How to make your car smarter

In the 1970s, at the height of Pop Art, racing driver Herve Poulain had an idea. Inspired by the unconventional art of the 70s, he commissioned his friend, the artist Alexander Calder, to create art…

In the 1970s, at the height of Pop Art, racing driver Herve Poulain had an idea. Inspired by the unconventional art of the 70s, he commissioned his friend, artist Alexander Calder, to create a piece of art using a BMW 3.0 CSL as a canvas. The resulting Batmobile was the first in a series of BMW Art Cars that included some of the biggest names in the pop art movement, including Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, who inspired the art car legacy that continues today.

Since then, the art car movement has moved away from BMW and remains the predominant medium among hobbyists and professional artists alike. Parades, festivals and conventions are held across the country each year, attracting the attention of thousands of automotive artists, many of whom are self-taught, who travel from far and wide to showcase their motorized masterpieces.

If you're an artist or have ever wanted to create an art car for your own enjoyment (or conversation starters), here's a handy guide on how to get started.

Part 1 of 7: Choose the right car

The first and most important question you should ask yourself is: what car will be your canvas? This is a car that you expect a lot of mileage from, or one that you won't drive very often.

Step 1. Draw practical conclusions. If your choice is a regular commuter vehicle, consider a design that combines practicality and see if the vehicle in question is in good condition and works properly.

Your design must ensure proper, legal use of vehicle safety features (such as side and rear view mirrors, windshields, brake lights, etc.).

• AttentionA: Always be aware that modifying your car's bodywork can void a warranty or two, not to mention you won't be able to use automatic car washes.

Part 2 of 7: Create your drawing

Once you've chosen your car and made sure it's free of rust that could ruin the paintwork, it's time to design!

Step 1: Think about the design elements. Don't be afraid to come up with as many different concepts as possible - you can choose the one you like best and change it, or combine several together into a completely new one.

Step 2: Finish the Design. Once you've written down your ideas, choose the design you like best, tweak it as needed, and start planning how you'll implement it.

Make a detailed design sketch including all the elements you are considering so you can see what it will look like before you actually start working on your car.

Part 3 of 7: Create your design

Step 1: Plan Your Sculpture. Create any sculptures or larger items you want to attach to your car. Any sculpting work that your design includes should be done first and foremost so that you have the opportunity to adjust your placement and design accordingly.

You can also expand the surface of the car using expanding foam or body filler. This can reduce the need to attach large individual items to the vehicle.

Step 2: Be practical. Design your designs keeping in mind that if you plan to drive, the attachments must not pose any danger or obstruction to other drivers on the road or to yourself. Attach your sculptures after painting is complete.

Part 4 of 7: Prepare the Canvas

Step 1: Prepare your car. Your vehicle must be prepared for any scheduled painting. Mark all design elements and cover the remaining areas with plastic or masking tape.

If you plan to remove any sections of the steel plate as part of your design, do so before painting for practical reasons and so that there is no risk of damage to the painting after painting is complete.

Step 2: Make sure you don't damage your car. Keep in mind that if you plan on removing the steel plate, make sure you don't cut out any critical sections of the car's frame - if you do, the remaining acrylic won't be able to support the car's structure the way steel can. maybe your car will be damaged.

Part 5 of 7: Paint the car

Painting a car can either lay the groundwork for a design or even become an entire project—there's no rule that an art car can't be limited to just a great paint job.

Paint options are as diverse as the color spectrum, and include disposable enamel, oil paint, or even acrylic paint for temporary work so your canvas can be reused—but these are the standard options.

If you have a steady hand, you can even use markers to draw on your machine.

Step 1: Clean your car. Prepare your work area by removing dust and dirt and give your car a good wash. Removing rust, dirt, and any other stubborn debris will help ensure a smooth and uniform finish.

Step 2: Sand the paintwork if necessary.. If you're planning to paint the entire car, consider sanding down the old paint. Also make sure you mask out any areas you don't plan to paint over before you start.

Step 3: Paint your car. Prime the surface if necessary and, depending on the type of paint being used, be sure to follow all available instructions for curing and drying between coats, or better yet, have a professional do it for you.

Part 6 of 7: Attach the Sculpture

Step 1: Attach Your Sculpture. Once the paint is dry, it's time to attach any sculpting work you've done, starting with the largest pieces. Use heavy duty adhesive around the edges of the sculpture.

• Attention: Any part attached with adhesive must dry for at least 24 hours before the vehicle is moved.

Step 2: Protect your work. Heavier parts will require equally strong fasteners such as bolts, rivets, or even welding to hold them in place.

Be aware of all vibrations, acceleration, deceleration, or any impact that may cause damage or even displacement of large pieces. If you're not XNUMX% sure if a sculpture is safe, get a second opinion from a professional.

Part 7 of 7. Add the finishing touches

Now that the bulk of the work is done, it's time to finish the design!

Step 1: Add some lighting. Lighting, such as LEDs, neon tubes, or even Christmas lights, can be installed on the vehicle using an independent power source, through the vehicle's electrical ports, or even directly from the battery.

If you are unfamiliar with handling electricity, find someone who understands to make sure you get a good design.

Step 2: Fix the paint. A permanent paint design should be completed with several coats of shellac and any gaps sealed with sealant.

Step 3: Decorate the interior of your car. Once the outside is done, if you're planning on decorating the inside, now is the time to do it!

Just remember not to block doors or mirrors, and be mindful of your passengers when adding any decor to your interior.

Once the painting on the car is dry, you can check everything and make sure your car is safe to drive. To be completely sure, hire a certified mechanic, for example from AvtoTachki, to check the safety of your car.

Take some pictures, post them online, search for local parades and art car shows, and most importantly, take a ride in your artwork! Be prepared to be the center of attention wherever you go, and be prepared to answer questions - art is, after all, meant to be enjoyed and shared!