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STYLE AND PERFORMANCE
Bling-bling (bleeng-bleeng) adj 1. Fancy. Often suggests that a person is showing off. 2. Shiny (flashy) jewelry, usually gold, silver, and especially platinum and diamonds.
So, this is one of the many definitions found while searching the Internet. Though we as car enthusiasts have a similar, yet different, definition. Adding accessories to our vehicles is our choice of fine jewelry — it’s our choice of “Bling”. Many people have there own ways of showing off. While your coworker may stand tall with his chest out bragging about his new set of $1200 golf clubs, you’re driving around in a car you spent half a year’s salary on. Everybody has there own guilty pleasures.
Dub Me Up, Please!
Wheels are one of the largest dramatic enhancements you can make that sets the overall scheme of a car. Standing out is what we want to do, right? So, what better than cramming the largest wheel and tire combo possible under the fenders of our cars? Whether you’re rolling 19’s on a Civic or 26’s on an Escalade, having the right rims will get you noticed.
Granted, it’s become the norm to consider anything chrome bling-bling, but that’s not necessarily the case anymore. More and more people these days are incorporating different finishes. What’s more bling to you? Now that’s your call. But there is one thing that you got to have — the “Bubba Gumps”. What’s a “Bubba Gump,” you ask? Rims with fat lips. You flip through any magazine today, and almost every car is sporting rims with a lip.
Let’s not forget the spinners now. If large Bubba Gumps aren’t up to par for you, reach for some spinners. With spinners, you’ll still be rollin’ even when you’re sitting at a stoplight.
Paint
Having a vehicle on rims is just a start. Now, rolling out with a fresh-sprayed car is what’s going to really get you noticed and let people know that you mean business. Paint, being more costly than most modifications, is one of the most anticipated processes in building a vehicle. Choosing that one-off color will be one of the hardest choices you make. Should you go candy, pearl, two-tone, flake, metallic, or all out graphics? Well, that’s up to you. It’s not only the color or theme that’ll get you noticed, but the quality of the paint and craftsmanship that makes the end product look like it’s still wet. Shiny rims with a shiny paint job — now your getting somewhere.
I.C.E.
We’re not done yet. Let’s get ready to rumble! I’m talking about audio and video. Placing a sub with an amp in your trunk is not going to cut it — we don’t want a tape deck in our dash either. Upgrade that stock head unit with a fresh CD/DVD player. Tear apart those headrests and visors, they’ll become the new homes for some TV’s.
Now, you don’t have a complete system unless you have the humps — something that’s going to piss off your neighbors. No, were not talking about a couple of subs in an MDF box. (Unless you have people coming up to you asking, “Who’s got that big bad boom box,” you’re not quite up to par.) We want fiberglass, and lots of it. There are so many possibilities with fiberglass that it’s endless. This is where you tap into the right side of your brain. Come up with something creative — the interior is your canvas.
We all know that a system is not complete without an X-Box or PlayStation, plus it’s something to keep the kids quite on those long drives. That is if you have kids. Your in-car entertainment system is just as important as that $4000 paint job, so don’t cut corners.
Setting The Mood
Lighting can make a dramatic impact when done tastefully. Highlighting components with neon or strobes can create a different atmosphere for your vehicle at night. Placing neon under the dash and seats creates a really cool effect to the otherwise bland interior lighting. Lighting up key features of your stereo install is also a great idea. Backlighting amps will create an effect like they’re glowing.
Underbody neon can be a really cool feature when installed right. You want to see the illumination of the neon, not the neon tube.
Remember, lighting is an instance where more is not necessarily better. The key to creating dramatic lighting is proper placement and installation.
From Bland To Bling
Revitalize your stock parts to add more glitz by polishing and chroming. This can turn the boring into the reflecting. Refinishing engine brackets, suspension components, and other stock features can draw a lot of attention to otherwise forgotten areas. Chroming simple pieces such as hood props, valve covers, wiper arms, and engine brackets can make small unnoticeable parts stand out.
Creating a vehicle that can draw attention takes money, there’s no doubt about it, but just because you have money doesn’t mean that you can build a banging ride. You want to stand out by creating something that’s hot, not by creating something embarrassing. Search the Internet and flip through magazines for what’s hot and getting print. Those vehicles didn’t get into those pages by luck.
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