Category: Custom Cars

Why Every Proper Car Build Needs An Online Garage
If you are deep into projects and late-night tinkering, an online garage for car builds is fast becoming as important as a decent socket set. The scene has shifted from hiding your secrets to flexing your progress, and the cars that get remembered are the ones with a proper digital footprint.

What is an online garage for car builds?

Think of an online garage for car builds as your car’s permanent build thread, spec sheet and photo album all rolled into one. Instead of random posts vanishing into social feeds, you have a dedicated space that tracks the whole journey – from buying a ropey shell to first fire-up and beyond.

It might be a personal site, a build blog, a profile on a directory, or a combo of all three. The key thing is that anyone can find your car, see what has been done, and follow what is coming next without digging through years of memes and tyre shine selfies.

Why serious projects need a digital home

If you are just slamming a daily on cheap coilovers, fair enough, you probably do not need a full online base. But once you are into proper money and hours, having a central build hub pays off in a big way:
- Proof of work: When it comes time to sell, a documented build history helps justify your price and filters out timewasters.
- Tech reference: You forget torque settings, part numbers and wiring hacks. Your online log becomes your own workshop manual.
- Community help: People can see what you are trying to do and offer targeted advice instead of the usual “just LS swap it” replies.
- Show & track cred: Event organisers love cars they can research. A clean online garage makes it easier to get picked for club stands and features.
Building your online garage for car builds

You do not need to be a coder to put something decent together. Start with the basics and level it up as the car evolves.

1. Nail the spec sheet

Have one page or section that lists the full spec: engine, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, wheels, interior, audio, and any custom fabrication. Keep it updated. Nothing looks more dead than a “build” that still says stock turbo three years after the big upgrade.

2. Timeline the build

Break the project into stages: purchase, strip-down, mock-up, first drive, mapping, track or show debuts. Add dates, photos and a few lines on what went right and what went horribly wrong. People love the honesty, and it saves others repeating your mistakes.

3. Decent photos, not just car park snaps

You do not need a DSLR, but you do need to care. Landscape shots, clean backgrounds, bonnet up, underbody, interior, cage details, brake setups – this is what other nerds want to see. Think like a feature photographer, not like you are just proving it exists.

Connecting your online garage to the wider scene

An online garage for car builds really comes alive when it is plugged into the rest of the community. Link out to your socials, club pages and any feature write-ups. If your car is listed in an online directory like Maxxd Directory, make sure the details match so people know it is the same build.

You can even go a step further and get your own domain so the car has a permanent home, regardless of which platforms are hot this year. If you want something a bit more polished than a basic template, there are proper website designers who understand automotive brands and can give your build the kind of presence it deserves.

Keeping your digital build thread alive

Nothing kills hype like an abandoned project page. Even small updates matter: fresh tyres, a new map, fixing that rattle that has annoyed you for months. Treat it like a logbook – if you wrench on the car, you drop a quick update.

Online garage for car builds FAQs

Do I really need an online garage for car builds if I already use social media?

Social media is great for quick hits, but posts disappear down the feed fast. An online garage for car builds gives you one organised place for specs, photos and progress, so people can follow the whole story without digging through years of random content.

What should I include in my online garage for car builds?

Include a full spec list, a timeline of key stages, plenty of clear photos, and notes on what worked or failed. Add details like alignment settings, part numbers and mapping info so your online garage for car builds becomes a genuine reference, not just a flex.

Can an online garage for car builds help when selling my car?

Yes, a well maintained online garage for car builds acts like a service history plus proof of mods. Buyers can see the quality of work, parts used and how the car has evolved, which helps justify your asking price and builds trust from the start.
January 27, 2026
The Ultimate Guide to Ghost Immobilisers for Modified Cars
If you daily a sorted turbo build or a clean show car, you have probably already thought about a ghost immobiliser for modified cars. With keyless thefts and relay attacks all over the UK, the old-school Car Security like steering lock is not cutting it on its own any more.

Why thieves love modified cars

Built cars are prime targets. Big wheels, loud exhausts, buckets, digital dashes, rare JDM bits – it is all easy money to strip and flip. On top of that, a lot of us post our cars all over socials, plates on show, locations tagged, and then park them on the street overnight.

Modern keyless systems make life even easier for thieves. A cheap relay box can grab your key signal from inside the house and trick the car into thinking the key is right next to it. In a lot of cases, they are in and gone in under a minute without smashing a window or making any real noise.

What is a ghost immobiliser for modified cars?

Instead of a big visible lock or a cheap plug-in gadget, a ghost immobiliser for modified cars is a hidden, hard-wired device that stops the engine from starting unless you enter a secret code using factory buttons. Think of it like an old-school kill switch, but smarter and way harder to find.

It usually uses existing controls – like window switches, steering wheel buttons or the indicator stalk – in a specific sequence that only you know. There are no extra key fobs to lose, no flashing LEDs and nothing obvious under the dash for a thief to spot.

How ghost immobilisers work with modern ECUs

Most of these systems talk directly to the car’s CANbus or key systems. Until the correct code is entered, the immobiliser blocks one or more critical signals – starter, fuel, ignition or even gearbox. From the outside it just looks like the car is dead, or has a random fault.

Because they sit on the data network, they can usually survive key cloning and relay attacks. Even if a thief has a working key signal, the car still will not start without the button code. That is why they have become such a big deal in the UK tuning and performance scene.

Are ghost immobilisers worth it on a project car?

If you have poured serious money into your build, the cost of a ghost immobiliser is tiny compared with a theft claim or trying to replace rare parts. They really shine on:
- High-power turbo builds that are quick to steal and quick to strip
- Clean classics with modern engine swaps
- Daily driven hot hatches with big wheel and brake setups
- Anything that is well known locally or all over Instagram
For trailered show cars, they add peace of mind in hotel car parks and while refuelling on the way to events. For street-parked daily builds, they are one of the strongest upgrades you can do after sorting your locks and parking situation.

Fitting a ghost immobiliser to a modified car

This is not a DIY job for most people. The wiring is tied into the car’s critical systems, and a messy install can give you random non-starts or electrical gremlins that are a nightmare to chase. A decent installer will:
- Hide the module deep in the loom, not just cable tie it under the dash
- Pick a custom button sequence that suits how you use the car
- Show you how to change the code if you ever need to
- Integrate it with any existing alarm or tracker setup
If you want to find trusted fitters and other scene-friendly services across the UK, the Maxxd Directory is a solid place to start.

Living with a ghost immobiliser day to day

Once you have had it fitted, you will need to build the code into your routine. Most systems let you:

Ghost immobiliser for modified cars FAQs

Can I fit a ghost immobiliser myself?

Technically you could if you are handy with wiring and have proper diagrams, but it is not recommended. These systems tie into critical circuits and CAN lines, and a bad connection can leave you stranded or chasing random faults for weeks. A professional installer will hide the unit properly, integrate it cleanly with your car’s systems and give you the paperwork insurers want to see.

Will a ghost immobiliser affect my remap or ECU upgrade?

In most cases, no. A ghost-style system usually sits alongside the ECU rather than inside it, blocking start or run signals until the correct code is entered. Reputable installers are used to working with mapped cars, standalone ECUs and piggyback setups, and will choose wiring points that will not interfere with tuning work. Always tell your mapper what is fitted so they know the car’s full setup.

What happens if I forget my ghost immobiliser code?

Most systems have a secure reset or override process that can be done by the original installer or by following the manufacturer’s instructions with proof of ownership. It is important to keep any emergency codes or cards in a safe place away from the car. If you are worried about forgetting the sequence, pick something that ties into a routine you already have, rather than a random pattern you will never remember.
January 21, 2026
Are Electric Campervans Really The Future Of Road Trips?

Electric campervans are finally starting to look like a real option for UK road trips, not just a concept car for motor shows. For anyone who lives for late-night B-road blasts and long weekends chasing tracks and meets, electric campervans are suddenly on the radar – but are they actually usable, or just another eco buzzword?

Why everyone is suddenly talking about electric campervans

There are a few reasons these things are popping up all over your feed. First, more cities are clamping down on older diesels with clean air zones and low emission charges. Second, battery tech has moved on from the early EV days, so we are not talking 60 mile ranges and anxiety every time you see a hill. Finally, a lot of us are clocking up serious miles to shows, tracks and meets, and the idea of cutting fuel costs without driving a boring eco box is actually pretty tempting.

Manufacturers have clocked this, which is why you are seeing factory-built electric vans with half-decent ranges and proper payloads. The base vehicles for future campers are already out there, and converters are wasting no time turning them into rolling tiny homes.

Real-world range: can an electric campervan actually tour?

On paper, some of the newer electric vans claim 200-plus miles, but anyone who has ever modded a car knows brochure numbers are fantasy. Add weight from units, beds, leisure batteries and all your gear, then factor in motorway speeds, cold weather and a bit of spirited driving, and that range drops fast.

Right now, a realistic touring setup means planning around 130 to 170 miles between proper charges if you want a bit of safety buffer. For UK use that actually is not terrible: that will get you from the Midlands to most big show grounds or coastal spots with one decent stop. If your idea of a road trip is smashing out 600 miles in a day across Europe, you will need patience and a good playlist.

Charging on the road: from services to campsites

The good news is the rapid charger network is miles better than it was even a few years back. Motorway services and big A-road sites usually have something you can plug into, although you might have to move if you are in a longer wheelbase van and the bays are tight. The bad news is you are now planning your trip around charge stops, not just fuel and food.

Campsites are slowly catching up, but most are still built around basic hook-ups meant for kettles and heaters, not fast-charging a van. You can trickle charge overnight, which is fine for chilled weekenders, but if you want to hit a track day one morning, then blast to a night meet the same evening, you will need public rapid chargers in your plan.

Converting your own van vs buying factory-built

This is where it gets interesting for the modding crowd. Traditional diesel campers are easy – find a solid base van, throw in insulation, wiring, a rock and roll bed, and you are laughing. With electric campervans, you are dealing with high-voltage systems, battery cooling and weight limits that actually matter for range and safety.

DIY conversions are still possible, but you need to be switched on. You cannot just slam it to the floor on big wheels, bolt on a full steel interior and expect the same range. Weight saving becomes a serious part of the build spec. Lightweight furniture, clever storage and thinking about aerodynamics all make a difference. Some of the thinking is similar to how builders approach a Fabric-first retrofit on a house – sort the fundamentals before you worry about the shiny bits.

Are electric campervans actually fun to drive?

Surprisingly, yes. Instant torque in a van is hilarious, especially when you are pulling out of junctions or climbing hills fully loaded. No gear changes, no lag, just quiet shove. For late-night drives to meets or sunrise runs to the coast, the lack of engine noise makes it a different kind of vibe – more chill, less drama, but still enjoyable.

Electric campervans FAQs

How far can an electric campervan really go on a single charge?

Most current electric vans used for camper conversions can realistically manage around 130 to 170 miles between charges once you factor in extra weight, motorway speeds and real-world driving. Official figures are usually higher, but they rarely match what you will see when the van is fully loaded with camping gear and people. Planning routes around rapid chargers and allowing a safety buffer is essential if you are touring.

Can I convert a used electric van into a camper myself?

You can, but it is more involved than converting a diesel. The high-voltage systems and battery cooling should be left alone unless you are properly qualified. Most DIY builders focus on the interior fit-out, 12v systems and insulation, while leaving the drivetrain stock. Weight is a much bigger deal on an EV, so using lightweight materials and planning the layout carefully will help preserve range and keep the van safe and legal.

Are electric campervans suitable for winter camping in the UK?

They can work for winter trips, but you need to plan carefully. Cold weather hits battery range, and using electric heating inside the van will drain it faster. Many builds use efficient diesel or gas heaters for the living space while the main battery just handles driving. Preheating the cabin while plugged in and choosing sites with hook-ups makes winter camping in an electric van much more practical.

January 14, 2026