Custom Cavaliers: Making a car your own

Something I've learned since I've been at Payne Chevrolet: It's sometimes hard to navigate the realm of car fanatics.

For example, those who aren't inducted into the world of custom cars might not realize how expansive of a universe it is. I think there were many Americans completely unaware of the practice until MTV premiered their "Pimp My Ride" reality show (and say what you will about MTV's reality programming, but that particular show did offer an interesting look into how cars were built and customized).

Obviously, folks like to customize their Corvettes and Camaros. That's the general perception about custom cars, right? That speedy sports and muscle cars are the vehicles put up for modification. But among some custom car enthusists, the truth seems to be the opposite: Corvettes are already good enough. Why not modify a Cavalier?

Yes, apparently the old Cavalier is a popular model to customize. The goal of many mod jobs seems to be to make an average car into something more. (I always wondered why Chevrolet offered SS options on a Cobalt, and this might be one reason why - to accomodate these customizers.) The Dodge Neon and the Honda Civic are also frequent targets for modifications. I've even seen photos of huge rims and wheels being put on Ford Tauruses!

Modifications can include huge spoilers, large rims, custom paint jobs with designs, making the car ride lower to the ground, and adding chrome anywhere that will sit still long enough.

While some will certainly dismiss these things as silly, I'd rather like to think that it's all about making a car your own. The truth is, there's a car out there for everyone. But sometimes it can be daunting to look at all the new cars on the lot and realize they're all the same. Some people want their vehicles to scream their name ("THIS CAR IS STEVE'S!!!"). Remember my friend's "Prince Purple" Chevy Celebrity? That didn't cost him thousands of bucks in modifications, and yet, that car was uniquely his. He made sure it was.

There's nothing like being an original, and for many people, part of being unique means making sure all your stuff matches your personality. I applaud these car customizers - may your lime green Cavaliers with flames down the side ride the roads for many years!!