For many people, a just-off-the-assembly-line car is enough. For others, though, the conventional just isn’t enough. If you’ve developed a fixation for a full automotive makeover or just want to make your car a little bit more “you,” customization is the answer. And while you should never jump into a project as major as overhauling your car’s body or electronics yourself, there are some things that the less mechanically inclined can do to personalize your ride over a weekend. Note: Before making any modifications to your vehicle, check the rules in your province regarding car customization.
Installing Vinyl Graphics
Before you apply any decals to your vehicle, plot out where they’re going to go and mark the outline with tape. Next, remove any wax or fingerprints on the surface using alcohol or special cleansers. Douse the surface where you’re applying the decal with the wetting agent and peel the backing off the graphic, being careful not to tear the decal or leave any of the backing behind. Apply the graphic and reposition as necessary. Remove the wetting agent with a squeegee and peel off the transfer film. If you accidentally leave any water bubbles beneath the surface, puncture them with a pin and run your squeegee over the decal again.
If you can, try to steer clear of large, single-piece graphics like flags or team logos. These designs are typically harder to position, and the larger the design, the more of your vehicle’s curves and angles it will cover, increasing the risk of tearing and distortion. Also, make sure the paint on the area you’re applying the graphic to is in good shape; hiding rust spots with vinyl graphics won’t fool anyone.
Removing Decals and Bumper Stickers
Now that we’ve shown you how to put them on, we should probably discuss how to remove graphics, decals and bumper stickers. In most cases, these items should just peel off without much trouble. But others can be stubborn, especially if they’ve been exposed to sunlight for many years. The sun’s ultraviolet rays dry out the adhesive that holds these graphics in place, often making them too brittle to peel off. The dried-up adhesive doesn’t come off easily, and scraping it off will damage your vehicle’s paint.
If you’re having trouble removing an old decal or bumper sticker, try heating it with a hair dryer or heat gun for a few minutes. This should soften both the adhesive residue and the vinyl film of the graphic itself, loosening them up enough to remove. If that doesn’t work, try using a quality solvent (ask at your nearby garage or hardware store for a recommendation). For particularly tenacious decals, you may need something stronger. There are aerosols on the market specially made for these sorts of jobs, but be careful—these products are especially powerful. If misapplied, they loosen the adhesives that hold exterior trim to your car’s body panels.
Aftermarket Accessories
In our individualistic world, it was only logical that cars—long an important means of personal expression—would become customizable to the nth degree. Many drivers these days go so far as to purchase new cars with no factory options at all, preferring to install their own accessories, stereo systems and even seating. The aftermarket industry is big, offering a galaxy of body parts, electronics and optional equipment tailor-made to specific tastes.
Not all aftermarket accessories are merely ego satisfying. GPS navigation systems can be a boon to drivers travelling long distances or to unfamiliar cities, while some claim that bed covers can improve the fuel efficiency of pickups. And custom seat covers can protect your car’s original seats from wear and tear, further adding to the vehicle’s resale value.
Some items, such as stereos and GPS systems, can be relatively easy for the average person to install. But if you’re thinking of customizing your vehicle with spoilers, air dams or other parts, make sure you know what you’re doing before you start. A good body shop should be able to perform the more complicated work for a reasonable price, but fixing your mistakes will, of course, add to the bill.
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