Widebody Kits: What They Are and Why You Might Want One
If you’ve ever seen a supercar with massive fenders that swallow the wheels, you’ve seen a widebody kit in action. Basically, a widebody kit replaces the factory fenders with wider sections, giving the car a more aggressive stance and letting you fit bigger wheels. It’s a visual upgrade, but it also opens doors for performance tweaks.
Fitment Basics – Do You Need a New Frame?
Installing a widebody kit isn’t just bolting on a plastic piece. Most kits come with new inner fenders, side skirts, and sometimes a front splitter or rear diffuser. You’ll need to check that the kit matches your car’s make, model, and year. Some kits are “full” (covering front and rear), while others are “partial,” focusing only on the front. Make sure the bolt pattern lines up with the factory mounting points – if it doesn’t, you’ll face custom fabrication, which adds time and money.
Cost Factors – How Much Should You Expect?
Prices vary wildly. A basic fiberglass kit for a common hatchback can start around £300, while a carbon‑fiber full kit for a sports car can push £3,000 or more. Labor is another big chunk; professional fitters often charge £500‑£1,500 depending on complexity. Don’t forget extra costs like sanding, priming, painting, and potential wheel alignment adjustments.
One trick to keep the budget in check is to look for kits that include paint‑ready finishes. If the kit comes pre‑painted in a color close to your car’s finish, you save on paint shop time. Otherwise, you’ll need a quality primer and clear coat to avoid cheap‑looking orange peel.
When budgeting, also consider the impact on insurance. A wider car can be classified as a higher‑risk vehicle, so call your insurer before you commit. Some policies add a small surcharge, while others may require a new appraisal.
From a performance standpoint, a widebody kit lets you fit wider wheels and tires, which can improve grip on the road. However, the added weight of larger fenders may affect fuel economy slightly. If you pair the kit with a suspension upgrade, you’ll get the full benefit of the extra track width without compromising handling.
Installation time ranges from a single day for bolt‑on kits to several days for bonded carbon‑fiber units. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, make sure you have proper tools: a torque wrench, trim removal tools, and a good set of clamps. Follow the manufacturer’s torque specs exactly – over‑tightening can crack the panels.
Finally, think about maintenance. Widebody panels collect more dirt and road spray, so a regular wash and wax routine helps keep them looking fresh. If you use a clear coat, avoid harsh chemicals that can dull the finish.
In short, a widebody kit can turn an ordinary car into a head‑turner and give you room for bigger wheels. Do your homework on fitment, costs, and long‑term care, and you’ll end up with a setup that looks great and performs well.
