The Pros and Cons of Customizing Cars

Maybe you've got some time on your hands and you're thinking about customizing cars as a hobby? Before you blind yourself checking the classified ads online and in the news, check out the completed models you see cruising down the street. Focus on what exactly that you hope to accomplish with an accessory or two and some custom paint.



Let me caution you that this is not a game for sissies or the faint of heart or wallet. Accomplished customizers spend years of their valuable time perfecting their craft and shooting for cool paint jobs for cars. Not to mention their dollars that are spent on any given project. Am I trying to discourage you from pursuing your dream? I would never do that in a million years. Would it matter if I did? If you are that easily discouraged, maybe you ought to sell that shell of a Corvette that you had hoped to bring back to its former glory. You can make the most ragged used car look great with some of the cool car paint colors out there.

If you're still with me, then maybe you have what it takes to successfully begin customizing cars. You may even be able at some point to accomplish a really cool paint job on cars.

If you're truly a beginner, I'll bring you up to speed on some stuff that you will need to study on.

• Engine Repair
• Auto Body Repair
• Custom Painting
• Custom Accessorizing
• Upholstery

It helps to know which automobile you want to customize and to realize that you are quite a distance away from entering any custom auto shows. Shop the online auctions for your dream car sporting cool car paint colors and design. Educate yourself as to what cars are selling for and why some pull premium prices and some are bargains.

Make a list of the used parts that you will need to restore the interior and exterior. Carefully inventory these sought after items and if you luck upon a rare piece of equipment that you already have in the garage, consider making a trade with another guy that may have need of it.

Many popular classics have large communities of people chatting about customizing cars of this type. This is a valuable resource, do not abuse it. Lurk awhile, seach the archives to see if your particular problem has already been addressed before posting any questions. The same protocol is followed for offering tips and suggestions. Don't blast out of the gate giving advice until you have established yourself as a member and a respected presence within the group. Each internet community has voices of authority whose posts are read with interest. Show some respect and consideration. Ease into the waters gently without making waves and eventually de-lurk and make your presence known. Make your initial introduction and then keep your mouth shut and your eyes and ears open! As my grandmother used to say, "Pay attention you just might learn something!" Once you have paid your dues, make it your business to network with the other members of the online forums and newsgroups.

One of the lessons you may learn is that the hobby of customizing cars is not limited to men. Once upon a time this may have been a masculine pursuit, but not any more! More and more women, ladies, girls, chicks or whatever name you have tagged the more feminine body shop workers are infiltrating the ranks. There are quite a few top rated restorers that are gals!

Buy vintage repair manuals for your particular make and model. Study color pictures of this auto and how other techs and hobbyists have painted and accessorized it. Photographs in magazines are great for getting ideas for customizing cars and motorcycles with custom paint jobs. You will begin to have your own ideas and personal taste for customizing cars. Get some background and learn how to proceed with taste and respect for these old vehicles and the community of hobbyists that work with them on a regular basis. Many are regular contributors to GoGoCycles Used Motorcycles for Sale so stick around and you might learn a trick or two!