Beginning and experienced builders alike have all been bitten by the custom bug at some point in their lives. I've seen young kids building plastic models with their fathers and grandfathers which is how the bug usually catches them in their youth. I was bitten by that same bug early on in my life. I still build plastic models during any spare time I have, using those custom techniques on a plastic model is the easiest way to get that bug to crawl. I like to shave the door handles, lay out a killer two-tone paint job, dropping the suspension, swapping rims and tires, and painting flames on a plastic model.

Once you get older and start to drive, it's a whole different. The bug is biting you hard at that point. You know when that happens, when your buddy puts a car or truck catalog down in front of you and your eyes widen when each page is turned and their first words are "I want that, and that, and that too, and I can't live without that on my ride!" That's when you know the bug is really biting you!

Another way the bug gets you is when you're hanging with friends at a local car and truck show and before you even find the restroom that bug finds you and starts biting you to get a project started. That's usually how the bug gets you the best, you know, when you are checking out all these beautiful show cars and trucks!

Dealing with the custom bug can get a little crazy and downright expensive, too! If you are like me I have to assume it is hard to swat that bug off your shoulder once you have been bitten a time or two. That is what separates a true enthusiast from a fan. Some can go to car shows and enjoy the cool and unique rides without any real connection to the scene; meanwhile the rest of us must deal with our affliction that started from a little bite from the custom bug.