Stainless Steel Chrome Rocker Panel Molding

Here’s what you will need:

*Several Clean Non-Abrasive Cloths like a terry towel or some cotton t-shirts.

*Acetone (or wax & grease remover) – to remove dirt, wax, grease, grime or anything that might interfere with the adhesion of the rocker panel.

*Rubbing Alcohol – To remove residue left by the Acetone or cleaner.

*Gloves

FIRST: Clean and Prep the Vehicle

1.) Wash and dry vehicle – as usual (do not wax) 

2.)  Clean the application area with acetone and a clean soft cloth (turning the cloth often).  This will remove any dirt, wax, grease or grime and ensure proper adhesion of the rocker panel

 3.)  Apply rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth and wipe down the application site to remove any residue left over from the acetone cleaner.

NEXT –  Dry Fit:

Lay out the rocker panel pieces to verify correct placement on the vehicle and completeness of your order. Do not install any pieces if you think that there are problems on any parts or missing any pieces.

Make sure there is a 1/8 gap at both ends of the panel to ensure that the doors will open properly and that they won’t catch when opening or closing the doors.

Also check the contour of the rocker panels.

It may be necessary to remove some of the contour (or roll) from the panels so that it lays flat on the vehicle.

NEXT – Installation:

1.)  Remove the adhesive liner to expose the adhesive side of your chrome rocker panels (one section at a time).

Make sure you have lined the panel correctly because you only get one chance to apply the panel correctly.

2.)  With a hard rubber roller (available at most hardware stores) or the palm of your hand and a soft towel, start in the center of the panel and press or roll side to side across the panel to ensure proper adhesion.

3.)  Remove all the protective liners in all the sections one at a time and repeat the same steps.

4.)  Remove chrome surface protective liners and wipe with a soft clean cloth.

Hey there’s lots of reasons to install a rear window graphic on your car or truck. Most of the time people want to show their spirit by putting their favorite sports team logo on their rear window. Others may want to be patriotic and show an American flag graphic, an eagle, or maybe a Marine Corp logo.

Rear window graphics are usually digitally printed images on perforated vinyl film. What’s perforated vinyl? Think of it like a screen material with thousands of tiny holes cut out of a solid sheet of automotive grade vinyl film. You can see through this material just like you can a window or door screen.

But, because one side of the material is digitally printed, it makes it hard to see through in that direction. So when you install the rear window graphic it will be hard to see into the vehicle, but easy to see out of the vehicle.

Here are some steps you can take in order to install your rear window graphic properly:

You will need a plastic squeegee, rubbing alcohol, razor blades and an exacto knife (or similar)

First, Make sure to clean the window with plenty of rubbing alcohol. Also, use a razor blade (at your own risk) to scrape off any surface bumps or anything that is stuck top the window what will interfere with your new graphic.

Next, position the widow graphic to your liking over the window and hold down with masking tape if necessary.

Next, peel back the liner from one half of the graphic and start squeegeeing it down from the center out. Use overlapping strokes and firm pressure to ensure a good bond. Repeat for the other half of the graphic.

Next, go over the entire graphic again using the squeegee and pressing well into all edges of the window trim.

Trim the graphic along the edges of the window molding using a sharp knife or razor. Trim all the way around and peel away the excess vinyl.

Again, re-squeegee the edges of the vinyl outward towards the window molding to ensure good adhesion. Tuck any showing edges underneath the window molding or just trim them away.

Stand back and enjoy your new image! From the inside of the vehicle you will have a clear view… You can even add a truck graphic kit to the sides to complete a unique flag window graphics package!

About the Author

Mike Briglia is the owner of Custom Auto Trim, an auto accessories company based out of San Diego CA. Find more information on rear window graphics at http://www.customautotrim.com/

Body Side Molding

There are lots of reasons to install body side molding on your car or truck. Some may want body side molding for protection, helping to avoid those nasty door dings we seem to get when we park at a shopping center. Others may want to install body side molding just for looks alone, seeking to upgrade the appearance of the outside of the vehicle.

In either case, once you have found the molding that you like it is important that the installation process goes smoothly, and that you get your molding installed perfectly straight. Otherwise having wavy moldings on the side of your vehicle will make your vehicle appear to be dented, or the panels appear misaligned.

So here’s what you need to do in order to install body side molding professionally. You will need some masking tape, rubbing alcohol, anvil pruning shears (garden type), a grease pencil, a ruler, and a couple of clean towels.

First, use rubbing alcohol to clean the area where we are going to place the molding. Do not skip this step. Even brand new vehicles need to be cleaned in the same way. You need to remove any waxes or oils that are on the surface. This is to ensure a proper bond between the adhesive and the vehicle. Wipe on a generous amount of rubbing alcohol with a clean towel, and use another clean towel to remove the residue left behind by the alcohol.

Next, locate a spot on the door of the vehicle (usually the highest point) and make a mark with a grease pencil. Use your masking tape to create a horizontal line in this area. Tack the masking tape at the front of the vehicle where you are installing the molding and roll off enough masking tape so you can reach the other end. Keep the masking tape taunt like you would a string or chalk line. Keeping the tape tight, tack the other end of the masking tape (at the same height as your grease pencil mark) at the back of the vehicle. You can use your ruler here to verify your measurement. Then, press down all masking tape and repeat on the other side of the vehicle.

Next, cut your body side molding to fit, and to install, remove the release liner backing from the adhesive and follow along your masking tape line to get your molding perfectly straight. Make sure you bevel your molding 45 degrees at the front of each door so not to interfere with the door jam areas.

Once cut and pressed onto the vehicle, take a clean rag in the palm of your hand and press the molding firmly onto the vehicle. Make sure you do this step twice so to ensure full contact with the vehicle.

Remove your masking tape and clean up any residue left behind.

Thats it! Once installed you will have protection from dents and dings as well as upgrading the appearance of the outside of the vehicle.

About the Author

Mike Briglia is the owner of Custom Auto Trim, an auto accessories company based out of San Diego CA. Find more information on body side molding at http://www.customautotrim.com/

We recently got the question:

I was interested in putting a set of your chrome Truck Step Bars on my new truck, and I was wondering how hard they are to install. Is there a lot of drilling to do?

Great question! All of our Nerf Bars / Truck Side Step Bars are direct bolt on, meaning that they will bolt up to factory holes that already exist in your truck. Each set includes directions and all hardware necessary for your install. All you will need is the tools and some time for the install. If you take your time and follow the directions, your install should go quite well. If you have any questions at all or are having trouble with your nerf bar installation you can always call us for support. We are here to help!

WEB NEWS

Have you visited us at www.CustomAutoTrim.com lately? If not, you’ve been missing out, but it’s not too late to get in on the great deals we’ve got going on our Altezza Tail Lights. Our already low prices have been slashed even further so now’s the time to take a look at our Altezza Tail Lights and find the ones for your vehicle.

Did you know that we have over 1500 different Car Spoiler Applications available on our website? With that many choices, it’s almost impossible not to find the perfect one for your car. AUTOMEGA® spoilers come with all mounting hardware, grill guides and complete installation instructions. We also have an easy-to-follow installation video available on our website to make this easy installation even simpler. See our expanded car spoiler section to find the one that’s right for you, and to see the video for yourself.

Maybe you’ve had your eye on the Black Widow Body Kit. Maybe on the Street Fyghter body kit. Either way, you know the Ground Designs Body Kits are the hottest thing on the road, and we’ve got the full line on sale right now. You won’t find a better time to accentuate your Mustang or trick out your Eclipse, so come by to see if we’ve got the kit for your make and model.

TIP SHACK

This month, one of our subscribers asked:

I already have wood grain installed in my car. It’s all two-tone and chipping. It’s all going to have to be removed, cleaned, and primered. What’s the best way to get the old off easily? Should I have it done professionally since it will be so much work?

Thanks for your question. You’re right to expect that this will be quite a bit of work, but it’s something you can definitely do at home if you have a little time and patience. Just be sure to pick a day when you have a good block of time open, as this is not something you can rush. Also, be prepared to (more than likely) have to reinstall a replacement dash kit to cover up any markings left by the old kit that you are removing. To begin, you’ll want to use a hair dryer and try to heat up the dash kit as much as possible. That will soften the glue to some extent, and you can try to start pulling up a corner of the dash piece slowly and lifting it off. It is important that you really warm it up good or it will be very hard and brittle, making it tougher and more time consuming to remove. Take your time. Once you get a piece off you will more than likely be left with some glue or adhesive. Warm that up again and try to remove that best as you can without any solvents (just the first step). Then, when you do need some solvent, try a glue remover like goof-off (available at home improvement stores such as Home Depot) but be very careful where you wipe it. If you get that on any of your new surfaces you may get some discoloration. Just be careful and use it sparingly. A damp rag is much better in this case than a dripping wet one. If you need to use a squeegee to agitate the adhesive with the solvent, that is okay – but steer clear of razors or metal objects. You will damage your interior with those.

WEB NEWS

I know we’ve been out of touch for a little longer than usual this time around, but trust me, it was worth the wait. We’ve been cooking up some excellent offers for you on some of the gotta-have products you’ve been admiring out there on the road.

We know you’ve had your eye on them, and right now we’ve got all Wings West Body Kits at 20% off retail. Wings West products are made with Urethane, which is lighter than other commonly used materials, and designed to fit your vehicle perfectly. That means less hassle and cost in installation, a better look, and less time in the shop. Just select your make and model and we’ll hook you up with all the info you need to personalize your car or truck with one of these hot kits.

Spinning Hubcaps are the hottest thing on the road right now, and you know you can help but admire them when you spot them across the intersection. This month we’ve got them priced so low you won’t be able to resist picking up a set of your very own. Available in 14″ or 15″ these are a definite must-have this spring.

Coming next month we’ve got another brand new product to tell you all about: Direct Bolt-on Lambo Door Hinges. You don’t want to miss this, so be sure to check back with us in May.

So, this past weekend is one of my favorite weekends of the year. Can anyone guess why? No, it has nothing to do with sports. Not even anything to do with cars. Figure it out? Sure you did. It’s the whole “fall back” thing. A whole extra hour of sleep that I did nothing whatsoever to earn. Man, what a bonus. You can’t beat that. Granted, you probably actually spend more than an hour going around the house trying to change all the clocks to the new correct time, especially by the time you re-teach yourself how to set the stupid clock in the TV. So maybe you’re not really gaining much, time-wise, but it feels like you are, and that’s all that matters.

I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to get pretty psyched for the winter. Sure, summer is fun and all, but it’s about time to cool things down. And this month we’ve got a few items to get your holiday shopping started. Take a look at our site to see what deals we have to offer on spinning hubcaps, tail lights, and more. Also, be sure to check back next month, when we’ll be debuting another new product: Wings West body kits.

TIP SHACK

This month, we got the question:

How do you remove emblems without damage?

To remove most emblems, first use a hair dryer (don’t use a heat gun) to soften the glue. Gently, using fishing line or dental floss, run the material behind the emblem to separate it from the surface. To remove the residue adhesive from the paint, use alcohol or an adhesive remover (sold in auto paint stores), or other suitable solvent. After, wash the area with car soap and water. Finally, apply wax to protect the paint.

WEB NEWS

This month we have a brand new product we’d like to hit ya with—spinning hubcaps. I know you’ve seen these. These babies are the slickest thing on the road today, and because they install right over top of your stock steel rim, you’ll have them on in a few minutes flat. They’re practically unbreakable, super lightweight, and a huge attention grabber, and we’ve got them for you in both the 14″ size and the 15″ size. We even help you figure out your wheel size.

Were you one of the few people who missed out last month when we had our official AEROGEAR® Products so heavily discounted? Well, we’re giving you one more chance. For a short time only, we’ve got select AEROGEAR® hoods and fenders priced down to make room for upcoming models.

Just when you thought they couldn’t get any lower, we’ve gone and dropped the price on tail lights again. These things are going like crazy, and if you haven’t yet gotten around to shopping for this high-profile part of your car, now is the time.

And as if all that we’re enough, we’ve also got crazy cash off on all Lambo Door Hinge Kits. Manual or Automatic, full kit or accessories, we’ve got them all.

WRAPPING IT UP

f you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Just call our toll free support line at 1-800-232-6922. We’re standing by to help!

Alternatively, hit the reply button and I’ll get right back to you. We welcome general questions or queries, as well as comments and suggestions. Thanks for your time!

Take care, and happy driving

So whether you’re looking at doing a complete overhaul, or just hoping to spruce up a bit, rest assured that CustomAutoTrim has the products you need to make your car the best at the block party this summer. And don’t forget to look below for this month’s coupon, designed to make your cool car dreams a reality.

TIP SHACK

This month, we got the question:

Hey Mike, I see a lot of those rear window flag graphics around in my town and I was wondering how hard they were to put on? Are they on the inside or the outside of the window?

Good question. Rear window graphics in general are fairly ease to install on a flat window, like on the rear window of a truck. They are installed on the outside of the glass and won’t be harmed by rain or normal washing of your vehicle. You can see an actual rear window graphic install demonstration. The demo also shows what the view is from the inside of the vehicle through the graphic image. It looks like you are looking through a screen door or window.

WRAPPING IT UP

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Just call our toll free support line at 1-800-232-6922. We’re standing by to help!

Alternatively, hit the reply button and I’ll get right back to you. We welcome general questions or queries, as well as comments and suggestions. Thanks for your time!

Take care, and happy driving

Nothing quite says summer like a road trip. How about it, anyone planning on maximizing their summer fun by hitting the open road? Maybe you’re going to visit family and friends. Or maybe you’re going to take a little drive just to see what the good old U. S. of A. has to offer. Either way, let us help you travel in style and comfort with one of our huge selection of roof racks that are currently on sale. Because really, who wants to spend seven hours in the car with a suitcase between their feet? Also, be sure to check the tips section below for info on how to install a rear spoiler to make your car look hotter than hot this summer in no time flat.

TIP SHACK

This month, we got the question:

I have been wanting to add a rear spoiler on to my car. How difficult is this to do myself? What special tools will I need?

What you will need is a drill, a set of drill bits, a screwdriver and possibly a socket wrench set. Each spoiler comes with plastic guides that will help you set up the holes that you will need to drill. Once you line up your car spoiler on your trunk area, you will tape these guides into place so you know exactly where the holes are to be drilled. For a better video explanation on how to install your rear spoiler you might want to check out our installation video section. Here you can see an install from start to finish.

WEB NEWS

This month we’ve got such deep discounts on some of our products that we’re practically giving them away. See, here’s the deal, we’ve got mass quantities of new roof racks and rack accessories for bikes and skis coming in, and we need to clear out the existing ones to make some room. So right now is the perfect time to nab yourself a roof rack at our lowest prices ever. Check the out the selection but act quick because once they’re sold out that’s it!

Did you read the tip section above and think to yourself “wow, installing a spoiler would be an easy way to give my car a hot new makeover”? Well, you’re in luck, because we’ve got a selection of spoilers on sale, so the project is both easy and affordable. Find one to match your car and your budget in our clearance section.

Our CustomAutoTrim team has been scouring the web, looking for sites that might interest our members, and we’ve come up with quite a list. Everything car related you could imagine, from Auto Loans and Insurance, to Vehicle Restoration and Aftermarket Suppliers. Check them all out in our links directory. And if you’ve got an auto-related website be sure to let us know about it by filling out the short form on this page. We’d be happy to link to you, and all we ask in return is a link back to us.

WRAPPING IT UP

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Just call our toll free support line at 1-800-232-6922. We’re standing by to help!

Alternatively, hit the reply button and I’ll get right back to you. We welcome general questions or queries, as well as comments and suggestions. Thanks for your time!

Happy Memorial Day

Yep, with all the wonder this season brings, it also brings with it the busiest shopping days of the year, the crowds, and the long lines. But before you go all Bah Humbug on us, ho-ho-hold a minute and think about this: we’ve got a simple solution for you. If you’ve got any car fanatics on your shopping list this year (or even if you feel you need to reward yourself with a little something), CustomAutoTrim.com is the best place to do it, and we can promise you won’t have to wait in line and nobody will spray you with cologne!

Pop on down to our Blog section and check out the killer discounts we got going that are sure to make even the biggest grinch on your list crack a grin. And while you’re at it, take advantage of our coupon for even more savings.

Elsewhere in this issue, we’ve got chances for you to learn a few things, win prizes, and even make some extra cash. So sit back, get comfy, and settle in to spend a few moments with us on your favorite subject and mine—cars.

TIP SHACK

This month, we got the question:

Hey Mike, I want to put some accessories on my truck, but I’m afraid of drilling any holes in it. How can I fix it up without messing it up?

What a great question! We have LOTS of products for you that are EASY to install without drilling any holes in your truck. How about a set of nerf bars or fender flares? Each bolts on easily using existing factory drilled holes, so there’s no drilling required by you at all! Or how about a dash kit? Just peel and stick and you’ll look like a million bucks! Or how about a set of our altezza tail lights? They install easily just by removing your existing tail light screws and bulb and then reinstalling them into the new lens that we send to you. Quick and easy! Graphic kits are an easy installation too! And best of all, each of these products gives you a new look with zero risk, because all these changes are reversible if you decide you want switch back.

There are many easy to install accessories that can customize your truck without any major labor or drilling, sometimes in as little as just a few minutes. You can check out all of these products at http://CustomAutoTrim.com!

WRAPPING UP

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Just call our toll free support line at 1-800-232-6922. We’re standing by to help!

Alternatively, hit the reply button and I’ll get right back to you. We welcome general questions or queries, as well as comments and suggests. Thanks for your time!

Happy Holidays

Whether your current auto-obsession is a kickin’ truck or a flashy sports car—or something in-between—we’ve got some hot deals sure to take your breath away. Because after all, the weather outside may be getting frightful, but spending some quality time out there working on your dream machine is still delightful.

Do me a favor and close your eyes for a minute. Think about your car. What do you envision it would take to edge it up just one more notch closer to perfection? Is it a saucy new spoiler? A classy upgrade to a wood-dash? Some smokin’ rear-window graphics? Go ahead, close your eyes and dream. I’ll wait.

Back, are ya? Good, because let me tell you, we can make those dreams come true. Pop on down to our Blog section and check out the killer discounts we got going on everything from your front end to your rear. And if you’re one of those rare people who closed your eyes and couldn’t imagine what you wanted for your car, then are you ever in for some fun! Because I’ll let you in on a little secret: the possibilities are endless, and helping you explore them is what we’re all about.

Elsewhere in this issue, we’ve got chances for you to learn a few things, win prizes, and even make some extra cash. So sit back, get comfy, and settle in to spend a few moments with us on your favorite subject and mine—cars.

TIP SHACK

This month, Sean asked:

Hey Mike, how can I install my moldings straight like the pros do?

Hey great question Sean! Try this trick: masking tape. Measure where it is that you want the molding to go, then make yourself a guide line with masking tape on the vehicle so you can follow that line with your molding installation. Start with your moldings soft and pliable by heating them up a bit in the sun or with a heat gun or hair dryer (especially in the winter). This will make installation a breeze, and you’ll have perfect new straight moldings in no time!

WEB NEWS

Have we ever got some news for you! We’ve just added a whole new line of products to our site that’s bound to light up your life. Let us start you off with some jammin’ clear corner lenses and keep it going with a pair of clear bumper lenses—you’re bound to be the hottest car on the block. And then we’ll make you the safest car on the block with our new projector headlamps, so you’ll be ready no matter what Mother Nature throws at you this winter.

If lights don’t spark your interest, how about some of the other great products we’re practically giving away this month, like our top of the line wood-dash kits. You can’t help but look and feel your best sporting a real wood dash with a lifetime warranty. And with as many choices as we have your only problem is going to be picking your favorite!

Now is the perfect time to see how low you can go with our deeply discounted Xenon body kits for Chevys, Hondas, Nissans and more. And I bet you’ve seen Ground Designs Black Widow® and Street Fyghter® kits around and have been dying to outfit your car in one. Well now you can for only $699. You can’t beat this price, and you can be sure these kits are the real thing—we’re an authorized Ground Designs Black Widow® and Street Fyghter® dealer.

Look like a million for 25% off with our Kaminari body kits, all available makes and models on sale this month. Or pick up your own Altezza euro tail lights. But look out—these babies are hot, and at these prices they’re flying off the shelves. And if that weren’t enough, how about sprucing up your rear with a sexy new spoiler? Or expressing yourself with our huge selection of auto graphics. These things and more are sure to make your personal stock soar, and can be found at http://www.CustomAutoTrim.com.

WRAPPING IT UP

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Just call our toll free support line at 1-800-232-6922. We’re standing by to help!

Alternatively, hit the reply button and I’ll get right back to you. We welcome general questions or queries, as well as comments and suggests. Thanks for your time!