Body Kits

[coolguycooz]

If it sticks out only a little bit and hits the door. Get some 200 sand paper fiberglass is really easy to sand down infact you can take off a bit and it wont take long. So if it only sticks out a bit just sand it down to where the doors open without touching the fender also try to move the fender forward as much as you can.

[Midnight_Outlaw]

kits don't ever line up and sure as hell don't improve the performance any when it comes to body kits just say NO!!!!

I wouldent say that, Fiber glass bumpers are lighter then stock. Also most kits are all gaudy and make the car less aero dynamic, Some kits auctly do what the whole point of getting a kit is, witch is improve aerodynamics.

[ashah000]

The stock bumper is VERY aerodymanic the only kit better is the Bomex.. I believe they design their kits on aerodymanics.

[Import2nr99]

I love these threads. It's filled with opinions and everyone goes off on a tangent about how shitty body kits are and you shouldn't buy one cause they're gay and the original question never gets answered. So first, I'll answer the question... If you want to find eclipse body kit pictures, and only pictures. Try a google image search. then try a regular google search. then go through the manufacturers sticky at the top. then, take all the names of body kits you know and search those. just be creative and you will find a lot. Or, you could do it the simple way. You can go to your local speed shop, and look through the manufacturers magazines. they have pics of every car, and every kit you can think of. Ross has like 18 big ass books full of them at the shop. Also try looking on NOPI.com. they have everything. Just expensive as balls.

Now, about kits. You have three typical types of kits. Sprayed fiberglass, Hand laid fiberglass, and urethane. I will go into a little detail about each.

Sprayed Kits
Sprayed kits are made by shooting fiberglass resin and shredded glass through a gun much like a paint gun. You blast a mold, pull off the bumper and viola, you have a body kit. Quick, fast, and easy. Makes for a great cheap kit. Most ebay kits are made this way. The only problem is, the mold they are made in often doesn't hold true to form for every kit. they warp and cause fitment problems. Or they just sucked to begin with. They also have many inconsistencies in them because you can't tell how well layered glass is and since it's shot out through a gun you have TONS of bubbles. While the sprayed glass kit may be the cheapest, it is the farthest from the best. Poor fitment, poor quality, cheap price. Thats sprayed.

Handlaid Kits
Hand-Laid kits are exactly that. They are made by hand. This is the most typical for of kit. Many high end comapnies like wings west and buddy club make thier kits this way. Some poor bastard stands in front of the mold, and lays a resin soaked sheet of glass into the mold. he continues the process for about 5-8 layers. then sprays the outside with a good gel primer or something equal. The reason this is better is because it is much more consistent and the chance for bubbles and thinness is reduced drastically due to the fact that it is done piece by piece by a person. The downside is, it's gonna cost more because they have to pay the guy more, it takes more time, more material and so on. So now instead of getting your kit for 300 bucks, it costs you 800. If you really care and want a good kit, it will be worth it in the long run. They hold the shape of the mold better and are much more durable!

Urethane Kits
By far the best kits on the market. Sadly, they're also the most expensive! These kits are often manufactured in a hard pressed mold that is almost guaranteed to hold true to it's for during the shaping process. The material is also much more plyable and and moldable (a lot like rubber) so fitment issues are reduced drastically. Molds for poly kits are often only used to make about 6-10 kits, then a new mold must be made. The high temperatures often cause the mold to fracture. This means you get a fresh mold every ten kits. So fitment is much better. Sadly, the cost induced by this is much greater so you pay a lot more. But, you get a better kit that takes more beatings, fits better, and looks better than any glass kit. You may pay more, but you'll save in installation costs.

As far as things not fitting right, anyone with some resin and a piece of sandpaper can make a kit fit perfectly. it takes some time and a little glass experience but it is very doable. You should never have a shitty fitting kit. It should look perfect. If it doesn't, it's because you didn't take the time to do it right. If you took it to someone, tell them to fix it cause they didn't do it right. This is where buying a quality kit comes into play. the better the kit, the less to install. So, it's just like was said... You get what you pay for.

Sorry for the long post. One of these days I'll write my book on kits and installations for a sticky. Feel free to bash what I've said or question it. I'll do my best to explain or back up my claims. Best of luck to you and getting your kit! Just remember, not everyone likes kits, but if you do.. then go for it.

[coolguycooz]

*Claps* That was amazing i like how you explained your story in great detial including the poor bastard worker.

[george536]

I personally hate body kits. I think they mess up the car.

[GSTRacerNVUS]

LittleGSEclipse - He kinda gave up after the 3rd time he took them back. I don't think he cared anymore, he just wanted his car back together. I don't really blame him. It sucks having your car in pieces.

Well, my friend fixed his fender, a little sanding and fiberglass did the trick. I think that just about anyone, unless seriously creatively challenged, can work with fiberglass. I learned how to do it with surfboards from my dad. Its kinda like the same thing with body kits.

[LandoAWD]

Originally Posted by GSTRacerNVUS

OOoops posted twice.

Count again.

[george536]

The MOD will take the posts out.

[JoeWagon]

You can delete posts yourself, no assistance necessary.