Inexpensive cosmetic modifications

13423 Views 31 Replies 11 Participants Last post by Toastedforte, Sep 6, 2017

Falcon1986

Discussion Starter · Jun 29, 2013

2

So you guys have been inspiring with all your cool mods. Unfortunately, for me, I really can't do the expensive stuff right now, but wouldn't mind doing a few DIY things especially if they are minor cosmetic mods. Your opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Here is the stock sedan:

And here is my Photoshopped edits (glossy black vinyl roof and side mirrors, headlight accents, window tints):

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karkess

· #2 · Jun 29, 2013

Your photoshop items will cost $350 to have done. I would plastidip your grill and badges, to go with the blacked out theme.

RjForte

· #3 · Jun 29, 2013

Love the roof and headlamps.........black mirrors make it look cheap. Thinking I'll shoot the roof with the same gunmetal grey that's the wifes wheels will be.

Falcon1986

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 29, 2013

karkess said:
Your photoshop items will cost $350 to have done. I would plastidip your grill and badges, to go with the blacked out theme.

OMG! Really?! I realize the 3M gloss black vinyl costs more than the carbon fiber vinyl, but wasn't expecting all of the additional. Was going to apply it by myself with the help of a friend.

I thought someone would mention the grill and badges. I was planning to swap out the bumper with a more sporty aftermarket one when I can afford it and install 3D K badges at the same time. But I'll definitely consider the latter. Thanks!

RjForte said:
Love the roof and headlamps.........black mirrors make it look cheap. Thinking I'll shoot the roof with the same gunmetal grey that's the wifes wheels will be.

OK, cool.

forterider14

· #5 · Jun 30, 2013

Yeah everything looks good but the mirrors with the wrap.

s.f.c.hooligan

· #6 · Jun 30, 2013 (Edited)

I still think ya need to get rid of the drl/fog lights ..i will make sure they get put somewhere appropriate

I dont think The cost is that much..a roll of vinyl on ebay is like $180 and plastidip is super cheap. I say dip the grill while ya wait for the upgraded stuff. I like the mirrors either way really.

Edit here is a piece of what ya need big enough for roof and mirrors probably for $85.

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=270837892758

~clover

· #7 · Jun 30, 2013

Did you get your Forte new or used? Just wondering since you have the clear turn signal reflectors. They look awesome!

s.f.c.hooligan

· #8 · Jun 30, 2013

~clover said:
Did you get your Forte new or used? Just wondering since you have the clear turn signal reflectors. They look awesome!

He is in the bahamas..i want the headlights and drl/fogs. All factory option lucky!

Falcon1986

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jun 30, 2013

~clover said:
Did you get your Forte new or used? Just wondering since you have the clear turn signal reflectors. They look awesome!

It's new. Didn't realize the clear turn signals were much admired until I joined the forum.

s.f.c.hooligan said:
He is in the bahamas..i want the headlights and drl/fogs. All factory option lucky!

LOL! Hmmm... The headlights might be the last thing I change.

So tell me, these clear turn signal reflectors can't be retrofitted into existing stock headlamps? Now that you mention it, almost all of the Forte images I have seen on Google have amber stock.

karkess

· #10 · Jun 30, 2013

I paid $250 for my matte black roof. With the sun roof and seeing how some guys had a strip of color between the black and the back window, I would find someone with skills and pay them. IMHO.

s.f.c.hooligan

· #11 · Jun 30, 2013

karkess said:
I paid $250 for my matte black roof. With the sun roof and seeing how some guys had a strip of color between the black and the back window, I would find someone with skills and pay them. IMHO.

He has no sunroof and the sedan must be a bit different. All there is to do is antenna removal. If you were gonna try it yourself this has to be the best one for starters (sedan roof)

Falcon1986

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jul 1, 2013

s.f.c.hooligan said:
He has no sunroof and the sedan must be a bit different. All there is to do is antenna removal. If you were gonna try it yourself this has to be the best one for starters (sedan roof)

That's correct. The only thing in the way is the antenna stub. BTW, thanks for the eBay link.

tcope

· #13 · Jul 1, 2013

I'd install an inexpensive spoiler on the back.

No offense but I'm not a fan of some of the stuff shown. Looks too much like someone made a few cheap changes.

s.f.c.hooligan

· #14 · Jul 1, 2013 (Edited)

Falcon1986 said:
That's correct. The only thing in the way is the antenna stub. BTW, thanks for the eBay link.

No prob..spoiler idea is a good one..check out this thread for a good source and write up if ya like the o.e.m. one

http://www.forteforums.com/forums/body-kits-appearance/26290-spoiler-way.html

Edit: oh and if ya need the procedure to remove the antenna .. just follow the instructions on this thread. It about koup but our is the same process just slightly different position of light and hanger..

http://www.forteforums.com/forums/do-yourself-articles/8325-kia-oem-shark-fin-antenna-install-koup.html

Falcon1986

Discussion Starter · #15 · Aug 18, 2013

4

Got inspiration to wrap the lower lip for the following from OIE/OEF_Veteran's thread and the numerous other threads on molding.

Used 3M 1080 carbon fiber vinyl, red auto molding, a razor blade, rubbing alcohol wipes and lots of patience.

Not sure if OIE/OEF_Veteran wrapped all the way around the inset, but I tried to do that so that it looks more complete.

Didn't use a continuous sheet of vinyl because the strip I ordered wasn't long enough, so had to apply in segments with a bit of stretching around the corners.

The molding was easy to apply. One continuous strip that I approximated behind the license plate. Have to revisit the lower corners with a hairdryer for better adherence.

Also applied some of the same vinyl to the pillars and 1/4 panel of the back-seat windows. Don't have photos of those yet.

I'm thinking about blacking out the chrome on the grille then outlining the inner border with red molding. Would like that to be in gloss black though, but not too hyped about having to remove the bumper assembly right now.

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Server

· #16 · Aug 18, 2013

Looks great. Grill would also work pefectly. Not too crazy about wrapping the pillars tho..

*sigh*
I really need to catch up with some of you guys...

s.f.c.hooligan

· #17 · Aug 18, 2013

dont need to remove the bumper for the grill work. its 3? popup screws across the top of the grill under the hood and then pull top of grill forward a lil and access 8 screws in back. 2 on each side and 4 across the bottom. a stubby phillips is all ya need.

like the work so far! i blacked out my griill as well and badges then hand painted the kia letters. looks good for $6 haha

Falcon1986

Discussion Starter · #18 · Aug 18, 2013

s.f.c.hooligan said:
dont need to remove the bumper for the grill work. its 3? popup screws across the top of the grill under the hood and then pull top of grill forward a lil and access 8 screws in back. 2 on each side and 4 across the bottom. a stubby phillips is all ya need.

like the work so far! i blacked out my griill as well and badges then hand painted the kia letters. looks good for $6 haha

Good to know. Now, to find a stubby screwdriver.

What did you use to black out the grille?

s.f.c.hooligan

· #19 · Aug 19, 2013 (Edited)

3

plasti dip. then i can peel it off later with out damage in case i want to change color or sell it etc.

a couple pics of mine

after blackout with plasti dip

after painting letters and reinstalling

also did trunk badges to match with plasti dip and then painted kia red

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s.f.c.hooligan

· #20 · Aug 19, 2013

and if you use plasti dip then use paint on top of it it can be peeled off so the paint is not permanent then (the red on my letters).

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