Installing Your New Part? Here’s a No-BS Guide to DIY Install Levels

So you’ve scored your new part, now comes the fun bit: getting it on the car. Whether you’ve never lifted a spanner or you're basically the workshop guru in the group chat, this guide breaks down the job by skill level. Let’s find out where you stand.

Beginner – “No Clue? No Worries.”

If this is your first crack at car stuff, don’t stress. This one’s beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be a mechanic or have a fully kitted-out garage. A few basic tools and a bit of patience will get you there.

This job suits all ages and genders. Unless you’re the type to pack a tampon instead of a torque wrench (cheers, Daddy’s Home), you’re good to go.

Before You Start, A Few Handy Tips:

• Unbox first – Spot the mounting points early, it’ll save you time and stress. You’ll know straight up which bolts or screws need loosening. Makes life way easier.

• Clear the space – Sometimes you’ve gotta remove a few bits around the part to get to it. Don’t panic. Just take your time.

• Wiring should just click in – Most parts are made to fit with your existing plugs and sockets. No need for dodgy tape jobs or YouTube hacks.

• No hardware included – That’s normal. Reuse the original screws or bolts from your car.

Intermediate – “Bit of a Garage Hero”

You’ve turned a few spanners, helped out in the shed, or picked up tips from YouTube. You’ll probably swear once or twice mid-job, but you’ll get there, and you’ll save yourself a solid bit of cash too.

You don’t need a trade licence, just a decent set of tools and a little know-how.

Tools?

Depends on the part, really. Some jobs are easier with fancy gear, but you don’t always need the $$$ stuff. Your current tool kit might already do the trick.

Got Panels or Bumpers That Need Paint?

Sure, anyone can paint. But unless your garage doubles as a spray booth, don’t expect a perfect factory finish. Still, if you’re happy with a “good enough” job, we say go for it. We’ve seen worse… on the motorway… often.

Electrical / Lighting:

Plug and play – Most factory replacement lights are straight swaps. No mods needed.

Parts not always included – A lot of lights don’t come with bulbs, sockets, covers or modules (especially Xenon and LED ones). That’s standard.

Upgrading or Facelifting? – 90% of our kits fit your factory plugs. But for DRLs or extra features, you might need to run extra wiring depending on your car’s setup.

Hot Tip: 12V won’t zap you, but dodgy wiring? That can spark a fire or fry a module. Don’t be that guy.

Expert – “You Either Are the Pro... or You Ring One”

If you’ve made it to this section, chances are you’re either the mate everyone calls for help or you’re wondering if it’s time to call that mate.

This job requires people with experience to be done right. There’s a reason lawyers, sparkies, and panel beaters all trained for years; some jobs just need a pro. It’s not just chucking stuff on and hoping for the best.

Why It’s Worth Doing Right:

Bad fit = bad result – Poor fitment can wreck the part, void warranties, or make your ride look like it came from a dodgy backyard rebuild. No thanks.

Paint jobs – Without the right tools and setup (like a spray booth), a DIY paint job won’t match a factory finish. Might still look decent, but set your expectations.

Not Sure You’re the Right Tool for the Job?

If you’ve read this far, you’re either keen to get stuck in or smart enough to know when it’s time to hand it over. Either way, no judgement… but maybe don’t lose your Sunday over it.

DIY vs. Calling in the Experts

Look, doing it yourself can be a solid shout. You save a few bucks, pick up a new skill, and get to say “yeah, I sorted that.”

But some installs like LED headlights that aren’t plug and play and need or anything electrical are just better off in the hands of the pros. It’s not just about getting them to fit. It’s about doing it right: legal, lined up, and not earning you a fine or a glare-filled rage stare on the freeway.

As part of the installation, make sure your setup’s road-safe and ADR-compliant (Aussie Design Rules), basically the rulebook for not being that guy who blinds everyone at traffic lights.

Let’s Clear the Air on LEDs

Before you commit, let’s bust a few common myths we hear all the time:

MYTH: LED headlights aren’t legal in Australia.
FACT: They are, as long as they meet ADR standards and are fitted properly.

MYTH: LEDs are always too bright and blind everyone.
FACT: Not if they’re installed right. A good-quality setup with proper alignment gives you  more visibility without turning you into that guy. 

Bottom line: It’s not the LEDs, it’s the dodgy installs that ruin it for everyone.

Don’t Be That Guy With Crooked Lights

Alignment matters. If your beams are lighting up the trees or beaming straight into oncoming traffic, you’re not just being annoying, you’re being dangerous.

Follow the instructions, test your beam on a flat surface, and double-check the aim before you hit the road. If you’re not confident, book in with a local installer and save yourself the headache.

Whether you’re rolling up your sleeves or letting the workshop legends sort it, just make sure the job’s done right. Your car will thank you. So will everyone else on the road.