How To Do Just About Everything
By eHow Cars Editor
Rate: (14 Ratings)
Installing and painting all of those pieces on your car is a complicated job for even the most accomplished do-it-yourselfer - here's how to get professional help.
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Comments
Anonymous said
on 1/27/2006 If you do decide to get a body kit, let me tell you, it is a real pain. You have to get used to the kit. Make sure you are really careful with dips and holes or ramps, especially if your car is lowered.
I decided to do it all myself, since I worked a little bit at a paint shop. The first day I had finished painting my car and installed the kit I cracked the front bumper. I have repainted and fixed my front bumper 3 times and my side skirt 2 times. I managed to pull of a job ranging from $1,500 - $2,500 under $450. It helps to get as much information as you can on kits so you know what you are getting in to.
Think of the future repairs you may have to do.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 It helps to ask if the body shop has repaired Corvettes. This usually means they know about fiberglass. Remember, this type of work is more of an art than a science so choose wisely.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 If you have hopefully chosen a shop before you've bought the kit, talk to both the shop and the company you're buying from about having the kit mailed to the shop. When dealing with full kits (especially ones with hoods), transporting them to the shop can turn into a hassle. So it's best to make things a bit easier for yourself.
Anonymous said
on 12/20/2005 If you buy a high quality kit you will save money (if a professional is installing it) and time (if you're installing it).
High quality kits fit better, they have fewer blemishes that will need to be repaired, and they are stronger (therefore they will last longer) and more durable.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 When you get the kit, make sure everything is pretty straight. If it is all straight, you'll be OK. Even if it has cracks and such in it, the flaws can be fixed later. You really don't have to be skilled to do this. I am only 17 years old, and I am putting a full fiberglass body kit on my 1994 Mazda Mx-6 LS. I have never done anything like this before. Make sure that you read stuff about it and what materials you use before you start to do the project. It may feel weird to use the products at first, but the longer you play around with them, the more familiar they become. I am almost done with my car. I have done the front, back, and one side. I only have one more side to do. It does take time, so don't rush. Make sure you aren't stressed out. If you are, don't attempt to do anything on your car that day. Make sure you are relaxed, and take your time. Work from the center to the outsides when installing the front and back bumpers. Installing the sides are a little more difficult. Not only do you have to make it look good, but it has to be functional also (due to the opening and closing of the doors). Take your time, and ask for some advice from body shops. They'd probably be glad to guide you in the right direction.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If you don't want to spend $1000 painting your whole car when you install a body kit, then this might be helpful. Somewhere on your door panel is a number that represents the color of the car's original paint. You have to go to a local body shop and show them the number and they will paint the kit so it matches your car color.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If you live an a smaller town, you may want to consider looking for a shop in a bigger city. Some mechanics in smaller towns don't even know what a body kit is.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 When a body kit is installed, you will need to get the car completely repainted to have a show quality car. This can be the most expensive part of the process. Shop around but keep in mind that a good paint job can run from $500 to over $2000.
Anonymous said
on 8/8/2006 I have a body kit and ever since it's been on the car I've spent more and more money on it. They just seem to be so flimsy for the price that is charged. If you're thinking about getting one, make sure you have plenty of money!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 GET AN ESTIMATE! This is the most important part. Make sure installation, prep, and painting are included. Shop around but expect to pay over $1000 depending on the car and the quality of the body kit.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Expect that if you bought a cheap body kit (for example, on eBay), the fitment won't be perfect. So, make sure the work is either guaranteed, or you know that he knows what he's doing with fiberglass. Also, like any auto work, make sure you get a written receipt beforehand, and a guaranteed date that the work will be finished. I've seen cars put off from being finished for a month because the customer didn't get a guaranteed date.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 If you have hopefully chosen a shop before you've bought the kit, talk to both the shop and the company you're buying from about having the kit mailed to the shop. When dealing with full kits (especially ones with hoods), transporting them to the shop can turn into a hassle. So it's best to make things a bit easier for yourself.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Please don't get it installed without painting it at the same time. When I see cars driving around with the matte-grey colored unpainted kits, everyone laughs at them. So if you do get a kit, please for the sake of your own dignity, get it painted before you take your car out.