From LoveToKnow Cars
Custom cars really didn’t become popular until the 1950s. Most vehicles were mass-produced and didn’t vary much other than by exterior color. Whether customizing was inspired by the television show Happy Days or the desired hot rods of the day, once custom cars hit the streets there was no stopping them.
Customizing includes engine and transmission modifications, fancy wheels and paint schemes that wow a crowd. Most people who customize their cars will tell you that less is more, and that small decals aren’t the ticket if you want to impress during a fast ride-by.
What happened to start this rage of the custom car? The first custom cars were ones painted in bold colors with white-wall tires. Later, car owners took their cars to paint shops with their own designs or let the painter go at it. Flares, flames, and fire were the rage in the 1950s and 1960s.
Soon after, these owners lowered the body carriages, giving the "hot rod" fame. Some auto manufacturers designed custom cars for professional race drivers and then produced limited editions for the public. Finally, it wasn’t just the exterior anymore, interiors were customized too and included things like fancy steering wheels, leopard seats, fuzzy fan dangles and just about anything else in the interior that could be easily removed, redefined, and replaced.
How to Design Your Own Custom Car
According to Your Custom Car, there are some things you’ll need to decide upon before you begin to customize your car.
* Decide On Your Ride – There are many types of custom cars including hot rods, low riders, and just show cars. Decide which one is right for you.
* Budget – What can you afford? How much leftover income do you have after your monthly expenses? Keep in mind that the price of customizing your car depends on whether you do it on your own or have a professional complete the job. Also, because you are creating a custom car, your insurance premium may go up. Use a spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel to figure out how much you’ll need. Another tip to remember is that once your car is customized it will go up in value.
* Plan Your Schedule – How much time can you dedicate to customizing your ride? Will you be working on weekends, on days off or in the evenings?
* Where Will You Complete the Job? – This is essential when customizing a car. If you plan on using your garage, do you have enough room? Your Custom Car’s build page offers great tips on getting your build site or garage up to speed.
* Tools and More – Do you have all the tools you’ll need? Again, visit Your Custom Car’s Tool List to determine what you’ll need.
* Custom Elements – What parts of your car will you be customizing? Even if you’re not an artist, try and draw ideas for the body, engine, interior, and the wheels you want.
* Mechanic Check – If you’re not a mechanic, after you’re done customizing, take your ride to your local technician and make sure everything is running up to par. Have them check the car’s alignment as well.
* Keep It Clean – Now that you have designed your own custom car and it’s ready to hit the streets, make sure you keep it clean and get it regularly serviced. Don’t let all that money go to waste.
Where to Find Ideas For Your Ride
Many auto body and paint shops, as well as national parts retailers, offer restoration ideas. You can also find tips on the Internet for customizing your car. One such website, Currie Enterpises is a great place to search for parts and accessories.
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