Understanding Body Kits

Understanding how automotive body kits work and what results they can provide you depends on your knowledge of the various components, installation processes, and terminologies at play with these upgrades. Aftermarket body kits are typically employed for several major reasons, most consistently including the improvement of exterior appearances, the creation of more aerodynamic vehicular bodies, and more. Below, we’ll cover some of the major facets you’ll need to comprehend prior to purchasing and installing a kit, so that you can fine-tune your approach and selection only the items you need going forward for the performance and appearance results you seek.

Major Components in a Body Kit

Most full body kits contain at least several of the following, including: bumpers (both front and rear), spoilers, and side skirts. Scoops and side guards are often contributing components in full kits as well. Bumpers are impact-cushioning add-ons used to help prevent further damage in the event of a collision. Spoilers are used primarily for aerodynamic streamlining to reduce wind resistance. And side skirts are panels that sit low on the car adjacent to the wheel wells on both the front and rear of the vehicle, though their purpose is mainly aesthetic.

Materials Composing Parts in the Kit

Most aftermarket kit components are constructed using fiberglass, carbon fiber, or polyurethane. Fiberglass is often sought after for its relative inexpensiveness compared to other usable materials, and because it is incredibly light in weight. However, fiberglass is also highly fragile and will break readily on impact. Carbon fiber is lightweight as well, but it is much more durable than fiberglass, and also much more costly. Polyurethane is both flexible and durable, making it a popular alternative to the aforementioned materials.

Uses for Body Kits

These kits are often used for aesthetic improvements of a substantial nature, and are frequently paired with paintjobs and other visual upgrades in order to create a brand new exterior look for vehicles. Honda Civics that look quite eccentrically designed compared to their manufactured appearances are often altered using aftermarket kits, particularly Civics prior to 2000 which are among the most frequently tuned cars in the world. Enhancing aerodynamics, decreasing a car’s body weight, and other factors come into play as well.

Factory or Aftermarket Kits?

Originally almost exclusive to aftermarket brands, automobile manufacturers began releasing their own factory body kits as tuning exploded in popularity thanks to pop culture overexposure (‘The Fast and the Furious,’ many automotive body shop-themed cable shows). Factory brands are preferred by some because they keep components in line with the original manufacturer’s setup, though they are often quite a bit pricier than their aftermarket alternatives. Aftermarket options are also more extensive, which allows for greater personalization and customization.

Good Upgrades to Pair with Body Kits?

Kits don’t have to be used exclusively when you’re upgrading your vehicle. As mentioned earlier, paint jobs are commonly done at the same time as body kits are installed. If you’re primarily using a kit to improve the aesthetic appeal of your car, you can always use window tint kits and new rims to amplify the appearance-improving effect. If you’re more inclined to make your car faster, more aerodynamic, and more efficient using a kit, pair that kit installation with a performance chip installation. A performance chip can provide up to 60 extra horsepower and 4-7mpg in fuel savings, and it is installed entirely under the hood so it won’t get in the way of your additional exterior upgrades.