Need tips on starting a car customizing business

I would really like to get into customizing cars. :grinno: Unfortunatly at this time I have little experience in this area, but would like to go to college to learn this trade. I've been a little fustrated due to the lack of information I've found so far. :banghead: I welcome any tips in this area including what type of profits could be made in this industry. Thanks

kidding me right, go back to fixing your bicycle
people like you bring down the true customizers

Hey jetts everyone needs to start somewhere, don't knock newbies wanting to learn something new. Also how am I bringing down the true customizers? All I'm asking for is information!

I would really like to get into customizing cars. :grinno: Unfortunatly at this time I have little experience in this area, but would like to go to college to learn this trade. I've been a little fustrated due to the lack of information I've found so far. :banghead: I welcome any tips in this area including what type of profits could be made in this industry. Thanks


So I'm not the only one...yea...
I have some ideas and I'm talkin with some friends of mine who have experence where i don't, conserning cars... so ya...

I would really like to get into customizing cars. :grinno: Unfortunatly at this time I have little experience in this area, but would like to go to college to learn this trade. I've been a little fustrated due to the lack of information I've found so far. :banghead: I welcome any tips in this area including what type of profits could be made in this industry. Thanks
Most useful info u can get is from some reputable customizers. they have experience and knowledge to back them up

I would really like to get into customizing cars. :grinno: Unfortunatly at this time I have little experience in this area, but would like to go to college to learn this trade. I've been a little fustrated due to the lack of information I've found so far. :banghead: I welcome any tips in this area including what type of profits could be made in this industry. Thanks


I have been collecting classic cars and trucks for over 30 years and had up to 28 cars and trucks ranging from Alfa Romeos to Volvos, corvettes, camaros and some ford trucks. I opened a shop to customize, repair, and sell collectible vehicles. As this wnet on my son opened my eyes to imports specifically Japanese imports as we purchased his first car a 1992 Prelude Si that we converted to JDM specs.

Anyway he is now going on 19 and will be attending Auburn University in Auburn Alabama. Auburn UNiversity has a mjor in computer engineering/design specifically for the auto industry. He hopes to complete his major in 3 years as he will be attending summer courses. His love and passion for cars is centered around not only having a god looking car but one that runs as well as she looks...specifically within the tunign side. WE redid our business plan and started a small local company called GTC MotorSports. We started by strictly doing body and interior customization...you know the usual stuff body kits, molding and shaving, custom paint jobs, custom interiors etc....now we have gotten into adding suspension systems and doing engine swaps.

My advice is there is a huge market out there and a lot of competitors who are taking young peoples money and delivering crap. We thought we could do it better but after a few years realize that it takes not only talented people to do the work but stable individuals who are team players and must possess a passion for their work. This is where the greatest challenges are reliable people who deliver consistent quality. We have had to redo customer cars more than once because our motto is "To create the ride of a lifetime". If our work is not good enough for my son and I than it is not good enough for our customers.

Is there money to be made? Yes! Are the headaches worth it? I decided that we are actually going to scale down to working on one car at a time and completing this car from the ground up...reduce the overhead( people, shop size) and improve quality that is manageable and controllable.

Dont be discouraged by others,,,,,identify your goal that hopefully compliments your passions and develop a roadmap that will help you achieve your personal and professional goals. Write down your goals were you can seeit every day and share these with others. Let your friends, family be aware of your goals so they can keep you focussed and real. Should your goals change along the way rewrite them and get focussed again. There will be detours along the ay of meeting your goals but remember " If you dont know where you are going any road will get you there"

Keep asking questions...do not be discouraged bu those who are quick to judge you and your ideas. You obviously have courage and initiative to post the question for all to see and judge. So use this to your advantage where you wil find strength to overcome diversity.Get on the net and check out the size of the industry, marketplace, what services wiill you be delivering and are these services/goods in line with what customers want? If you are contemplating a service/retail business find out how much space you will need( location location location), rent cost, utilities, insurance, licenses, tools, inventory, labor, advertising, signs, permits, maintenance/replacement of tools, material costs. than how much can your market bear for final cost to deliver these services/goods? DEVELOP A BUSINESSPLAN! There is profit to be made but by no means is this a get rich quick scheme. It will require attention to details and most importantly a love and passion for the business/industry.

I have been in the high tech business for 30 years and recently became ill which caused a major loss in income and ability to do things myself. Since this time I physically can not do much but I still have a brain and 30 years of experience as an enterprenuer. However, my past experience has taught me that you can make money at anything if you follow your passions, heart and mind.

I wish you great success and happiness and if I can be of further help you are welcome to email me at beaudeg@bellsouth.net

Thanx for the pointers...and the wishes... I really apprechiate it

Da Nada! Keep up your enthusiasm and you will find yuor way by asking pointed questions

I have a 96 maxima and somehow the car just died. I'm pretty sure it's not the battery or alt. All the lights are out besides the the panel. It cranks but doesn't turn over. I'm assuming it's the factory alarm because all the electricals are out even when I tried jumping it. Does anyone one know what might be the problem?

Not really sure if I can help you based on the limited information you provided. But here are a few quick questions. Do your headlights come on with the battery jumped? Does the open door dinger ding with the key in the ignition? If not yuo have more than an alarm problem and there is probably a loose post from the battery to the starter check this out!

aayou might also try creating another thread and post this question so all on the Forum can se and respond. Ia m just not that good with first hand knowledge of a 96 Maxima but I would start with checking the lights with the battery fully charged or jumped.

This thread just kind of blows me away. What are you going to customize, your Cutlass? If it isn't a classic, then its not customizing, its aftermarket. The ricers may call it custom, but its really just caliper and ac vent paint. If you are talking REAL custom cars, then maybe you could convince George Barris that you are his grandson, and he can teach you something. :iceslolan Always glad to see an interest in custom classic bodywork(as I assume it is).

Here is a cool custom. Feast your eyes on the infamous '50 Merc!
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/150992merc03_sm1.jpg

This thread just kind of blows me away. What are you going to customize, your Cutlass? If it isn't a classic, then its not customizing, its aftermarket. The ricers may call it custom, but its really just caliper and ac vent paint. If you are talking REAL custom cars, then maybe you could convince George Barris that you are his grandson, and he can teach you something. :iceslolan Always glad to see an interest in custom classic bodywork(as I assume it is).

My... my aren't we just a bit critical. The young man simply asked a question about wanting to start up a custom shop. His log on name is Cutlass and maybe he has a sweet Cutlass that in many peoples eyes and mnds have become classics. I would not turn my nose up to an individual who enjoys customizing a Cutlass as a place to start. Nor would I be so quick to label ricers as really just caliper and ac vent paint. Do you really believe that is all that takes place with imports? You better look again. My shop who has 30 years experience in american and european classics recently, for the past 3-4 years, applied the same passion with Japanese IMports. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised if you attended some of the shows such as SEMA and see how these rides are truely customized or even try to attend some of your local clubs. When I started with a 1957 Nomad Wagon many many moons ago and was not considered a classic at that time, my father had a similar attitude and looked down on my conversions/customization/restoration. Lets not have the same wooden ears and eyes as our parent. Today that 57 Nomad Wagon is obviously considered a beautiful classic and I wish I still had her. AC vent paint and caliper paint is obviously not really what the younger generation is working towards.......customizing for ricers or a nicer label would be imports, is not exclusive to your examples. It in fact might be limited on some cars for budget reasons, but even many of these are sleepers.
Customization encompasses a variety of personalization to their rides to lowering not just for looks but also for greatly improved handling, custom paint jobs that will make the 50 Merc cry with envy, engine swaps that go well beyond changing a 6 cylinder to an 8, they do hybrid swaps in their cars that will blow your mind, they also take these little ricers with 4 bangers and produce mind blowing horsepower with 1/4 mile runs in the 8s, while turning heads with their awe inspiring stunning good looking paint jobs, body kits, rims, sound systems, bad ass custom multitone interiors wrapped in leather........to top it off if they are not putting the pedal to the metal these little cars get an average of 28 miles per gallon.
I highly encourage the members of this Forum to continue their passion and quest to modify/improve their rides regardless of what their rides happen to be. Start somewhere with something and let your experience become a step ladder to creating the ride that you enjoy. Our motto is " Creators if the Ride of a LifeTime" This means something different to all and that is what makes this such as huge success. It really is no different when all I could afford to do to my 57Nomad at the beginning was change the rims to chrome reverse rims and added some wider tires. At the time I though this addition was not only all I could afford but it was the beginning of a true love and pursuit of my passions.

My... my aren't we just a bit critical. The young man simply asked a question about wanting to start up a custom shop. His log on name is Cutlass and maybe he has a sweet Cutlass that in many peoples eyes and mnds have become classics. I would not turn my nose up to an individual who enjoys customizing a Cutlass as a place to start. Nor would I be so quick to label ricers as really just caliper and ac vent paint. Do you really believe that is all that takes place with imports? You better look again. My shop who has 30 years experience in american and european classics recently, for the past 3-4 years, applied the same passion with Japanese IMports. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised if you attended some of the shows such as SEMA and see how these rides are truely customized or even try to attend some of your local clubs. When I started with a 1957 Nomad Wagon many many moons ago and was not considered a classic at that time, my father had a similar attitude and looked down on my conversions/customization/restoration. Lets not have the same wooden ears and eyes as our parent. Today that 57 Nomad Wagon is obviously considered a beautiful classic and I wish I still had her. AC vent paint and caliper paint is obviously not really what the younger generation is working towards.......customizing for ricers or a nicer label would be imports, is not exclusive to your examples. It in fact might be limited on some cars for budget reasons, but even many of these are sleepers.
Customization encompasses a variety of personalization to their rides to lowering not just for looks but also for greatly improved handling, custom paint jobs that will make the 50 Merc cry with envy, engine swaps that go well beyond changing a 6 cylinder to an 8, they do hybrid swaps in their cars that will blow your mind, they also take these little ricers with 4 bangers and produce mind blowing horsepower with 1/4 mile runs in the 8s, while turning heads with their awe inspiring stunning good looking paint jobs, body kits, rims, sound systems, bad ass custom multitone interiors wrapped in leather........to top it off if they are not putting the pedal to the metal these little cars get an average of 28 miles per gallon.
I highly encourage the members of this Forum to continue their passion and quest to modify/improve their rides regardless of what their rides happen to be. Start somewhere with something and let your experience become a step ladder to creating the ride that you enjoy. Our motto is " Creators if the Ride of a LifeTime" This means something different to all and that is what makes this such as huge success. It really is no different when all I could afford to do to my 57Nomad at the beginning was change the rims to chrome reverse rims and added some wider tires. At the time I though this addition was not only all I could afford but it was the beginning of a true love and pursuit of my passions.
Very nicely said. :naughty:

Anyway, I am in the aftermarket area and run a one man crew. Mostly I am mobile but I also have a small shop. I mostly deal with vehicle electronics by adding things like remote starters, keyless entries, and the such. I also do DVD systems and HUGE sound systems along with custom stripes. Inbetween that, I do high end detailing.

I will tell you that it is a rough job but rewarding. I only did it because I lost my job and couldn't find anything else to do. I LOVE cars and working on them. The satisfaction of seeing the customer watch the neat things that their vehicle now does is priceless. I worked in a high end shop when I was attending Ohio State. I continued to work for them for a while then decided to try other things. Well, people kept tracking me down to work on their vehicles so it was kinda a no brainer to start a shop.

Money is real tight at times and other times it isn't. I'd love to have a huge bizz like West Coast Customs but I know that my rural area will never support it. At least I do not have to rely on many people other than me.

One thing you need to be is honest. If you are not, most people will pick up on it and it will catch up on you. I keep my overhead very low. I don't even have a published phone number. Most of my work comes from either area dealerships or word of mouth. That is the best way to get people to come to your door. I don't want people calling me for prices. Most of them will get their car hacked at a big chain store to save $20 anyway.

My suggestion is to get a quality college education first. While you are there, try to get hooked up at a high end stereo shop or custom shop even if you are just sweeping floors. Trust me, if they see your into what they are doing, they'll inadvertantly teach you things that you can not learn in a textbook.

Remember that this bizz is one of the toughest to get into but is certainly doable.

Good advice! Hope you are happy taking care of other's rides. It is really nice if and when you do business with people who love and appreciate what yuo have delivered. I envy the younger generation in many ways. This era with technology not only breaking down speed barriers has also created a technology advanced society with readily available information at their fingertips. This Forum is one representation of our ability to share knowledge and ideas. In my early years we had little technology to help us and a handful of technical savvy people locally to gain insight from. Mostly trial and error. I agree with getting a formal education first as this enables many choices in life.

Good luck with your business...pretty nice to be indepedent and select your customers and work.

Sound systems aren't custom work guys, lets start thinking here. it is just fiberglass and subwoofers. This is not custom. Can you lead a car like Bill Heinz?(not sure if the last name is spelled correctly)I doubt it, but you all probably think you are crazy customizers due to your fiberglass filler and 12" sub that you BOUGHT from some RadioShack. It really gets under my skin when these "customizers" can't even recess a taillight, antenna, or even simply french a headlight. They wouldn't know where to start. But they do know how to screw their NOS into their chrome "cold air pipes". Ahhh, what happened to the old hot rod world. Its dying to these 4 bangin bumble bee exhaust cars. Whats worse is that they like it. They wish to have a fast and the furious car, when the real cars are on American Graffiti, yet they have never heard of it. And no, the '50 merc doesn't want a ricer paint job, he likes it to look nice.

Man You are something! I happen to be 52 and fond of both American Classics and IMports. I have learned to gain respect for the IMports as my son introduced me to his first car a 1992 Prelude SI. And you know what I wish my dad had the same interest in my old cars as I share with my son and his group of friends. I understand all about nostalgia but dont put others down so you can enjoy your experience more. Real cars on American Graffitti? Strange that as things change many of us dont. Change is a fact of life and if we dont change and adapt than we can become extinct as dinosaurs. Enjoy your cars! Allow others the freedom to enjoy their personal taste and form of expression. There is no need to put the taste of others down...nor would this be a creative world if we all had identical taste and ideas. After all why does GM still make Buicks if it was not for trying to fill a market for particular taste/choice. Where is the creativity in that?

What exactly is a ricer paintjob? Are you even for real ? Your profile states you are the proud owner of a 48 Ford F100! Do you really own a 1948 Ford F100? I thought that the F100 series did not even come out until the early 50s. I will look into this but you sound like you are a waste of my time since reviewing your past replies and posts it is evident you are a bigot when it comes to the automobile industry. Did you know that Toyota outsold Ford for the number 2 spot this year? Maybe it is not just kids buying these imports....just maybe your neighbors driveway or garage is halffilled with imports consisting of vans, suvs, trucks and of course dont forget the daily commuting car is probably a Toyota, Lexus, MB, Nissan, Honda or Mitsubishi.

I would like to thank Beaudeg and Ponchonutty for the positive feedback. I can't believe the amount of flak I've received for imposing a simple question. Yes I have a sporty Cutlass Supreme it may not be a Viper or Ferrari but it's still a great car it's not like I'm customizing a Geo Metro so if you don't have anything good to say about the topic then don't waste your time.

I am a newbie to this Forum but I can not believe the flack received....hold onto what I stated earlier and pursue your dreams/goals. BTW I happen to like Cutlass Supremes I think they make nice rides

Sound systems aren't custom work guys, lets start thinking here. it is just fiberglass and subwoofers. This is not custom. Can you lead a car like Bill Heinz?(not sure if the last name is spelled correctly)I doubt it, but you all probably think you are crazy customizers due to your fiberglass filler and 12" sub that you BOUGHT from some RadioShack. It really gets under my skin when these "customizers" can't even recess a taillight, antenna, or even simply french a headlight. They wouldn't know where to start. But they do know how to screw their NOS into their chrome "cold air pipes". Ahhh, what happened to the old hot rod world. Its dying to these 4 bangin bumble bee exhaust cars. Whats worse is that they like it. They wish to have a fast and the furious car, when the real cars are on American Graffiti, yet they have never heard of it. And no, the '50 merc doesn't want a ricer paint job, he likes it to look nice.
FYI, any time you change something other than an OEM part I hate to tell you that you ARE customizing. Granted, changing out a stereo doesn't require the skills that leading in a panel needs but it is still on the same line. I like how you over simplified my bizz. You know, I actually also do car restorations on the side. This knowledge has helped me a lot. Also, I work within a very large rod and customs shop. They don't want to chance working on electronics and admire my expertise just as I do theirs. As far as people being flagged from you because they "customize" by having some vinyle graphics and a remote start installed is silly. You got to realize that when someone buys a $30k or higher priced car, they do not want to nor could afford to put more $$ for a $10k paintjob. Besides, if they do, most regular insurance companies like State Farm or Nationwide will not cover anything like that. I do not know about you but I feel having that kind of money in a paint job you can't insure isn't the way to go.

Alright, I'll let it go. I just feel as its a waste of money. See you in the Mustang forums! :biggrin:

go to school, or get some experience. then, visit your local small business development center. these centers are sponsored by the SBA, and offer business consulting services free of charge. their staff is highly trained and experienced in starting a business. i know, because i work at one.

does ne one on this poll know ne thing about making a body kit. i would like to make a custom body kit for my car and have no knowledge of making body kits. im also wanting to do this for a senior project so i can graduate so if ne one has any knowledge of this can u plz help me thanx.

does ne one on this poll know ne thing about making a body kit. i would like to make a custom body kit for my car and have no knowledge of making body kits. im also wanting to do this for a senior project so i can graduate so if ne one has any knowledge of this can u plz help me thanx.
Check with any place near you that makes things out of fiberglass like a boat company or something.

Get a job at a shop and learn everything you can. The world of customizing has changed. The street rod thing has evolved from its backyard roots to a much more expensive hobby. Even classic muscle cars are getting hard to tune, thanks to a speculative market that is driving up the price of good cars.

That leaves modern cars, and I don't care if you're doing a Mustang or a Civic, the owner's goals are going to be the same. Better sounds, better looks and better power and handling. So learn how to do a stereo. Learn all about painting and body work. And learn about performance modifications. Even trailer queen showcars these days have some serious engine modifications.

Also, go to shows and look and see what people aren't doing. There's a lot of potential out there, and a lot of people doing a half-assed job. Learn to use your whole ass, and you'll do well. Good luck!

Thanks error404 and evoZero. You both have given me the best piece of advice so far, and I intend on using it.

My pleasure. Just know that you'll have to pay your dues, and don't expect overnight success. I know guys who have been doing this for over 10 years and are just now starting to see the fruits of their labor, uh, fruit.

I have a modest dodge neon i am customizing. i need help in a few areas, such as: I.C.E., interior design and paint, and seats and performance. if any one could help me it would be great.

.I have a modest dodge neon i am customizing. i need help in a few areas, such as: I.C.E., interior design and paint, and seats and performance. if any one could help me it would be great.


Well it all depends on how much $$$ your planning on spending... also another thing that is important is would you perfer more show than go? is it for cruzin or for racin... customizing anycar has to be really thought out... I know that just planning what I want to do with my Mazda MX-3 has been alot, well also because finding parts is really difficult.. lol :iceslolan . but one thing to consider, when moddifying your car body wise, try to stick with the lines it comes with... like if your car is more rounded but a rounder designed body kit, if more angular follow suit. for a Neon either angular or curved works, seen both on it, actually I've seen only 2 really sweet Neons... but if it's a 2dr then go angular, if 4dr go curved... that's how the ones I saw were set up.. they looked sweet.

well, it going to be more for cruising than anything else. Check it out this way, this is going to be my demo car for my customizing biz. i'll post pics when i have them

I am basicly a kid but I want to be a car designer and open my own car costumizing business, and one of the tips a ford car designer guy told me is to make things that you see most on car shows, so if you see a lot of people with wings-west body kits than you soould become their dealler (the body kit brand). I hope this will help you in the future.

rod and custom man that merc is fucking ugly!

If it is fiberglassing you want to do, expect to spend a lot on mistakes.
We have been in business since Oct last year and have about $2000 in wasted stuff.
However, we are getting the hang of it.
Listen to anybody and everybody who can give you hints and tips.
Don't listen to the people who say you can't do it.
Do up your own car first so people can see your work.
Every car that we have made kits for that has entered shows has won trophies.
My partner and I have been doing it for almost a year now and have not got a paycheck yet. Every cent goes back into the company.
It's long, it's hard and it feels great to see a car with your kit on it win.
We do everything from selling WingsWest, Blitz and stuff to our own handmade one of a kind kits.
It is very satisfying if you can stay with it.
Check out our site

Good Luck!

A good tip would be to see if your local dealership used car department or even new car departments would like to use you to do aftermarket modifications for them. That will help you generate income to start your business.

If your around Texas, dealerships like jeep and volkswagens tend to do losts of aftermarket modifications to their cars. Even Honda dealerships do as well.

It's a good and very profitable business to get into... Good luck

Sincerly,
Mike N
www.carslots.com

thanks, i'll keep that in mind

dunno if i did this right........but if i did i was woudering what courses do i have to take to get into custamizing cars..???

Hey...

The internet seems like a good start eh..try some books as well like customizing101 or something of this nature.

kidding me right, go back to fixing your bicycle
people like you bring down the true customizers


Pretty hilarious quote coming from someone who is in to slamming awful lightweight pickup trucks.