With the rising gas prices and the "back to the basics" approach to customizing our trucks, we wanted to put together a small series to show you some of the cool mods out there that are cost-effective and won't break the bank. Everybody's budgets are different so we're starting the series off with some of the cool basic mods under 100 bucks and we'll be doing this story every month all the way up to the coolest things you can do for around 5,000 bucks. So break open those piggy banks and check out some of these cool and simple tricks for under a bill.
Cool Mods For Under A Benjamin
1. Stripe For Less
When it comes to budget mods that can add instant appeal and style to your ride, nothing screams custom like some custom pinstriping. If you know anyone local that can lay down some cool licks for you, you should be able to get a nice hood piece down for under 100 bucks. In SoCal we call Tom at (562) 712-0623 you can see his work online at Kustomsinc.net. If you're ready to try your own hand at laying down some stripping check out coastairbrush.com for all your supply needs.
2. A Little Skill Goes a Long Way
If you have the patience and the talent that entails welding, shaving, and bodywork, then there's nothing cleaner (and cheaper) than a smooth body. You can buy prefab metal fillers all for under 50 bucks and then a little welding wire, filler, sandpaper and primer, and you can shave your door handles, tailgate handle, hood squirters, etc. Go shave crazy! Just take it nice and slow. It would be a costly mistake to try and buy new doors because you warped the crap out of yours! For filler panels visit the following websites
Airbagit.com
Airbagparts.com
Candospecialties.com
FBIrides.com
Godfathercustoms.com
Grantkustoms.com
Suicidedoors.com
3. Smooth Out Your Rear
Everybody loves a smooth behind, and for around 75 bucks you can have one. Smooth roll pans clean up the rear end of any mini and add a touch of custom and class. Again, if you have the talent to accomplish this modification yourself you'll be able to save roughly $500 over a body shop installing and painting it. You can also find roll pans at the following websites:
Airbagit.com
Airbagparts.com
Candospecialties.com
FBIrides.com
Godfathercustoms.com
Grantkustoms.com
Suicidedoors.com
4. Billetize Your Ride
Ok, so billetize isn't a real word, but it should be! There's so many cool billet parts out there that can spice up the interior of any truck it's a no brainer. Collect the change from the couch and scrape together a hundred bucks and you'll be glad you did when you're looking through your nice shiny billet rearview mirror. For the coolest billet accessories around check out the following sites:
Airbagparts.com
Autoanything.com
Billetaccessoriesdirect.com
Billetspecialties.com
Coloradocustom.com
FBIrides.com
Godfathercustoms.com
Stylintrucks.com