How to: Basic DIY Body-kit Prep, Install, and Paint

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Please read these instructions entirely before proceeding with the installation. Any damage done I'm not liable
Installation Instructions

Please read thoroughly before beginning the installation process.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Be certain that you got exactly what you ordered. Remember that if you prep, prime, paint, drill into, install, or modify the part in any way whatsoever, you will take over full liability for the part and may jeopardize your ability to install the part appropriately. Due to the nature of fiberglass manufacturing, fitting, trimming, filling, grinding, and prepping may be necessary before final installation and painting of the parts. We therefore recommend professional installation by an entity that has experience in installing automotive aftermarket fiberglass products. All pieces, whether they are in primer or gel coat finish, must be sanded and primed prior to being painted.

Please read these instructions entirely before proceeding with the installation.

INSTALLATION OF BODY KITS THAT CONSIST OF FULL REPLACEMENT BUMPERS

1. Remove all factory bumpers, license plates, brackets, fender lips, mud flaps, factory turn signals, side markers, side skirts, etc. Keep in mind that it is important not to discard the hardware when removing factory parts.
2. Pre-fit (dry fit) the aftermarket bumpers. It is recommended that two or more people help with this part of the installation. To avoid scratches when pre-fitting be sure to mask or tape off appropriate surface areas. Aftermarket parts may need to be sanded, trimmed or filled to ensure a perfect fit. Keep in mind that if the car on which the parts are being installed has been in any sort of accident or been through any other alteration whatsoever, it may increase the time frame and/or complexity of the pre-fitment procedure.
3. Remove the aftermarket bumper from the car. At this point, the body kit parts can be painted if preferred, in which case please refer to the “PREPARATION FOR PAINT” section below. Otherwise, please follow the remaining installation steps and prepare the parts for paint following the installation.
4. If grill mesh has been purchased for the body kit, follow the procedures below in the “INSTALLATION OF GRILL MESH” section and proceed with the remaining installation steps. Otherwise, simply skip this step.
5. After parts are pre-fitted appropriately mark holes to be drilled in final fitment process. This can be done with a permanent marker or paint pen. Normal mounting points for the front bumper are under each front fender and under the hood between the headlamps. For the sideskirts, normal mounting points are in both the front and rear fender wells. Mounting points for the rear bumper can normally be found on each quarter panel or rocker panel, under the trunk lid, and between the taillights.
6. After all appropriate holes are marked remove the aftermarket bumper. Next, use a drill bit to drill marked holes (.25-inch bit will work in many cases).
7. After marked holes are drilled, place the aftermarket bumper back on the car. It is recommended that two people help in this process. Realign the drilled holes to the appropriate position and use factory mounting bolts to secure the bumper. Do not over-tighten any screws, but fasten the bumper up enough to ensure a snug fit. In some cases mounting might require the use of double-sided tape, epoxy, countersunk rivets, or countersunk screws. Extra screws, rivets, or self-tapping screws may be necessary to ensure the stability of the bumpers.
8. Factory side markers, turn signals, bumper lenses, mud flaps moldings, and door caps are, in many cases, not retained in the aftermarket bumpers. The customer certainly can make the appropriate accommodations to incorporate any of these items as he or she sees fit.


INSTALLATION OF BODY KITS THAT CONSIST OF LIPS (CHIN SPOILERS OR ‘ADD-ONS’)

1. Tape off the area of the bumper(s) where the lip is going to be installed.
2. Pre-fit the lip to ensure fitment.
3. Remove lip as well as the tape on the bumper.
4. At this point, the body kit parts can be painted if preferred, in which case please refer to the “PREPARATION FOR PAINT” section below. Otherwise, please follow the remaining installation steps and prepare the parts for paint following the installation.
5. If grill mesh has been purchased for the body kit, follow the procedures below in the “INSTALLATION OF GRILL MESH” section and proceed with remaining installation steps. Otherwise, simply skip this step.
6. Clean the area of the bumper where the lip is going to be mounted. A grease remover is recommended for this process (i.e. Simple Green or something similar). Follow the same step to clean the inside of the lip being installed.
7. Use industrial strength double-sided tape to adhere the lip to the factory bumper. In general, the width of tape recommended is ½ inch to 1 inch wide. Run the tape along the inside portion of the lip, and then line up and mount the lip to the bumper.
8. Use self-tapping screws inside the fender wells to ensure the adherence of the lip to the factory bumper. We recommend two screws in each corner of the lip.


INSTALLATION OF GRILL MESH

1. Remove the bumper on which the grill mesh is going to be installed.
2. It may be necessary to trim the mesh in order for it to fit optimally in any given area of the body kit. Bend the edges of the mesh to a 90-degree angle to create a lip about one inch wide to adhere to the inside of the aftermarket bumper.
3. Adhere the mesh to the fiberglass bumper using the folded lip created in the previous step as point of adherence (corvette panel glue, epoxy, or even bondo will work well as adhesives). After performing this ‘gluing’ process, allow time for the adhesive to dry.
4. Mount the bumper back on the car.


PREPARATION FOR PAINT

1. Dry sand the part (400-grit sandpaper is recommended). Sand until any protruding blemishes are toned down.
2. If there are any pinholes, gaps, gashes or imperfections in the bumper, fill them with bondo, spot putty, body filler or fiberglass, and let dry.
3. Lightly sand the filled areas of the part (preferably with 600-grit sandpaper or something similar). Sand until the part has a very smooth, even surface.
4. Before applying primer, the parts need to be degreased and cleaned. Use lacquer thinner, acetone, or isopropyl alcohol and clean the parts thoroughly.
5. The parts are ready for primer once they have been sanded appropriately.
6. Once the primer has been applied, allow time for it to dry. Then wet sat the part (600-grit sandpaper is optimal). At this point, the parts are ready for paint.

[badmitsu]

good job on the tut!