When customizing auto interiors, you have to have more than just the systems and accessories customers desire. You also need to have the means to install them. This sometimes requires special tools, but in many cases, regular, everyday tools will suffice. Experimenting to determine what works best for your company is a good idea.

Almost anything inside a vehicle can be modified, so your installers need to be ready for anything. Having the basics on hand will help them out immensely. Supplies for automotive interior systems and accessories include:

1. Wrenches and screwdrivers. These are used for removing and installing many car interior accessories.

2. Electrical tools. Car interior accessories, like audio devices, will require the use of these tools and their corresponding supplies, like butt connectors.

3. A sewing machine, if you're planning on doing custom upholstery or automotive interior trim. If you contract out upholstery work, you'll still need seat removal tools.

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Have the right tools for installing auto interior accessories

Many enthusiasts like to customize the accessories in their vehicles. This includes shift knobs and boots, gauges, parking brake handles, racing pedals, steering wheels, lights and aftermarket dashboards. Your installers will need a lot of common tools for these types of jobs. Screwdrivers, assorted wrenches (e.g., socket, pipe, Allen), vice grips and a jack and jack stands are really all you need to install most accessories.

I recommend: Consider using a steering wheel puller tool when replacing a steering wheel, as is recommended by Second Chance Garage. TWM Performance points out that when installing a short shifter, special tools will usually come with the product to reduce the number of extra tools you'll need to purchase for the installation.

Install popular automotive interior systems, like stereos

Stereos and sound systems are some of the most commonly installed interior items since they enhance the experience of driving as opposed to just providing an aesthetic appeal. Since these systems have electrical components, your installers will need some basic tools like splicers, crimpers, electrical tape and soldering supplies to get audio jobs done. Remind your workers that safety comes first and that they should take care to disconnect the negative battery terminal before getting started.

I recommend: Make sure you have the tools you need for installing head units by checking the list provided by Circuit City. Read through the threads on the forum at Sound Solutions Audio for answers to questions you may have about installation supplies.

Provide a customized automotive interior: trim and upholstery

Sometimes simply replacing the entire seating system is an option. In this case, basic tools like a screwdriver, socket wrench and torque wrench can be used to remove the bolts holding the seats down. This is a good option if your customers want to install racing seats. But, if they want to just change out the upholstery or add trim, you'll need some special tools. Having a sewing machine is imperative, as well as special pliers.

I recommend: Read through the directions at UPHOLSTER! magazine to determine exactly what you'll need to customize the seats in a vehicle. Check out the seating supplies offered by JC Whitney.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you install window tint as part of your auto interior accessories business, you'll need supplies such as squeegees, heat guns and razor blades to get the job done. You may also need soap and spray bottles as well as tools you can use to remove door panels.

Customizing a car interior is something that many people do. Some people completely overhaul everything in the interior of their vehicle. Others change small things or add extra items to make the car interior look different.

Offering a good selection of automotive interior systems and accessories increases your chances of having something that will appeal to almost any customer who comes to your business. Consider these suggestions when you are stocking your store:

1. Stock basic auto interior accessories for customers who want to change the look of their auto interior or fix broken items.

2. Accommodate customers who want to redo the fabric in a vehicle by offering auto interior fabrics.

3. Appeal to tech savvy customers with custom auto interior electronics.

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Offer a good selection of auto interior accessories

Changing some of the interior accessories in a car can give it a whole new look. Because cars vary greatly, stocking a wide selection of auto interior accessories such as dashboards, gauge clusters, steering wheels and shifts will allow you to accommodate almost any customer.

I recommend: SlickCar.com has a complete line of custom auto interior parts, including speed glow gauge clusters. They also have a wide variety of racing theme auto interior accessories. All of the automotive parts are at a discount. Wood Dash Experts, Inc. offers replacement and aftermarket dashboards. This company has numerous car interior wood grain items.

Stock fabrics so customers can have a custom auto interior

Some customers may want to change the fabric in their vehicle. Stock fabrics with different patterns and textures so your customers can find the perfect fabric option. Seat covers, for example, are a relatively easy way to change a car interior.

I recommend: Your Auto Trim Store sells specialty automotive interior fabrics. Their selection includes cloth, suede, leather and velvet. They also offer custom print fabrics. This store sells all of its fabrics at wholesale prices. Car Stuff offers a good selection of automotive interior accessories. Some of their products include seat covers and replacement seat belts.

Sell automotive interior electronics

Adding televisions, DVD players, GPS systems and radar detectors to a vehicle is a way that some customers enhance their car interior. Offering these items in a variety of styles allows you to appeal to a customer who is looking for ways to enhance the electronic systems in their vehicle. By offering these items, you will be able to accommodate families as well as people who are trying to create an impressive show vehicle.

I recommend: Crutchfield offers a very large selection of automotive interior systems and accessories including GPS, radar detectors and automotive entertainment systems. They offer wholesale prices and various shipping discounts. Quality Mobile Video specializes in automotive interior entertainment centers. They have various types of televisions and DVD players. They also offer radar detectors, GPS systems, car audio systems and Bluetooth accessories.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure that stock the equipment necessary to install the automotive interior systems and accessories you sell. Think about tools, electrical wires and power inverters.

While many collision specialists and mechanics focus on the exterior of a vehicle, automotive interior systems and accessories education and training is also important. Because drivers spend the majority of their time inside the car, many consumers look for ways to enhance their car’s interior. Being educated about the options for the interior of an automobile puts your business ahead of the rest.

Car manufacturers, auto dealerships, collision specialists and vehicle mechanics benefit from increased automotive interior systems and accessories education and training. When thinking about how your business learns more about a car’s interior design, consider the following topics:

1. Discover methods for installing auto interior accessories from experienced instructors.

2. Learn about special car interior features and how they work from articles.

3. Find out about techniques and tips for automotive interior restoration.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research educational institutions for courses discussing automotive interiors

Mechanic courses are a good way to learn more about the interior options and features of a vehicle. Experienced automotive instructors teach courses. They allow hands-on, supervised training for installing and repairing interior parts for an automobile. Some courses specialize in novelty accessories such as radios and special lighting, while other courses discuss safety interior features such as airbags and seat belts.

I recommend: Rightlook offers hands-on instruction and training to teach students interior automotive repair. Concours d'Elegance Upholstery features a video training course for repairing seat covers on the interior of a vehicle.

Search for articles featuring various types of car interior accessories

Automotive magazines and websites are a good place to begin searching for articles detailing the various types of automotive interior systems and accessories. Many magazines offer suggestions about the best manufacturers, the best sound systems and the best prices. Articles also often add illustrations to their text. Look to these articles for an educational overview of the automotive interior accessories available for your company or customer's automobiles.

I recommend: AutoMat Auto Interiors and Tops discusses the various electronic accessories that one finds in the interior of an automobile. Free Press Release discusses the types of interior automobile accessories people want.

Learn how to restore the auto interior of classic cars and wrecked vehicles

Many businesses repair the exterior of vehicles. However, some customers also need restoration of the interior of their cars. Add to your collision and mechanic business by offering interior automotive restoration. Discover tips and techniques about repairing seats, dashboards, sound systems and more. Look to manuals, magazines and courses for information on interior automotive restoration.

I recommend: An article at Drive! Magazine features tips and techniques for restoring the interior of a car. autoMedia features an article that gives tips and information about restoring the interior of a classic car while sticking to a budget. This is very important for businesses that restore classic cars for resale.