mazda2005

i was wondering the pros and cons of the different materials used in body kits and other external modifications. i don't wanna buy something made outta crap.

eltonr

i did see this one prototype body kit for a protege....it was made from Bayblend. Bayblend is pretty sturdy stuff (it's a mix of polycarbonate and ABS). I know that they use this stuff on buses and Trailers so it does weather very well and paint takes to it extremely well.....I believe polyurethane would still be a better choice since it has the ability to give with Bayblend does not.. Bayblend will crack before it gives......well that's all i know about the material in body kits.....i guess the majority of body kits are polyurethane or fiberglass.

Scarmiglio

Urethane kits are good due to durability. You can really wrack on them and they will maintain their shape and not crack. Carbon Fiber is a good way to go if you have the $$ because it is light-weight and doesn't (necessarily) need to be painted. However, CF can crack (ouch - pricey!). Fiberglass is probably the cheapest, but remember, you get what you pay for!

mazda2005

does fiberglass crack really easy?

SEA_P5

Fiber Glass does not have level of durability. Once you crack it, it begins to crumble apart with age. But Fiber Glass is a lot cheaper then urethane or other rubbery type substances. I currently have a buddy who is trying to repair a scraped fiber glass front lip. He later scraped it and bought a urethane one.