really sexy when done right. Yes I have owned a lot of cars, but this is by far my favorite body style.

Question: What do you feel sets your car apart from others in the scene?

Answer: The graffiti makes it stand out like a sore thumb, but thats what I love about it. I built that car with every intention of doing it the way I wanted. Like the expression says: “You only have haters if your doing something right”. All and all I think the build speaks to so many different people in the aspect that with the hood closed, it looks like your normal stanced Honda. At a closer glance the interior says the car has some bite of style to it, but not too much. Then the hood comes off. It speaks to those who like a good engine tuck, those who still have love for the D Series SOHC engine, and those who dare to be different.

Question: Is there anyone you’d like to thank thats helped you on the road to getting your build to where it is today?

Answer: I absolutely would. I have my right hand man Franky Lopez. My Family, and my ol’ lady. They have to listen to my griping on a daily basis. My friends and my customers, these people keep me whole and sane on the days I’m loosing it. Backyard Designs Co. may not be the biggest or best shop around, but we are genuine and we build our cars on a fraction of the budget, and that has worked for us. We are the “attention to detail” type people who will take the time to wire brush bolts instead of buying new ones. In the end its a little more work, but it saves the customer money and its the same out come. In the end we are all enthusiasts we just happen to do the work that some places don’t want to.

Question: What are your future plans for this already gorgeous EK hatch?

Answer: I got some cards up my sleeve for the car. I really can’t say what just yet because I want to have one last big bang with it before Im just about done with it. I believe you can only beat a horse so long until it dies. So with Backyard Designz Co it allows me to keep the creativity going with my customers and friends. I have a crew of good people, great friends, and nicer cars. Were not trying to take over the world, we are just trying to live in it.

As mean and angry as this car appears all that hostility changes when you first meet Joe. We usually don’t talk much about the owner of a car in our features but Joe surprised us. It’s no secret that a good chunk of the Honda community are well, less than friendly when it comes to outsiders. However, Joe and his boys are a breath of fresh air in an otherwise hostile and intimidating environment. It’s rare to see him not engaged in conversation with any variety of car owner, talking shop with a smile on his face. It’s always nice to shoot a gorgeous car, but being able to make new friends in the process is always just as rewarding. Joe has a fantastic character and is always approachable and fun to talk to, he’s always willing to discuss his car or anyone else’s. 

Wheels

• ESM 002Z-R’s (16″ x 9″)
• Custom Matte Black Powdercoat

Suspension

• Skunk2 Front Camber Kit
• Skunk2 Rear Camber Kit
• Skunk2 Pro S2 Coilovers
• Skunk2 Rear Lower Control Arm
• Skunk2 Rear Lower Arm Bar
• NRG Traction Bar

Exterior

• Custom Yellow Daisy Paint
• Spoon Duckbill Wing
• Mugen Carbon Fiber Lip
• JDM Fog Lights
• CTR Rear Lip
• Benen Tow Hook

Interior

• NRG Racing Seats
• Corbeau Racing Harnesses
• NRG C-Pillar Bar
• Sparco Steering Wheel
• NRG Quick-Release Steering Hub
• Custom Flush Mounted Sony Head Unit
• Skunk2 Shift Knob

• Story by Aleksey Royt
• Photos by Jordan Adkins
• Edited by Aleksey Royt