Bodykit (4.8) from E-bay arrived. Some pics

[SMOKEY53]

Any updates, mate?

[wogboy_9000]

Originally Posted by SMOKEY53

Any updates, mate?

Yep! So It turns out the tops of the bars need to be cut out quite a bit, whereas the bottoms only need to be cut a tiny bit. I'll take some photos when it goes on the car.

Unfortunately I cut a little too much off the bottom.. So I had to get handy with fibreglass last weekend.

The front and back spoilers are currently being painted as we speak. I hope to get them back today or tomorrow. I'll post up some pics before they go on the car.

[SMOKEY53]

Look forward to seeing the update, I am looking at a 3.0d as I can't justify the fuel in a 4.8is - but I still want it to look like one!

[wogboy_9000]

Originally Posted by SMOKEY53

Look forward to seeing the update, I am looking at a 3.0d as I can't justify the fuel in a 4.8is - but I still want it to look like one!

Picking them up today! I hadn't had a change to get them sooner. Will throw some pics up, unfortunately it will be dark, but I'll see what I can do.

[SMOKEY53]

Originally Posted by wogboy_9000

Picking them up today! I hadn't had a change to get them sooner. Will throw some pics up, unfortunately it will be dark, but I'll see what I can do.

Wicked - no rush on the pics - but when you get the chance to get some glamour shots I'd be keen to see them.

Also be interested to hear how much prep work was required for painting and rough cost to get the job done.

[wogboy_9000]

Okay! I put it all on today. Check out the link for a few photos. More to come in a few days.

The front was particularly hard to put on as the moulding wasn't quite right. Where the number plate usually sits, there's a huge gap between the new fibreglass kit and the body. I used a LOT of sikaflex and pushed the kit up against the car with pieces of wood against a wall.

I also made chocks to put between the lower grille to push it out.

I used screws under where the plastic number plate holder sits and plastic rivets in the wheel arches and under the front corners.

The back wasn't too bad as it sits quite well against the body without glue, I put two screws in either side and plastic rivets under the kit of the car.

X5 Bodykit Photos by wogboy_9000 | Photobucket

[Qcustoms]

Man that's not cool. Looks like the molds are past their use by date. Or they mass produced in 1 month warping the molds.

[wogboy_9000]

Originally Posted by Qcustoms

Man that's not cool. Looks like the molds are past their use by date. Or they mass produced in 1 month warping the molds.

To be honest, I think that's just how they are. I didn't expect much more from an aftermarket fibreglass kit from Latvia. I'm surprised manufacturers haven't started making these kits in ABS plastic.

Overall, the finished look is great, the only issue is it has taken a lot more time and effort than I would have liked.

[Qcustoms]

Latvia lol. I make bodykits aswell and just by you pics they look bad lol. Iv made so many one off kits too that the plugs look better than these finished articles. Was the fitment tight in areas? Glass thicker than usual in other areas? And a bad fiberglass ear always primes or paints their articles sometimes on both sides, the Gelcoat should be the only colour on top of a good item and the glass and resin on rear neatly sanded

[wogboy_9000]

Originally Posted by Qcustoms

Latvia lol. I make bodykits aswell and just by you pics they look bad lol. Iv made so many one off kits too that the plugs look better than these finished articles. Was the fitment tight in areas? Glass thicker than usual in other areas? And a bad fiberglass ear always primes or paints their articles sometimes on both sides, the Gelcoat should be the only colour on top of a good item and the glass and resin on rear neatly sanded

There are a number of manufacturers in Latvia (either that or they all come from the same factory). Strangely, it's impossible to find any made of ABS, or even any manufactured in other companies. I haven't had a great deal to do with fibreglass, but it's extremely flexible, and most of the kit fits 100%. The gelcoat is on the front only, which is quite well done, however the back is pretty rough (doesn't matter much as you don't see it).

The front needed a bit of fiddling around but the back fits well. Hopefully the wheel arches do too. As a bonus the wheel arches are textured already, so I don't need to find a textured paint.

All in all, it's cost me just over $1000 AUD in total for the front and rear, painted and installed by myself (including wheel arches which I haven't yet put on - or painted).