How to Customize a Pick Up Truck
No two pickup trucks need to look alike since there are literally thousands of different customization combinations that can easily be ordered and installed---either by you or a professional.
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Instructions
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Create an idea file and customization and receipt record book for your pickup truck out of a folder or notebook. Print a copy of the truck customization checklist for a starting point or to act as a cover page for your truck customization idea file or notebook.
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Search through websites that offer customization options for pickup trucks such as lmctruck.com and truckaccessorywholesale.com (see "Resources"). Order the appropriate free customization catalogs for your pickup truck's specific year, make and model.
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Print out the customization options and accessories for your truck. Add any customized truck or vehicle photos that catch your eye to your folder pockets or notebook binder. For inspiring paint jobs as well as to see accessorized pickup trucks, view photo galleries at websites like Chevy Heaven Photo Gallery and Custom Classic Trucks (see "Resources"). Even if your truck is not a classic, you will see many illustrations of paint and accessory customizations.
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Determine your desired suspension and tire profile for your truck. Some pickup truck owners prefer to lift their trucks with a kit and add large tires, while others slam their trucks and have low profile tires with rims and spinners installed. If you desire hydraulics, order a kit and hire a professional to install it.
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Customize your pickup truck's paint job. Customization can be as simple as adding a custom detail stripe or small custom design or image to your pickup or as intensive as painting your truck an entire new color or color scheme with designs. There are also stripes available in sticker form that have metallic paint flecks---these are used on the new Mustangs and form so well to the body of the vehicle that you must look under the hood or truck to find the seam.
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Customize the interior of your pickup by adding seat head rest covers or full seat covers, customized truck floor mats and an upgraded sound system with a removable face or CD/navigation system combo. Consider other custom truck accessories like steering wheel covers, shift covers, CD holders and beverage holders.
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Select and purchase the appropriate accessories if your pickup truck will serve additional duties. For instance, towing large boats might require a stronger tow hitch. If your pickup truck doubles as a work truck, consider installing a bed liner and a locking tool bench. For camping enthusiasts, many options like bed covers, bed extenders, bike racks and mud flaps can make your pickup serve your hobby better. Pickup trucks used for hunting or fishing can be customized with hunting stands or fishing pole holders.
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Tips & Warnings
Print out any customization ideas you like, even if on a classic car or motorcycle.
Artists and professionals will be able to incorporate the ideas to fit your pickup truck.
Budget your customization schedule for your pickup---customizing your pickup over time will allow you to save up to purchase higher-quality truck accessories than trying to do it all at once.
Keep all receipts in your customization folder or notebook---these receipts will serve as a record for your customization and illustrate the cost of your upgrades, which can increase the value of your pick up truck for a future buyer.
Remember that paint will look different under different lighting and with different finishes---always keep this in mind as you plan your paint job.
