Wide Body Kit Installation: Essential DIY Guide

Installing a wide body kit transforms your vehicle's appearance, but proper installation is critical for durability. This guide covers the essentials - read the complete installation manual on our blog for full specifications.

What You'll Need

Essential Tools:

Socket set (8-19mm) and torque wrench (10-150 Nm)Angle grinder with flap discsElectric drill with step bitsClamps (minimum 6 pieces)Key Materials:

Fiberglass resin and mat (450g/m²)Body filler and panel adhesiveRivnuts (M6/M8) and stainless hardwareSandpaper (80, 120, 220-grit)Safety First: Use a respirator with organic vapor cartridges, safety glasses, and nitrile gloves when working with fiberglass.

Critical Pre-Installation Steps

1. Component Inspection Check for cracks wider than 1mm, mounting flanges 20mm+ wide, and warpage. Body kits ship in gel coat finish - this is NOT final and must be painted.
2. Test Fitting (Don't Skip!) Spend 2-3 hours test fitting before applying adhesive:

Door gaps: 4-6mm clearance requiredWheel clearance: 25mm minimum at full droop, 15mm at compressionBody line alignment: within 1-2mmQuality kits from manufacturers like Body Kit Online Store - specializing in BMW, Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Toyota - have better fitment, but all fiberglass components require adjustment.

Installation Sequence

Install in this order:

1. Front fenders
2. Rear widebody sections
3. Side skirts
4. Front lip
5. Spoiler/ducktail

Key Points:

• Use panel adhesive on all mounting surfaces
• Torque hardware to 8-12 Nm maximum (over-tightening cracks fiberglass)
• Allow 24-48 hours cure time before driving
• Install rivnuts for structural mounting

Common Mistakes That Cause Failure

• Over-tightening fasteners leads to Cracking
• Driving before adhesive cures leads to Bond failure
• Skipping test fitting leads to Misalignment
• Insufficient wheel clearance leads to Tire damage

After installation:

• Fill seams with body filler
• Apply high-build primer (2-3 coats)
• Block sand with 220-grit, then 320-grit
• Use guide coat to identify low spots
• Important: Use flex additive (10-15% by volume) in paint to prevent cracking.

Realistic Timeframe

• Experienced installers: 16-24 hours over 4-5 days
• First-time installations: 30-40 hours
• Paint prep: Additional 20-30 hours

Where to Source Quality Kits

Component quality impacts installation success. For BMW E90/E91, Subaru Impreza (GC/GF, GD/GG, GH/GR), Mitsubishi Legnum/Galant 8, or Toyota Caldina, choose manufacturers with proven experience. Body Kit Online Store offers European-quality components with proper material thickness (1-2mm) and 20+ years manufacturing expertise.

Need More Detail?Access the complete installation manual for:

• Detailed torque specifications
• Rivnut installation steps
• Fiberglass repair techniques
• 20+ FAQ answers
• Full troubleshooting guide

Professional installation ensures warranty coverage, but with proper tools and patience, DIY installation is achievable.