How to Customize the Interior of Your Car
Customizing your car's interior is not only a perfect way to make your car more comfortable and accommodating, but it's also a great way to make it look more unusual. This is also a project that can be done in steps, since you can start with something as simple as a steering wheel or shift knob and then move on to larger aspects like replacing the seats or putting in a custom headliner.
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Things You'll Need
- Socket set and ratchet (for seat and trim removal)
- Screwdrivers (flat head and Phillips)
- Carpet adhesive (if installing new carpeting)
Instructions
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1
Install an aftermarket shift knob. One of the most common modifications done to a car's interior is the installation of some type of shift knob, whether it's an aluminum knob or a lighter one made of carbon fiber. These are available at auto parts stores or online.
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2
Install a smaller, sportier steering wheel. An aftermarket steering wheel is a great addition to any car's interior. There are many different companies like Grant and Sparco that make a wide range of wheels and adapter kits for most vehicles. Steering wheels are usually removed with a single center bolt, so installation is relatively easy.
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3
Cover the floor with custom floor mats or custom carpeting. Floor mats are available in a variety of styles and colors and will set off the interior nicely. You can also replace the carpeting with custom colored carpet or even dye your existing carpeting for a new look.
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4
Replace the stock seats with more sporty bucket seats made from leather or Alcantara (faux suede). A set of Sparco or Recaro sport seats is one of the most noticeable changes you can make to an interior. You can use either fixed bucket seats or adjustable seats that are more comfortable for everyday driving on the street. Aftermarket seat installation usually requires the use of adapters, which are available for most vehicles. This is also a good time to upgrade the interior with racing harnesses in place of the stock seat belts. These not only look cool, but add safety to the interior.
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5
Upgrade the gauges with race-inspired aftermarket gauges from a company like Autometer. If your car is turbocharged, you can start by adding a boost gauge that reads the amount of pressure being produced by the turbo. Any car, though, can benefit from the addition of cooler looking gauges. There are gauges that read everything from engine RPM to the temperature of your exhaust gasses.
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Replace the stock trim with cooler-looking aftermarket trim kits, which will replace the plain-looking plastic or vinyl trim in your car. There are a variety of different trim styles and materials to choose from, including carbon fiber, aluminum and stainless steel. Depending on the type of trim kit that you use, it may replace the existing trim or simply be glued over the trim.
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7
Install a custom headliner. Most factory headliners are made from material that is not that luxurious, so putting in an Alcantara (faux suede) or leather headliner will make a dramatic difference. Keep in mind that on many vehicles the installation of a headliner requires that the windows and interior trim be removed, so this is a job best handled by a professional shop.
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