Event draws 'booming' vehicles

The cars are decked out more than the North Pole at Christmas, inside and out. From customized antennas to specialized muffler tips, the proud owners of these vivacious vehicles sport more than just a booming bass.

Vehicles from throughout Georgia came to show off and sound off their shiny systems at the CSRA Autofest in the Columbia Square Parking lot in front of the old Rose's store Saturday.

"We didn't know what kind of turnout we'd have but (this morning) we have already had 70 cars drive up," said Dan Monroes, the event's co-promoter. "We plan to make this an annual event."

On display was the car that currently hold the world title for having the best sound quality, according to owner and car re-designer Scott Buwalda .

"When I was 16 years old, I needed a sound system for my car and I started getting into more than just improving the sound system over the years," Buwalda said.

He can now control 120 functions in his car with the click of the mouse on his laptop computer. He has installed a 12-inch subwoofer speaker in the center of his 1995 Nissan 240SX SE. He even has a website dedicated to his car: www.concertcar.com.

"I am a musician and this hobby is not just about loudness but is about music. It's about replacing factory speakers and being able to reproduce the sound of a live performance," Buwalda said.

Car owners compete in the categories of sound quality levels and sound bass levels. In 1998, he was named the Expert World Champion for sound bass level and is on his way to winning top honors again this year.

"So far, we have had a perfect season so far, winning all the competitions," he said. "We will be going to the Sound Looks and Performances World Finals in Atlanta this September."

Edwardo Bryant and Angela Wilson, both of Jonesboro, Ga. drove their car, called Furious, to the show and brought some of the car's trophies to put on display.

"I'm in the Marine Corps and (working on this car) was something that my fiancee Angela and I could enjoy together," Bryant said. "We've still got a lot of work to do on it (but) we have finished in the top 40 in some competitions already."

While there are prizes, sponsorships and titles for winning, Buwalda still considers this his hobby.

"I don't make much money at it but I enjoy it," Buwalda said.