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
