From Honda Civic Dreams to Custom Paint Empire: The NSX Hunt and Color Secrets
About this episode
Dive into the world of custom automotive paint and the journey from a Honda Civic enthusiast to a successful paint shop owner. Matt from Top Coat Garage shares his passion for cars, detailing his first car experiences and the evolution of his business during the pandemic. He discusses the intricacies of automotive painting, including the use of different flakes and techniques to achieve stunning finishes. The episode also touches on the allure of the Acura NSX and the unique stories behind various custom projects, making it a captivating listen for any car lover.
Click here to share your favorite car, car story or any automotive trivia!
Matt wanted a Honda Civic. He ended up building Top Coat Garage, where paint jobs "swim in depth" and customers bring cars you'd see at SEMA.
The journey from dreaming about an affordable Honda to running a custom paint shop specializing in show-quality finishes wasn't linear. It involved learning hard lessons about spray gun selection, paint booth operations, and why some paint jobs look flat while others have that mirror-like depth that makes people stop and stare.
But the real story? It's about the NSX he's been hunting for years—and why the chase matters as much as the catch.
In this episode, Matt reveals:
- Why he never got that Honda Civic (and how that changed everything)
- What makes a paint job "swim in depth" vs. look flat—technical details you can actually use
- The spray gun mistake most DIYers make in their first custom paint attempt
- Behind-the-scenes of running a paint booth operation (costs, challenges, reality check)
- His ongoing NSX hunt and why he hasn't pulled the trigger yet
- Paint technique secrets you won't find in any manual
- How Japanese car culture influenced his entire business philosophy
Plus: Matt extends an open invitation for a shop tour where he'll show you techniques he rarely shares publicly. But there's one paint disaster story he swore he'd never tell—until now.
Related episodes:
https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17498085-from-rust-proof-roots-to-global-vehicle-protection-tom-wolfe-s-ziebart-story
https://buzzsprout.com/2316026/episodes/17645586-oldsmobile-cutlass-supreme-to-jdm-kei-van-dreams-deputy-dave-s-law-enforcement-car-collection-journey
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Tiptronic
"Uh, because because uh, it was a tip it was a tiptronic and it was my mistake for buying it"
Tiptronic is a feature in some automatic cars that lets you change gears manually if you want to. It gives you more control over how the car drives, similar to a manual transmission but easier to use.
Tiptronic is a type of automatic transmission that allows the driver to manually select gears, providing a sportier driving experience. It combines the convenience of an automatic with the control of a manual transmission.
Delorean DMC-12
"...e'll send you a magnet. Uh magnet is magnet has a delorean with our logo on it Uh cars loved uh link and"
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a car that looks really different because it has doors that open up like wings. It's famous for being in movies and is loved for its cool design.
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a unique sports car that gained fame for its distinctive gullwing doors and stainless steel body. Produced in the early 1980s, it became a cultural icon largely due to its role in the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise.
Mitsubishi Mirage
"It was a Mitsubishi Mirage. Um, the color it was a dark color. It was a black"
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a small, budget-friendly car that is easy to drive and saves on gas. It's a good choice for city driving because it's compact and affordable.
The Mitsubishi Mirage is a subcompact car known for its affordability and fuel efficiency. It's often favored for urban driving due to its small size and economical operation.
automobile painter
"Yeah, so pretty much I did really well in votec and I became an automobile painter in a collision shop at a really young age and 19 years old"
An automobile painter is someone who paints cars. They make sure the car looks good after it's been repaired or restored by applying paint in the right way.
An automobile painter is a skilled technician who applies paint to vehicles, often after repairs or restorations. This role requires knowledge of different paint types, application techniques, and surface preparation.
Porsche 911
"So he can do all kinds of things including including our mutual friend Jason I mean, I think you turned his skinny 9-11 into a wide body, right? Just oh, yeah That's beautiful work. Yeah. Yeah, he had a narrow body horsesha and um"
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car that looks really cool and goes super fast. It's been around for a long time and is loved by many people because it's fun to drive and has a unique shape.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout. It has been a significant model for Porsche since its introduction in 1964, representing a blend of luxury, speed, and engineering excellence, making it a popular topic among car enthusiasts.
wide body
"I mean, I think you turned his skinny 9-11 into a wide body, right? Just oh, yeah That's beautiful work."
A wide body means that the sides of a car are made wider so it can have bigger tires. This helps the car handle better and look more aggressive.
A wide body refers to a modification in which a car's body is expanded to accommodate wider tires and improve handling. This is often done for performance reasons in racing or custom builds.
Honda Civic
"...mean to you? Well, my first car was a 2000 honda civic hatchback and uh"
Honda 2000 Honda
"Well, my first car was a 2000 honda civic hatchback and uh"
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people like because it's dependable and gets good gas mileage. The 2000 version is known for being fun to drive and has a sporty look.
The Honda Civic is a popular compact car known for its reliability and efficiency. The 2000 model is part of the sixth generation of Civics, which was well-regarded for its sporty design and performance.
Spoon
"There was just spoon. There's a an automobile performance company in japan that specialized in hondas called spoon"
Spoon is a company in Japan that makes parts to make Honda cars go faster and perform better. They are famous for their upgrades and modifications.
Spoon is a well-known automotive performance company based in Japan that specializes in tuning and modifying Honda vehicles. They are recognized for their high-quality parts and performance upgrades.
carbon fiber wing
"it had a carbon fire hood a carbon fire wing"
A carbon fiber wing is a part on the back of a car that helps it stay stable when going fast. It's made from a light material that helps the car perform better.
A carbon fiber wing is an aerodynamic component designed to improve downforce and stability at high speeds. Like the hood, it is made from lightweight carbon fiber material.
carbon fiber hood
"it had a carbon fire hood a carbon fire wing"
A carbon fiber hood is a part of a car that is lighter than regular metal hoods. It helps the car go faster and handle better because it weighs less.
A carbon fiber hood is a lightweight alternative to traditional metal hoods, made from carbon fiber material. It helps reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, improving performance and handling.
horsepower
"...it had the lowest horsepower, but I tell you what it performed so well against these cars..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster or accelerate quicker.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. It indicates how much work an engine can do over time, affecting a car's acceleration and top speed.
Toyota Corolla
"...he had a beat-up Corolla that just died. He didn't have it very long but..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people buy because it's dependable and doesn't use much gas. It's a common choice for new drivers.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It's one of the best-selling cars worldwide, making it a popular choice for first-time car buyers.
Ford Mustang
"And there was a cool 40th anniversary convertible Mustang And with just, you know, the for sale little sign in the window and I said, oh"
The Mustang is a popular sports car made by Ford. The 40th anniversary version is a special model that celebrates 40 years of the Mustang's existence.
The Mustang is an iconic American muscle car produced by Ford, known for its performance and distinctive styling. The 40th anniversary model celebrates the long history of the Mustang brand.
road race car
"I ended up making it like, you know, my spoon dream car almost, you know. We made it into a road race car. We put a cage in it."
A road race car is a car that's been changed to go faster and handle better for racing. It often has special parts to keep the driver safe and make the car perform well.
A road race car is a vehicle modified for racing on public roads or tracks, typically featuring enhancements to performance, handling, and safety. These modifications can include a roll cage, upgraded suspension, and high-performance engines.
roll cage
"We made it into a road race car. We put a cage in it. The suspension was done, you know inside and out."
A roll cage is a strong metal frame inside a car that helps protect people if the car flips over or crashes. It keeps the car from collapsing during an accident.
A roll cage is a safety feature in racing cars designed to protect the occupants in the event of a rollover or crash. It is a framework of metal bars that reinforces the car's structure and helps maintain its integrity during impacts.
individual throttle bodies
"It had individual throttle bodies."
Individual throttle bodies are special parts in an engine that help control how much air goes in. They make the engine work better and faster, especially in racing cars.
Individual throttle bodies (ITBs) are a type of fuel delivery system used in high-performance engines. Each cylinder has its own throttle body, allowing for better airflow and more precise control of the engine's power output, which is ideal for high-revving applications.
final drive
"49 final drive. I mean this thing was like a dirt bike. You literally I mean to go like 40 mile an hour. You're probably in like, you know"
The final drive is a part of the car that helps send power from the engine to the wheels. It affects how fast the car can go and how quickly it can speed up.
The final drive refers to the gearing mechanism that transmits power from the transmission to the wheels. It plays a crucial role in determining the vehicle's acceleration and top speed.
rpm
"...keep up with traffic. I mean, I'm at like, you know, six and a half seven thousand rpms Because it's a road race story."
RPM means how many times the engine spins in one minute. When the number is high, it usually means the engine is working hard and can go faster.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute and measures how many times the engine's crankshaft makes a full rotation every minute. Higher RPMs typically indicate that the engine is working harder and producing more power.
Acura Nsx
"...own is your dream car is one of my favorite cars Acura nsx. I assume the original"
The Acura NSX is a really fast and stylish sports car that was made in the 1990s. It's special because it combines luxury and speed, making it a dream car for many people.
The Acura NSX is a Japanese sports car that was first introduced in the early 1990s and is known for its combination of performance, luxury, and reliability. It was one of the first supercars to feature a mid-engine layout and has a significant place in automotive history for its innovative design and technology.
Honda Integra Type R
"...just wanting every Honda out there and I've had a car. I've had like Integra type Rs. I've had s 2000s, you know"
The Honda Integra Type R is a sporty version of the Honda Integra that is known for being fast and fun to drive. It has a powerful engine and is popular among car fans.
The Honda Integra Type R is a high-performance version of the Honda Integra, known for its lightweight design and powerful engine. It is highly regarded in the car enthusiast community for its handling and driving experience.
Honda NSX
"...but the nsx is just I mean that is the top Honda, you know"
The Honda NSX is a famous sports car from Honda that is known for being fast and fun to drive. It has a unique design and was one of the first cars to use a lot of modern technology in its construction.
The Honda NSX is a high-performance sports car that was first introduced in the late 1980s. It is known for its mid-engine layout, lightweight construction, and advanced technology, making it a standout in the sports car segment.
V6 engine
"...they've kind of like got hybrid electric motors in the front, you know, and they're still running that v6..."
A V6 engine has six cylinders arranged in a V shape. It's a common type of engine that offers a mix of power and fuel efficiency.
A V6 engine is a six-cylinder engine arranged in a V configuration. It is known for providing a good balance of power and efficiency, making it popular in many sports and luxury cars.
Laguna Blue
"It was painted laguna blue. I mean it came laguna blue original colors"
Laguna Blue is a bright blue color that was used for the Acura NSX. It's one of the original colors that makes the car stand out.
Laguna Blue is a specific paint color used on the Acura NSX, known for its vibrant and striking appearance. It is one of the original colors offered for this model, making it distinctive and sought after by collectors.
DeLorean
"...I'll bring my DeLorean up there..."
The DeLorean is a unique car famous for its shiny metal body and doors that open upwards. It's well-known because of its role in a popular movie series.
The DeLorean is a sports car manufactured by the DeLorean Motor Company, known for its distinctive stainless steel body and gull-wing doors. It gained fame from its appearance in the 'Back to the Future' movie franchise.
Cybertruck
"...I'm seeing more and more cyber trucks down here speaking of stainless steel..."
The Cybertruck is a futuristic electric truck made by Tesla. It has a very unique shape and is made from strong metal, making it look different from regular trucks.
The Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck designed by Tesla, characterized by its angular design and durable exoskeleton made of stainless steel. It aims to combine utility with advanced technology.
metallic paint
"So when we're talking about flake in a paint... It's it's actually an aluminum"
Metallic paint is a special kind of paint that has tiny bits of metal in it. These bits make the paint sparkle and shine, making the car look more attractive.
Metallic paint contains small metallic particles that give the paint a shimmering effect. This type of paint is often used in automotive finishes to enhance the visual appeal of the vehicle.
flake
"And flake is that little... what is that?"
Flake is the tiny bits added to car paint that make it sparkle. They help the paint look shiny and interesting, rather than just flat.
In automotive painting, 'flake' refers to the small particles added to paint to create a glittering or shimmering effect. These flakes can be made from various materials, including aluminum, and are used to enhance the depth and richness of the paint finish.
aluminum
"It's it's actually an aluminum"
Aluminum is a light metal that is often used in car paint to make it shiny. It helps give the paint a special sparkle that looks nice on cars.
Aluminum is a lightweight metal commonly used in automotive applications, including in paint formulations to create a metallic finish. Its reflective properties make it ideal for enhancing the visual appeal of painted surfaces.
chameleon paint jobs
"...how to get the angle of that prism to immediately change. So is that flake? That's or there's got to be some sort of tiny piece in there that's reflecting the light from different angles..."
Chameleon paint jobs are special car paints that look different from different angles. They use unique colors and materials to create this effect, making the car appear to change color as you move around it.
Chameleon paint jobs are a type of automotive finish that changes color depending on the angle of light and viewing angle. This effect is achieved through the use of special pigments and flakes that reflect light in various ways, creating a dynamic appearance.
Ferrari 365 Ferrari
"...her end paint jobs, you know, like I have a, um, 365 ferrari, you know 69 ferrari 365 two by two sitting over ..."
The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 is a classic sports car from the late 1960s that is known for being very fast and stylish. It's a favorite among car collectors because of its beautiful design and powerful engine.
The Ferrari 365 GTB/4, also known as the Daytona, is a classic sports car produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Renowned for its powerful V12 engine and sleek design, it represents a significant era in Ferrari's history and is highly sought after by collectors.
Ford Bronco
"...Um, if you look on the instagram there, there's a bronco that we did Um, we had, you know, we had an enti..."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that can handle rough roads and off-roading adventures. It's been around for a long time and is popular for people who love outdoor activities.
The Ford Bronco is an iconic SUV that has been a symbol of off-road capability since its debut in the 1960s. Recently revived, the Bronco is celebrated for its rugged design and versatility, appealing to both classic car enthusiasts and modern adventurers.
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