Carlton Langston, better known as "Kool" to his peeps, used to drive around Georgia and South Carolina in an Acura with dubs. He cruised the streets with his friends, who all owned big-body cars with big rims. Kool soon noticed the attention that his friends' cars would receive while driving down the streets and the crowds that would gather when they stopped at certain spots to chill. At that point, he decided that it was time to play with the big boys and he came up with a concept for his future project. Kool started with a simple '73 Chevy Caprice that was purchased for $900 and his Hawaiian Punch-themed ride is now one of the most respected (and refreshing) donks in the nation. Kool gives us the juicy details.
Swrv: How does it feel to get shine on that paint?
Kool: Getting published is wonderful. With all of the cash and time that was put into this car, it feels good to have it shot for a publication.
Swrv:What kind of work did you put in to get your car game up?
Kool: I went with the whole Hawaiian Punch theme and I followed through with a paint job that's candy red and candy blue. The interior is also two-tone red and blue with the logo embroidered in the seats. Instead of using stickers like all of them other cars, I got my s#%& airbrushed so it will stand out from the game.
Swrv: What influenced you to build this car?
Kool: I used to own a small car with dubs, but then one of my friends had a big-body with big rims and that's what made me build this car.
Swrv: Whose car are you going after in the game?
Kool: The "Skittles" car by "Mr. Scrape." The reason for that is because after a show, my battery went dead and I had my hood open and he drove up next to me and asked if I needed help, and he revved his engine and took off. But don't trip. I just dropped some mad cash on the engine and that will never happen again.
Swrv: Any plans for future modifications?
Kool: Nah, I'm thinking of building my car a "little brother," maybe with smaller rims so I can drive that one every day. I also want to go all-out on a '73 Impala.
Swrv: Who in the car game do you most respect?
Kool: All of the dudes from Mr. Scrape. I love everybody in the car game who's doing it big.
Hawaiian Punch
Owner: Carlton "Kool" Langston
Vehicle: '73 Chevrolet Caprice
City/State: Camp Branch, South Carolina
Club: No affiliation
Engine/Drivetrain: The Caprice is equipped with an '05 GM 4.6-liter crate engine that was put together at Kane's Automotive in Decatur, Georgia, and is also helped with a 350 tow package transmission. Chrome plating was provided by Down South Chevy in Decatur.
Body/Paint: The body is covered with candy red paint to give it the wet look and accented with the royal blue Hawaiian Punch theme. The car was painted by Leon Pruitt at Toppit Customs in Marietta, Georgia, with airbrusing done by Tim Witherow from The Playground in Decatur. The hood and trunk murals feature the Hawaiian Punch logo and "Punchy" the mascot riding the wave.
Interior: Tuan at Toppit Customs took the theme inside of the car with two-tone red and blue leather and Hawaiian Punch embroidery throughout the interior.
Sound System: Mario of Mega Maxx in Marietta took on the extensive task of making the car go boom. He installed a Panasonic head unit helped a by three amps that power the subs, mids and highs. The car also sports a custom-made 20-inch TV housing in the center console.
Suspension: The car was made to ride high with a custom lift kit installed by Vince and Rod at Immortal Rod & Custom in Augusta, Georgia.
Tires: 26-inch Kumho
Wheels: Fusion Metal