ARE WIDE BODY KITS ACTUALLY WORTH IT?

Описание: INTRO 0:00
WHAT IS A WIDEBODY 0:54
THE HISTORY OF WIDEBODIES 1:44
SHOULD YOU GO WIDE 2:45
DOWNSIDES OF WIDEBODY KITS 3:36
WIDEBODY BRANDS 4:49
HOW TO WIDEBODY YOUR CAR 6:00
IS IT WORTH IT 7:12

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Widebody kits. Few mods can transform a car’s appearance as dramatically as flaring those fenders and slapping on some aggressive wheels. Widebody builds are the ultimate statement piece, turning your ride into a rolling work of art—or a total disaster if you don’t do it right.

Today, we’re diving into the history of widebodies, the different styles and brands, and whether or not a widebody kit is the right move for your car. We’ll also explore the pros, cons, and everything you need to know to pull it off without looking like you bought your kit off Wish.

Let’s start with the basics. A widebody kit is a set of fender flares or panels designed to make your car, well, wider. The idea is to create extra room for wider wheels and tires, which means more grip, better handling, and—let’s be real here—a way more aggressive stance.

There are two main types of widebody setups:
1. Bolt-On Widebodies: Think Riveted Flares. These are kits you bolt or rivet directly onto your existing body panels. They’re usually easier to install and give off a raw, racecar aesthetic.
2. Full Replacement Panels: These kits replace the original fenders entirely for a cleaner, OEM-style look. They’re more expensive and require more work, but the end result is seamless and professional.

The idea of modifying a car’s fenders isn’t new. Back in the 1960s, widebody mods started popping up in racing, especially in series like Group 5, where wider tires were needed for better grip. Cars like the Porsche 935 “Moby Dick” and the BMW 3.0 CSL Batmobile were some of the first to rock widebody fenders on the track. These weren’t just for looks—these cars needed the extra width to dominate the competition.

By the 1980s, Japanese tuners started adopting the widebody style for street cars. The Bosozoku scene in Japan took it to extremes, with wildly exaggerated flares that looked like they belonged in a comic book. Then in the 1990s, the style exploded in popularity thanks to the rise of tuning culture and racing games like Gran Turismo.

Why Go Wide? The Pros of Widebody Kits

Widebodies aren’t just about looks (though that’s a big part of it). Here are some of the actual benefits:

1. Room for Wider Wheels and Tires
This is the main reason widebodies exist. Wider tires = more grip. More grip = better cornering and traction. If you’re building a car for the track or even just spirited canyon runs, a widebody setup can seriously improve performance.

2. Improved Stability
A wider stance makes your car more stable, especially at high speeds. That’s why racecars use widebodies in the first place.

3. Insane Aesthetics
Let’s be honest: widebodies just look cool. They give your car an aggressive, planted stance that commands attention. Whether you’re into the clean, OEM-plus look or the wild, over-the-top style, a widebody kit is a statement.

The Downsides of Widebodies

Of course, widebodies aren’t all sunshine and rainbows. Here are some things to consider before going wide:

1. Cost
Widebody kits aren’t cheap. A high-quality kit from a brand like Pandem or Liberty Walk can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000, and that’s before you factor in labor, paint, and new wheels/tires.

2. Fitment Issues
Not all kits are created equal. Some require serious cutting, welding, and fabrication to fit correctly. If you don’t do it right, you’ll end up with gaps, cracks, and a car that looks worse than when you started.

3. Weight
Depending on the kit, you might be adding a decent amount of weight to your car, which can impact performance.

4. Resale Value
Once you cut into your car’s fenders, there’s no going back. Widebody mods can make it harder to sell your car down the road, especially if the installation wasn’t top-notch.

Installing a Widebody Kit: What You Need to Know

Installing a widebody kit isn’t just about slapping on some fenders and calling it a day. Here’s what the process actually looks like:

1. Cutting the Fenders
Most widebody kits require you to cut into your car’s stock fenders to make room for the wider wheels and tires. This is the point of no return, so make sure you’re committed.

2. Fitting the Kit
Test fit everything before painting or drilling. Trust us, you don’t want to find out your kit doesn’t line up after you’ve already painted it.

3. Wheel Fitment
Widebodies mean wider wheels and tires, which often means new offsets. Make sure you know your offsets, widths, and tire sizes before ordering wheels. A bad fit can ruin the look.

4. Paint and Finish
Once everything fits, it’s time for paint. This is where costs can skyrocket, especially if you’re going for a custom color or finish.