|
BODYSTYLING
Well where do we start with this subject,this has to be one of the most difficult things to get right when styling your vehicle so you should take your time and do your research very carefully, make sure you pick the right kit and the right bodyshop to fit your kit because if you dont then your vehicle will look worse than when you started.
I have to say that we have seen some pretty bad examples out there that look like they have been put together with a tube of airfix glue. A messy experience if you have ever built a model of some kind.
Please take your time when choosing a kit, as if you choose the wrong one like putting a japanese style kit on a Euro car is a famous one, none of the lines follow the cars original lines and looks appalling we as a general rule do not spray kits but prefer to contract the work out to properly set up bodyshops who have had years of experience in this kind of work.
What should I be looking for is a question that rings in my ears constantly from customers. The following points are worth noting down when you are looking to buy and get your kit fitted.
(1) Do not buy the cheapest kit as it will certainly cause you no end of problems and will not fit correctly, what you will save on the kit will cost you more in the long run to get it fitted as the bodyshop will have to spend more time getting it right.
(2) Ask the company how long they have been in business and dont buy a kit from a company that has no agent in the UK as if you have a problem then there is often no one to talk to or no-one that speaks your language.
(3) If you are buying a Fibreglass kit or GRP as it is known then ask the company if a fitting kit is included or does it use the original fixings then it will be a straight bolt on and this will save you money. It is also advisable to ask if the kits are well made and if you can see through the fibreglass if you can see through it around the strengthening points then send it back. Bear in mind that if you hit anything with a fibreglass kit it will disintegrate and shatter or split.
(4) The best kits are made from ABS Plastic this is the same stuff that your original bumpers are made of and will flex should you hit anything at a low speed these kits are usually straight bolt on items and normally fit perfectly your bodyshop will enjoy working with this type of kit and although these kits are more expensive than fibre glass you will save money on bodyshop time.
(5) If you are looking for a body shop to fit your kit spend time on getting the right company to do your work do not use a company that only does insurance work or works on non modified cars as they will not be used to the intricases of fitting kits it is a speciality field, ask to see a work in progress ie another persons car and see whats involved beware of the company that wont let you into their workshops to see their work or use health and safety as an excuse.
(6) Please note that having a bolt on kit is completly different from having a custom conversion carried out this is where the price will considerably esculate this can involve the bodyshop having your vehicle for months not days or a week what you will be paying for in this instance is something that no one else has and of couse the bodyshops time, the better you want it the more it costs,bear in mind that this type of conversion can not be reversed and you will have to sell your vehicle to a limited market when you decide to change it. This is the only instance where I can say to you it is paramount that you get the right body shop to do this type of work as if you get it wrong the car is worth scrap value. You must also ask to see a car that has had work done for around a year as if the work hasnt been done properly then this vehicle will show signs of the paint flaking, cracking (excluding accident damage) or shrinkage it may also show signs of fading or patchiness. The Bodyshop should be willing to give you a years garantee on their work if they are confident in their abilities.
(7) If you choose the right kit for your vehicle say for instance Mercedes use AMG and Brabus , BMW use AC Schnitzer, Porsche use Techart and vauxhall use Irmischer and Steinmetz these kits will add value to your vehicle as these parts really are bolt on and use all the original fixings, however the finish is factory like and the contours follow the vehicles exactly. Fibreglass kits however will not add value to your vehicle
(8) You will also find that most companies will want payment upfront for your kit this is normal practice as some kits will actually be made to order and can take around 3 to 7 weeks to be finished and sent out to you, before you order you should be asking the company that you are buying it from if they have it instock or will it have to come from the manufacturer also ask them if the kit isnt to your satisfaction can you send it back this would only apply should the kit not fit your vehicle properly , when your kit arrives you must prefit it to your vehicle to see if it fits as you cannot send the kit back if you have painted it.
I think we have covered most of the points that we look for when we buy kits for our customers or recommend a bodyshop to carry out fitting we offer all our customers the option to have the kits they buy from us sprayed and fitted by our recommended bodyshop.
We have also weeded out the companies who sell inferior bodystyling parts and we sell only the best kits these are not the cheapest kits but if its quality you are after then give us a phone.
MGS MotorSport is proud to be associated with the following companies:
Reiger, AC Schnitzer, Brabus, Irmischer, Steinmetz, ICC Tuning, Ibherdesign, Wings West, FF styling, On-line Autostyling, PI, Autoplas, Britania Cars, Spoon, ARC, Do-Luck, Invoauto, Ottenger, Projectwo, Zender, Eurostyling, Caractare, Bonrath, ABT Spoprtsline, Red Hawk Styling & Carzone Specials
|
