Thursday, May 22, 2014
Tips on a Custom Car Interior
Lots of people redesign their cars exterior, but remodeling the interior can make a car truly distinct. If you want your car to really express your personality, consider changing up the interior. Decide on a budget first, since customizing a car can become a never-ending process that costs a lot of money unless you set boundaries. Doing it yourself can greatly reduce the cost.
Your Cars Theme
Without a theme, you could end up with a bunch of random accessories and styles instead of a stylish, consistent look. Looking at your car from the outside, ask yourself how you would describe it--bold and trendy, sporty and adventurous, or cute and playful. If youre customizing the exterior too, imagine the look you want to create and think of how youd describe it. Jot down any words that come to mind, and any colors, textures, and accessories that fit that theme.
Use Ergonomic Design
If replacing seats, choose ones that are designed to give you proper support and let you change positions as needed, as Dennis W. Parks says in his book "How to Restore and Customize Auto Upholstery and Interiors." If restoring a vintage car that wont be driven much, using the original seats that came with the vehicle is fine. However, if you expect to drive the vehicle frequently, choose a more ergonomic design, meaning a design that helps the body to stay properly aligned for maximum comfort and health. Such designs often incorporate lumbar supports and numerous other features.
Consider Reshaping Hardware
Some car designers reshape consoles, dashboards and other interior components. As Parks illustrations in his book show, some console have a trendy concave top and back, sloping elegantly to the floor. Designers often use nontraditional colors, too, or select a new material like chrome or wood. Some serious enthusiasts design new storage spaces or weld on new accessories too, but visibility and accessibility should always remain priority.
Use Patterns Sparingly
Parks suggests to stick to no more than three or four patterns and colors. For instance, you might have black vinyl seating, a geometric fabric on the walls and a dashboard that matches the exterior. Too much becomes overwhelming. If using a bold print on the walls, dont add a contrasting pattern on the floor.
Choose Complementary Textures
Similarly, stick to textures that complement rather than clash with each other, as Parks says--vinyl and crushed velour dont mix. Match natural materials or those with a more industrial feel, pairing chrome with vinyl, not wood. Taking an upholstery class can give you all the skills you need to do that part of the job yourself, says Jim Richardson in "Classic Car Restorers Handbook." Compare swatches of your fabrics at midday so the angle of sunlight wont distort your perception of the colors, he suggests.
Lighting and Sound
Some people add LED light strips or patches to their car interiors for a neon glow. Others use dome or underbody light, or lights that can change color. Always make sure these extras wont affect your driving or the safety of others on the road, and that they comply with laws. Many people add a new CD player or a more powerful stereo to make driving more enjoyable, too.
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