Southern Customs & Performance in Chattanooga: Custom Performance Parts and Installation for Modified Vehicles

Southern Customs & Performance is a performance and custom automotive shop on the South Shore area that specializes in aftermarket parts, engine modifications, suspension upgrades, and custom fabrication for trucks, cars, and performance vehicles. Unlike general auto parts retailers, this operation combines retail inventory with in-house installation expertise, making it a destination for owners who want both the parts and the skilled labor to install them correctly.

What Southern Customs & Performance Actually Offers

The shop stocks performance parts across multiple categories: suspension components (lowering kits, coilovers, lifted suspensions), engine modifications (cold air intakes, exhaust systems, tuning modules), exterior customization (body kits, wheels, lighting upgrades), and interior upgrades. They also handle custom fabrication work, meaning they can design and build one-off parts or modifications tailored to a specific vehicle rather than only offering off-the-shelf options. The operation is small enough to give individual projects attention but large enough to maintain parts inventory and a functional installation bay.

Services and Pricing

Installation labor runs on an hourly basis; rates typically range from $85 to $120 per hour depending on job complexity, though major projects like suspension or drivetrain work may be quoted as fixed estimates. A basic exhaust installation might take 2 to 4 hours ($170 to $480 in labor), while a full suspension replacement on a truck can run 8 to 12 hours ($680 to $1,440) plus parts cost. Parts themselves vary enormously: a quality cold air intake costs $200 to $500, a set of performance coilovers $800 to $2,500, and wheels $400 to $2,000 per set depending on brand and size. The shop typically requires payment upfront for parts and a deposit for labor on larger jobs. Call ahead to confirm current hourly rates and availability, as both shift seasonally.

How It Compares to Other Chattanooga Automotive Options

Chattanooga has general auto parts chains (AutoZone, O'Reilly) that stock basic aftermarket parts but do not offer installation. It also has independent repair shops that install customer-supplied parts but lack the specialized performance inventory. Southern Customs & Performance occupies the middle: you can buy parts here and have them installed immediately by technicians who understand performance modifications, rather than bringing a part purchased elsewhere to a generalist mechanic unfamiliar with that specific product. The trade-off is that prices tend higher than big-box retailers for parts alone, but the convenience and expertise justify the difference for owners pursuing serious modifications. For bolt-on upgrades and straightforward installs, a general mechanic works fine. For custom fabrication or tuning on modified vehicles, this shop is the more appropriate choice in Chattanooga.

Who This Shop Suits and Who It Does Not

This place serves truck owners adding lift kits or suspension, street performance car enthusiasts, and anyone wanting both retail and installation under one roof. It does not suit owners looking for warranty work on stock vehicles, routine maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations), or collision repair. It also requires that you bring or order the parts beforehand if they do not have something in stock, so last-minute, grab-it-and-go needs may not be met immediately.

What the First Visit Involves

Walk in or call with details about your vehicle (year, make, model, current mods if any) and the work you want done. The staff will discuss what parts suit your goals, quote labor time, and either sell you parts on the spot or place an order. Larger jobs usually require a consultation to assess the vehicle and confirm labor estimates. Bring your vehicle on the scheduled day; turnaround depends on job scope. Simple installs may be same-day; suspension or engine work often takes several days.

Hours, Parking, and Logistics

The shop operates during standard business hours; confirm current hours by phone, as these can shift seasonally or with staffing. Street parking or lot parking is available on-site. The location is accessible from downtown via Broad Street heading toward the South Shore. No appointment is strictly required for a quick parts purchase, but any installation work should be scheduled in advance to ensure a bay and technicians are available.

Why This Place Matters in Chattanooga

Southern Customs & Performance fills a genuine gap in Chattanooga's automotive ecosystem by offering specialized performance knowledge and fabrication skills that neither chain retailers nor general shops typically provide. For owners serious about modifying their vehicles, having a single source for advice, parts, and installation reduces hassle and improves the quality of the final result.