When it comes to transforming your vehicle’s appearance and performance, body kits and exterior modifications are among the most impactful upgrades. From sleek, subtle enhancements to bold, aggressive overhauls, choosing the right material is essential for achieving the perfect look and functionality.
But with options ranging from fiberglass to carbon fiber, how do you know which material best suits your needs?
In this article, we’ll look at some of the most popular materials for body kits available at custom auto body shops, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and distinct applications. So, if you’re looking for greater durability, reduced weight, or a stylish appearance, this guide will help you make the right decision for your automotive upgrade.
The Important Role Your Choice of Materials Plays
Choosing the right material for a body kit or exterior modification is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about delicately balancing durability, performance, and overall cost. The material you choose to use doesn’t just affect how your vehicle looks.
The material impacts how your vehicle handles on the road, its resistance to wear and tear, and the level of upkeep required. While various materials are available, each has distinct characteristics that suit different needs and applications.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is one of the most commonly used materials for body kits due to its affordability and ease of production. Its lightweight nature is a major advantage, making it a popular choice for car enthusiasts aiming to reduce vehicle weight and improve performance.
Fiberglass doesn’t warp under temperature changes, maintaining greater stability in different climates.
However, fiberglass has significant drawbacks. Its rigidity makes it less forgiving during installation and more prone to cracking when exposed to minor impacts or unanticipated road hazards. Common hazards like parking lot barriers, angled driveways, and road debris can easily damage fiberglass parts.
On top of this, its rough texture often requires extra finishing work to achieve a smooth, polished appearance. Despite these challenges, high-quality fiberglass kits from reputable manufacturers provide an excellent fit and finish for a refined look.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane, often referred to as “urethane,” is another popular material for body kits. It is more expensive to produce than fiberglass, but its flexibility and durability justify the cost. Polyurethane can withstand minor impacts without cracking and can be “coaxed” into position during installation, making it easier to work with.
The material’s strength and flexibility derive from its elastomeric properties, which let it stretch and revert to its original form without sustaining permanent damage. However, polyurethane is noticeably heavier than fiberglass, making it less ideal for racing applications where weight reduction is a priority.
It’s also more challenging to paint, as specialized preparation is required to make sure the paint adheres properly and doesn’t peel or flake off over time.
ABS Plastic
ABS plastic is widely used in automotive manufacturing for trim, bumper covers, and body panels, making it a familiar and trusted material for body kits. It combines the rigidity of acrylonitrile and styrene polymers with the toughness of polybutadiene rubber, resulting in a heat-resistant, chemical-resistant, and highly durable material.
ABS plastic strikes a balance between fiberglass and polyurethane, offering a better fit and finish than fiberglass and greater rigidity than polyurethane. Along with this, its paint-friendly nature allows for significantly more precise color matching.
However, ABS plastic is heavier and more expensive than fiberglass, which may deter more budget-conscious buyers.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is often seen as the pinnacle of body kit materials, renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and striking appearance.
This material is made from carbon fibers embedded in a polymer matrix and offers unparalleled lightweight performance, making it ideal for racing or high-performance applications. Carbon fiber components are often pre-finished with a clear coat, eliminating the need for painting and showcasing their distinctive woven pattern.
The downside to carbon fiber is its high cost, which reflects the complexity of its manufacturing process. This initial expense can be effectively mitigated by mixing different material options, such as pairing carbon fiber hoods with fiberglass or urethane side skirts.
Despite its price, carbon fiber remains a leading choice for enthusiasts looking for premium performance and high-quality aesthetics.
Composite Materials
Composite materials are engineered to combine the advantages of different materials, resulting in a product that offers superior performance. These materials are perfect for drivers who value an affordable yet durable and high-performing solution.
These materials are versatile enough to suit a range of vehicles, from classic models like the Datsun Z-car to modern high-performance cars like the Subaru WRX and Nissan GT-R. While composite materials may not match the elite performance of carbon fiber, they provide a cost-effective alternative that truly delivers impressive results.
Using The Finest Materials in Your Custom Car
Choosing the right materials for body kits and exterior modifications plays an important role in achieving the ideal balance of durability, functionality, and aesthetics. The right material can make all the difference, whether you’re aiming for lightweight performance, long-lasting durability, or a head-turning finish.
At Rob’s Customs & Restorations custom auto body shop, we specialize in helping car enthusiasts like you bring their vision to life. Our experienced team is committed to delivering the finest quality craftsmanship and exceptional attention to detail, making sure that your vehicle reflects your distinct style and modification needs.
Don’t leave your vehicle customization job to chance. Contact the team at Rob’s Customs & Restorations today at (703)-552-5001 or by reaching out online so we can begin work on building the custom car of your dreams.