Patecher Hinds’ love for customised cars
Published:Saturday | June 29, 2024 | 12:08 AMKeisha Hill/Senior Gleaner Writer
For Patecher Hinds and countless women worldwide, cars are synonymous with beauty and freedom. Some people find her love affair with vehicles to be strange, and constantly ask how she continues to steer her relationship with cars. Hinds also known as ‘Pinky’ is a devoted mother of three from Seaview Gardens, Kingston, who despite her hectic schedule has found the time to explore her love for car customisation.
“When I was growing up I lived with my grandparents, who were vendors. I did not envision myself as a car enthusiast back then. I had a deep love for bikes, but I changed my passion because I had seen so many deaths involving bikes,” she told Saturday Living.
For some people, car customisation it is all about improving performance and making the car go faster. For others, it is about standing out from the crowd and making a statement. And for those like Hinds, it is simply a way to have fun and express themselves.
“My car is a 2012 Toyota Vitz. I chose this car because it was the best option within my budget at the time. This is my first car. Originally, I intended to buy a black car with a grey interior, but the seller sold it, leaving me with a silver car with a brown interior that I did not like. This ultimately started my customisation journey,” Hinds said.
With a few well-chosen modifications, Hinds continues to turn heads when driving down the street. She has modified her car and added an array of personal touches that has made her car more unique.
“Some of the current upgrades to my car include changing the exterior colour from silver to black, upgrading all the lighting, including the headlights, interior lights, underglow, and trunk light, and changing the front bumper to a Honda Accord style,” Hinds shared.
“I also modified the wheel arches, installed headrest monitors, and added a new sound system. I made these changes to enhance both the aesthetic appeal and performance of the car, making it a true reflection of my personality and style.”
For Hinds, modifying her car is all about having fun. It is a hobby that allowed her to be creative and express her personality. Plus, it has been a great way to bond with other car enthusiasts. “If you are not enjoying the process, then there is no point in doing it. So, if you are looking for a way to add excitement to your life, modifying your car and joining a car club could be the way to go.”
Certain car and truck enhancements can dramatically improve your vehicle’s performance, both on and off the road. Anything from lighting to turbo will help improve your vehicle’s performance in one way or another.
“The responses to my car have been overwhelmingly positive. People often admire the unique modification, the Honda Accord look at the front, and the effort that has gone into making the car stand out as it is now black and pink with a picture of Captain Marvel on the bonnet. It is gratifying to see others enjoy the creativity and hard work I have invested in my vehicle,” Hinds shared.
The best part about these customised cars is that no two are the same! You can design your vehicle to look however you want, opening up a world of opportunities for self-expression and attracting the attention of other car or truck enthusiasts.
“I decided to join a car group to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for cars and customisation. The experience has been fantastic, offering a supportive community and inspiration from other enthusiasts’ projects,” Hinds said.
Hinds is a member of Street Xtream, a car group that consists of over 50 members with various modified cars. Their mission is to fuel the heartbeat of Jamaican car culture by fostering a vibrant community of automotive enthusiasts.
“If you want to customise a car and make it the car of your dreams, there is nothing stopping you, and you have all of the options in the world to choose from. Whether you are a long-time car enthusiast or you are looking to make your long commutes more enjoyable, there is something for everyone,” she added.
Hinds is also a business development officer, and an entrepreneur, with an online clothing business called @meliboouniquekloset.
“Balancing these three worlds requires good time management and prioritisation. I dedicate my weekends and spare time to focusing on my business and work on my car by participating in car group activities, ensuring that I maintain a healthy balance between my professional responsibilities and my passion for car customisation.”