While the economic benefits of converting your own car are definitely positive, with major automakers poised to release cars in the next few years, you might be questioning how useful it is to learn how to convert a car on your own or using a kit, when such skills are bound to be out of date in a few short years?

Well, there are three factors that you need to consider…

1. Firstly is that a projected release date does not always bear much resemblance to an actual release date. Production difficulties, technological difficulties and even economic issues can cause delays or outright cancellations in models of cars. While we get closer to a hybrid and electric automobile world, there are no guarantees as to when that day will arrive. Also, there are no guarantees to how affordable it will be. This leads us to our second point.

2. Secondly, converting your own car lets you manage your budget more aggressively than if you bought from a car dealer. Your work can be “free” which then saves you the money you’d spend on something else. Or, if you don’t have the skills to convert the car on your own, you can hire someone to help, while still having total control over what gets done, instead of getting a choice of limited options as you would at a car dealer.

3. Thirdly, as this article from the Vancouver Sun shows, there is a definite market for people who can convert non-standard vehicles. Currently we use some form of gas for everything from fork-lifts to Zambonis. Converting these vehicles and maintaining them is a market large enough for a number of people. Randy Holmquist from Vancouver found his niche and you can too.