Rvinyl.com

We have Duplicolor paint if that counts...probably not what you were looking for though.

Nice read, I find it interesting that we have come to products like this that people would use compared to just learning how to properly parallel park so that they do not mark up their rims. I know I am OCD about my auto and yet I see people all the time grind against the curb and wonder just how hard is it to use your side mirrow an park properly.

Yeah, it is funny when you stop and think about it but it seems to me that people in general are getting worse at driving instead of better. Most of the non-car people I know don't even know how to drive standard and with self-parking cars I expect things will only get worse.

This really isn't a post about selling as much as a review but I figured this would be the best place to put it. I know I have discussed a few of these products in other threads (such as the rim wraps and Duplicolor paint kits) but I wanted to do a more comprehensive post on the available options out there since they do seem to be multiplying at an astounding rate. If you're interested check out my post entitled What's a wheel accessory and why do I care?

This really isn't a post about selling as much as a review but I figured this would be the best place to put it. I know I have discussed a few of these products in other threads (such as the rim wraps and Duplicolor paint kits) but I wanted to do a more comprehensive post on the available options out there since they do seem to be multiplying at an astounding rate. If you're interested check out my post entitled What's a wheel accessory and why do I care?

Yeah, seems like a huge gamble to me but it's cool to see how they do it.

Ever wonder how they make the templates fo PPF kits? Probably not but in case you have I just came across a great expose on one way that companies like Xpel get their templates for precut paint protection film. At first it seemed like a low-tech, labor-intensive way to go about it but the more I think about it the more I realize it couldn't be any other way. Check out my quick summary here and there is a link in the blog post to the complete expose on the TintDude form: http://blog.rvinyl.com/2014/03/27/how-to-make-a-paint-protection-kit-an-insiders-look-at-precut-ppf-kits/

I completely agree with smk4565 that GM embarked on the same disastrous path that Acua and Lincoln charted when they began with the 3-letter nomenclature. People just don't seem to have the same affinity for abbreviations that don't have an obvious meaning that they do for richly poetic adjectives and nouns. Good article and great discussion. Thanks guys.

Speaking of the comparison do you have a link to that thread?

I think that settles it: I have no taste.

Hey everyone it's been awhile but this caught my attention this morning: http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1090809_nissan-idx-nismo-concept-stars-on-jay-lenos-garage-video?fbfanpage It looks like an amazing ride and is being proposed as Nissan's answer to the Scion FR-S. I doubt they'll make a production model but has anyone heard anything?

Thanks for the replies so far. I am a fan of less is more myself but do like the look of carbon fiber on an interior. I definitely would not go the dipped balls approach mentioned above though nor do I get the chrome thing.

I have yet to see a dash kit that didn't look added on. That's not to say I haven't modded my interior though, its actually quite extensively modified. However, I'm all about subtly and making appear like it came from the factory that way (except the steering wheel cover).

How it originally looked:

Current:

Nice! It's a good look--not overdone at all.

NAY!

I asked and I have received. Thanks Drew!

Mike

Despite my user name and the title of the thread I really just wondered how many people are actually interested in customizing their interiors with dash kits, dash covers, colored LEDs, bezels, etc... Now, I am obviously in the business of catering to tuners, modders, enthusiasts what have you but the majority of people on the road, from you purists to your commuters, don't really seem to give a lick. Well, maybe they care about window tint but that is about the limit.

So, what about you guys? Granted the audience here is a vastly different demographic than the general driving population, but I really respect the breadth, depth and passion of most of the users here so I would be interest to know if most of these products are just shrugged off as being superfluous or if some auto accessoires (non-performance) are actually used and appreciated. Don't be afraid to be honest or brutal (we're based in Brooklyn so I'm used to it) but I would appreciate any replies. Thanks again and take care!

Mike

We just revised and edited our installation instructions for window tint. These instructions are not just for our films but are intended to be used by anyone who wants to do their own tint. The instructions cover side windows and rear windshield cleaning, prep and installation but not front visor installations. We will be adding another section on that soon. Please check it out and let me know if there is anything you think needs clarifying or correction: http://www.rvinyl.com/Window-Tint-Installation-Instructions.html

We just revised and edited our installation instructions for window tint. These instructions are not just for our films but are intended to be used by anyone who wants to do their own tint. The instructions cover side windows and rear windshield cleaning, prep and installation but not front visor installations. We will be adding another section on that soon. Please check it out and let me know if there is anything you think needs clarifying or correction: http://www.rvinyl.com/Window-Tint-Installation-Instructions.html

Just made another post here with some tips for choosing the right color LEDs (if you're concerned about light output) and advice about the use of warning cancellers:http://blog.rvinyl.com/2014/01/29/tips-for-ordering-the-automotive-leds/

We have replacement head and taillights already but they aren't OEM so, for most, that will be a deal breaker. We also will have HID conversion kits for headlights as well so that would work in your case. We have a ton liteerally 10's of thousands) of side turn signal applications as well. I will post here when it's all ready.

Yeah, it's a pretty exciting time. We spent over a year working on the catalog so when it launches here in the next week or so we will have the largest database out there.

Thanks for the link to the G2 paint. I have seen this mentioned in a couple of different fora now so it has got my interest piqued.

Anyone have any experience with Dupli-Color caliper paints? I mean, I like the idea because of the the fact that they may actually protect your calipers from rust an corrosion but it almost seems like you just won't notice it unless you go for the yellow. Still, the fact that you can paint the disc and all of the brake parts makes it more likely to be seen I suppose. This is in comparison to caliper covers which can only be used on the calipers. Anyway, I just wanted to get everyone's thoughts on the subject and the following blog post may actually give more grist for the mill since it shows both: http://auto-trim.org/2014/01/20/dupli-color-caliper-paint-vs-caliper-covers/