I've been around the scene since 92 and back then it was experimenting and trial by error.
Parts were expensive and hard to come by. I recall the excitement when someone would lower their car or got a k&n intake. hahaha
1. where do you get your mod info from?
magazines, word of mouth, friends
2. how do you visualize the mods on your car?
I don't know if anyone did this, but we'd take a sideview pic and cut around the fender well and then lower the picture and tape it back...so it looks lower.
Then cut out some wheels and put them up to the pic. (our version of photoshop)
3. where/how would you order your mods?
Order through your local shop or if they didn't carry it, you'd call the company directly.
4. where do you find DYIs?
DYI's were non-existant. You try it yourself and if you need help, you call a buddy over or take it to the shop.
5. how do you connect with other enthusiasts?
Usually it's through car clubs or your circle of friends.