Exterior Customization, Protection & Upgrades
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EXTERIOR SERVICES IN COLUMBUS, OHIO
Exterior work at Pickups Plus Cars covers more ground than most shops. Some of it is customization: vinyl wraps, color changes, body kits, custom grilles, exterior lighting, and graphics. Some of it is protection: paint protection film, clear coatings, undercoating, and window tinting that blocks UV and heat. Most customers come in with one specific thing in mind and leave knowing there are three more they hadn't considered.
Each of these services has its own variables, and we consult before we quote. The right window tint depends on Ohio's legal limits and how much heat rejection you actually need. The right wrap depends on your vehicle, the finish you want, and how long you expect it to last. Come into our Lewis Center or Hilliard location, and we'll work through it with you.
EXTERIOR SERVICES & UPGRADES
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Paint Protection & Specialty Coatings
Paint protection film (PPF) is a clear urethane film applied to painted surfaces to guard against rock chips, scratches, and UV damage. It's invisible and designed to preserve your paint without changing how the vehicle looks. We also apply clear coatings, powder coatings, and undercoating for rust and corrosion protection on the undercarriage. Each of these serves a different purpose, and we'll help you figure out which one, or which combination, fits what you're trying to protect.
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Vinyl Wraps & Graphics
Vinyl wrap lets you change the color or finish of your vehicle without a permanent paint job. Matte, satin, gloss, chrome, color-shift — the options are extensive, and a quality wrap protects the original paint underneath. We also install partial wraps, vinyl graphics, lettering, and pinstriping for customers who want something more specific than a full color change. All of our wrap work is done with precision installation; edges, seams, and curves matter, and we treat them accordingly.
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Lighting & Body Accessories
This category covers the physical changes to your vehicle's exterior: body kits, bumpers, grille guards, custom grilles, bug shields, and rain guards. We also handle exterior lighting upgrades and light tinting for customers looking to improve visibility or change the look of their headlights and taillights. Trailer hitch installation rounds out this category, and hitches are available for virtually any vehicle, from a truck rated for heavy towing to a crossover that needs a hitch for a bike rack.
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Window Tinting & Glass
Window tinting reduces heat, cuts glare, blocks UV rays, and adds privacy. Ohio law allows up to 50% VLT on front side windows and 50% VLT on rear side windows, with no restriction on rear windows. We install tint that's within legal limits and can walk you through the shade options before you commit. We also handle glass repair and replacement, window seal repair, and window accessories for customers dealing with functional issues rather than cosmetic ones.
Common Exterior Vehicle Services Questions
What's the difference between paint protection film (PPF) and a vinyl wrap?
PPF is a clear film. Its job is protection, not appearance — it guards against rock chips, scratches, and UV damage while staying invisible on the paint. A vinyl wrap changes how the vehicle looks by covering the paint with a colored or finished film. They serve different purposes, but they're also compatible. It's common to apply PPF to high-impact areas like the hooIs window tinting legal in Ohio, and what are the limits
Yes, window tinting is legal in Ohio within specific limits. Ohio law allows a minimum of 50% visible light transmission (VLT) on front side windows and 50% VLT on rear side windows. The rear window has no restriction. A non-reflective tint strip is permitted on the windshield above the AS-1 line. We only install tint that falls within Ohio's legal limits, and we can walk you through the shade options and what each level looks and feels like before you decide.How long does a vinyl wrap last?
A professionally installed vinyl wrap typically lasts 3 to 7 years, depending on the film quality, how the vehicle is maintained, and how much sun and weather exposure it gets. Premium films from brands like 3M and Avery Dennison can last toward the higher end of that range with proper care. Regular washing, avoiding abrasive cleaners, and keeping the vehicle out of prolonged direct sun will extend the life of the wrap. When it does reach the end of its lifespan, it can be removed without damaging the paint underneath, provided the original paint was in good condition.Can I get a trailer hitch installed on a car or SUV, not just a truck?
Yes. Trailer hitches can be installed on virtually any vehicle, not just trucks. Cars, crossovers, and SUVs are commonly fitted with hitches for towing small trailers, carrying bike racks, or mounting cargo carriers. The towing capacity varies significantly by vehicle, so we'll confirm what your vehicle is rated for before recommending a hitch receiver class. A Class I or II hitch on a crossover is a different conversation than a Class III on a half-ton truck, and we treat them accordingly.
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