An Overview of Car Audio Systems and Other Upgrades That Will Elevate Your Older Model Vehicle
Classic cars turn heads in traffic. Whether you’re behind the wheel of an old muscle car like a 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS or an ultra-wide convertible cruiser like a 1976 Cadillac Eldorado, these rides are bound to attract some attention.
“They don’t make ‘em like they used to,” as the saying goes.
One of the biggest challenges of owning a classic vehicle is all the upkeep and preventative maintenance that goes into them. When these cars malfunction, it’s a much more expensive problem compared to your run-of-the-mill Honda or Ford. Many classic car owners drive them sparingly to keep their mileage down and reduce wear and tear.
The second challenge is that classic cars lack all the modern features we’ve come to appreciate, including luxury car audio, Bluetooth, and other basic car accessories. In this blog, we’ll explore a range of aftermarket upgrades that can breathe new life into older vehicles without compromising their nostalgic flair. Afterwards, we’ll provide some useful info on how you can get professional aftermarket accessories and car audio installation.
When a Classic Look Meets Modern Car Audio
The unmistakable sound of a classic car’s engine perfectly executes the time-warp effect drivers love and appreciate with older automobiles. Classic sound systems, on the other hand, leave a lot to be desired. If you’re still using the factory radio and speakers, your playback is likely filled with distortion and the buzzy static that vintage audio systems are known for.
For those who are finally ready to do their music justice, a modern aftermarket car audio system is the perfect way to elevate your vehicle’s sound without compromising its vintage vibe. Believe it or not, classic cars are perfect candidates for aftermarket head units, speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers. Just be sure to invest in professional car audio installation when you purchase your new equipment. Upgrading classic cars with modern equipment takes a special set of skills and know-how.
How Window Tint Helps Retain Your Classic Vehicle’s Interior
If it’s one thing we know about classic car owners, they are among the most fastidious in terms of keeping their vehicles clean and pristine. This group knows their way around automotive cleaning products and the best practices to maintain the look and feel of their interior.
So, what’s the biggest danger to a classic vehicle’s aesthetics? The sun’s harmful UV rays can ruin upholstery and crack dashboards, damaging your investment. The more your vehicle is exposed to the sun, the quicker your interior will degrade and fade.
The good news is there’s a quick and easy solution for this: window tinting. Although most drivers think of window tint in a purely aesthetic sense, there are many practical applications that help vehicles maintain value. Most notably, many window tint products block at least 99% of UV rays, ensuring that classic car owners can enjoy their rides without depreciation anxiety.
Protect Your Classic Car’s Paint Job with Ceramic Coating
Luxury car audio and window tinting are great options for taking your vintage vehicle’s look and feel up a notch, but the star of the show is your car’s exterior. Unfortunately, all vehicles are subject to the same rocks, sand, and road debris that threaten the integrity of paint jobs everywhere. In fact, some classic car owners intentionally avoid the highway to retain as much of their original paint job as possible, electing instead to cruise slowly around town.
Vintage vehicle owners who wish to boost the gloss and shine of their cars while adding a healthy line of defense should explore ceramic coating. The coating itself is a liquid polymer that bonds to the paint and hardens, brightening the natural appearance of the paint while creating a shatterproof shield that’s resilient against:
- Sand, pebbles, road salt, and other common small road debris.
- Bugs, bird droppings, and other organic matter.
- Harmful chemicals and corrosive elements.
- Prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
The 3M™ ceramic coating products we sell at Auto Image are so strong that commercial airlines and trucking companies have adopted them. You can finally feel comfortable taking your classic car on the highway again, or at least cringe less the next time a bird does what birds do.
Classic Cars Require Modern Security Solutions
Back in the day, knowing how to hotwire a car wasn’t exactly common knowledge. In 2024, there are countless YouTube videos on how to do it with step-by-step instructions. We’re not saying stealing a classic car is easy, but they are certainly easier to steal than late-model cars with current security features.
If you want to give your vintage vehicle some modern protections, we highly recommend exploring car security and alarm systems. Some products even come with GPS trackers and remote engine-kill features, ensuring your classic auto doesn’t become a victim in some car thief’s rendition of Gone in 60 Seconds.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation with Aftermarket Upgrades
The effect that luxury car audio and modern aftermarket upgrades have on a vintage vehicle cannot be overstated. When drivers blend the elegance of the past with the innovation of the present, it elevates the behind-the-wheel experience to new heights while securing your investment.
Those who are ready to check out the best car accessories can find them at Auto Image in Brick and East Brunswick, New Jersey. We have a wide array of stereos, speakers, and audio equipment that are sure to impress. We also perform professional car audio installation on virtually any type of vehicle – modern and classic alike.
The best way to get started is by visiting Auto Image in person. Want to make a personalized shopping appointment? Get in touch with us using the contact form on our website. If you provide the details of your classic vehicle, we can start putting together a list of compatible car audio and accessory options to choose from.
