A client from here in Jacksonville contacted Audio Designs and Custom Graphics about a 2005 BMW 530i restyle project he had in mind. He wanted to give his car a massive transformation that would stand out. We looked through our catalogs of vinyl wrap film to get some ideas. He liked the colored chrome wraps but wanted Violet– an option not typically available. No worries…our team of graphics experts has the tools to deliver whatever our clients can dream up!
Vehicle Preparation
Our fanatical cleaning ensures a flawless finished product.
As this would be a complete vehicle wrap, we started by giving the car a thorough wash to remove any dust and debris. To give the car a factory-paint job look, we removed the bumpers, headlights, tail lights and door handles so we could wrap around the panels. Wrapping this way takes more time, but the finished product will not peel or pull up when the client washes the car. Moreover, it looks professional. With everything prepared, we gave the paint a final wipe-down with our grease and wax remover to ensure perfect and reliable adhesion.
Hybrid Vinyl Color
The BMW transformation was dramatic, to say the least!
As mentioned, the client liked the chrome vinyl options from Avery Dennison. To make a violet chrome, we chose Avery Dennison Conform Silver Chrome as a base and laminated Bright Violet 3M Scotchcal Translucent graphic film on top using our in-house lamination equipment. This process creates the violet chrome that the client wanted.
After masking around the windows and other trimming points with 3M Design Line tape, we applied the vinyl to the vehicle, working out any air bubbles as we progressed across each panel. We also applied vinyl to the front edges of the client’s Status Allow Knight 5 wheels.
Once we finished wrapping the body panels and each of the individual components, it was time to start putting the car back together. Everything except the headlights and front bumper was reinstalled and alignment-checked to ensure it was perfect. We had something special in mind for the lights…
Custom Headlight Halo Installation
The violet halo rings were the perfect compliment to the new wrap.
The client requested several lighting additions to his BMW. One of these upgrades included the installation of a set of RGB LED halo rings inside the headlight assemblies. BMW is well-known for their white headlight halos, so we thought being able to make them purple would be simply epic.
The installation of headlight halos is not for the faint of heart. With the light assemblies removed from the vehicle, we put each in our oven to warm up the adhesive that bonds the clear front lens to the reflector. Once they are up to temperature, we take the lights apart. At this point, we can install the rings and run the wiring through the back of the reflector. Once everything is mounted securely and tested, the light components go back into the oven before being reassembled.
We also added several pieces of RGB LED under-car lighting and a set of wheel hoops. The wheel hoops mount to the wheel hubs. They move with the systems and steering while illuminating the inside of the wheels.
The RGB LEDs can be set to almost any color, but we worked out a combination that provides a violet accent that matches the car almost perfectly.
BMW 530i Restyle Project
After four days of work, the BMW 530i restyle project was ready to go back to the client. We pulled it outside so that he would see it as soon as he arrived to pick it up. He was thrilled with the transformation! He loved the attention to detail along the edges of each panel and around all the openings. He could not wait for the sun to set so he could see the lighting at night.
If you are interested in a cost-effective way to transform your vehicle, drop into Audio Designs and Custom Graphics and speak with a member of our sales team. We would be happy to develop a graphics and lighting package to transform the look of your vehicle. Be sure to ask us about our audio system upgrades and remote car starters while you are here. For more information about any of our products or services, send us an e-mail using our online contact form. You can also call us at 904-333-2322 to schedule a consultation for your next project.
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