Here's How Regular Cars Get Turned Into Stretch Limos

Turning an ordinary car or SUV into a stretch limousine isn't a simple cut-and-paste job. If it were that easy, we'd probably all be rolling in stretched-out versions of any car we like. There's a reason why stretch limos commonly start with vehicles from Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, and Cadillac, since limousine manufacturers must strictly adhere to Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM), Cadillac Master Coachbuilder (CMC), and other coachbuilding programs from exotic automakers like Mercedes-Benz.

In other words, when shops convert normal cars into luxury limos, they must work with the manufacturer to ensure the conversion's road legality and safety. This covers the design, engineering, manufacturing, and quality control aspects of the entire build. It's why you can't just take a new Toyota GR Corolla and turn it into a limousine, since tinkering with the original car's intended length and wheelbase will make it more unstable as it becomes longer.

The Ford QVM Program requires conversion specialists to comply with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Moreover, the shop must conform to all industry guidelines for the conversion. Next comes product liability, as all Ford-certified QVM shops must carry a minimum of $5 million in product liability insurance. That should provide peace of mind that your brand-spanking new limo won't buckle, fold, or turn into a deathtrap in case of an accident. As you can see, it takes a lot of certifications and paperwork to build a stretch limousine, but the actual build process makes all the bureaucracy look like a walk in the park.

Limousines start with a new car that is stripped of its interior. After a thorough inspection, technicians will cut the vehicle in half, all the way from the roof to the floor. They separate each half to make room for extended steel frame rails to elongate the car, which is typically 18-30 feet longer than stock, all while using OEM-approved body mounts to attach the frame rail extensions. Supporting pieces are welded to the chassis, floor, sidewalls, and roof area to strengthen and stiffen the entire structure. The limousine also gets further reinforcements to improve performance, including new brakes, suspension pieces, and safety kits.

All that extra length and heft will undoubtedly affect how the vehicle stops or turns, so the upgrades are definitely essential. In most cases, the power train unit and transmission remain untouched, but deep pockets can open the doors to more performance, suspension, or chassis mods (like what you'd find from a Hummer H2 limo, for instance).

After most of the cutting and welding, the next step is to figure out the installation of new OEM wire connectors. Once that's done, body panels are installed to make your stretch limo look like it just rolled off the factory floor. In most cases, the body panels are bolted to the structure rather than welded, making them easier to repair or replace.

The best thing about having your limo built by QVM or CMC-approved manufacturers is the no-compromise approach to the materials utilized in the conversion. This includes factory-spec composites, high-strength marine alloy aluminum, galvanized steel, non-conductive sealants, and stainless steel fasteners. It even includes upgrading the existing air-conditioning with new evaporators and aluminum or copper tubing to ensure the occupants won't shed any sweat while chauffeured in the blistering heat of the summer months. In addition to all of this, all the exposed metal parts receive coatings of etch primer for year-round rust protection.

Paint comes next after all the dirty work. In some cases, the body receives additional coating to resist the elements while making the finish look sleek and dazzling. Intense UV exposure, road debris, and tree sap can undoubtedly ruin an otherwise pristine finish, so having extra layers of clear coat will keep your limo's paint shiny for longer. Next comes the fun part: refurbishing the interior with anything you like. Fancy an old school TV with an old-school boomerang antenna on the trunk? How about couch-like seats and other amenities like wine coolers, cigar humidors, booming sound systems, and disco lights?

The point is, limousines can be as garish as their owners would like them to be. It's worth mentioning that the seats are also different from what you'll find in a stock car. The front and rear seats have multiple-density foams, reinforced webbing, and new tension springs for added comfort and longevity. You can also select custom-fit upholstery to get a truly perfect look out of your finished ride. Converting a standard car into a limousine usually takes 21 days, but most builds can take months, depending on the level of customization and complexity of the project.