How to Have a Body Kit Installed

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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Body Kit

1. Call manufacturers of kits you are considering buying and ask them to recommend a dealer in your area.

2. Go to car shows and ask owners who have body kits on their cars for recommendations of shops that can do the work.

3. Check the yellow pages and the Internet, where sites offer photos and information, if you can't come up with a personal recommendation.

4. Check the recommended shop's Web site.

5. Select a few shops that you can investigate and head out. You're on a mission.

6. Make sure that the shop can paint the kit. Don't get cheap here. A poor paint job can make the kit and your car look terrible.

7. Find out whether the shop has experience installing body kits.

8. Inspect the installation area. Is it clean and orderly? Is the installer careful about what he or she is doing?

9. Ask to see photographs of previous jobs the shop has done.

10. Select the shop with which you feel most comfortable.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.