Workshop process
Body kit installation in the real world
A proper installation is a sequence: test fit → trim & align → prep → mount → paint. Cutting corners (especially on prep) is what causes cracking, poor gaps, and paint issues months later.
1) Test fit and alignment
Panels are fitted before paint to confirm gaps and how the edges meet factory panels. Expect minor trimming on most aftermarket kits.
2) Prep for paint
Fibreglass parts often arrive with gel coat that needs sanding/primer. PU parts may need adhesion promoter. Good shops will block sand, not just “scuff and shoot”.
3) Mounting methods
- Bolting/screws: common for lips and splitters; easy to service.
- Bonding (urethane adhesives): cleaner look; needs correct surface prep.
- Rivets: common in motorsport/widebody; visible but strong.
Costs
Budget for fitting + paint
In the UK, professional fitting and paint often costs as much as (or more than) the kit itself—especially on fibreglass full kits. Ask shops how many hours they allocate for test fitting and prep.
- Lip kit: often 2–6 hours + optional paint
- Full kit: often 12–30 hours (prep + fit + paint)
- Widebody: often 30–80+ hours (fabrication + finish)
If a quote seems too cheap, it usually means prep time has been cut.
Checklist
Installer checklist
- Will you test fit before paint?
- Do you blend paint into adjacent panels if needed?
- How do you mount the kit (bolt/bond/rivet)?
- Do you provide aftercare guidance (wash/curing time)?
- What happens if the kit needs adjustment after settling?
Visual reference
Examples
