Installing a wide body kit can dramatically change the look of your car and improve its performance by allowing for wider tires and better aerodynamics. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you put on a wide body kit:
Tools You’ll Need:
- Jack and jack stands
- Socket and wrench set
- Power drill
- Cutting tools (angle grinder or Dremel)
- Rivet gun or bolts (depending on the kit)
- Sandpaper or body filler (optional)
- Primer and paint
- Adhesive (if needed for the kit)
1. Prepare Your Workspace
- Park the car on a flat surface.
- Engage the parking brake and loosen the lug nuts on the wheels.
- Lift the car with a jack and secure it with jack stands, then remove the wheels.
2. Test Fit the Wide Body Kit
- Unbox the wide body kit and ensure all parts are there (fender flares, bumpers, side skirts).
- Hold each piece up to the car to check fitment. Some kits may need minor trimming or adjustments.
3. Mark the Cutting Areas
- Wide body kits require cutting the original fenders to make room for the wider wheels.
- Use painter’s tape to outline where the body kit will sit.
- Mark where you need to cut the original fenders or quarter panels (use a marker or masking tape).
4. Cut the Fenders
- Use an angle grinder or cutting tool to cut along the marked lines.
- Remove the excess metal carefully. Take your time to ensure clean cuts.
- Sand down the edges of the cuts to avoid sharp areas that could damage the kit.
5. Mount the Wide Body Kit
- If your kit uses bolts or rivets, drill holes along the edge of the fender flares where they will attach.
- Secure the body kit pieces (fender flares, side skirts, bumpers) to the car using a rivet gun, screws, or bolts, depending on the kit’s design.
- Some kits use adhesive for a cleaner look—apply adhesive carefully to bond the kit to the car.
6. Adjust the Suspension and Wheels (if necessary)
- With a wider body kit, you may need wider wheels or spacers to fill out the fenders.
- Adjust your suspension height or camber if needed to achieve the desired stance.
7. Smooth the Body (Optional)
- If your kit requires a seamless finish, use body filler to smooth out the gaps between the car and the kit.
- Sand the areas with filler and prep for painting.
8. Prime and Paint
- If your wide body kit isn’t pre-painted, prime the new pieces and then paint to match the rest of your car’s body.
- Let the paint fully cure before reassembling the car.
9. Reinstall Wheels and Lower the Car
- Put the wheels back on and tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower the car off the jack stands.
10. Final Touches
- Inspect the body kit for proper alignment and fitment.
- Clean up any leftover adhesive, and check for any final adjustments needed.
11. Test Drive
- Take the car for a short drive to ensure everything is secure and functioning properly.
Installing a wide body kit can significantly transform your car's appearance and performance, allowing for a more aggressive stance and wider tires for better handling. While the process involves cutting, drilling, and precise fitting, taking the time to follow each step carefully ensures a clean and secure installation. Whether you're doing it for aesthetics or functionality, the result is a customized and unique look that stands out on the road. Always test fit, be patient, and seek professional help if needed, especially when it comes to painting and more complex adjustments.