Think back to when you were a kid and you found your ideal, dream car you swore you would own one day. Now is the time to rekindle that dream and make it a reality. In today’s blog we are going to provide you with an easy step-by-step guide to follow that will help you design your dream car with ease. This can seem like a daunting process, however, it doesn’t have to be. – We are here to help. So, let’s get started!
A Brief History of Car Modification
If you are taking the leap to design your own custom car or modify existing cars to match your dream design, you might be interested to learn a bit about its history. So, let’s dive right in.
During World War II, popular car modifications often included running boards and the addition of fenders over the wheels. Some cars also had altered suspension and engine modification to help the vehicle reach optimal performance and increase the engine’s power output and durability.
As time progressed, decorative paint customizations, engine swaps, and popular customization themes became more commonplace.
Now, there is an array of car customization options available to car enthusiasts, from interior light kits to stylish interior trim and upholstery, the customization options are endless, which leaves a lot of room for car owners, like yourself, to express creativity and personal style.
Exterior Color Choices and Wrap Options
One of the many options available to you when you’re customizing your car’s exterior is color choices and wraps. First, let’s talk about exterior color options. Some of the most popular exterior color options this year include grays, reds, and blues. But, if you are looking to make your ride really pop, and are going for a unique look, rest assured that many manufacturers offer bold exterior colors, such as different shades of orange, green, and yellow. The fun part about designing a custom car is that you get to choose a design and color scheme that you are in love with.
Another extremely popular way to customize the outside of your car is a vinyl wrap. A vinyl wrap is cheaper than a custom paint job, has a faster turnaround time, is removable (not permanent so you can play around!), and can be customized with digital printed designs. A common concern with vinyl wrapping is that it will cause damage to the painted surface of the vehicle and inflict stress on the original paint. If the wrap is properly applied, this is not too large a concern, as it shouldn’t cause any significant damage to the car’s exterior.
Interior Color Choices
Another customization option that you might consider when designing your dream car is the interior color. Depending on what color you choose for the interior, you can make your vehicle feel modern or luxurious. Ultimately, when selecting a color, choose something that complements the exterior and the history behind the vehicle, but also remember to make the car feel special to you. You may also want to pay special attention to trimming or design details that can make your car pop: adding white stitching to black leather just makes things POP.
When selecting the interior, you might consider choosing a color that is easy to care for and requires minimal upkeep. In addition, you might want to think about which colors are optimal for the environment that you live in and what seasons you are going to be primarily taking this car out for a spin.
Upgrades in Electronics
We all know that technology goes obsolete quickly, so keep current trends in mind, while constantly thinking about the future. In other words, don’t make anything permanent (just in case).
In recent years, cars have seen significant upgrades with their tech. Most of this tech can be installed in any car, with a little know-how. You can start by installing a remote-start kit. A remote-start kit allows you to start your vehicle from a distance by either using a remote fob or an app on your phone.
If you live in a colder climate, you know the chilling shivers that get sent down your spine upon sitting on an icy seat. A remote fob activates your car’s heater or defroster, helping your vehicle warm up before you even open the door. They can also be used to turn on the AC before you get to your vehicle. This is especially appealing during the summer months and will help cool down not only your seats, but also your steering wheel, saving you from blisters.
Now mandatory in cars since 2018, a rear backup camera helps with rear visibility when backing out of tight spaces. If your car doesn’t already have a backup camera installed, this is an upgrade that you will want to seriously consider. A backup camera helps you park and pull out of a space more quickly, as you are able to see the full scope of your surroundings behind you. This is especially valuable when pulling out of tight spaces. Backup cameras can also include a warning tone when your vehicle approaches an object, helping you avoid an accident. After spending all of that time and money refurbishing your vehicle, the last thing you want to do is damage it in a back up accident.
Convertible or Not?
The next question that you should ask yourself is whether or not you should customize the hardtop on your muscle car. One way you can do this is by painting the hardtop an accent color (red, white, or black) to give your car a unique touch. If the hood of your car has a racing stripe decal, you might also want to make your hardtop the same color, to complement the overall design.
If you already have a soft top and don’t want to make any modifications, it is still important to get a tune up and make sure that everything is in working order. This includes making sure that the power mechanisms are functioning properly before the summer months, so that you will not be missing out on prime summer driving time. Hydraulic systems are located throughout to help the convertible top open and collapse. If the frame of the convertible top bends over time, this can mess up the hydraulic lines and cause damage to the motors, leading to an expensive repair. To avoid this from happening, make sure to take your car in for regular maintenance checkups.
Time to Get Started!
Designing your custom vehicle can be one of the most exciting and enjoyable experiences of your life. The fun thing about designing your dream vehicle is that you are not at the mercy of manufacturers. You have the choice to customize every aspect to make it your dream car. It’s your car and you deserve to love it. If you need a little help getting your car to your “dream car” status, give us a call at 480-448-1183 or visit us online. We’ll be happy to help!
