DIY Network

Show-Car Display: Custom Signs for Mods List Extra Flash for the Auto-Show Floor, Part 1 of 4 From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-311

	The object of our attention: a multi-award winning Mitsu Eclipse.
	Our display features custom graphics highlighted by a brushed metal backdrop and framed by design cut-outs.

In this project, Tricked Out host Andrew Totolos works with a heavily modified, award-winning 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse. But for once he's not working on the car itself. Instead, this project focuses on several ways of highlighting the car at the auto shows where it will compete.

If you go to auto shows, you know that winning is all about respect, so whether your car is a mildly modded street car or a wild monster like our project vehicle, taking some time to work on the presentation of your vehicle can pay off big in the eyes of the judges and the public. This project is about making the coolest show display around.

First Andrew creates a professional-grade display sign that will showcase all of the car's modifications. The sign is fashioned from brushed aluminum and the graphics are designed on computer.

He also shows an easy and inexpensive way to make a crowd-control barrier that's in keeping with the eye-catching looks of this vehicle. Finally, he offers a few tips on show extras like painted jack stands, hood props, under-body mirrors and motion-activated sound devices.

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	Using a laptop and image-editing software, Andrew creates the image for the Eclipse display sign.

Tools and materials used to complete this project include:

computer with image-editing software
photo emulsion kit
transparencies
printer exposure unit
timer
tray
cold water
sponge
hair dryer
stainless steel
drill with wire brush attachment
aluminum flashing
grease pencil
scissors
drill with wire brush attachment
small binder clips
nuts/bolts
angle aluminum
flywheels
wire brush
brake cleaner
rust-converting primer
table legs
handsaw
sandpaper
pliers, screwdriver
bolts
brackets
eyelet screws
spray paints
rope or piping
recording devices
speakers
indoor/outdoor carpeting
jack stands
12-inch mirror tiles
measuring tape
pvc piping
spray primer
plastic dip

DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: We gave this a difficulty rating of 1 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. No mechanical work is done on the car, and the bulk of the work creating the display items is done with a drill, sandpaper and spray paint.

The metal display stand starts off with a kit that includes everything you'll need to turn a sheet of aluminum into a photo emulsified sign. Two sheets of metal and supports are added to tidy it all up. For the stanchions on the crowd-control barrier we picked up some junk-yard flywheels. Ordinary wooden table legs, eye screws, plastic chain and brake cleaner will clean them off, paint will finish the look. The hood props are simply made from PVC pipe, chair stoppers and spray paint.

The Project Car: 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse

This one of a kind 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse features a slick custom paint job with bold graphics, intricate airbrush work and sealed bare metal accents on the hood.

The hard work and expense that's gone into this heavily modified ride has paid off for its owner, as evidenced in the array of trophies the car has garnered.

Key among the mods, Lambo style doors add an exotic flare while painted calipers add depth to the custom airbrushed 18-inch rims.

At the back, a reverse peel carbon-fiber wing keeps everything in check. Under the hood, a custom painted valve cover adorns the engine compartment along with a cold air intake and a gel battery.

Inside, smoothed and painted dash and door panels surround the custom leather seats. An aftermarket head unit with TV tuner and three amps power four speakers. The punch for this system comes from the custom fiberglass sub enclosure under the hatch.

Read on to see how this amazing show car gets a treatment to make it even more impressive on the show floor.

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