I have enjoyed many of the posts on this site over the past 18 months. There are some real innovative and technically minded contributors and I have learned many things about the Yeti. I do however, have concerns about some of the DIY modifications that some of our members have carried out on their vehicles. I start to worry when people drill holes in dashboards, run electrical cable and wires along with Velcro, sticky back plastic and other things in order to make their vehicle more suited to their taste. Whilst these members may be technically proficient, I have always been put off buying vehicles that have non approved modifications. I purchased a second hand Vauxhall Chevette in my teenage days with all sorts of innovative electrical improvements and I was really chuffed with it. Two weeks later when it caught fire whilst driving down the A74, I became quite cynical whenever I saw unexplained cables and connectors lurking behind dashboards and parcel shelves.

As I said, some members may be technically proficient but you have to be aware that prospective purchasers may be put off your vehicle when the see home made electrical improvements. I'm not pointing the finger at anyone in particular, it's just a general observation.

I'm inclined to agree. There are posts from people who, for example, want to change the door handles for some reason and have problems fitting them, or others who want to fit electric seats to a model that doesn't have them. Or even add aftermarket aircon . I can't help thinking that, if you want these things, why not buy a car with them in the first place. Is this syndrome peculiar to Skoda owners?

 Is this syndrome peculiar to Skoda owners?

No, it covers every make of vehicle, from Audi to Zasatava. It is called "personalisation".

How many cars actually come with all the power points you need these days?

Kids in the back with tablets or DVD players, sat nav up front and his n hers phone chargers, DAB radio add on, cool box in the boot an so it go's on. Two in the back and four up front plus one in the boot should be the minimum these days IMO, but unfortunately car manufacturers think one should be enough. It's like putting one three pin socket in the kitchen then wondering why the cook complains.

Anyway should be no problem if done properly and correctly fused, personally I always remove everything back to standard when selling.

That's like saying buy a new house and accept it as is without adapting it to your personal needs.

Of course people will want to personalise their car. 

Hi Anddenton

You make some very valid points and I have to agree that modern cars should have more connectors for the wide variety of technological devices that are now available to everyone. However, whilst you may be capable of your own abilities and are wise enough to disconnect any personal improvements before you sell a vehicle, I'm sure that there are many well intentioned enthusiasts who really don't know the basic safety requirements when they personalise their vehicles. I'm what you call "Once bitten, twice shy". When you car is written off due to to a fire resulting from faulty wiring and your life has been put at risk I'm sure everyone will appreciate why I'm against DIY electrical improvements.

Hi Marie

I'm not against people personalising their cars, I just have a deep mistrust of electrical improvements by people who are not electricians. Would you let someone rewire your house who wasn't qualified? By the way like your side decals.

Would you let someone rewire your house who wasn't qualified? By the way like your side decals.

Quite right, and I'd much rather do it myself than let a so called qualified sparky do it as well

Hi Marie

I'm not against people personalising their cars, I just have a deep mistrust of electrical improvements by people who are not electricians. Would you let someone rewire your house who wasn't qualified? By the way like your side decals.

 

Would you let me fit your side decals?

I'm very experienced....not 

Hi Marie

The photos that you supplied were very good and highlighted a professional finish. You could do my decals anytime but if I needed some electrical work, it would be an auto electrician ever time.

I think that different members have different levels of skill and knowledge on whether a mod is within their capability and makes good sense.

 

Always look out for people whose optimism exceeds their ability....and make sure they have at least a 'plan B' and a 'plan C'