Step 1
Understand that a body kit can include ground effects - typically an air dam and side skirts - that fit around the bottom edges of a vehicle and alter the airflow to improve down force. They also make a car look lower to the ground. Plus the car looks cool.
Step 2
Note that the kit can also include a wing or spoilers. A front spoiler is commonly positioned under the front bumper to reduce aerodynamic drag. A rear spoiler is used to create down force to help increase traction during acceleration. It can give the optical illusion that the vehicle is shorter.
Step 3
Decide on what type of material you want your kit to be constructed of. There are generally two types of materials used in fabricating kits - fiberglass and urethane. Fiberglass generally fits better and can be repaired if you ever damage a piece, but the labor time to install fiber glass is a lot more, because it table a lot of cutting and fitting to properly install a kit. Whereas the urethane kits will usually fit with the factory mounting points. The fiberglass kits are usually heavier than a urethane kit. The paint on a urethane kit holds up a bit better than the fiber glass kit. It also has a better finish than urethane initially, but as time progress, the fiber glass kits will suck the color in as it dries if it not sealed properly; paint will look better on the fiberglass. Urethane is much more resistant to soft impacts but it can't be repaired once it's damaged.
Step 4
Call the manufacturer of the kit you're considering. Ask them what kind of materials they use, what their warranty is, and if you'll have to remove any factory pieces from the safety structure of the vehicle to make the kit fit properly. If removal of factory pieces is required, don't purchase the kit. Never purchase a kit that requires removal of any pieces from the safety structure of your car.
Step 5
Remember - you get what you pay for. There's the high quality U.S.-made fiberglass resin and there\'s the cheap, brittle fiberglass. Decide how much you\'re willing to invest.
