You have seen them cruising urban streets and zipping through suburban enclaves, vehicles that look familiar, but have external modifications that make them appear more streamlined, unique, and personalized. Vehicles of all types, Japanese, American, and European made cars, trucks, and SUVs are nowadays being revamped with body kits. The term "body kit" can refer to a set of add-ons including front and rear bumpers, front and rear lips, side skirts, air scoops, fender extenders, carbon fiber hoods, spoilers, and "Lambo doors".
Ground Effects For Improved Performance
While installing a body kit on your vehicle is usually done to change the appearance of your vehicle, the aerodynamic effects can help improve handling and fuel economy. This is especially true if the body kit includes ground effects, an air dam and side skirts which make the car hug the ground and can decrease the airflow under the vehicle. Other popular body kit components include a front spoiler, commonly installed under the front bumper to lower wind resistance. A rear spoiler adds down force to help increase grab during acceleration.
Fiberglass, Urethane, or Carbon Fiber - Which is Best?
Here are a few other things to consider before purchasing a body kit. You can buy full kits or partial ones from Irmscher, Reiger, or Wings West Body Kits. Decide which material you want your kit to be made of. Common materials that make up the bulk of kits include urethane, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. Fiberglass retains its shape and fits better than urethane. Fiberglass holds a better shine and can be patched. Urethane is more resistant to light impacts but is not repairable.
Quality Fiberglass Makes The Best Body Kits
High quality US-made fiberglass differs from cheap, brittle fiberglass in cost and performance. You get what you pay for. Sprayed fiberglass has inconsistent thickness and damage susceptibility, causing fracturing and poor fit. Check the back of the bumper or skirt for smoothness. Quality hand-laid fiberglass will be smooth. Urethane does have its benefits, especially if you live where it snows or where the roads are poor. Consider the practicality of your modifications. If you have to negotiate driveways which require moderate ground clearance, low riding skirts or air dams may be a poor choice. More becoming the trend, you can have a quality body kit installed by the manufacturer, thus assuring yourself that it will be done right.
Advice For Buying and Installing a Body Kit
Knowing the consequences of buying and installing a kit made of poor materials before you buy is priceless information. So, for those of you who don't want to learn this lesson the hard way, check with the manufacturer about the material your kit is made from, the details of the manufacturer's warranty if any, and whether the installation of the kit requires removing energy-absorbing structures from the car. Never purchase a kit that requires the removal of energy-absorbing material from the car.
Over the decades, car enthusiasts have accessorized their vehicles to make a statement that reflects the identity of the car's owner. In today's fast-paced, competitive world, the popularity of personalizing one's car is stronger than ever, and body kits are a fundimental tool to achieve a unique automotive statement.
J. Prinz
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