Schwartz38's (The Incompetent Fool) First DIY Car Project

[Schwartz]

Hi all, I'm looking to do some upgrades to my car. The only thing is that I'm not looking to do any performance upgrades, but maybe some upgrades that add some "high tech" upgrades for the interior or some subtle aesthetic upgrades. Does anyone have any ideas of some good projects I could work on?

 

[hawkeye122]

I think when you said No Performance, you turned alot of people off.

Stereo? Bigger? Better?
Ps3 set-up in the trunk?
Find Pimp my Ride reruns, and watch those.

 

[Crash]

You should save the money, pay for gas and insurance, and maintain the car instead.

Find Pimp my Ride reruns, and watch those.

No, those shows are more like Ruin My Ride.

 

[Thatman]

You could put the battery in the back if its not already there. Stereo... maintenance...re-upholster the seats with something thats "you", get a different steering wheel. Um, tint the windows. Get a bodykit...

 

[Bopop4]

Radar Detector and Sirius XM radio.

 

[Prince.M5]

I only have one idea: Install a handsfree device for my phone that plays the audio through the speakers.

Or instead, if you have some cash and a phone with a Bluetooth connection I think you might want to consider an entertainment system with a Bluetooth connection that supports voice call through your phone. I found it somewhere recently because my friend is also upgrading his car and he's looking for one.

It's kind of tough to think what's suitable and not being too overboard. Perhaps a better sound system for the car and a good Sat. Nav System because, you might not need it every single day but sometimes it can come in pretty handy and gives your car some sort of, techy look.

I'm also in a process of putting some high tech stuff for my car too, and currently I've been planning to get a Start/Stop button, automatic adjustable headlights and wireless internet connection (WiFi) in the car. I know the WiFi sometimes doesn't make sense but we really do use a WiFi in the car especially when we always have the iPad on the side.

 

[Schwartz]

Or instead, if you have some cash and a phone with a Bluetooth connection I think you might want to consider an entertainment system with a Bluetooth connection that supports voice call through your phone. I found it somewhere recently because my friend is also upgrading his car and he's looking for one.

It's kind of tough to think what's suitable and not being too overboard. Perhaps a better sound system for the car and a good Sat. Nav System because, you might not need it every single day but sometimes it can come in pretty handy and gives your car some sort of, techy look.

I'm also in a process of putting some high tech stuff for my car too, and currently I've been planning to get a Start/Stop button, automatic adjustable headlights and wireless internet connection (WiFi) in the car. I know the WiFi sometimes doesn't make sense but we really do use a WiFi in the car especially when we always have the iPad on the side.

Lucky for me the start/stop button was already there when I got my car! I think you understand the kind of things I am looking for. If you ever figure out where you saw that entertainment system let me know. I was also thinking about maybe adding parking sensors that beep faster as you get closer to something and maybe a back up camera has a video display on the rear view mirror. I have seen a few sets of these but they are either really expensive or ugly pieces of ****.

Radar Detector and Sirius XM radio.

I've thought of these but my mom wondered why the hell I wanted a radar detector. Because, you know, my mom gets suspicious that I would be going too fast and being a dangerous driver. And XM radio: I've seen many sets that you just plug in to your car. Is it possible to get one that installs into my car so I can access it through the normal stereo system?

 

[CodeRedR51]

Is it possible to get one that installs into my car so I can access it through the normal stereo system?

They sell new CD/MP3 players that are usually Satellite radio ready, and only require you to set up an account and activate it.

 

[Beeblebrox237]

How about a new audio system? Also, if you want a radar detector, try one of these. The display is integrated into the instrument panel, so it is very discreet and your mum won't notice.

 

[Zenith]

Mini fridge

Seriously though, your car is full of techy stuff. Besides a radar detector and a hands free setup, you're all set.

Never do something to a car just for the sake of modifying or being different.

 

[SpartanG]

If you want a really really cheap modification that is pretty good looking and reversible, change the dome, map, door, and license plate lights to LED white or blue. I recently did white all around and it really enhances the look. Only applies at night though, and i do a lot of night driving so i get a lot of use out of this.

Unfortunately, the Sylvania website where you can get the part numbers for the bulbs is down at the moment. But get the part number for the bulbs and put it in ebay followed by "LED blue" or "white". I did my whole car for like 15 dollars.

 

[Schwartz]

How about a new audio system? Also, if you want a radar detector, try one of these. The display is integrated into the instrument panel, so it is very discreet and your mum won't notice.

Great. I will look at this page once My iPhone finds a tower that has 3G. (I am on the road)

Mini fridge

Seriously though, your car is full of techy stuff. Besides a radar detector and a hands free setup, you're all set.

Never do something to a car just for the sake of modifying or being different.

I'm not doing this just to modify it, I actually have a couple reason for this:

1: I am a nerd of some sorts, so technology naturally intrigues me.

2: I really want to improve the function of my car, its not just to be different. If I wanted to be "cool" I would install huge speakers and a body kit. . I can't stand those things.

If you want a really really cheap modification that is pretty good looking and reversible, change the dome, map, door, and license plate lights to LED white or blue. I recently did white all around and it really enhances the look. Only applies at night though, and i do a lot of night driving so i get a lot of use out of this.

Unfortunately, the Sylvania website where you can get the part numbers for the bulbs is down at the moment. But get the part number for the bulbs and put it in ebay followed by "LED blue" or "white". I did my whole car for like 15 dollars.

Good idea. I am looking for an upgrade in appearance that looks more subtle and classy rather than flashy. And its only $15. This might be a realistic option. Thanks!

 

[Doog]

Have you considered putting some new wheels on the car? In my opinion, that's one of the best things you can do; makes the car look 10 times better. 👍

 

[Prince.M5]

Lucky for me the start/stop button was already there when I got my car! I think you understand the kind of things I am looking for. If you ever figure out where you saw that entertainment system let me know. I was also thinking about maybe adding parking sensors that beep faster as you get closer to something and maybe a back up camera has a video display on the rear view mirror. I have seen a few sets of these but they are either really expensive or ugly pieces of ****.

Lucky you mate. Well there is already a hole made standard for the button but it's not equipped as standard equipment for the car. That thing is cheap though. I'll try to remember back where I saw the radio system.

Parking sensor is also a good addition but don't ever get the back up camera because they simply don't work good. My friend installed it and after a couple of months the camera went kaput. Perhaps you can find a good quality one but they just come pricey... Planned to get myself one but since my friend's failed, I won't invest on one.

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

Heads up display!

 

[Bopop4]

HUD would be really cool. I know that GM made cars with HUD, but can you get an aftermarket HUD projecter? (If that's how it even works)

 

[Schwartz]

Have you considered putting some new wheels on the car? In my opinion, that's one of the best things you can do; makes the car look 10 times better. 👍

I have thought about this, but 9 times out of 10 when people at school put new wheels on it looks horrible, out of place, and flashy. I am looking more for subtle and classy. As I don't know much about wheels, what would look good on my car? Here is a picture of a car that is just like mine.

The wheels that are currently on this one are different than the wheels on mine. Mine is stock.

 

[Azuremen]

Monster truck ride height is monster truck. Lower it before wheels. Unless you have steel wheels.

The rest of the ICE you suggested is kind of silly, just a BD enabled head set and such will solve a lot of it. And replace the speakers, OEM stuff is usually cheap crap. Especially on lower trim models.

 

[MHPALA]

First do any maintenance needed. Go for some rims next, seems like a logical first choice. Or go for some sound deadener.

 

[Biggles1961]

How about a good detailing ?? Even boring cars look great all shiny and waxed !!

A good wax will also help protect the paint.

 

[Schwartz]

How about a good detailing ?? Even boring cars look great all shiny and waxed !!

A good wax will also help protect the paint.

First do any maintenance needed. Go for some rims next, seems like a logical first choice. Or go for some sound deadener.

I just got the 30,000 mile maitnence that cost over $1000 (including 2 new tires) and they didn't even clean out my car at all. The most they did for the car's appearance was put it through the car wash and clean the removable floor mats.

 

[Blaze_409]

http://www.carid.com/2008-nissan-altima-coupe-spoiler/

A rear spoiler? Don't get a big honking fin, I prefer the lower profile ones that look sleek and dont make you look like a ricer.

I really like this rear lip style spoiler
http://www.carid.com/2008-nissan-altima-coupe-spoiler/spoiler-54733.html

 

[Schwartz]

http://www.carid.com/2008-nissan-altima-coupe-spoiler/

A rear spoiler? Don't get a big honking fin, I prefer the lower profile ones that look sleek and dont make you look like a ricer.

I really like this rear lip style spoiler
http://www.carid.com/2008-nissan-altima-coupe-spoiler/spoiler-54733.html

It looks okay, but all the spoilers for the Altima look pretty awkward to me due to the shape of the back of the car. I like the suggestion though!

 

[Biggles1961]

I just got the 30,000 mile maitnence that cost over $1000 (including 2 new tires) and they didn't even clean out my car at all. The most they did for the car's appearance was put it through the car wash and clean the removable floor mats.

Ummmm..dealers don't normally detail a car during scheduled maintenance.

Take it to a detailing shop. The car will look almost new if they are good.

A clean car will impress the girls more than a fart pipe exhaust or a cheesy wing.

What's you budget ??

 

[Schwartz]

Ummmm..dealers don't normally detail a car during scheduled maintenance.

Take it to a detailing shop. The car will look almost new if they are good.

A clean car will impress the girls more than a fart pipe exhaust or a cheesy wing.

What's you budget ??

I'm not really looking for external features like wings and such, even though I have discussed it earlier in the thread. But originally I was trying to put some more technology into the car (on the interior). Besides, I can't get girls to begin with anyway...

 

[MHPALA]

I'm not really looking for external features like wings and such, even though I have discussed it earlier in the thread. But originally I was trying to put some more technology into the car (on the interior). Besides, I can't get girls to begin with anyway...

Add seats from a G37 👍. More lumbar support. You should go for a embedded PC. I got one for my jeep. Runs on Windows CE . Add a usb, aux, and 12v port to the center console. Change the interior lights to leds. Add a memory seat system, you can find the block diagram on the net. Create a blind spot sensor, find a PDF document on it via google. Change the leds on the guage cluster. So much you can do. Look at luxury cars to get an idea. Pretty easy comforts to add to your car if you understand how they work.

 

[Schwartz]

Add seats from a G37 👍. More lumbar support. You should go for a embedded PC. I got one for my jeep. Runs on Windows CE . Add a usb, aux, and 12v port to the center console. Change the interior lights to leds. Add a memory seat system, you can find the block diagram on the net. Create a blind spot sensor, find a PDF document on it via google. Change the leds on the guage cluster. So much you can do. Look at luxury cars to get an idea. Pretty easy comforts to add to your car if you understand how they work.

I can't find a PDF on it...

 

[MHPALA]

I can't find a PDF on it...

Try looking at the wire diagrams (service manual) of some new cars to get a idea of how the luxury items work on some cars 👍

 

[Schwartz]

If you want a really really cheap modification that is pretty good looking and reversible, change the dome, map, door, and license plate lights to LED white or blue. I recently did white all around and it really enhances the look. Only applies at night though, and i do a lot of night driving so i get a lot of use out of this.

Unfortunately, the Sylvania website where you can get the part numbers for the bulbs is down at the moment. But get the part number for the bulbs and put it in ebay followed by "LED blue" or "white". I did my whole car for like 15 dollars.

So, I took your idea and I ran with it. I found a website called ijdmtoy.com. They specialize in automotive lighting. I was able to get a whole set of cool white lights for my car for about $50 (yes, I know this is more expensive than the $15 you said). The plus side was really that I just had to tell them what car I had and they sold whole sets of LED lights for all the places the lights would need to go. I would post pictures, but my car is pretty messy so I'll get some pics up after I get a chance to clean it out. Thanks for the idea SpartanG, it looks great!

 

[SpartanG]

Sweet, be sure to post those pics. The 15 dollars I paid was from chinese ebay junk, shipped direct from hong kong so the mailing took a while. And then when they arrived a few weren't the right type so I had to order more. I actually got the right lights in the mail today. The kit you got will probably have everything right the first time around.

Having the LED white license plate seriously improves the nighttime appearance of many cars.