Body kit install and paint

Post by **The Enthusiast** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

Don't know if this belongs in this forum, but don't know where else to put it.Can anyone recommend a reputable place in the Chicago/Milwaukee/Madison area to have a body kit and new paint job put on a '95/'96 240sx?A website and/or phone number would be great. Thanks!Also, what should I expect to pay for a full kit install and good paint job? I know paint varies, but I'm thinking of something that's good, not necessarily ridiculous. Appreciate it.

Post by **NisMoSilEiGhTy** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

install the body kit yourself its only a two person job...u will need adhesion promoter and body clips....THATS IT! possibly a drill and screws depending on the kit.....the paint job the cheapest you are lookin at is about 1500 if you dont do ne prep work...if u prep the car yourself u can cut that figure in half

Post by **The Enthusiast** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

Do most body kits come with instructions for install? I've heard that some, particularly fiberglass kits, can be a pain to install. I would probably go with a fiber reinforced plastic kit. Is that a good idea? Any direction for good quality body kits would be appreciated.

Post by **Scott McLellan** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

The key is to get a body kit that will fit. I have worked with fiberglass replacement parts for a Corvette at the body shop I work at and the money the guy saved with the cheaper part he most likely lost from the extra time and labor it took me to make it fit acceptably. That said I don't know what brands or companies are good, but remember you usually get what you pay for.

Post by **NisMoSilEiGhTy** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

The Enthusiast wrote:Do most body kits come with instructions for install? I've heard that some, particularly fiberglass kits, can be a pain to install. I would probably go with a fiber reinforced plastic kit. Is that a good idea? Any direction for good quality body kits would be appreciated.

me and my friend but a wings west kit on his integra with no directions at all....two man job like i said..u should only need body clips and ahesion promoter......fiber reinforced plastic is a bad idea the quality is crap if u hit that front end on the ground its gonna crack alot easier than fiberglass would..plastic is a bad idea in general i would strongly suggest u go with fiberglass

Post by **NisMoSilEiGhTy** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

and how dead set r u into getting the body kit?? i would look into wings west they are very reputable ima look at there website and see what i can find...personally i would scrap the kit idea and just look for a chin spoiler side skirts and the rear bumper ground effects piece these peices uusually keep the suttle lines of the car intact and dont make it look like crap...body kits overdue it sometimes u know what i mean...

Post by **SilviaS14KA24DE** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

mmm vertex would be mmm sexier.

Post by **The Enthusiast** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

Vertex? Is that a brand or a kit style? Website?

Post by **pretpret** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

Hey The Enthusiast, i am also from Madison. I just got my 95. i know M&M Auto body is a reputable shop here in Madison. Do a search in the Yellow Pages for their phone number. If you need help installing or painting the body kit, just let me know i can help and wish to learn as well. When you buy the body kit, are you going to get rid of the stock front bumper?

Post by **The Enthusiast** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

Cool. Good to know there's another 240 fan in town. I'm not sure what I'll do with the front bumper yet. Are you asking cause you need one?I haven't actually gotten a 240 yet, but it sounds like I'll be buying one from a guy in Green Bay. Just trying to think ahead. If you're interested in helping with the body kit, send me an email, [email protected]Probably be easier/quicker to communicate that way.

Quote »mmm vertex would be mmm sexier.[/quote]

I figured out what kit you're talking about....

Post by **The Enthusiast** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

SilviaS14KA24DE, I just noticed where you live. I grew up in Rancho. I moved away when I was 13, but I still go back to visit. my father lives in Upland now. Anyway, just thought I would mention it. And thanks for the input.

Post by **pretpret** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

The Enthusiast wrote:Cool. Good to know there's another 240 fan in town. I'm not sure what I'll do with the front bumper yet. Are you asking cause you need one?I haven't actually gotten a 240 yet, but it sounds like I'll be buying one from a guy in Green Bay. Just trying to think ahead. If you're interested in helping with the body kit, send me an email, [email protected]Probably be easier/quicker to communicate that way.

I figured out what kit you're talking about....

Hey i go to the UW as well. Ya i need a front bumper:pface Well go get the 240, then lets work on it togetherdo you have a garage in your home?

Post by **The Enthusiast** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

Nah, I live in an apartment til August. I'm sure I/we could find a good place to do some work though.Do you happen to have a garage, or at least a paved driveway?Any input on the body kit?

Post by **pretpret** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

i dont have a garage, been wanting to find an apartment with one, but no luck with the price.

Post by **The Enthusiast** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

I'm having a hard time deciding on a body kit.CWest is supposed to have real good kits, but their pretty pricey. Bomex is supposed to be good too, but I'm not sure if I like their kits....I'll probably go to the Radio Doctor to look at their catalogs. The guy who owns the Paint Doctor is supposed to know about good kits. We'll see.....

Post by **emperor_lunchbox** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

as far as kits go i like the GP sports and the M sports kits...these are awesome. i think they run in the 1500$ dollar area.

Post by **pretpret** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

hey Vis has a body kit that really looks good, the Xtreme Series and they are only $525 shipped from http://store.dragracing.com/pr...id=12 if you are on a budget. I heard that their body kits are not hard to install as well.

Post by **Scott McLellan** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

sorry but just gotta say this, you can tell your a car guy when body kit comes before apartment...

Post by **The Enthusiast** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

Thanks, I'll look into them.

Post by **onosqv** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

NisMoSilEiGhTy wrote:install the body kit yourself its only a two person job...u will need adhesion promoter and body clips....THATS IT! possibly a drill and screws depending on the kit.....the paint job the cheapest you are lookin at is about 1500 if you dont do ne prep work...if u prep the car yourself u can cut that figure in half

Is there a specific adhesion promoter and body clip to use? What kind and where should I purchase them.

I can just drill holes w/ a regular drill no problem right?

I'm picking up a body kit end of this week, but it doesn't come w/ any special tape, clips, or screws.

And if you don't mind telling, what procedure would be best to prep the fiberglass body kit?

Thanks a lot

Post by **The Enthusiast** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

Good questions. As I will be getting a kit soon as well, I would like to know too.

Post by **Anand** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

Well, when I got my kit... Bomex... IT came with everything except the polymer or the adheisive or anythign like that. But it did come with everything including clips, bolts, scres and all that..

instrucitons as well..

IT was a peice of cake to install a kit... as long as it is a good kit from a reputable company.. all the holes were pre drilled on the kit.. and they matched up to the car like it was stock!

Post by **The Enthusiast** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

What kind of adhesive did you use? And what kind of Bomex kit is that (assuming that picture is your car)?

Post by **BooFa** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

i had an invader body kit.. but i thought it was c-west wing.. so.... i dunno .. haha.. cause it's actually coming off as we speak.. and putting on a nismo body kit on it.. (i like it.. cause it keeps a stocky look but.. sleek as well..

nothing too fancy)... soo.. that with kouki tail lights installed.. and... new paint all around including door jams. (i think.) and under hood.. total 1500..

lol.. i lucked out.... buuuuttt.... deals come around here and there... hey - if any jersey guys need a place to do some body work.. hit me up and i'll let you know where to go...

-sam

Post by **LSB_11** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

first off, if you do not spend the extra money and go with a big name body kit, it will not fit correctly. you will have to work most fiberglass kits if you do not pay high dollar for it, and if you have not worked with fiverglass before, i wouldnt recommend it on your car for the first try. most kits dont come pre drilled, thats really nice. there is a shop here that my club and freinds use, paint and install for 500. i think he likes us and is a HUGE car guy.(his paint and fitment rocks) but you get what you pay for.

Post by **The Enthusiast** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

So, are you saying that as long as you spend a lot of money on a kit, it will be good? Or are there some expensive kits that suck too?In looking around, I've noticed that kits by VIS are generally cheap. Are they crap, or worthwhile?People seem to recommend Bomex, C-West, GP Sports, and Nismo. Any other recommendations from anyone?I've also heard some people say that you should a fiberglass kit, and some people say that you should get a urethane kit.I didn't realize this whole body kit decision was so involved.

Quote »i had an invader body kit.. but i thought it was c-west wing.. so.... i dunno .. haha.. cause it's actually coming off as we speak.. and putting on a nismo body kit on it.. (i like it.. cause it keeps a stocky look but.. sleek as well.. nothing too fancy)... soo.. that with kouki tail lights installed.. and... new paint all around including door jams. (i think.) and under hood.. total 1500.. lol.. i lucked out.... buuuuttt.... deals come around here and there... hey - if any jersey guys need a place to do some body work.. hit me up and i'll let you know where to go... [/quote]

So, you're gonna post some pics when it's done right?

Post by **onosqv** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

The Enthusiast wrote:So, are you saying that as long as you spend a lot of money on a kit, it will be good? Or are there some expensive kits that suck too?In looking around, I've noticed that kits by VIS are generally cheap. Are they crap, or worthwhile?People seem to recommend Bomex, C-West, GP Sports, and Nismo. Any other recommendations from anyone?I've also heard some people say that you should a fiberglass kit, and some people say that you should get a urethane kit.I didn't realize this whole body kit decision was so involved.

So, you're gonna post some pics when it's done right?

I have bought a VIS kit, I should be picking it up end of this week. They are cheap, but they're "suppose" to fit 98%. I think they are at least a little better than the completely no name brand. I will post pics and results of install as soon as I figure how to do it, probably in a week after finals.

Urethene's advantage is that it is much harder to crack when you bottom out or hit things like speed bumps because it can flex more.

Problem with it is that paint tends to chip off because it can't handle the bending, but I guess that that's better having a cracked bumper.

Fiberglass comes in several qualities, the more layers the better I think because it is stronger.

Don't get FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) - plastic will crack even easier - it is not stronger.

That's what I've heard from those three styles.

The only Urethene body kit I know of that is made for 240sx is the Kaminari's, they are only for 91-94 Hatch.

O yea, if you really want a bomb-*** body kit, go CARBON FIBER!!! ImportFan.com has some, they look sweet, but expensive. I'll save up for that one later, I hope my fiberglass kit lasts long enough.

STILL: Does anyone know exactly where to buy body clips, and what kind of adhesive promoter - will this make it harder if I install the kit now and not paint it - I don't have enough money to paint the kit yet because I want to do the whole car all at once.

THANKS

Post by **The Enthusiast** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

See, I've heard a couple people say that FRP is basically the same as fiberglass. And I've seen the VIS kits listed as FRP and fiberglass. So I'm not sure who to believe.

Quote »Urethene's advantage is that it is much harder to crack when you bottom out or hit things like speed bumps because it can flex more.[/quote]

If what you say is true, anyone know if there are any Urethane kits for the S14 Zenki then?

Quote »STILL: Does anyone know exactly where to buy body clips, and what kind of adhesive promoter - will this make it harder if I install the kit now and not paint it - I don't have enough money to paint the kit yet because I want to do the whole car all at once.[/quote]

I'd still like to know about adhesive promoter and clips too, just in case.

Post by **onosqv** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

I've always been confused w/ FRP. It's just something about the "plastic" part and the much lower cost of these kits that worries me.

Most of the positive things I've read about FRP body kits are from companies selling them, go figure.

Well, here is an excerpt of what FRP is suppose to do:

Fiberglass - still used although not as popular as ten to fifteen years ago. FRP is more resistant to breakage and puncture or vandals. Sunlight is scattered (diffused). Etching and dust abrasion - darkens over time. Easier to cool an FRP house. Construction is a lot easier than glass. Getting house airtight is not easy; need foam corrugated plastic closures. Flashing. FRP used to be a terrific fire hazard - not any more.

that's from a greenhouse site, not exactly the same application, but has the basic idea between the to (http://ag.sfasu.edu/horticultu...s.htm)

Also, on http://www.drifting.com/forums...ber=2

It is believed that FRP is more flexible and easier to repair, so is ideal for drifting or something similar than regular fiberglass.

I have NO IDEA what to get - more expensive = better, hahahaha. I just got the kit I thought looked nice and clean, decent priced, etc.

I'd really like to save up to get a urethene kit because I've heard very good things about it, haven't ever seen it, but heard good things

.

I'll pick the brains of the auto place I'll be coming to pick up the body kit from to see what they say (they'll probably recommend stuff they actually sell the highest, i luv salesmen).

Hope I don't screw up my body kit install... SOMEONE HELPPPP w/ brands and techniques pleeeeeezzzz

Post by **MustangManV6** » Tue May 25, 2004 6:36 pm

You can paint carbon fiber correct?

Body kit install and paint

Body kit install and paint

Install the Kit yourself

Re: Install the Kit yourself

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