So you’ve got the vehicle you love and are looking to add a body kit. Awesome! Before you start, read on to learn what you need to know before you purchase a body kit and complete the customization of your vehicle.
Getting Started – Three Things You Should Consider
Before you start looking into exactly what body kit components you’d like, it is worth considering first your budget, the style/look you are wanting to achieve, as well as the different body kit materials available.
1. Budget
Like with most investments, the first thing to do before signing up for any deal is to set an approximate budget you are willing to work with. It is almost the same as when you bought your car, your budget will dictate the quality of your body kit as well. First and foremost when adding a body kit to your car, you need to determine how much you are prepared to pay in total (including allowing room for installation costs). It is important to note that similar to the process of purchasing a car itself, with a body kit, you get what you pay for. (You may be inclined to just go ahead with a fiberglass kit, based largely on its low price-point, but it’s really important to consider all available materials and their value in the long run). If at this point in time you have a limited budget, that’s OK, just add components in stages. If what you’re after is a higher quality kit (and therefore more expensive), buy each part as you have the finances to do so.
Body kits can be made of different materials, and we will discuss the different advantages and disadvantages each has to offer later on. What you need to know is that each material will also come with an assigned cost depending on its type and quality: for instance, carbon fiber is a lot more expensive than fiberglass, and if you choose fiberglass you’ll also have to decide between resin-grade and normal-grade as the price varies depending on its manufacturing quality. Thus it is imperative that you know which material best suits your automobile to ensure that you can plan your budget better. The spending does not end after you’ve bought the body kit. You will also need to pay for professional installation, and it would be to your benefit if you can browse around local body shops to compare their services and prices. Lastly, consider repair costs and insurance fees, too, because installing a body kit is a long-term investment.
2. Materials
There’s a myriad of selection available as to the material from which a body kit is produced. Three of the most popular choices are fiberglass, polyurethane, and carbon fiber.
Fiberglass kits are commonly seen on the road due to their low price-point, however, they are fragile and may be easily damaged when subject to low-impact bumps. They also have the ability to shatter if they do not undergo careful and precise installation.
In contrast, polyurethane kits are renowned for their flexibility and durability and as a result, are easier to install than fiberglass kits (and are more expensive). Polyurethane is a popular choice as it builds sturdier body kit models because of its high durability and flexibility. Bumps and bruises wouldn’t normally scratch or shatter its surface, unlike fiberglass. However, this material is susceptible to warping under extreme heat, so consider that if you are living in a place where the sun usually gets too strong.
Finally, carbon fiber kits are of superior quality and lightweight (think racing vehicles), but unfortunately, they come with a price tag to match. Carbon fiber is high-tier material, possessing superior qualities in strength, longevity, and toughness. It’s also the top choice for professional race car drivers because it’s lightweight helps lessen the pressure on the road and augments the car’s speed and overall performance further.
3. Style Decisions
You may already have a certain look in mind for your automobile – be it aggressive and heavy, or sleek and sporty. Whatever appearance you’re after, it is essential to determine your fancied look before you acquire any kit parts.
Kit Components
A full body kit generally includes bumpers as well as side skirts. Side guards and roof scoops are frequently supplementary choices. If you are looking for something simple to start with, lip kits can be a good choice as installation (and removal) are normally quite straightforward. Additionally, you may wish to consider the following body kit components:
Custom Spoilers
Spoilers bring the look of your car to the next level, while also providing downforce when traveling at high speeds. If you’re looking to remodel the drag of your vehicle, go for a front spoiler – which matches under the front bumper. If it’s traction as you accelerate that’s important to you, think about adding a rear spoiler to your car. Rear spoilers are often referred to as the “wing/wings” at the rear of a car and can vary largely in style, from the subtle ‘lip’ style to higher, full-width options.
Hoods
The material of your hood is an important consideration, as customization of your hood can provide a number of different benefits. If you’re concerned about weight, consider fiberglass (or if you have the cash handy, carbon fiber). If you are focusing more so on strength, investigate polyurethane or carbon fiber. Custom hoods have the ability to better the handling of your vehicle and some hoods include scoops that can assist in cooling the temperature of your car’s engine.
Potential Disadvantages To Consider When Customising Your Vehicle
Customizing your vehicle by adding a body kit is an exciting process. However, to make sure you won’t run into any trouble in the future, you should consider any changes to the resale value as well as insurance, warranty, and the safety of your vehicle.
Resale Value
Despite the love you might have for the personalized look of your car, potential future buyers of your car may not. Unfortunately, most people looking to purchase a car are generally looking to buy a standard model. Don’t despair however, you may locate the perfect buyer for your vehicle who loves and appreciates what you have done to enhance the look and/or performance of your car and is therefore willing to pay more for it than a standard model.
Insurance, Warranty, and Safety
It’s very much worth getting in contact with your insurance company to check as to any rules regarding modifications to your vehicle, including body kit components. Street racing may be associated with heavily modified cars by some insurance companies, which can drastically increase your premiums and in some cases reduce their eagerness to ensure you. The last thing you want to arrange is to add an excellent body kit to your car, then later see if your car insurance will not cover it.
Likewise, read your vehicle’s warranty booklet thoroughly to understand how any modification or alteration to your auto may void your warranty. Give your local dealer a call for more detailed information or if you have any specific questions.
Changing up your car and modifying your car body is a really big deal. It can make the difference of whether or not you’re going to be getting the car of your dreams. Remember that incredible aesthetics should never be at the price of safety and security. When you work with AusBody Works, you get the best of both worlds: industry experts advise you so that you can get the car you want while still keeping your warranty safe and sound. Drive-by now and take the motor started on landing on your dream car!
Your safety is the most important thing at the end of the day, and any bodykit you buy will lessen or risk the safety of your vehicle should not be considered.