September 11th, 2011 by cheapcar

Customizing Cars

Even with the rising prices of gas and other petroleum products, car and truck owners still find time (and cash) to speckle their rides and make them sights to behold on the road.

From dashboard covers to seat modifications and floor matting, trends in customizing cars, SUVs, and trucks are booming increasingly.

While standard car interiors are very much acceptable to anyone’s standards, their color and design scheme tend to get boring over time. Adding a personal touch to a car or an SUV’s interior, say custom seat covers, can definitely add some oomph to a car’s value and appeal.

The latest trend in modified custom seat covers include camouflage patterns that give cars an army vibe, snakeskin seat coverings that create an exotic feel, and, for the family man, adjustable toddler travel seat with custom seat covers that have infant designs and squiggles.

There are many designs and materials a car owner can choose from if he wants to make some major adjustments with the theme of his car custom seat covers. A few good choices include:

• Tiger;
• Zebra;
• Neoprene;
• Sheepskin;
• Aztec.

Then there are those who try bolder alternatives in changing the inside feel of a car when it comes to car seats — replacing the seats themselves, not just the covers.

Aluminum racing-inspired seats for trucks and cars are rising in terms of popularity, and they are fast becoming the choice car seat replacement for drivers who have the need for speed (but can’t get past 60mph without getting flashed by the Highway Patrol). Some of the latest models include:

• Sprint racing-inspired car seats;
• Go-Kart race seats;
• Drift racing car seats.

But while car seats and their covers and designs are perhaps the most apparent detail inside a car, the dashboard is also up to get some attention. Customizing dashboard covers is one way of complementing a car’s or truck’s seat covering schemes.

Customizing kits for dashboards and steering wheels are very easy to find. Regardless of the car owner’s expertise in dismantling and rearranging the insides of his vehicle, experts suggest that changing dashboard covers be done by professionals.

For those who want to change their dashboards on their own, matching the dash covers with the theme of the seat coverings is important. Wise drivers know that over time, cheap dashboard covers may fray, and it is advised to use dashboard coverings made of needlepoint carpet or velour mats. Both have their pros and cons but overall, both types of dash covers perform extremely well.

Customizing a vehicle’s interior also includes branded and custom floor mats for cars, trucks, and SUVs. Though they are barely noticed by the passengers’ eyes, a car’s floor matting system also adds to a vehicle’s overall inside vibe.

Trends in floor mats for trucks and cars include having them modified. Floor matting systems can be embroidered with the owner’s name or a company logo to add some personal touch. Other floor covers include all-weather floor mattings, and carpet-like floor mats.

Customizing a vehicle’s interior entails a lot of things to consider, and colors and themes to choose from, but the whole point of the matter is that a man needs to be comfortable in and proud of their machines.

About the Author:

Dan Bodrero has owned and operated his own store, manufacturing and selling seatcovers:  and dashboard mats:  for nearly every make and model of car truck or SUV. Dan takes pride in the quality of his workmanship. Each custom made seat cover is hand crafted from quality materials and is guaranteed to protect your automobile and fit securely and snugly.

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September 10th, 2011 by cheapcar

To get a Free Body Kit

If you stopped to think about it right now, how many different types of cars and trucks do you think are on the road?

Lets not forget, for each model car alone you could have a 2 door version, a 4 door version, a convertible, an S, an SE, an SL, a CVT and now maybe even a hybrid. What we just described was a 2009 Altima. That one car has all of these versions alone.

Then how about a truck? Think about it – we have a regular cab, extended cab, crew cab, short bed, long bed, heavy duty, super duty, flare side, 1500, 2500, 3500 – should I go on?

That’s just one brand of truck, one year. So how many versions are on the road? Well when you find out please let me know!

It seems almost endless, and that’s what makes it so difficult for auto accessories manufacturers. It’s almost impossible for them to locate each and every year, make, model and style of vehicle.

That’s when they reach out to their customers, their fans, friends, and just car nuts in general. They need more cars brought into their shop so they can be custom fitted for auto accessories.

Many of these body kit manufacturers are located in southern California. They are looking to expand their body kit product line, but they cant create new body kits and ground effects without some help.

They are looking for vehicles to bring in to their facility for prototyping. If you happen to live in southern California then you are half way there.

If you do some legwork, you can get yourself a free body kit from one of the manufacturers. This is more common than you think.

If you let the manufacturers use your car, they will make molds from your parts to create new carbon fiber and duraflex body kits.

In turn they will give you a free body kit just for letting them make the molds from your car or truck. The vehicle should not be your daily driver because you may have to leave it with them for 2-3 weeks, and you should be located in the same area where the main office is for that particular manufacturer.

For helping with the prototyping process, you will get a free body kit or ground effects kit in exchange for your time and use of your vehicle.

You really should contact the manufacturers to see if they still need your car. If you are chosen you will get a free fiberglass or carbon fiber body kit for that car!

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About the Author:
Mike Briglia is the owner of Custom Auto Trim, a auto accessories company based out of San Diego CA. Find more information on body kits at http://www.customautotrim.com/
Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com
Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/How-To-Get-A-Free-Body-Kit-For-Your-Car-Or-Truck/825191#ixzz128WqJ2G6
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives

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September 8th, 2011 by cheapcar

Pinstriping Your Vehicle

Prior to the invention of the car, pin striping was being used as ornamental decoration on horse drawn buggies, coaches and carriages.

However, the use of pinstripes to customize cars began to appear on them during the middle of the 1950′s. Even though it seems that pin striping had in fact been appearing on cars prior to this time and the last American car to appear with pin striping on it, straight from the factory, was made by General Motors towards the end of the 1930′s.

For many people who own muscle or sports cars today, customizing their vehicle is as important as actually owning and showing the vehicle off and pin striping seems to add those final finishing touches.

Normally pinstripes appear on a car using two colours, the first is used to help set off the body colour and then the second thinner line is used in a contrasting colour to make sure that the stripe actually stands out.

Nowadays, mechanical pin striping is the best method for applying stripes to larger vehicles such as trucks, vans or station wagons (RV’s). This system ensures that the stripes being laid down are of a constant width and allows you to focus more of your attention on getting the stripe placed correctly on the vehicles surface.

This can be done using magnetic pin striping strips with a central groove which is designed to be used as a paint template. They are specifically designed to hold fast on to any steel surface and can also be used a guide line for your hand when actually doing the work.

Another way of pin striping a vehicle is to use stencil tape. You will soon find that there are several kinds of stencil tape available which are suitable for using when carrying out pin striping on a car.

However, with this method you will need to use brushes and the purchasing of a pin striping brush is essential if you want the project to be a success. The benefit of this method is that you are able to apply different colour stripes to your vehicle without having to wait for the other stripes to dry.

The last method for pin striping is freehand and this is certainly the most difficult and requires a lot of practice before it is mastered fully. However, it does allow the person carrying out the pin striping to have more freedom in relation to what they create on their vehicle.

The best way any freehand pin striping newbie can do is to lay a strip of masking tape about ? inch down from where the finished line will be, then use this as a visual guide when painting on your stripes.

However, remember you should not use regular masking tape otherwise the pin striping paint will actually bleed under the edge. You can purchase auto body masking tape from any reputable automobile supply shop/store.

At the end of the day it does not matter which method of pin striping you decide to use, just remember it is a great way of making your car look that little bit different from the rest. But it is like anything else, practice makes perfect and by having the best equipment as well to use will help also.

For Free Tips and advice about Pinstriping and car customization visit Pinstriping Graphics

By Allison Thompson
Article Source

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September 7th, 2011 by cheapcar

Honda Civic Body Kits

So you own the Honda Civic? Don’t worry about styling, as there is a huge variety of different parts available in the market, from which you may easily select a different one. After all Honda Civic is the most sought after Japanese car in the market!

Since Honda is such a powerful name in itself, it is expected to have styling that suits its stature. Thus, it is advisable to select such styling that is a powerhouse of class and potential.

If with the appearance the power shows, then with a custom body kit, sitting inside the car one should be able to feel that power too. There is no doubt that customization has to be a head turner.

Since Honda Civic is the most famous car in the market these days, its obvious that there is a huge assortment of power puffed performance oriented customization options.

There is a wide range to select from like:

• body kits,
• tires,
• tail lights,
• seats,
• spoilers,
• side skirts and much more

The most popular amongst these are body kits, as they save you a lot of money and give an out of the world look to your Civic.

While selecting customization kits, you should keep some things in mind, like choosing a right material for your body kit and getting it fitted by a professional.

Whatever you select should suit your Civic, like selecting the right curve that looks good with your civic. you may choose between flat and curved.

Similarly there are fiberglass, urethane and even carbon fiber body kits on the market. So for your customization you should first have an idea about each, only then calculating the plus and minuses of a kit, then proceed with your customising. This is to ensure that you don’t end up at a loss, when you have already spent so much in buying the car.

The next thing to keep in mind, is that these custom body kits even offer some added aerodynamics to your car, not just enhancing its appearance. Thus don’t go to just any shop that sells body kits and side skirts. Go to an authentic shop which specializes in Civic side skirts.

These shops may even employ professionals to fit the side skirts into your car, which is a better option because when you spend so much money buying your desired side skirts, spending so much time and energy, its recommended to use the services of a professional to avoid any kind of damage to your precious vehicle.

Although custom styling is quite common these days, still take precautions to avoid any kind of damage to your car.

Posted By Mad Motors
About the Author:
There are many online companies that offer you the services for bodykits and make it easier for you to order online.

Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Select-From-A-Wide-Variety-Of-Civic-Styling/530000#ixzz128aaQSzq
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution No Derivatives

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September 5th, 2011 by cheapcar

Customizing Your Car Interior

You can improve the comfort and style of your vehicle with cool car interior accessories. From funky seat covers to gear organizers, accessories are a quick and inexpensive way to add a little extra style to your car.
Types of Cool Car Interior Accessories

Want the feel of a new car without the new car payment? Buying some cool accessories is a great way to make your old car feel new again. With many commuters spending around two hours in the car each day, car accessories can also add to your quality of life.

Wondering which accessories are right for you? When it comes to car products, there are gadgets that perform a function, accessories that simply add style, and lots of products that fall somewhere in between. No matter what you’re looking for, the Internet is sure to have a car accessory that will meet your needs.

* Floor Mats: The ultimate practical car purchase, new floor mats can be a big upgrade for your car’s interior. They also help protect your vehicle’s carpet from snow, mud, and rain.
* Seat Covers: If you want to quickly update the appearance of your car, look no further than seat covers. In a matter of moments, you can hide stained and ripped upholstery.
* Shift Knobs: Customizing your car is easy and inexpensive when you replace your factory-installed shift knob with a more stylish alternative. Whether you drive an automatic or a manual transmission, you can find shift knobs to fit your car.
* Interior Lights: Replacing map lights and other interior lights can dramatically change the mood of your car. Aftermarket interior lights are available in a variety of styles and colors.
* Organizers: Anyone who has kids or participates in sports knows how quickly clutter can take over your vehicles. Cargo bags and organizers can fix this problem. There are products to help you keep track of everything from kids’ toys to pet gear.
* Air Fresheners: When you first bought your vehicle, you probably really enjoyed that new car smell. However, all it takes is dirty gym shoes, wet dogs, or spilled food to make your car smell bad. Air fresheners, which are available in a variety of scents and styles, can bring back that new car scent.
* Pedal Sets: Do you drive a minivan but wish you drove a race car? Replacing your car’s pedals is one way to give your vehicle that sporty feel. Aftermarket pedals are available in many styles and colors, and they are an inexpensive way to customize your vehicle’s interior.
* Mirrors: Whether you need to see if your kids are behaving in the backseat or want to get a better view of the road behind you, you can buy larger mirrors to enhance the safety of your vehicle. Installation is easy, and most mirrors are very inexpensive.
* Seatbelt Pad: With all the time most people spend in the car, it’s common to get some abrasion from your seat belt shoulder strap. You can make your commute more comfortable with a seat belt shoulder pad.
* Electronics: A new car stereo, a GPS unit, or a hands-free cell phone device can make a big difference in how you feel about your vehicle. You can also invest in an anti-theft device to safeguard your car.

By Kate Miller-Wilson

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