Chances are you haven't bonded with your vehicle. Oh sure, you carefully drive it around town to avoid the usual hazards. You keep the tires full. You take it in for its regular servicing and wash it accordingly. But have you really taken the time to show it the love and attention it truly deserves with customization?
Maybe you've started to explore the after-market with a little window tint or new license frame, but are afraid to venture further. It's time to put your fears aside and take a look around the wild ride side.
You know the after-market, right? Custom wheels, low-profile tires, light kits, new grilles, a spoiler, decals (not stickers). It's not just for monster truckers and young hot rodders. It's for you. You and your car.
A recent twirl around the 38th annual Specialty Equipment Market Association, or SEMA, show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, an after-market wonderland, created an intense desire within us for several things, including a completely new car.
In fact, an overwhelming desire to burn rubber in a totally tricked-out 2005 Ford Mustang Coupe overcame us upon leaving. Maybe it had something to do with seeing six of these American beauties all gussied up in all their after-market glory.
Sadly, it's not time to change up our car, but we can change the trimmings.
Let's start with some new wheels. Most original equipment manufacturers, "OEMs" for those who speak automotive, install standard wheels and tires and leave it at that. No self-respecting car aficiando can leave it at that.
We also noticed an entire slew of affordable accessories such as tail lights that can dramatically change the way your car looks from behind and designer inserts that mount over your front grille that will change you from dud to daring, with choices like flames, skulls, spider webs or teeth. Decals have taken on a new feel, from stick-man families to fairies, but flames, skulls and dragons remain wildly popular and generate more menace.
LED antenna ball lights, lighted antennas and lighted tire-valve covers in blue, green, red and white could be fun to explore—though only in conjunction with a corresponding undercarriage light for that hovercraft feel.
Anne Kellogg is a native Las Vegan who has a thing for purchasing stuff. E-mail her at
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