October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! - The Ford Focus Forum

**Ataru** · 10-31-2009, 12:34 AM

Over the past nine years of Focaljet history, there have been certain Focuses that have had a major impact on our community. They have created trends, impressed the rest of the tuner market by showing what is really possible with a Focus, or simply caused many of us to sit back in awe while we gawk at how clean and tasteful one can make a Focus.

I wanted to honor these cars, all of them you know well, by putting them in our Focus of the Month. However, these cars are so timeless that there doesn't need to be any nominations or voting. These cars and their owners have already earned our respect and it's time we give it to them. So occasionally I will honor these Focuses in the "Focus of the Month - [FJ] Legends" series. I will look at our past and pick the cars that have impacted our community like no others.

Sadly, many of the cars that will be honored in the [FJ] Legends series are no longer owned by their original owners and builders, but have moved on or are no longer with us. Each time we feature a [FJ] Legend Focus, I will try to get the original owner to provide pictures and information about their car as they reminisce about what it was like building a car that so many of us remember, even after it is gone.

So, without further ado, I give you our premiere [FJ] Legend:

hotrodkristina and Spongebob

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodkristina

Here is the story of a little yellow ZX3 named Spongebob

(this cover 'never was', The Great Pumpkin ended up getting the first FF cover - but it's still cool)

Long story short - I had waited 5 months for a PT Cruiser back when they were new and cool - was commuting in it and starting to hate it after a couple months - drove by the local Ford dealer, saw Sponge sitting there, took a test drive, and went home with it a few hours later. Traded in the PT on the spot!

The ex-husband and I were already entrenched in 'the industry', and started making phone calls... A few months later, in February 2001, Sponge made it's debut at SEMA IAS:

The paint on the kit was still drying! lol.... (that's the Buzzin' Hornets logo btw hehe). After that he saw a ton more shows. Here's another phase down the line, after we'd connected with Oscar Jackson and the car had it's 'stock' JRSC on it (first production kit was installed on this car).

Then things got serious, and Oscar started fiddling with moAr boost! The car also got OZ wheels, The Brake Man brakes, redone exhaust tips, and some other goodies.

BRAAAAAAP! (it needed two resonators w/ the FS header hehe....)

And then Spongey went to SEMA 2002, where it won the Ford Design Award

After that came a few photo shoots, including the one for Sport Compact Car. (photos by E. John Thawley III)(he also shot it again, 'nekkid', for FF mag, but I never got any of those)

After this we slowly sold off parts, and he became my DD until he left us in fall of 2004 *cry*.... sold to a Jetter's GF in Las Vegas. Shoulda just kept it and driven it! Oh well.

Spongey's Resume:

• Winner of 2002 Ford Award for Special Recognition for • Outstanding Design, SEMA 2002
• SEMA Feature Vehicle: 2001 and 2002
• SEMA IAS Feature Vehicle: 2001/2002/2003
• Booth Vehicle: Piloti Driving Shoes—MAGIC 2003, World Shoe Expo 2003, ASR 2002
• Web cover/feature vehicle: FocusFanatics Premier Issue
• Feature vehicle: Sport Compact Car, May 2003
• Feature vehicle: Road and Track, August 2003 (IAS Highlights)
• Feature vehicle: HCI Magazine, June 2003 (released at IAS 2003)
• Cover/Feature vehicle: Fast Cars (UK), April 2003
• Feature vehicle: Opgezet Magazine (Belgium), Spring 2001
• Feature vehicle: Maxi Tuning Magazine (France), April 2002
• Tech Story Feature Vehicle: SuperStreet Magazine, October 2002
• Feature vehicle: Ford Racing’s Focus booth, various West Coast events in 2001
• Featured on speedoptions.com as ‘Hottest Car’, March 2003
• Featured on various websites, including: overboost.com, kaminari.com, autobuzz.com, focaljet.com, mulsanne.com and magnaflow.com

Here's a list of the car's sponsors.

• Kaminari USA - Body Styling Kit, Rear Wing, Hood
• Yokohama Performance Tires - ParadaTires Spec-2
• Mulsanne Enterprises - European Headlamp kit, Tailight Kit
• Stitchcraft - Custom Interior
• Sparco USA - Steering wheel, shift knob, pedals
• Wet Works Garage - Installation & Painting of Body Kit and interior pieces
• Magnuson Products Eaton Compressor
• Jackson Racing Focus Supercharger Kit, Big Boost Kit
• Magnaflow Stainless Steel Exhaust
• Eibach - Pro-Kit Suspension, Anti-Roll Kit, Pro Dampers
• The Brake Man - Front and rear big brake upgrade
• Ford Racing Performance Parts - Cam Timing Gears, Spark Plug Wires
• FocusSport - Stress Bar, Long Tube header, flex pipe
• Boston Acoustics All Component Speakers & Subwoofers
• Kenwood USA - AM FM/CD stereo head unit
• Crossfire Car Audio - Amplifiers
• Optima Batteries - Blue Top Battery
• Tsunami Wiring - Interconnect, Power & Speaker Cables
• Serenity Sound USA - Install of the components

Yes, the car was sponsored - but please keep in mind that my ex started building project vehicles for the aftermarket industry back in 1988, and had good connections and a great 'resume'. I was also working 'in' the industry, via my freelance work doing renderings for aftermarket manufacturers. We went to dozens of shows, and I spent a lot of time on FJ promoting this car - something that sponsors love. It wasn't a 'get all the parts and bail' thing. Honestly, I hardly drove it until it was back to stock! My O.G. SoCal brethren can attest to that.

Here are a few more pics of the interior, motor, etc.

Thanks for looking, and thanks to Ataru, Ron, and FJ!

This car has led me on quite the journey! For those of you who don't know, I met my husband via FocalJet. Crazy.... but true. And I couldn't be happier!

**HotRodKristina** · 10-31-2009, 01:05 AM

Thanks Jason

I think we all miss teh sponge.

But he was well worth all the trouble!

**ZX3autoxtasy** · 10-31-2009, 01:11 AM

Holy **** those are some crazy brakes.

**stilix** · 10-31-2009, 02:01 AM

beautiful focus

**WildBill02** · 10-31-2009, 03:58 AM

i still have that Focus Fanatic magazine with ur car on the cover. that car is wut really got me into the focus

**Ataru** · 10-31-2009, 04:08 AM

Umm.........you have an issue that doesn't exist?

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodkristina

(this cover 'never was', The Great Pumpkin ended up getting the first FF cover - but it's still cool)

**Dads03SVT** · 10-31-2009, 05:38 AM

Ya know i need to look..I swear i have an issue with this car on the cover...

Wonder if covers were different on the East coast??? Maybe it's on another magazine i bought.....

**Davor** · 10-31-2009, 11:31 AM

To me Kristina is unofficial "Foose of Focus" !

**COCHYN** · 10-31-2009, 07:01 PM

Never heard of this car before, but interesting modifications.

**HotRodKristina** · 11-01-2009, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dads03SVT

Ya know i need to look..I swear i have an issue with this car on the cover...

Wonder if covers were different on the East coast??? Maybe it's on another magazine i bought.....

The cover it got was FastCar UK - the ex has my copy

**deltafocus** · 11-02-2009, 01:10 AM

ah yes i remember this car!

you earn the big banana

great build!

**MachFive** · 11-02-2009, 08:44 AM

I still have your old steering wheel. It's like, famous and stuff!

**REVSWIN** · 11-02-2009, 08:53 AM

This car inspired my Egg Yolker! The yellow black theme was gangsta back then!

**FORDSVTPARTS** · 11-02-2009, 10:36 AM

What happened to the car? Where is it now?

**HotRodKristina** · 11-02-2009, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FORDSVTPARTS

What happened to the car? Where is it now?

Parted it out and sold it to a Jetter's girlfriend in Las Vegas back in 2004 (or early 2005? I forget).

**alucardsvt** · 11-02-2009, 01:01 PM

that issue had the pumpkin on the cover and sponge was in the magazine on page 38 of the premiere issue of focus fanatic.

**CaysE** · 11-02-2009, 01:47 PM

Still holds to the test of time.

Do you know where those seats ended up? I bet Slip would love those in his car.

**HotRodKristina** · 11-02-2009, 01:53 PM

The seats stayed in it. They were just the stock seats, recovered.

**slipster17** · 11-02-2009, 02:06 PM

Ah, yellow seat piping, so subtle and lovely. I've been considering ordering up a set of Katskinz with just about that exact same look Casey

Awesome car without a doubt. I know I'd seen pictures of it, but wasn't quite sure who it used to be belong to. Congrats on the "Legend" status Kris!

**Ray** · 11-02-2009, 02:06 PM

Well earned.

**CaysE** · 11-02-2009, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotRodKristina

The seats stayed in it. They were just the stock seats, recovered.

The right way to do it.

Was the foam replaced too? Cause they look like SVT bolsters. Love the use of the piping, too... I never liked piping on the edge of the seats, but it looks perfect in the middle separating the leather/vinyl from the alcantara.

**Queen Jade** · 11-02-2009, 08:16 PM

Congrats Kris! Your enthusiasm for the Focus and cars in general is inspiring and lets men know that its definitely not just their sport. You deserve the recognition.

I am excited to see what you do with my Focus when you finally buy it from me.

(It now has EVERY single bolt on an SVT can have.

)

**HotRodKristina** · 11-02-2009, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaysE

The right way to do it.

Was the foam replaced too? Cause they look like SVT bolsters. Love the use of the piping, too... I never liked piping on the edge of the seats, but it looks perfect in the middle separating the leather/vinyl from the alcantara.

I think they might have bolstered them up just a tad. Revo (Stitchcraft Custom Interiors) used a high end 'pleather' for the sides, with real 'carbon' leather inserts, and alcantarra down the middle. It also had really nice stitching on the sides. He does great work.

Between him & Joe at Wet Works, that car had a really nice interior. The painted pieces weren't just sanded and painted - he built them up with primer and kitty hair first, then sprayed & cleared them.

Thank you Leslie.

The only thing I'd do to your car is give her a thorough clay/polish/wax and some euro bumpers

For now I'll just rub my bewbs on it when I see it

**thefrush** · 11-02-2009, 10:41 PM

Alex Fruehsamer likes this.

**boostedzx3** · 11-03-2009, 11:06 AM

Does anyone know if the car is still around anywhere?

10-31-2009, 01:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
ZX3autoxtasy [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: atlanta Posts: 5,239	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! Holy ** those are some crazy brakes. __________________ 2008 Specialized Tarmac:: 0.0mpg with more carbon than your Focus. Pure. Power. 2007 Ridley Crossbow: Beware. Terrorizing you town until I sell it for a TT bike. 2004 Pitch Black 5spd 2.0L(Z) ZX3: Eibach Pro-Kit Springs, Eibach Pro-Kit Dampers, Brembo Rotors, Hawk HPS Pads, H&R 24mm Rear Swaybar, P-51 Shims, Focus-Sport Cool-Flo, Focus-Sport front & rear stress bar, MBRP Cat-Back, [Track] 15'' Steelies with 205/50/15 Falken Azeni RT-615's,[Street]**UK ST200 Mondeo Wheels w/ Toyo Proxes 4 215/45/17's, Quantum Audio 12''/Quantum 800w Amp, Custom Ported Box, SVT Lip, and tons of other stuff...

10-31-2009, 02:01 AM	#4 (permalink)
stilix TEAM Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: azusa,ca Posts: 574	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! beautiful focus

10-31-2009, 03:58 AM	#5 (permalink)
WildBill02 Rookie Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Stamford, CT Posts: 42	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! i still have that Focus Fanatic magazine with ur car on the cover. that car is wut really got me into the focus

10-31-2009, 05:38 AM	#7 (permalink)
Dads03SVT Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Roxboro North Carolina Posts: 1,060	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! Ya know i need to look..I swear i have an issue with this car on the cover... Wonder if covers were different on the East coast??? Maybe it's on another magazine i bought.....

10-31-2009, 11:31 AM	#8 (permalink)
Davor Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: South Florida Posts: 1,146	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! To me Kristina is unofficial "Foose of Focus" ! __________________ For Sale or Lifetime Rent 2001 Pitch Black ZX3. Click Here For Details !

10-31-2009, 07:01 PM	#9 (permalink)
COCHYN TEAM Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: North Wales, U.K. Posts: 395	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! Never heard of this car before, but interesting modifications. __________________ FastFord (March 2005) Performance Ford (November 2005) FastFord Thrash (January 2008) Modified Nationals Top 25 (2005,2006) FastFord (May 2009) FastFord RS V ST Thrash (June 2009)

11-02-2009, 01:10 AM	#11 (permalink)
deltafocus TEAM Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Pittsburg, CA Posts: 113	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! ah yes i remember this car! you earn the big banana great build! __________________ I am focussed, therefore I am. ~the wisdom of delta focus

11-02-2009, 08:44 AM	#12 (permalink)
MachFive Moderator Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Lancaster, Pa, USA Posts: 4,438	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! I still have your old steering wheel. It's like, famous and stuff! __________________ Making the bottom of my car the same color as the top, one speed bump at a time.

11-02-2009, 08:53 AM	#13 (permalink)
REVSWIN I'm bringing Zetec back... Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Metro Detroit, MI Posts: 2,838	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! This car inspired my Egg Yolker! The yellow black theme was gangsta back then! __________________ Gerald 2001 MK fOCUS ZX3 *Half aRSe* 2001 B7 fOCUS ZX3 powerworks

11-02-2009, 10:36 AM	#14 (permalink)
FORDSVTPARTS Premier Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Minnesota Posts: 8,235	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! What happened to the car? Where is it now? __________________ To order from me just call 1-800-328-9552 and ask for Steve or use one of the methods below. Now accepting online orders here http://www.tousleyfordparts.com You can also find us here http://forums.focaljet.com/tousley-ford/ 2002 Silver SVT #2952 , custom CAI , Stage 2 throttle body, VF rear mount, FRPP 9mm wires, EAP/MACH HID's, Borla exhaust, K-W springs, FRPP UDP, Screamin Demon coil, Tuned by Mike at Unique Tuning in S.C.

11-02-2009, 01:01 PM	#16 (permalink)
alucardsvt TEAM Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 603	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! that issue had the pumpkin on the cover and sponge was in the magazine on page 38 of the premiere issue of focus fanatic.

11-02-2009, 01:47 PM	#17 (permalink)
CaysE EDM Specialist Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bloomfield, NJ Posts: 10,765	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! Still holds to the test of time. Do you know where those seats ended up? I bet Slip would love those in his car. __________________ 2002 Liquid Grey ZX3 ··· SVT replica-in-progress 2003 Vermilion Red SVTf ··· ported JRSC BBK, ported head, 3" exhaust, Euro interior, more to come! strictly/focused • team edm

11-02-2009, 02:06 PM	#19 (permalink)
slipster17 Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Palmyra/ Carlisle, PA Posts: 2,577	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! Ah, yellow seat piping, so subtle and lovely. I've been considering ordering up a set of Katskinz with just about that exact same look Casey Awesome car without a doubt. I know I'd seen pictures of it, but wasn't quite sure who it used to be belong to. Congrats on the "Legend" status Kris! __________________ _R E C A L L_ .,___,,_ /___l__\__ l(o)____(o)l <--2001 Egg Yolk Yellow Eurofied ZX3 see it on CarDomain - team edm - 160k+ miles

11-02-2009, 02:06 PM	#20 (permalink)
Ray Driver > Car Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: CT Posts: 28,121	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! Well earned. __________________ Vacuum Vulture Racing - I can fix your car with a hammer. Intelligence is largely at the mercy of self-control *Roadtrippin.org* \| CART

11-02-2009, 08:16 PM	#22 (permalink)
Queen Jade Grand Master Mabel listens to Death Metal and flips you off.....but don't let that fool you. In reality she has a heart of gold but doesn't like people to know it. She'll bite your ear off if you disagree! Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Beat boxin with Pixie Jen. Posts: 2,624	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! Congrats Kris! Your enthusiasm for the Focus and cars in general is inspiring and lets men know that its definitely not just their sport. You deserve the recognition. I am excited to see what you do with my Focus when you finally buy it from me. (It now has EVERY single bolt on an SVT can have. ) __________________ *03 Infra Red SVT W/ EAP Build #3574 of 3985* Email TechSupport@EXEDYUSA.com for the SVT Clutch Movement. *Vacuum Vulture Racing #03: We put the oil in spoiler.* *Hetero lifemate of Pixie Jen.*

11-02-2009, 10:41 PM	#24 (permalink)
thefrush Just Dri-Fit! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: I LIVE IN SACRAMENTO LOL Posts: 10,938	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! Alex Fruehsamer likes this. __________________ ((. When someone asks me the cause of a minor injury, like a scrape on my leg, .)) I like to tell them something extreme happened. Like I got attacked by a bear. ((. They're way more impressed than if I was missing an arm or something. .)) Obviously that bear didn't have crap on me. ((. .)) http://www.papabarter.com/sacstate

11-03-2009, 11:06 AM	#25 (permalink)
boostedzx3 [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Enola, PA Posts: 5,871	Re: October FOTM: [FJ] Legends - hotrodkristina and Spongebob! Does anyone know if the car is still around anywhere? __________________ Looking for a riding mower, snow thrower, push mower, weed wacker? Contact me, or email at LNservices@ymail.com Photoshop this euro kit and wheels on my car pleaz! http://forums.focaljet.com/focus-con...it-my-car.html

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