For a serious car enthusiast, owning an amazing car isn’t enough. Many motorheads tend to go one step further and try their hands at building or modifying cars. For them, working on a project car is a form of self-expression. Nonetheless, it is a productive hobby that allows you to learn and practice modification skills in your spare time.
Building a project car can be a rewarding experience for any car lover, but it comes with a cost. You need time, money and a certain level of technical knowledge and skills. If you want to start on a project of your own, it is best to set the expectations right and understand the basics of the process.
This guide will help you understand all you need to know before starting a project car. Take a look at all the steps involved
CAR MODIFICATION LAWS IN THE UAE
Before we delve deeper into the project car, understanding rules and regulations for car modification is important to avoid fines in the UAE. The modification rules set by Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) are created to improve vehicle safety on the road as well as to reduce carbon footprint and noise.
In Dubai, modification without approval can result in a fine of up to AED 1000 and around 12 black points. The other Emirates also have similar laws regarding car modification.
Hence, when you plan to modify a car, be sure to get approval for all the modifications you plan. Keep in mind that not all modifications are approved. For instance, engine modifications should match the vehicle body type as a car designed for 200 km/h cannot safely travel at 400 km/h.
STEPS TO STARTING ON A PROJECT CAR
An affordable project car may come with a set of its own problems. It could be an old classic sedan or a badly damaged SUV. Building a project car is all about creating a bond and learning the skills to upgrade and maintain a car on your own. The worse the car’s condition, the more work you will have to put in. You will also need a higher level of skills to restore an old damaged car to working condition. It is best to start with a vehicle that isn’t in bad shape.
The following steps should help you get started on your project car:
SET THE GOAL
Without proper milestones and goals, you might end up overspending time and money without the desired result. As a long term project, it is better to plan your approach.
You have to decide the purpose of the car, whether it is for driving on city roads or along the off-road trails of the desert. Do you just want the car to look good, or are you looking for a performance upgrade? What will the final result look like, and what kind of performance will it deliver? Answering all these questions will help you decide the type of car body and modifications you will need.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT CAR
Once you have a goal in mind, decide on the project car you want to work on. You won’t be able to find parts for models that have been discontinued for a while. Building a classic car is a good option, but classics are quite expensive to restore and modify.
If you want to avoid too much hassle and extra cost, you can start with any iconic model that isn’t too old for the roads. Inspect the vehicle body for rust or corrosion before purchase. A cheap rusted car is not worth much, and your efforts will be wasted on a modified car with a corroded body.
PLAN OUT PHASES
Project cars are a long-term project and can become overwhelming. To keep yourself motivated, work on the car in stages to reduce complications. Start with simpler and smaller tasks so that you can quickly move to the next phase. For instance, instead of jumping into the engines, start with the easier modifications like putting in the stereo, tinting the windows or removing body stickers. Seeing progress in small stages is a great way to stay motivated throughout the project. However, before you get car tinting in Dubai, read this guide. The guide will help you in understanding laws and regulations before you get your window tinted.
BUDGET REALISTICALLY
The budget is an important matter as apart from buying your project car, you have to add in the expenses for future modification and maintenance. While it is good to be optimistic, try not to be too wishful as a small disappointment can be highly demotivating if it costs money.
Always plan the budget for the worst-case scenario. Building a project car will sometimes cost more money than estimated, and you should be mentally prepared for that. Aside from the main upgrades such as engine, car transmission system and bodywork, be ready for unexpected small expenses that can amount to a lot.
SEEK GUIDANCE
You may be a car enthusiast, but building a project car requires mechanical and technical knowledge. If you are starting out for the first time, it is a good idea to get inspiration and ideas from people with the right knowledge. Not everything needs to be DIY. Sometimes seeking professional help can save time as well as money.
If you don’t want to get anyone’s help, seek guidance from other resources like technical manuals or online sources. There is a lot of information on the internet and you can find quite detailed videos of other people working on similar projects.
GET THE RIGHT TOOLS
To start working on your project car, you will need some essential tools. Below is the list of possible tools you will need to make modifications:
- Socket and wrench set
- Screwdriver set (flat and Philips-head are commonly used)
- Pliers and cutters
- Hammer
- Spanners and adjustable wrenches
- Hydraulic jack
- Digital multimeter
- Diagnostic scanner (OBD scanners)
A project car gives you the flexibility to modify based on your taste. Planning is essential as you may have to wait for some parts due to non-availability in the market. Car modifications will require a conformity certificate from ESMA to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive. Changing vehicle colours in the UAE will also require permission from the concerned authorities.
It’s better to keep everything legal to avoid fines and black points along with the risk of vehicle confiscation. You can find a collection of used cars for sales in the UAE to design and build your own car.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more information on vehicle parts, market trends and repairs.
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