Sporty look

If you follow my blog, you're aware that I think the GT-Line Forte trim is missing some red accents on the sides. The GT features red wheel center caps, but these caps are not suitable for non GT wheels, as they require specific shape of the rim's center for installation. Therefore I started to look for the alternatives.

Previously, I had added the red stripes to the side skirts but still wanted to add more red. And I recalled that more than a decade ago I had an old Audi 80 with white letters on the tires. At that time they were made with a special marker and I remember that that was not a reliable solution.

I've seen many sports cars with tire stickers, but must admit that not everyone suits them. Nonetheless I decided to give them a try on my Forte. They are easy to apply, so even if I don't like them I can remove them any time.

Initially I contacted a couple of local tuning services to get a quote on this and was shocked. It was ranging between $200 to $500 "all in". I don't want to spend so much for the thing which I may not like. So as usual I turned to AliExpress and order these tire stickers. They offer custom text options, and I chose to have "GT Line" word in red and white.

To adhere the letters I used red Loctite. However, before doing so it's crucial to clean the tire side thoroughly with acetone. Then cut the rubber horns and sand the tire side. When attaching the letters, I wore the gloves to make sure my fingers are safe. The seller put everything into the package but glue. I spent only $14 on this and approximately an hour on labor. Additionally, I didn't have to remove the wheels from the car.

The outcome was fantastic. I really like the way it looks. However, in my opinion, it still needed something more. So I decided to add some simple stripes that follow the "GT-Line" word. I ordered additional 8 pieces of white stripes from the same seller, but, for some reason, they sent me a different design than what I initially requested. Nevertheless I received a partial refund and therefore applied the stripes I got.

And now it looks great. Though, I'm still in doubt if I need to place a pair of the stickers on the opposite side, as most of the sports cars with tire stickers I've seen on the internet, have a pair of stickers on their tires. Will consider it. What are your thoughts?

The next aspect I'd like to enhance is the rear spoiler. I'm aware that there is a ducktail available for almost $200. But in my opinion it looks unattractive. I'd prefer to have some small barely visible "feathers" instead. Similar to what Alfa Romeo Guilia has. So as an experiment I've searched AliExpress for spoiler extensions designed for other cars and came across ones for Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI. Again the idea is just to add two subtle "feathers" to OEM rear spoiler. These extensions should be barely visible and not disrupt the Forte's silhouette.

In contrast to the $200 ducktail these extensions are only $21. Not a big deal for an experiment. They are bend and have the "gutter" that matches the one on the Forte's OEM spoiler. Installation is straightforward. I simply used two sided scotch tape. And here is the outcome. When you look on the car back you see that the spoiler is not flat but has two little humps. So for those who wants to customize rear spoiler but not ready to invest $200 in a ducktail (btw also made in China) this could be a solution.

And that's all for now. All the modifications are reversible but I'm satisfied with them. The car looks a slightly more aggressive now, even with a 147 hp engine inside. Thanks everyone for reading this and safe travels. Love your cars!

Total:

- Golf 7 GTI rear spoiler extensions: $20.59
- Tire stickers (letters): $13.14
- Tire stickers (stripes): $7.15