How to Customize My 2000 Toyota Camry

A Camry can shine with a set of chrome rims.

The Toyota Camry is a four-door economical sedan. There are limited manufacturer accessories that can be purchased for the 2000 Camry; however, a variety of aftermarket options are available to make your Camry stand out. Customizing the Camry can cost anywhere from under $100 to over $1,000 depending on the budget. For example, tinting the taillights will be cheaper than putting on a set of rims. While there are many things that can be done to customize the Camry, this article will feature exterior customization that can be done from home.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Lug nut wrench
• Hydraulic jack
• Toyota valve stem caps
• 16-inch rims
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Cardboard box
• Spray tint
• 2 Chrome license plate frames
• Colored windshield wipers
• Chrome exhaust pipe tip

1. Adding Chrome Rims

   • 1

     Loosen the five lug nuts holding the stock wheels in place using the lug-nut wrench. Insert the lug-nut wrench firmly on each lug nut and apply counterclockwise pressure until the each nut is loose. Do not remove the lug nuts at this point.

   • 2

     Place the hydraulic jack under the chassis by the wheel well of the first wheel being removed. Put the jack on a hard, even surface to prevent the jack from sliding out or sinking. Jack the Camry up enough to remove the wheel. Unscrew the lug nuts by hand and place them to the side. Take off the stock wheel and store them in a weatherproof shed or garage with the rim facing upward. The wheels may be stacked on top of each other as long as a towel is in between each protecting the rim from damage.

   • 3

     Put the aftermarket rims on the Camry. Aftermarket rims should be 16 inches. Larger rims may throw the balance off of the vehicle and cause poorer fuel economy. Screw the lug nuts clockwise by hand for each wheel. Lower the Camry down by releasing the pressure in the jack. Tighten each lug nut using the wrench.

   • 4

     Adorn the rims with custom Toyota valve-stem caps. Custom valve-stem caps with the Toyota logo on them in different colors and as of 2010, can be purchased online for as low as $5.

   Tinting the Taillights

   • 1

     Pop the trunk on the Camry. Remove the clips and unscrew the screws holding the two taillights in place with the flat-head and Phillips head screwdrivers. Pull out the electrical plug from the taillights.

   • 2

     Place the taillights on a flat cardboard box. Shake the spray window tint can and apply a single coat of tint on each taillight from 6 inches away. Only one coat is necessary to give the taillights a darker appearance. Spraying on a second coat might cause the taillights to be too dark to see at night.

   • 3

     Let the taillights dry for 24 hours in a low-humidity setting. Plug in the wiring back into taillights. Turn on the Camry and check to make sure the lights work before proceeding. Place the taillights back on the Camry. Tighten the screws that hold the lights in place. Place back the clips and trunk lining that cover up the light components.

   Other Exterior Accessories

   • 1

     Unscrew the front and rear license plates from the Camry. Place the screws to the side to be used again. Discard the black plastic frame adorning the plates.

   • 2

     Place the chrome license plate frame on top of the license plate. Hold the plate and frame together against the Camry's bumper. Screw in the plate and frame with the same screws taken out before. Do the same procedure for the rear plate.

   • 3

     Remove the stock windshield wipers. Take off the clips holding the wipers in place or push down and then pull up to remove the wipers. Keep the wipers if they are in good condition as spare parts.

   • 4

     Install the new wiper blades into the wiper arm. The wipers should have the same color as the Camry's body giving a unified appearance to the car. As of 2010, color matching license plates can be purchased at automotive retail store or online for under $20. Clip the wipers back in place. Test the wipers to make sure they are secure.

   • 5

     Place the exhaust pipe tip over the exhaust pipe until the tip is fully inserted. Screw the two screws that came with the tip clockwise with the Phillips head screwdriver until the exhaust tip is snug. As of 2010, exhaust tips can be purchased in automotive retail stores or online ranging in price from $10 to $50 each.