Custom Ordered Cars – Worth the Hassle?

Most buyers get their hands on a new car in the same way. That is, they drive down to their dealership of choice, choose the car they want, go through the purchase process and then drive away in their new ride. Of course, it’s not always this simple. Some would-be owners find that they just can’t seem to locate the car they want anywhere, on any dealer lot. Automaker websites show a variety of unique colors and package options that might not be available in your area. What are you to do? Custom ordering is the answer, but is it really worth it?

What Is Custom Ordering?

Custom ordering a car is exactly what it sounds like. And, contrary to what you might have been told, it is possible, and it’s available from virtually all automakers. However, it’s not as cut and dried as just sending in an order form and then driving off in your new vehicle when it gets delivered to the dealership. Also, don’t believe the hype that custom ordering costs more – you can get the same pricing on a custom ordered car as one the dealer has on the lot (you might sacrifice some negotiating power, though). There are a few things you need to know.

Some Dealerships Balk

First, you’ll find that while the automaker might be happy to supply you with a custom ordered automobile, the dealership you choose might not be so happy about it. There’s a good reason for this. If you don’t like the car when it arrives and cancel the order, then they’re stuck with a car that was tailored for you and will have very little chance of selling to someone else. However, custom ordering is possible, so if this is what you want to do, stick to your guns and find a dealer willing to help. Be prepared to put down a significant deposit, though.

Is It Right for You?

While some folks might be fine driving whatever they find available or what’s most popular on the market, some drivers aren’t willing to compromise. Perhaps you want a specific color or trim option. Maybe you want a unique set of wheels coupled with a different interior choice. Regardless – custom ordering is the way to go.

Of course, you’ll need to exercise patience here. Custom ordering takes time – usually a pretty good chunk. Most automakers require 8-12 weeks to deliver a custom order, and that time can be increased depending on a variety of factors. So, if you’re hoping to put in your order and have your car in a week or two, it’s time to rethink that stance. If you can wait that long, then go ahead and order, but if the thought of waiting a minimum of two months doesn’t work for you, it might be time to reconsider compromising on what you want.

A Few Notes

While placing an order with a willing dealer is really all there is to the process, there are a few things you need to bear in mind. First, make sure you’re working with a good dealership. They’re going to be integral here, and you want a company you’re happy to work with. Second, make sure that the deposit the dealer requires is refundable – this protects you in the case that you change your mind about the purchase. Finally, make sure you get everything in writing from the dealer, from the options and paint to the promise of your deposit being refundable. Without proof in writing, it’s just your word if something goes wrong so take the time to ensure that you’re protected.

Custom ordering a car can be a very good thing for buyers willing to exercise patience, but it’s certainly not a process that’s ideal for everyone.

Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore, an auto flooring company based out Columbia, Missouri. Before AutoMatStore Elfrink was the operator of a automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on all-weather, logo, carpeted and molded car mats.

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1970 Cutlass 442 Convertible! The Finished Product!

I promised finished photos today, and here they are!  Unfortunately, due to a mishap with a shipping company, her bumpers did not arrive yet, but, because she turned out so beautifully, I decided to go ahead and post these anyway.

As we anticipated, the car turned out great.  She is shown here with a base coat /clear coat black mica metallic finish with a pearlized white 442 racing stripe configuration. 

The car took approximately 3 weeks to complete and came within budget.  So everyone is happy.  That's the way we like to see things go!  Her owner says the bumpers should be here within a couple days and that should put the finishing touches on this beauty.  She sits on 275R16 Goodrich tires mounted on aluminum alloy rims.  A look that we personally think is a very good one for this particular car.

As you can see from the above shots, the body on this car is just sheer perfection.  Congrats to Larry for the unbelievable straightening job on this one! 

A great big hand to Larry Blackman and Adam Stratton for another great job well done!

The next vehicle to go under Larry's hand will be a 2005 Mustang!  Look for it in about 2 weeks.  We'll be following that one through the steps too!

Thank you to everyone that watched this car go through her transformation.  We'd love to see your projects too!  Send your pics to Dee Blackman at ldjautobody@yahoo.com.  We'll post them here.  Please send us the story that goes with them.



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Cutlass 442 UPDATE! Pictures of the Paint Job!

Well, the 1970 Cutlass 442 project car that we have been working on here went into the paint booth yesterday!  It's always a great feeling of accomplishment when a project car reaches the paint booth.  Regardless of whether it was a complete, ground up restoration or just a new custom paint job, these older beauties are what it's all about.

Here's some pics of the 1970 Cutlass 442 as it went from primer to paint!  The final pics will be posted tomorrow.

Shown here with sealer in place, she's ready for paint.  As with most all of our custom jobs, this vehicle was finished using all DuPont products. 

We endorse and recommend DuPont products here at LDJ and have been using them for almost 30 years now.

After allowing the sealer to dry, she's ready for the first base coat.  The following pictures show the progress from base coat thru the application of the pearl white 442 racing stripes.

With the black base coat in place, it's time to start the racing stripe.  The stripe is taped off and sprayed using a tri-color pearl by starting with a white base coat and then the pearl.  The stripes on this car are the original configuration and included the two large hood panel accents.

With the stripes in place, the car is ready for the final clear coats.  The car was finished in DuPont Black Mica Metallic with a tri-color pearl white original 442 racing stripe.  The finished product will sport 6 coats of DuPont clear to protect the finish.

Check back tomorrow for the final shots of this beautiful car after wet sanding and buffing.  We'd like to thank the owner for allowing us to follow the work of this vehicle so we could take you through the steps of a custom paint job.  The finished car will have chrome 1970 Cutlass 442 bumpers which were fitted prior to the paint job.  

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Selling Your Vehicle? How to Cost Effectively Increase It's Value!

There's an old saying, "you have to spend money to make money".  This statement is especially true in the the automotive industry.  However, it doesn't have to cost you an "arm and a leg".  Taking some simple steps to increase the value of your vehicle can drastically add to the price someone is willing to pay for your car, truck, suv, or motorcycle.  Here are some ideas to help you get the most money when selling yours....

Looks are everything!  You can have the most reliable vehicle in the world, but, if it looks like it's been neglected, that is exactly what your prospective buyers will think!  Improving the overall appearance of your vehicle will gain you mega dollars in your bottom line.  Dull, oxidized paint, peeling clear coats, and cracked mirrors and light lenses are the first things your buyer will see!  Repairing these "sale killers" doesnt' have to be expensive.  Plastic light lenses are inexpensive and are easily obtainable for most vehicles.  Shop around for the "best price" when replacing these as the prices fluctuate from supplier to supplier.  Check out the suppliers right here on this page to see the best prices for these and other "appearance enhancing" accessories before you list your vehicle for sale.  Cracked mirrors, missing weather stripping, and other seemingly minor items scream "I don't care" to the potential new owner.  Unlike picking out a puppy from the shelter, you car's new owner isn't going to feel sorry for it and want to give it a new home!

Another big, price lowering fault, is dull, oxidized paint and peeling clear coats  Even though these things don't affect the performance of the vehicle in any way, the way a person's car looks makes a big statement about the owner!  Especially with a younger, inexperienced buyer or first time car-buyer.  Young people like to look good in their cars and dull paint and peeling clear coats take away from the overall look of the car.  An inexpensive way to improve dull paint is to have the car professionally buffed. Hand buffing is sometimes acceptable for minor oxidation on newer paint.  But, machine buffing with a good quality compound is always the best way to go!  LDJ offers a detail package that includes compound machine buffing that will run somewhere around $100 or less for most average sized vehicles (larger vehicles and suv's and trucks may run slighly more and motorcycles slightly less)  and will gain you much, much more than that on the sale of your vehicle.  That $100 dollars can get you up to $300 to $500 on your sale!  A small price to pay for a 3x return on your investment! 

Peeling clear coats are a little more expensive to repair. Depending on the age of your vehicle, repairing the clear coat is one way of drastically improving the bottom line on a newer vehicle.  LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop's certified painters can repair your clear coat without having to paint the whole vehicle!  Our 100% color matching system and experienced professionals will strip off the peeled areas and blend the newly painted areas to accurately match even the most sun-faded paint job!

Interior detailing is also important.  Make sure your vehicle's interior looks "inviting"!  You know yourself how much better you feel when driving your car right after your give it a good interior vacuuming and cleaning.  Your potential buyer feels the same!  Professional detailing can save you a lot of time and really improve the look of your vehicle's interior.  Most detail packages include shampooing of carpets and upholstery and the application of leather or vinyl dressing to give your interior that "brand new" look!  Don't forget the little things like floor mats, ash trays, cigarette lighters and any other little items that might be missing or just need attention!  Missing door lock knobs and window handle knobs or levers are a serious turn-off!  Check out the ads right here on this page for links to our favorite car care products, accessories, and the suppliers that will give you the best prices if you want to do it yourself!

Motorcycle owners!  Check out our complete cycle detailing packages!  Whether you're selling your bike or just want to make her scream "look at me" at that weekend rally or poker run, LDJ's detail pro's will make her shine so bright you're gonna need shades! Bring your vehicle to us for a professional evaluation of how we can help you get the most money from the sale of your car, truck, suv, or motorcycle!  The estimte is free! Check out our newest coupons and deals on our listing at Merchant Circle and save even more money on all of our services!

Good Luck and Happy Selling!

Larry and Dee
LDJ Auto Body and Custom Shop
Gibsonton, FL

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