Customization Stories is a submission format for owners documenting a modification or restoration project as a multi-part write-up (before state, work done, parts/cost, after result) rather than a single review. Submissions need a minimum of 5 photos and at least one cost breakdown, go through the same moderation queue as reviews, and published stories are organized by vehicle and by mod category (suspension, audio, wraps, engine, restoration, etc.) so other owners planning similar work can find them.
At a glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum photos | 5 (before/during/after recommended) |
| Cost breakdown | Required, itemized where possible |
| Moderation | Same queue as owner reviews, 24-48 hr target |
| Organization | By vehicle model and by mod category |
| Legal/safety mods | Flagged with a standard compliance note |
What belongs in a Customization Story
This isn't a general project-car blog — each story needs to be tied to a specific vehicle in your Garage and document an actual completed (or clearly staged) piece of work: a suspension swap, an infotainment retrofit, a full respray, a restoration stage. Purely aspirational "here's what I want to do" posts belong in the forums, not this format.
Required story structure
- Starting point: photos and a short description of the car's condition before the work.
- The work itself: what was done, parts used, and roughly how long it took.
- Cost breakdown: parts cost, labor cost if paid out, itemized where you can.
- Result: after photos and an honest assessment — what you'd do differently.
Why cost breakdowns are required
Cost data is the single most-requested detail from readers planning their own project, so it's a submission requirement rather than optional. You can list ranges instead of exact receipts if you prefer not to share exact figures, but a story with no cost information at all will be sent back for revision before publishing.
| Mod category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Performance | Suspension, exhaust, engine tuning |
| Appearance | Wraps, wheels, body kits |
| Technology | Infotainment, stereo, driver-assist retrofits |
| Restoration | Multi-stage classic/older vehicle rebuilds |
Modifications that affect emissions, safety systems, or road-legal status (e.g., suspension lift beyond local limits, aftermarket exhaust in an emissions-tested region) get a standard compliance note added by moderators pointing to local regulations. This is informational, not a legal ruling on your specific build.
Moderation for this format
Stories go through the same review queue as owner reviews: an automated spam/duplicate check, then a human pass checking the story is genuinely about the linked vehicle, includes the required cost section, and doesn't read as a paid promotion for a specific parts brand without disclosure.
Getting your story featured
The stories that get pulled into the homepage feed and category hub pages are consistently the ones with clear before/after photography and a specific, itemized cost breakdown — vague "upgraded my suspension, feels great" posts rarely get surfaced even if approved.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to spend a certain amount to submit a Customization Story?
Can I submit a story for work I'm still planning?
Do I have to disclose exact part prices?
Will a mod that affects emissions compliance be rejected?
How are stories organized on the site?
Sources & further reading
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
