| Fitting auto body kits to your car, truck or | | | | complete new set of tools, but you really do |
| SUV can radically update your vehicles | | | | need to replace any that are worn out or are |
| appearance. In fact, once many of the latest | | | | in a poor condition. Using substandard tools |
| ground effects kits have been fitted it is | | | | can cause expensive damage to the body kit or |
| often difficult to see where the original car | | | | worse, to yourself. |
| ends and the kit starts. | | | | |
| | | | On the subject of safety, it is essential |
| With the popularity of motor sports again on | | | | that you have a safe and clean working |
| the rise it is only natural for people to | | | | environment. Take a tip from the |
| want the latest performance 'look' for their | | | | professionals and think safety. By taking a |
| own car. And highly styled cars as featured | | | | few simple precautions you will remember the |
| on the Nascar and Touring Car circuit are | | | | project for all the right reasons. This is |
| helping to fuel the demand for the street | | | | especially important when the car is raised. |
| racer look | | | | Propping the car on a few bricks is not an |
| | | | option! |
| So how do you choose the right body kit? | | | | |
| Well, the first step is to check out some of | | | | So you are now ready to fit the kit. I have |
| the car performance magazines. Here you will | | | | one piece of advice, read the instructions |
| find the good, the bad and the downright | | | | first. Check that your kit has all the parts |
| ridiculous! Make a note of the designs that | | | | and tick them off on the parts list. It |
| catch your eye and jot down any relevant | | | | doesn't matter how experienced you think you |
| details such as manufacturer, style name or | | | | are or how many kits you have fitted for |
| model number. | | | | friends, read the manual before you begin. As |
| | | | body kits get ever more sophisticated there |
| Many auto stores now sell body kits online so | | | | is often a set way to install each piece so |
| you can browse sites such as Streetbeats or | | | | that it lines up with the rest of the body |
| JCWhitney to compare prices. | | | | perfectly. Get this wrong and your car will |
| | | | look distinctly amateurish. |
| As you plan out your project it is worth | | | | |
| taking into consideration any other related | | | | The final stage is to paint the kit to blend |
| tasks that will need to be done such as | | | | in with the rest of the car. Most installers |
| upgrading your braking system or perhaps | | | | respray the whole car rather than try to |
| lowering the suspension. Only start the job | | | | match up each piece. Once again, safety is |
| when you have all the parts you need to | | | | the key and particular attention needs to be |
| complete that stage of the project. As ever, | | | | taken to both the fire risk and breathing |
| a little planning before you start can save a | | | | hazard of the job. The area should be well |
| lot of heartache later! | | | | ventilated and a mask should be worn. |
| | | | |
| As with any job, the work is a lot easier if | | | | Your only task now is to get out there and |
| you have the right tools for the task. No, | | | | enjoy driving your new vehicle. |
| I'm not suggesting that you go out and buy a | | | | |