• Learning to customize cars can be a lucrative career choice.Paul Guzzo/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  The term "custom cars" began in the 1950s, although the actual practice of making specialty cars for individual customer tastes had been around for some time before that. With the advent of "hot rods" in the 1950s, unique vehicles were created by modifying both the interior and exterior of the vehicles, and often by changing engine components as well. Individuals who could customize were knowledgeable in both auto body repair and mechanics, and that remains true today. For those considering a career in creating customized cars, it's a good idea to take specific types of classes in high school or college to prepare.
  
  

High School

• High school auto shop class, usually taught the junior and senior years, teaches auto repair basics. While mechanics may be stressed in the class, such as changing the oil or fixing an engine, understanding mechanics and an auto's electrical or computer system is necessary for some customizations, as in the case of adding specialty audio equipment or lighting. Additionally, auto shop may include restoration of a vehicle, teaching body repair and painting--also part of a customizing career. While many high schools may no longer offer this type of course work, a local high school vocational program may offer similar course work to begin the training needed for car customization.
  
  

Automotive Technology Certification or Associate Degree

• To train for car customization after high school, you can seek a certification or two-year associate degree in automotive technology at a technical school or community college. Course work should include subjects like welding and metal finishing; auto painting; auto repair to frame, panels and major collision; and perhaps an advanced repair and painting course.
  
  

Custom Car Courses

• Some automotive schools offer additional certification that is used specifically for car customization and requires only a high school diploma or equivalent as a prerequisite. Course work typically includes specialized and custom sheet metal shaping and fabrication; working with special tops, such as Carson-style; application of lead or body soldering; specialty welding; body construction, including floorboards, transmission tunnels and firewalls; suicide doors, or hidden pin hinges; and custom painting techniques for special effects, such as pin striping or air brushing.