OK so I traded my wife for a 350Z. Got it used from some tard who couldn't drive a manual and the front and rear bumper are done for (aesthetically anyway). So I figure I'll just do a body kit. From my research so far I found that you get what you pay for so don't go with the knock offs and don't pay the body shop until the work is done. Well I don't like anybody working on my car but me (because I'm a cheap bastard and I like things done right). So is it possible to install a body kit on myself or am I dreaming. Thanks.

 

If you get an authentic kit that fits perfectly yes you can install it yourself. If it doesnt fit perfect then a bodyshop will need to clean it up and paint it.

 

install costs are hardly the significant portion...painting is. Certainly not hard to install, but it's directly proportionate to the quality of the kit in the first place

 

Outstanding I'm going with a highend kit (not sure which one yet but I am liking the GReddy) After the install I am getting the whole car painted pearl white (that part I leave to the pros). Thanks for the info.

 

the kit gets installed after it's painted, not before....

 

Oh good call. Thanks. Could you elaborate on why?

 

To ensure all sides of the bodykit are properly coated

 

even some authentic kits will need some small modifications.





to answer the question, it depends on your experience level with body parts.

 

http://fiberglassforums.com/ is a good place to start.

 

honestly, if you are asking these questions and didnt understand why the kit needs to be painted prior to being installed it is probably best you leave the whole job up to someone that know what they are doing.

or be prepared to spend more money in the long run to have someone else fix what you mess up.

 

lol @ slapping it on then painting it with it on.

 

your mom slaps it on

 

What stealership did you buy your Z from? I need to upgrade before my wife's value depreciate further.

 

I agree with what others are saying. If you do not have any experience with body work, it is best to have a good shop paint and put it on. Getting the real deal kits make all the difference in the world, although you can find some good knock-offs, Shine comes to mind, but in 80-90% of the bumpers, you will still need to do some type of prep work and test fitting. Some body shops won’t even do body kits because they can be a pain in the A$$. Your best bet is getting a good kit from a reputable dealer and having it put on by a shop that has experience with body kits. Just search and you can see the nightmare jobs people have had by both doing the work themselves and having a non-experienced shop install the kit.

Good Luck!

 

Just tack it on with wood screws and JB weld.

 

there are some great threads showing those exact installs in case anyone needs guidance

 

 

I remember that poor bastard that got his shoddy replica kit put on and the installer used wood screws all over and it looked like complete shiet. Whatever happened to that guy?

 

A proven method with proven results. Ha.

https://my350z.com/forum/the-lounge-...0z-ruined.html

To the OP- the cost for the removal of your stock pieces and installation of the finished kit is negligible compared to the cost of prep and paint. If you were asking about preppign and painting yourself this might be a thread. However, you're trying to cut corners in the wrong places.

If you need to save money, Shine makes quality replica kits.

 

We made him a moderator.