The Logan Makeover

R.K.Ramesh · 22nd November 2010, 00:19

Ever since my school days in the 80s, I have been doodling automotive forms in my rough books...Never knew then that I would some day chuck a successful IT career, spend all my earnings and more to complete 2 masters Coventry University programmes - an MSc. in automotive Engineering Manufacturing Management and an M.A. Automotive Design...

One may call me mad, but this is what I had to go through when I was told that it was not possible for a B.Com grad to get into automotive design/ styling in India...

Well here I am typing out an intro to my first customising project - a styling makeover on a Mahindra Logan a spacious, comfy, sturdy and much maligned entry mid sized car which I found to be an excellent donor car, whose looks could be transformed into something more characterful and individualistic...

For regular pictorial and other updates folks...feedback and suggestions are most certainly welcome...do watch this space...

swiftnfurious · 22nd November 2010, 01:01

What an intro Ramesh ! Looking forward for the updates and pics ! And nice to see that you belong to "Namma Bengaluru" !

So you do customisation only for Logan or its just something to start with ?

And Logan is a nice car when it comes to the space and engine [not a scorcher though], one serious let down with the car is its grey interior plastics. Take care of those, I think a 25% job is already done to make it look good.

maverick56 · 22nd November 2010, 09:47

You are quite a tease how would you expect replies if you dont even let us in on your drift. I hope you are doing a crossover type of mod and would you be doing mods for other vehicles too? Waiting for the pix

ashutoshb · 22nd November 2010, 11:06

eagerly waiting for some pics!

BusyBoyKK · 22nd November 2010, 17:42

Ramesh, Please keep that coming. Please share some pictures. Are the designs in the on-paper stage or on completed on a physical Logan?
Anyways, will wait for your pics.

samsag12 · 22nd November 2010, 17:53

Please post some pics Ramesh. Waiting impatiently for them.

R.K.Ramesh · 22nd November 2010, 22:24

Thanks for all your encouraging words folks...
It is quite thrilling to do the project but more so when the joy that comes form it is shared with our family of auto aficionados here at Team-bhp...

Well yes as you mentioned Swiftnfurious - this, my friend's car - is a diesel engined version so no scorcher, but well the power is shall I say sufficient for long legged cruising...He wants to get the redesing done more to give it a tasty and upmarket new look as he wants to keep this car for ages - a good luck car that grew with his software company...

We have planned to give it a makeover in stages:
- Exteriors first keeping the wheels in mind for a swap later on
- Should not look obviously tarted like a boy racer - a more restrained look like an OEM car with good lines and proportions
- Interiors will be executed at a later date - the car comes with Beige interiors and not the more bland grey one...

Well Maverick a good natured tease does help break the ice wot say? I have actually thought about a crossover on another more spritely sedan or mini SUV, believe it or not but not for this - my first project. Taking it a step at a time on the complexity scale - I am first exploring to see if my ideas can be productionised with the crude custom sheet metal practices seen in India - I believe with a bit if ingenuity the overall design robustness and finish can be brought up to international levels...
This project will as of now be restricted to external sheetmetal work without structural or mechanical rework. And yes I will certainly be working on other models subsequently...and not just cars n SUVs.

The project has already started BusyboyKK - it is not just on paper but exists very much on the shop floor even as I type here...

Have never really posted pictures here on the Team-Bhp server so am checking out how to do this now Ashutoshb and Samsag12 and the rest of you folks...The next post should come with some pictures...

R.K.Ramesh · 22nd November 2010, 23:38

This is what the stock lady looked like a few weeks back...She drives into the garage on a fine monday morning.
A metallic brown 1.5 litre Diesel Logan in upmarket trim with lower chin fog lamps...

She looked like any of the 'airport cars' that my friends sometimes refer to her as... Well all that is set to change soon enough...

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With so many annoying, but not major dents all around, a simple body massage and full body paint job would have done for most cars.

But not for this lady No! She wanted to go the full hog...

'Those derisive names are not for me!' she said - No siree -
'May I have a new nose please, a delectable new chin, piercing powerful eyes, a new hem on my skirts,
a sporty looking tail... well you know what I mean - I want to be dressed up in my sunday bests, a glamorous evening gown or a tuxedo if you may!'

Why most certainly madame...the pleasure's all mine

R.K.Ramesh · 22nd November 2010, 23:59

Sketches are in place post approval, and transposed onto the line diagram of the Logan and off we go.

On the operation table - modesty carefully placed aside - the lady sheds some of her old clothes.
Look ma, no more smiley grille and boring bumpers.

With the sun shining sweetly through the concrete grille creating an arty light and shadow play, I must admit that she presents a purposeful and strong look.

Almost like she was readying herself for a rally...But no, this is not the kind of look we have in mind for her

.

And of course, one must apreciate the strong crash bar and underpinnings Renault has blessed her with.

Next stop the side skirts...she did mention a simple understated hem didnt she

R.K.Ramesh · 23rd November 2010, 00:29

I must add that care was taken to ensure that only the visual ground clearence was lowered and not the actual ground clearence... Didnt want the skirts getting dented by those big bad bumps that spring up from no where at times...

We had to give her an eye transplant - she requested that her eyes not be donated by any existing car so we had to go in for those smaller projector type of lamps...to try and fashion something nice for her - this is uncharted territory - praying that it comes good at the end of it all.

Here she is trying them on for size...

Thats it for today folks - the story shall further unfold subsequently

gautamkhadse · 23rd November 2010, 00:44

@Ramesh : This is something everyone will be hooked on to . I believe the logan is a good car when it comes to the machinery and the electronics . The only place is lost out was the looks . Apart from the usual side skirts front bumper extensions lips and rear bumper extension lips or maybe the HID headlamps , am seriously hoping you have done a lot of cosmetic work on this car . The stock rear is absolutely old age and definitely requires a lot of upgrade . I dont know about the other but am hooked on to this one !

prince_pervez · 23rd November 2010, 00:46

Oh Man! One of kind makeover of a ..what ??? Logan! Man I am hooked to this. Already seems promising.

9tMax · 23rd November 2010, 01:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.K.Ramesh

With the sun shining sweetly through the concrete grille creating an arty light and shadow play, I must admit that she presents a purposeful and strong look.
.
.
.
And of course, one must apreciate the strong crash bar and underpinnings Renault has blessed her with.

Exactly the points which got me hooked onto this car while surveying the options. And after 2 years of ownership when i took him (yes, i prefer to call him a HE because of the sturdy no-nonsense looks as well as behaviour) to a garage recently to repair a small dent in the bonnet and front fender, I was almost bowled over when i saw the strong crash guard hidden under the fender.

All the best for your project. Please keep us posted with lots of detailed pictures. I may as well make a trip to Bangy for getting a make-over for my boy.

benbsb29 · 23rd November 2010, 05:20

Ramesh, this is an interesting project and you have our attention. I am curious to see how you plan on enhancing the looks from the rear for the Logan.

funkykar · 23rd November 2010, 06:00

I always loved the Logan for its space and vfm. And now I see namma Ramesh Saar doing some nice mod jobs. Waiting for the rest of the pics!

22nd November 2010, 00:19	#1
R.K.Ramesh BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 147 Thanked: 159 Times	The Logan Makeover Ever since my school days in the 80s, I have been doodling automotive forms in my rough books...Never knew then that I would some day chuck a successful IT career, spend all my earnings and more to complete 2 masters Coventry University programmes - an MSc. in automotive Engineering Manufacturing Management and an M.A. Automotive Design... One may call me mad, but this is what I had to go through when I was told that it was not possible for a B.Com grad to get into automotive design/ styling in India... Well here I am typing out an intro to my first customising project - a styling makeover on a Mahindra Logan a spacious, comfy, sturdy and much maligned entry mid sized car which I found to be an excellent donor car, whose looks could be transformed into something more characterful and individualistic... For regular pictorial and other updates folks...feedback and suggestions are most certainly welcome...do watch this space...
	() Thanks

22nd November 2010, 01:01	#2
swiftnfurious Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 7,204 Thanked: 9,663 Times	What an intro Ramesh ! Looking forward for the updates and pics ! And nice to see that you belong to "Namma Bengaluru" ! So you do customisation only for Logan or its just something to start with ? And Logan is a nice car when it comes to the space and engine [not a scorcher though], one serious let down with the car is its grey interior plastics. Take care of those, I think a 25% job is already done to make it look good. Last edited by swiftnfurious : 22nd November 2010 at 01:03.
	() Thanks

22nd November 2010, 09:47	#3
maverick56 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Guntur, AP Posts: 102 Thanked: 55 Times	You are quite a tease how would you expect replies if you dont even let us in on your drift. I hope you are doing a crossover type of mod and would you be doing mods for other vehicles too? Waiting for the pix
	() Thanks

22nd November 2010, 11:06	#4
ashutoshb Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NOIDA Posts: 1,760 Thanked: 4,291 Times View My Garage	eagerly waiting for some pics!
	() Thanks

22nd November 2010, 17:42	#5
BusyBoyKK BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Raleigh Posts: 160 Thanked: 197 Times	Ramesh, Please keep that coming. Please share some pictures. Are the designs in the on-paper stage or on completed on a physical Logan? Anyways, will wait for your pics.
	() Thanks

22nd November 2010, 17:53	#6
samsag12 Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: City of Nawaabs Posts: 1,624 Thanked: 242 Times View My Garage	Please post some pics Ramesh. Waiting impatiently for them.
	() Thanks

22nd November 2010, 22:24	#7
R.K.Ramesh BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 147 Thanked: 159 Times	Thanks for all your encouraging words folks... It is quite thrilling to do the project but more so when the joy that comes form it is shared with our family of auto aficionados here at Team-bhp... Well yes as you mentioned Swiftnfurious - this, my friend's car - is a diesel engined version so no scorcher, but well the power is shall I say sufficient for long legged cruising...He wants to get the redesing done more to give it a tasty and upmarket new look as he wants to keep this car for ages - a good luck car that grew with his software company... We have planned to give it a makeover in stages: - Exteriors first keeping the wheels in mind for a swap later on - Should not look obviously tarted like a boy racer - a more restrained look like an OEM car with good lines and proportions - Interiors will be executed at a later date - the car comes with Beige interiors and not the more bland grey one... Well Maverick a good natured tease does help break the ice wot say? I have actually thought about a crossover on another more spritely sedan or mini SUV, believe it or not but not for this - my first project. Taking it a step at a time on the complexity scale - I am first exploring to see if my ideas can be productionised with the crude custom sheet metal practices seen in India - I believe with a bit if ingenuity the overall design robustness and finish can be brought up to international levels... This project will as of now be restricted to external sheetmetal work without structural or mechanical rework. And yes I will certainly be working on other models subsequently...and not just cars n SUVs. The project has already started BusyboyKK - it is not just on paper but exists very much on the shop floor even as I type here... Have never really posted pictures here on the Team-Bhp server so am checking out how to do this now Ashutoshb and Samsag12 and the rest of you folks...The next post should come with some pictures... Last edited by R.K.Ramesh : 22nd November 2010 at 22:30.
	() Thanks

22nd November 2010, 23:38	#8
R.K.Ramesh BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 147 Thanked: 159 Times	Well here she comes This is what the stock lady looked like a few weeks back...She drives into the garage on a fine monday morning. A metallic brown 1.5 litre Diesel Logan in upmarket trim with lower chin fog lamps... She looked like any of the 'airport cars' that my friends sometimes refer to her as... Well all that is set to change soon enough... With so many annoying, but not major dents all around, a simple body massage and full body paint job would have done for most cars. But not for this lady No! She wanted to go the full hog... 'Those derisive names are not for me!' she said - No siree - 'May I have a new nose please, a delectable new chin, piercing powerful eyes, a new hem on my skirts, a sporty looking tail... well you know what I mean - I want to be dressed up in my sunday bests, a glamorous evening gown or a tuxedo if you may!' Why most certainly madame...the pleasure's all mine Last edited by R.K.Ramesh : 22nd November 2010 at 23:40.
	(1) Thanks

22nd November 2010, 23:59	#9
R.K.Ramesh BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 147 Thanked: 159 Times	And the operation starts Sketches are in place post approval, and transposed onto the line diagram of the Logan and off we go. On the operation table - modesty carefully placed aside - the lady sheds some of her old clothes. Look ma, no more smiley grille and boring bumpers. With the sun shining sweetly through the concrete grille creating an arty light and shadow play, I must admit that she presents a purposeful and strong look. Almost like she was readying herself for a rally...But no, this is not the kind of look we have in mind for her . And of course, one must apreciate the strong crash bar and underpinnings Renault has blessed her with. Next stop the side skirts...she did mention a simple understated hem didnt she
	(1) Thanks

23rd November 2010, 00:29	#10
R.K.Ramesh BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 147 Thanked: 159 Times	And now for those smouldering new eyes I must add that care was taken to ensure that only the visual ground clearence was lowered and not the actual ground clearence... Didnt want the skirts getting dented by those big bad bumps that spring up from no where at times... We had to give her an eye transplant - she requested that her eyes not be donated by any existing car so we had to go in for those smaller projector type of lamps...to try and fashion something nice for her - this is uncharted territory - praying that it comes good at the end of it all. Here she is trying them on for size... Thats it for today folks - the story shall further unfold subsequently
	(2) Thanks

23rd November 2010, 00:44	#11
gautamkhadse BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: pune Posts: 343 Thanked: 311 Times	@Ramesh : This is something everyone will be hooked on to . I believe the logan is a good car when it comes to the machinery and the electronics . The only place is lost out was the looks . Apart from the usual side skirts front bumper extensions lips and rear bumper extension lips or maybe the HID headlamps , am seriously hoping you have done a lot of cosmetic work on this car . The stock rear is absolutely old age and definitely requires a lot of upgrade . I dont know about the other but am hooked on to this one !
	() Thanks

23rd November 2010, 00:46	#12
prince_pervez Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Redwood shores, CA, USA Posts: 4,210 Thanked: 51 Times View My Garage	Oh Man! One of kind makeover of a ..what ??? Logan! Man I am hooked to this. Already seems promising.
	() Thanks

23rd November 2010, 05:20	#14
benbsb29 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Brisbane Posts: 9,969 Thanked: 13,231 Times View My Garage	Ramesh, this is an interesting project and you have our attention. I am curious to see how you plan on enhancing the looks from the rear for the Logan.
	() Thanks

23rd November 2010, 06:00	#15
funkykar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 2,635 Thanked: 6,617 Times View My Garage	I always loved the Logan for its space and vfm. And now I see namma Ramesh Saar doing some nice mod jobs. Waiting for the rest of the pics!
	() Thanks