Bodykit

Types of Bodykit

A bodykit is a set of parts used to modify the car's exterior. It is designed to improve the car's performance and aerodynamics. A body kit generally consists of a front bumper, rear bumper, side skirts, and fenders. There are two main types of body kits:

• OEM Body Kits

  The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) body kits are made by the car manufacturer. They are constructed using the same materials and specifications as the car's original parts. For example, if the car is a Honda, the body kit will be constructed by Honda. The OEM body kits are more expensive than the aftermarket body kits. They also have a perfect fit and finish. The body kits can be used to upgrade or enhance the car's appearance.

• Aftermarket Body Kits

  The aftermarket body kits are constructed by independent manufacturers. They are compatible with a wide range of car models. The aftermarket body kits are more affordable than the OEM body kits. They are available in different designs and styles. The manufacturers use different materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, and polyurethane. The aftermarket body kits may not have a perfect fit and finish. They may require additional modifications during installation.

Body kits can be further divided into three categories depending on the purpose:

• Styling Kits

  The styling kits are designed to enhance the car's appearance. They may include components such as spoilers, bumpers, and side skirts. The kits change the car's silhouette and give it a unique look.

• Performance Kits

  The performance kits are designed to improve the car's aerodynamic efficiency. They reduce drag and increase downforce. The components of the performance kit include spoilers and diffusers.

• Universal Body Kits

  The universal body kits are manufactured to fit a wide variety of car models. They are adjustable to conform to different car dimensions. The universal body kits are more affordable than the custom body kits.

Specification & Maintenance of Bodykit

Specification of Bodykit

There are many types of body kits for cars, and each one has its own specifications. The following are general specifications to expect.

• Material

  The body kit material affects its weight, performance, and durability. Popular body kit materials include fiberglass, polyurethane, ABS plastic, and carbon fiber. Fiberglass is lightweight and affordable, making it a popular choice. Polyurethane is flexible and resistant to impact. ABS plastic is affordable and resistant to corrosion. Carbon fiber is lightweight and strong, but it is an expensive material.

• Components

  Different body kits have different components. For instance, a full body kit has all the body kit components, which include front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a spoiler or wing, a hood scoop, fenders, and a mesh grille. The body kit may also include installation hardware such as mounting brackets, adhesive tape, and screws. Each component comes in different shapes and sizes to fit different car models.

• Design

  Each body kit has a unique design tailored to improve aerodynamics and aesthetics. Some kits are designed for specific car models and can be customized to meet the customer's preferences. A body kit may have features such as air intakes, diffusers, and canards, which are meant to improve the car's performance by increasing downforce and reducing drag.

• Compatibility

  A body kit is designed to fit a specific car model and year. It is essential to specify the car's make, model, and year to ensure all components fit perfectly.

• Finish

  Body kits come in different finishes. Some are painted in different colors, while others are left in a primer finish to allow for custom painting. Others come in a glossy or matte finish.

Maintenance of Bodykit

Proper maintenance of body kits ensures they last longer and maintain their aesthetic appeal. Here are some maintenance tips.

• Regular cleaning: Cleaning the body kit regularly removes dirt, dust, and debris, which may damage the surface over time. Cleaning the body kit with a soft sponge and pail of soapy water removes the dirt without damaging the paint. After cleaning, remember to rinse off the soap residue with clean water.
• Checking for damage: Regular inspection of the body kit for any signs of damage or wear and tear is important. In case of any damage, repair it as soon as possible to prevent it from getting worse.
• Waxing: Body kits made from ABS plastic or polyurethane benefit from regular waxing. Waxing protects the surface from UV rays, which may cause discoloration.
• Tire shine: If the body kit has any visible tires, remember to apply tire shine to keep them looking good.

How to choose bodykit

When it comes to choosing a car bodykit, the options can be overwhelming. With all the styles, materials, and manufacturer brands available, selecting the right kit for the car can be challenging. But that shouldn't be the case; here are the factors to consider when choosing a body kit.

The primary factor to consider when choosing a body kit is the car make, year of manufacture, and model. This is because different cars have different body shapes and designs. Choosing a body kit that matches the car's make and model will be easy, as it will fit perfectly and minimize the chances of installation difficulties.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a body kit is the material. Car body kits are available in different materials, including ABS plastic, polyurethane, carbon fiber, and fiberglass. Each of these materials has its advantages and disadvantages. For instance, ABS plastic is affordable and lightweight but doesn't hold up well in high temperatures. On the other hand, polyurethane is highly durable and flexible, which makes it a great material for body kits. It can withstand the pressure of daily use and is less likely to crack or break. This makes it a perfect material for body kits, although it may come at a higher price.

Business owners should source body kits with materials that have more pros than cons. It would be wise to stock a variety of materials because different clients have different preferences. They may not necessarily go for the best material, as the price may be too high. Ensure to source body kits with a variety of materials to cater to different clients' needs.

Consider the style of the body kit before making an order. Different clients have different preferences when it comes to styles. Some may prefer a more subtle look, while others may go for a more aggressive and sporty appearance. Most body kits come with a spoiler, but some clients may not prefer the look. It is important to consider the style of the body kit to ensure it matches the client's preference.

Choose a body kit that is easy to install. Some kits require professional installation, while others can be installed as a DIY project. Choosing body kits that can be installed easily without requiring professional installation will help save costs.

Lastly, choose a body kit that is affordable and within the budget. It is important to set aside a budget for the body kit order. When looking for body kits in the market, ensure to get quotes from different suppliers and manufacturers to find something that fits the budget.

How to diy and replace bodykit

Some car lovers may prefer to install and replace the kits themselves. This section will provide the basic installation steps for a body kit in a car. For the body kit replacement process, the steps will be more or less the same as the installation process. Before starting the DIY process, have the following tools and materials that will be needed to install or replace a body kit.

Body kit parts, adhesive promoter, sanding paper, primer, paint, masking tape, body filler, paint thinner, safety glasses, dust mask, gloves, razor blade, and a sharpie. Also, have a drill, drill bits, scissors, rivet gun, popsicle, and a squeegee.

Once the body kit parts are ready, follow the steps below to install or replace the body kit.

• Prepare the surface where the body kit will be installed or replaced.
• Test fit all the body kit parts to ensure they fit perfectly.
• Prepare all the body kit parts by applying paint and letting them dry.
• Start installing the body kits from the front to the rear. This goes to the front lip, side skirts, rear lip, fender flares, hood, roof, and trunk. For each part, apply 3M VHB tape on the body kit and the car surface. Apply adhesive promoter on the body surface and let it dry. Clean the body kit and car surface and dry them. Remove the tape backing and apply pressure to the kit to make it stick. Hold it in place using duct tape until it dries.
• Drill holes and install bolts and washers to hold the body kit in place.
• For kits that need to be painted, apply the first layer of paint and let it dry. Apply a second coat and let it dry.

Q and A

Q1: What is the purpose of a bodykit?

A1: A body kit is a set of components that alters the appearance and, in some cases, the performance of a vehicle. It is designed to enhance the aesthetics of the car, make it look more sporty or aggressive, and improve its aerodynamics. Body kits can also be used to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, which in turn can improve performance and fuel efficiency.

Q2: How long does it take to install a bodykit?

A2: The time it takes to install a body kit can vary depending on several factors, such as the kit's complexity, the components' compatibility with the vehicle, and the installer's expertise. Generally, installing a body kit can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days. For a more extensive kit or parts requiring additional modifications, more time may be needed.

Q3: Are body kits universal?

A3: No, body kits are not universal. They are usually designed to fit specific make models of vehicles. However, some manufacturers claim their body kits are universal and can fit various models with little modification. It is always recommended to choose a body kit specifically designed for a particular vehicle to ensure proper fitment and performance.

Q4: Does a body kit affect warranty?

A4: Modifications such as body kit installation can potentially affect the vehicle's warranty, depending on the manufacturer and the modification's nature. It's advisable to consult the vehicle's manufacturer or dealer before installing a body kit to understand any possible implications on the warranty.

Q5: Do body kits require maintenance?

A5: Yes, body kits require maintenance to keep them in good condition and ensure the vehicle's appearance and performance. This includes regular cleaning, inspecting for any damage or wear, and repairing or replacing damaged components.