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(ARA) – Back in the 1950s, ‘60s and even ‘70s, cars were built to impress. Some models came standard with fancy grilles, hub caps and spoilers. Distinctive head and tail lights, fenders and mirrors set others apart.
Back then, people referred to their classmates as “the guy” with the 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air or “the fellow” with the 1953 Studebaker. Today, most of the cars on the market look so similar, people don’t even pay attention to what you’re driving.
If you’re among the growing number of people who don’t think the “look” your car came with is distinctive enough and want to do something about it, here are some ideas:
* Replace the wheels
One of the easiest, and most popular ways to dress a car up is by replacing the wheels or rims. You can find dozens of different finishes and styles in the aftermarket -- ranging from the present day standard of alloy rims to those polished with a distinct chrome finish. Some people even opt for eye-catching rims that include spinners which cause an optical illusion that the wheel is still spinning even when the vehicle is stopped.
* Replace the grille
If you think your car’s front end is plain, that’s easy to change too by simply switching out the grille. “There are so many designs available today, there’s something for everyone,” says Jay Lusignan of Lund International, a Georgia-based automotive accessories company.
The Lund brand alone has four new designs for 2006, three of which are available for both cars and trucks. The Original Bar design features close-set bars. If you’re looking for a more unique look, you may want to go with the Stylish Elliptical design or eye-catching Framed Perimeter design. All three are made with premium aircraft-grade billet aluminum construction for long-lasting durability.
Exclusively for trucks is the Rugged Diamond Plate design. It features durable 3/16-inch aluminum construction. Log on to www.lundinternational.com for an idea of how each of the designs would look on your car or truck. All of Lund’s grilles are easy to install, requiring no drilling on most vehicles.
* Other cosmetic changes
In addition to replacing wheels and grilles, some people also like to personalize their cars by adding pin stripes and decals. If you’ll be putting them on yourself, be sure to give the vehicle a thorough cleaning first. The stickers will peel off and weather quickly if dirt prevents them from bonding to the surface.
Lund accessories are available at auto parts stores across the country. To find the one closest to you, log on to www.lundinternational.com. Courtesy of ARA Content