People who spend a lot of time and money to renovate or maintain their vehicles often want the interior of their cars to match the quality and personality of the exterior. It can be costly to update and personalize the interior of a vehicle, but if you do it yourself, you may save a lot of money. If you carefully consider all factors and aspects, a car's interior can easily meet the expectations aroused by the exterior.
Make a plan for your car's custom interior. Analyze the exterior of your vehicle and determine what it says about the car and the person driving it. Things to keep in mind when making your plan are the general theme your car displays, the costs, your capabilities, and any comfort or aesthetic items you wish to add.
Conquer the steering wheel. This may be one of the easiest parts of your interior to change, but it may make the most immediate difference. There are many types of steering wheels to choose from when replacing the one you currently have. Visit an auto parts store and view the merchandise they have on hand. If you don't see a steering wheel that you like, ask to see their catalog. Often, when replacing a steering wheel, you will need some extra hardware to make it fit. Be sure to ask what will be needed in order to install it. Another quick route to take to update your steering wheel is with a steering wheel cover, which should also be available at an auto parts store or online.
Refurbish your seats. This could include seat replacement if you choose to update them. If you don't wish to change them out, you may want to cover them or reupholster them. To cover them, look for seat covers that will fit your seats, or explore the options for universal fit covers. If you choose to change the fabric of your seats, you will need to remove the seats from their bases with pliers. Check with a fabric store or auto parts store for fabric suitable for seat covers. To apply new fabric, take apart the seat backs from the seat bottoms. Stretch the fabric over the seat parts and staple to the bottom using a staple gun. Put your staples close together, end to end. Put the seats back together and install back into your car.
Change your dashboard, door panels, console and headliner. Some people choose to put new ones in if the current ones are cracked or split. If yours are in good condition, you can paint them with spray paint. Take them out before painting. Choose a paint that will stick to vinyl and plastic. A new headliner is necessary when the old one begins to droop, or if the color no longer matches your new interior.
Replace the carpet or floor mats. If you are going for an entirely new interior, choose to replace the carpet. Rip out the old carpet and cut a new one, using the old carpet as a pattern. To do a good job at this, seats and consoles should be removed. The new carpet should be installed using vehicle carpet glue. Another option is to remove the current carpet and spray on a polyurethane lining in the color that matches your new interior. If your vehicle doesn't need a new carpet or flooring, choose floor mats that match.
