Understanding What a Wide Body Kit Truly Is
Defining the Scope
At its core, a wide body kit is a comprehensive modification designed to significantly alter the physical appearance of a vehicle, primarily by widening its stance. This is achieved by adding components that extend the bodywork outward, creating a more aggressive and imposing presence. Imagine the already powerful lines of a Mustang, amplified and exaggerated. That’s the visual promise of a well-executed wide body kit.
Key Components Explained
The primary components that typically make up a wide body kit include:
- Wider Front Fenders: These replace the factory fenders, extending outward to accommodate wider wheels and tires, enhancing the car’s track and visual impact.
- Wider Rear Quarter Panels or Fender Flares: Like the front fenders, these widen the rear of the car, allowing for a more balanced and aggressive stance. Some kits replace the entire quarter panel while others use flared components that integrate with the existing structure.
- Front Bumper: Often redesigned to flow seamlessly with the wider fenders, providing a cohesive and unified look. This frequently features aggressive air dams or spoilers that emphasize the car’s performance potential.
- Rear Bumper: Similar to the front, the rear bumper is usually replaced or modified to integrate with the wider rear quarter panels.
- Side Skirts: These are designed to visually connect the front and rear components, lowering the car’s profile and further contributing to the aggressive aesthetic.
- Optional Aerodynamic Enhancements: Some wide body kits include additional elements such as a rear spoiler, diffuser, or canards, which further enhance the visual appeal and potentially improve aerodynamic performance.
The Advantages of Going Wide
Aesthetics as a Primary Goal
Beyond just aesthetics, a wide body kit offers several compelling benefits. The most immediate and noticeable advantage is the dramatic transformation in appearance. A wide body kit creates a more aggressive, muscular, and undeniably eye-catching look. The car commands attention, projecting an image of raw power and performance. The widened stance gives the Mustang a lower, more planted appearance, exuding confidence and a sense of purpose.
Handling and Performance Potential
By allowing for the use of significantly wider wheels and tires, a wide body kit can potentially improve handling and grip. Wider tires increase the contact patch between the tire and the road, providing greater traction, particularly during cornering and acceleration. This enhanced grip can lead to improved cornering speeds and a more responsive driving experience. However, it’s important to note that the benefits in handling are directly related to the type of wheels and tires used, along with the suspension modifications.
The Freedom of Customization
A wide body kit serves as a blank canvas for further customization. The widened fenders and panels offer ample space for unique wheel and tire configurations. The kit itself can be painted to match the existing body color or in a contrasting shade to create a distinctive visual statement. The owner can then tailor the car with other performance and appearance modifications to match their individual taste and driving needs.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
Body Assessment First
Before installing a wide body kit, it’s vital to assess the overall condition of the Mustang’s body panels. Any existing rust, dents, or other forms of damage will need to be addressed before the kit is installed. The installation process may require significant work to prepare the existing panels and provide a sound foundation for the new components.
Wheel and Tire Integration
The primary function of a wide body kit is to accommodate wider wheels and tires. Therefore, it’s imperative to carefully plan the wheel and tire configuration. This involves considering the wheel offset (the distance from the wheel’s mounting surface to the center of the wheel), the wheel width, and the tire size. It is crucial to ensure that the wheels and tires fit properly within the widened fenders without rubbing or interfering with suspension components. This may require research and potentially the need for professional expertise.
Understanding the Installation Process
Installing a wide body kit is not a simple bolt-on process. It typically involves significant modification, including cutting and trimming existing body panels, as well as precise alignment of the new components. The level of skill and equipment required can vary depending on the kit and the individual’s experience. Determining whether you have the necessary skills, time, and tools to perform the installation is a vital step in the process. You may consider enlisting the help of an experienced body shop for installation.
Exploring the Many Different Kit Styles
Material Selection
Wide body kits come in various materials and designs, offering a wide range of aesthetic possibilities.
- Fiberglass: Fiberglass is often the most cost-effective option. It’s relatively easy to mold and repair. However, fiberglass kits can be susceptible to cracking and may not be as durable as other materials.
- Carbon Fiber: Carbon fiber kits offer a premium look and feel. They are incredibly lightweight and possess exceptional strength. However, carbon fiber kits are typically the most expensive option.
- Polyurethane: Polyurethane kits are known for their flexibility and impact resistance. They are less prone to cracking compared to fiberglass.
Design Styles and Philosophies
The appearance is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
- Aggressive and Race-Inspired: These kits feature bold, angular designs with prominent flares and exposed hardware. They are designed to evoke a race car appearance and maximize the car’s performance-oriented stance.
- Subtle and Street-Friendly: These kits offer a more refined look, often with integrated flares and smoother lines. They are intended to provide a wider stance without the overly aggressive appearance.
The Installation Process – A Step-by-Step Overview
Preparation: The Groundwork
While the exact steps can vary slightly depending on the kit and the vehicle, the general process of installing a wide body kit involves a series of carefully executed steps. This begins with gathering all the necessary tools and materials, including the wide body kit itself, adhesive, hardware, masking tape, and a quality primer and paint. Next comes the car’s preparation – removing the existing bumpers, fenders, and any other components that need to be replaced or modified. Thorough cleaning of the existing bodywork is vital to provide a clean surface for the new components to adhere to.
Fitting and Securing Components
This critical step requires carefully fitting the new wide body components to the car. Proper alignment is essential to ensure a seamless fit. This often involves temporarily attaching the components and making any necessary adjustments. Once the fit is correct, the components are secured to the car. This often involves a combination of adhesives, screws, or welding. Careful attention to detail is required to ensure a strong and secure bond.
The installation process often requires trimming and making modifications to the existing body panels and wheel wells to achieve a perfect fit. This can involve cutting, sanding, and shaping the panels to integrate them with the new components.
The Finishing Touches
The final step is painting the wide body kit components to match the car’s existing paint or to create a new, custom look. This requires professional painting to ensure a smooth and flawless finish.
Navigating the Choice: DIY or Professional Help
DIY: Taking Control
Deciding whether to tackle the installation yourself or to enlist the help of a professional body shop is an important consideration. This offers the benefit of saving money on labor costs. However, it requires a high degree of skill, patience, and access to the necessary tools and equipment. It also involves a significant time investment.
The Professional Option
This option ensures a high-quality installation performed by experienced technicians. However, it typically incurs a significant labor cost.
Supporting Modifications That Make a Difference
Wheels and Tires: The Essential Upgrade
A wide body kit is more than just an aesthetic upgrade. To truly unlock its potential and achieve optimal performance, several supporting modifications are often necessary. As the wide body kit allows for wider wheels and tires, selecting the correct wheels and tires is paramount. Consider wheel offset and tire size. Ensuring the wheels and tires fit properly within the widened fenders without rubbing or interfering with suspension components.
Suspension and Handling Considerations
To complement the wider stance and improve handling, suspension modifications might be necessary. This could include lowering springs, coilovers, or upgraded shocks and struts. These modifications will provide a more aggressive stance and enhance the car’s handling characteristics.
Braking System Upgrades
With increased grip and potential for higher speeds, upgrading the brakes is highly recommended. This can involve installing larger brake rotors, calipers, and pads to enhance stopping power.
Engine Performance
While not directly related to the wide body kit itself, engine upgrades can further enhance the car’s performance and complement the aggressive visual upgrade.
Finding the Right Wide Body Kit: Where to Begin Your Search
Online Retailers: A Vast Selection
Several options are available to locate the perfect wide body kit. Numerous online retailers specialize in automotive parts and accessories, including wide body kits. These retailers often offer a wide selection of kits from various brands, along with detailed product descriptions and customer reviews.
Local Expertise
Local body shops can be a valuable resource. They can help identify suitable kits, assist with installation, and provide professional support.
Exploring the Used Market
The used market might offer the possibility of finding a wide body kit at a more affordable price.
Budgeting for Your Project
Kit Cost
Creating a realistic budget is vital to ensure that your project remains within financial constraints. The cost of a wide body kit can vary significantly depending on the material, brand, and design.
Installation Cost Factors
If you opt for professional installation, factor in the labor costs.
Additional Expenses
Consider additional expenses like paint, wheels, tires, suspension, and other necessary modifications.
Project Overview
Develop a comprehensive budget that encompasses all expected costs to avoid any unwelcome surprises.
Conclusion
The transformative power of a wide body kit cannot be overstated. By widening the stance and creating an imposing visual statement, a ninety-six Mustang wide body kit elevates the car’s appearance and potentially enhances its performance capabilities. Remember to conduct thorough research, plan carefully, and consider all factors, including material choices, design options, installation considerations, and the necessary supporting modifications. With careful planning, patience, and attention to detail, you can unleash the inner beast, transforming your ninety-six Mustang into a truly iconic and head-turning machine. By taking these factors into consideration, you’re well on your way to creating a stunning custom build that celebrates the classic Mustang.
