Q: Do you install body kits?

2009 Nissan 370z with VIS Racing Body kit

A: Absolutely!  In fact, that's one of the things we started off doing and have continued doing because (1) most shops don't know how to work with it and (2) it's not an easy task.

Now just to do some educating on putting on body kits.  They vary significantly in pricing.  There is only 1 kit in my life that has ever fit perfectly.  That was the body kit on our Celica made by Trial Japan which came with nuts molded into the fiberglass.  It also cost me $2300 for 4 pieces.  Other than that, every name brand or eBay kit we've ever received has required some cutting, filling, repair, and/or additional fiberglass.  That requires a lot of time and modifications to not only have it fit the car and mount up, but to allow the kit to line up properly with the car.  This rule applies no matter what the company, so quoting fitment time (even before it begins preparations for paint) is impossible.  We've even spent 20 hours on fitting a Veilside kit in the past.  Every body kit company will tell you...yes, it'll require some modifications to fit.

Also, fiberglass components are rarely perfect.  There are blobs of fiberglass or materials in vent or cutout areas that require bodywork to look right.  Heat from the transportation (to the company and then to here) can sometimes cause kits to warp.  All these factors play a role in time and money to put it on your vehicle. 

Is there difference between company and eBay body kits

I do not recommend eBay body kits unless it's from a reputable company trying to weed down stock.  Reason being is body kits are made of fiberglass.  The more layers added, the more expensive the price.  A cheaper eBay body kit may have less materials, resulting in a flimsier product that has a higher change of cracking or damaging during a bump or scrape...or maybe even ripping off.

Also, a cheaper product may be made from a mold that has been used over and over.  As molds are used, they deteriorate slightly.  So the initial molds off a product are used by companies, then sold to other companies who make a cheaper product.  Thus fitment is likely to be worse. 

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | www.MSAStore.com