I've never been a big car customizer. I usually buy my cars with my options just checked on the order form. But in the spirit of the TV show Pimp My Ride, I decided to let my hair down *snicker* and do something different to my new car. But what?
The first thing that came to mind was some 26" chrome wheels and low profile tires, but I'm not prepared to pay big bucks to replace the dental work likely to be shaken loose by the rough ride.
Then I thought about one of those 26-speaker, 4000 watt audio systems, but remembered I'm not all that impressed with today's music.
What I decided on was something a bit less flamboyant, but something likely to keep my car looking showroom new for years. Something like this...
What do you think? Like it?
What I splurged on was the application of a top-quality paint protection film on the front end, fenders, and hood to save my car from the thousands of little rocks and dirt clods that fall off all those #$%& construction trucks every day here in Dallas.
The owner, Brian Martin ^, could be the poster child for anal retentiveness. *And I thought I was bad!* I watched as he washed the car that I had just washed, then used a clay bar to get it cleaner still. Then he touched up a couple of almost microscopic chips I couldn't begin to see. Finally he slowly, meticulously, applied his miracle film.
My friend Neil did this to his new car years ago and it still looks perfect. I see it all the time on the fancy autos at Cars and Coffee...the Audi's, Mercedes', BMW's, Lexus's, Ferrari's, Lambo's, etc. While my car is juuuuust a bit more modest, I still think it's worth it.
My friend Neil did this to his new car years ago and it still looks perfect. I see it all the time on the fancy autos at Cars and Coffee...the Audi's, Mercedes', BMW's, Lexus's, Ferrari's, Lambo's, etc. While my car is juuuuust a bit more modest, I still think it's worth it.
In my research (yes, I even researched this) I learned that most film applicators use pre-cut pieces that are much easier to just slap on, but don't fit well at all. The average slug might not see it, but I knew I would. Brian uses full sheets of film, then cuts them to wrap under the hood and fender edges, making it virtually invisible.
It took him all day, and then I left my car with him overnight to make sure everything "cured" just right. When I picked it up the next day I could not see it. Kudos, Brian!
So okay, maybe it's Pimp Lite. Ya' think it needs anything more? Curb feelers maybe? Gangster white walls? Oooo....I know....
Hey, this is Texas. :)
Full disclosure: I received absolutely nothing for this review, dammit! But I do like to see small entrepreneurs who do a truly superior job get the credit they deserve. If you live in the Dallas/Foat Wuth area and value your car as much as I value mine, I sincerely recommend you go see Brian. His website is www.invisibra.net
S
Like the color of your car. Flashy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bill. Lighter colors are best here in HOT Texas. As I'm just tired of silver, and my last car was white, this candy apple red is about as dark as I want to go. Everything else was black, dark blue, dark gray....no thanks. Too hot, and too hard to keep clean looking.
DeleteI'd consider having this done to Mrs. Chatterbox's BMW if he were closer to Portland.
ReplyDeleteI''ll leave this reply to both you and Betina: I'm sure something similar is available coast-to-coast. There are several different brands of film, all fairly comparable, but the BIG difference is with the applicator. Check out Brian's website carefully and he can give you pointers on what is good and what isn't, and what to look for. This stuff isn't cheap, but I think having it will pay dividends at resale time. I hate buying a new car, then day 2 having a rock bounce off a trailer hauling a bulldozer or whatever and hit my hood or fender. As I mentioned my friend Neil applied this to his new car years ago and it still looks perfect. To me it adds to the pride of ownership experience. That, plus I'm anal. :)
DeleteYour last paragraph answered the question I was going to ask...is this available everywhere? I agree - small entrepreneurs doing a great job deserve all the great word of mouth they get!
ReplyDeleteNow I'm waiting for your next blog post, the one where you get the horns put on your car. ;-)
Betina, see the reply comment I left for you and Stephen above. Now about those horns....I'm not sure either of us will live long enough for that to happen. :)
DeleteDid you get undercoating? I've heard undercoating was car dealers code for $500.
ReplyDeleteNo, that's a ripoff. This stuff actually protects the paint from stone chips. A big enough rock will still leave a dent, but anything small marble size will just bounce off.
DeleteI may have to have that done to our car. Thanks for the tip.
ReplyDeleteIf we ever buy a NEW car we might get that done. Our "new" cars usually already come with some dings in them (which, frankly, makes me less nervous to drive them - ha!).
ReplyDeleteYou have retooled your car well, and have spent your money wisely. It’s great that you prioritized function over aesthetics, though not completely sacrificing it. It's one thing that your car stands out; it's another that it actually lasts, and that its surface is protected from dust clouds and debris. Have fun with your amazing car!
ReplyDeleteMicheal Miller @ Butler Kia Fishers
The best time that I found to go car shopping was an hour before closing. These guys want to get home to their families and will tend to wrap things up faster, make better deals, and eliminate all that having to talk to their manager crap they pull when they have you hostage for several hours during the day.
ReplyDeleteChristopher @ Subaru Of Bend
Never show up to the car dealer and expect the salesman to give you the best deal without knowing how low you can actually go. Spend time on different blue book sites and dig deep to see the best possible prices so when they have to speak to their manager they will know you are not playing games and will deal fast.
ReplyDeleteDiana Hayes @ Baldwin Subaru
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ReplyDelete