Body kits: Fiberglass/FRP vs. Polyurethane: Pick Your Poison [Archive]

Zero

05-29-2009, 12:10 AM

Hmm, I've got an idea with this thread.

Fiberglass/FRP(Fiber Reinforced Plastic) vs. Polyurethane: Pick your poison.

Lots of authentic kits are made from either or both materials.

Both materials have their pros and cons.

Fiberglass/FRP:
--Pros:
-Lightweight
-Easily repairable
-Easily painted
-More affordable
-No sagging
--Cons:
-Easier to break

Polyurethane:
--Pros:
-Very resistant to breaking
--Cons:
-Painting requires a few more work for adhesion
-Will sag over time due to heat/sun
-A bit more expensive
-Repairing polyurethane will be really difficult. Most shops won't even bother.
-Weighs a bit more than fiberglass.

Another material used is ABS plastic. Not many kits come in this form. One popular example would be the Mugen/M2 front lip.
It has the pros and cons of Fiberglass with a bit of resiliency of polyurethane.

Flex-Fiber, DuraFlex, any body piece advertised as being made with both fiberglass and urethane will have both characteristics of the two.

I've owned fiberglass, polyurethane, and ABS plastic pieces.
I enjoyed the benefits of polyurethane because I would run into minor accidents.
I enjoyed fiberglass because I could repair it myself.
I'd scrape with both, make holes on the bottom, but which one do you think was repairable?
I've painted both types of material. I've put a bit more work into prepping urethane than when I painted my fiberglass pieces.

It depends on you, the driver. Both materials are great, IMO, but it really depends on how capable a driver you are.
Most tuners like polyurethane because of the fact that it's less prone to breaking.

Zero

05-29-2009, 12:25 AM

Also maybe best place to buy kits??
Now, what's your budget?

Authentic kits cost $$$. Replicas are far more affordable, but depending on the kit itself, it might cost you more $$$ to make it fit compared to buying an authentic kit to begin with.

Authentic kits fit as if they were an OEM spec piece. Craftsmanship and fitment (plus hype) is what makes them expensive.

Replica kits are 50/50. You either get one that fits like a glove or get one that doesn't even come close to mounting on your car. They are the more affordable option. Quality and fitment is a gamble.

Jintei is a site vendor that caters to the body kit tuners. He sells replica kits.

ViSracing.com is a Giant in the replica kit world.
I've personally owned 4 different sets of kits from them, all with fitment ranging from 90-99%. Quality has been 90% as well. I have had good experience with them, myself, but can't say the same for others.

eBay has replica kit vendors. It's been common knowledge that eBay is the last place you want to get a kit from. While that may be true, a few people here have actually purchased kits from there and were pleased with the results. I'd say you have a 70/30% gamble with eBay.

There are also online dealers that carry authentic kits:
-www.kamispeed.com
-www.mvpmotorsports.com
-http://www.suprastore.com/inexac.html

Other replica kit dealers:
-www.extremedimensions.com
-www.aitracing.com

Xx04xGTxX

05-29-2009, 12:35 AM

Wow thanks Zero great reply :)

Zero

05-29-2009, 12:40 AM

Wow thanks Zero great reply :)
Mind you, those are my own opinions. Having owned and worked on both material, I have a right to state such opinions.

Others might have different beliefs, but like I said, it really depends on the person buying it, i.e. you.

SlvCelica

05-29-2009, 01:00 AM

Hmm, I've got an idea with this thread.

Fiberglass/FRP(Fiber Reinforced Plastic) vs. Polyurethane: Pick your poison.

Lots of authentic kits are made from either or both materials.

Both materials have their pros and cons.

Fiberglass/FRP:
--Pros:
-Lightweight
-Easily repairable
-Easily painted
-More affordable
-No sagging
--Cons:
-Easier to break

Polyurethane:
--Pros:
-Very resistant to breaking
--Cons:
-Painting requires a few more work for adhesion
-Will sag over time due to heat/sun
-A bit more expensive
-Repairing polyurethane will be really difficult. Most shops won't even bother.
-Weighs a bit more than fiberglass.

well.
fibreglass is easily repaired.. but at the cost of repairing/repainting.. i would suggest you to get urethane.. **** happens on the road.. a rock flies at you and it might crack the bumper.. then you'll end up spending a couple hundred repairing that POS.
No it does not sag, but fibreglass tends to cause paint to spider crack at corners and stuff..
affordable.. yes, but u get what u pay for..
on the other hand, urethane kits.. are very limited but still nice. wont crack, wont spider crack, etcetcetc...
sagging.. it depends.. oem bumpers dont sag.. unless u leave your car out to cook for the whole entire summer with no shade then yes.. but common sense, you drive around, u park here n there.. chances of it sagging.. is very / extremely low..
expensive.. but well worth the penny.
if it cracks, it will cost a bunch but thats IF.. majority of the time. it will just dent in.. and all u gota do is heat it up with a blow dryer.. and punch it back out.

samurai469

06-02-2009, 02:28 PM

fiberglass also has different qualities and different grades. some are heavier, lighter, thicker, all a combination of fiberglass material and resin quantity and quality.

depending on the grade, rock chips only damage the paint (same as urethane), fiberglass will also flex and adjust better. It all depends on the prep work involved.

if you are a newbie and are going to paint it yourself get a urethane. usually lasts about 2 years due to sag and weight. But if you are going to go show, then bodyshop will charge you a fortune trying to get it to fit right unlike fiberglass.

best bet is fiberglass and get the a clear sticker/film to protect against rock chicks.

also get authentic japanese bodykits or japan spec fiberglass

worth the money.

InuyashsBrother

06-08-2009, 06:41 PM

Who sells "japan spec fiberglass" kits?

Zero

06-09-2009, 12:39 AM

Who sells "japan spec fiberglass" kits?
Only licensed dealers, like www.Kamispeed.com

nizmolee

10-08-2009, 05:43 PM

has anyone tried this duraflex by extreme demensions? seems pretty tuff and better than fiberglass. The price is good. give me some opinons.

Zero

10-09-2009, 12:50 AM

has anyone tried this duraflex by extreme demensions? seems pretty tuff and better than fiberglass. The price is good. give me some opinons.
I would ask them if I could test fit their kits. Since you're local, it might be worth the shot to ask.
Even if all replica kits need "professional installment" it should not require a shop to chop the kit in half and either cut a portion off or try to add some inches on. "Professional installment" is an umbrella term, which the buyer should really be aware of when purchasing.
I suggest asking the vendor Jintei about his supplies - he allows local fitment tests. :thumbup:

To go with your question, I know of no one here that has a duraflex/flexfiber kit.

nizmolee

10-09-2009, 04:55 PM

thanks zero, im just doing more research, from looking at the promo video by extreme demensions, it looks pretty good. I noticed that poly urethane price has been going down. Would this be because maybe low demand or so? I almost bought the blitz here locally for 270 front bumper only. I stumbled onto extreme demenisons kit for $500. Still pondering.

simba888

11-30-2009, 11:15 AM

hi i'm also looking for bodykits..but same exact problem..i've heard alot about duraflex and they say that it's the best..i'm new to everything..can you guys give me some advice?

Zero

11-30-2009, 11:42 AM

hi i'm also looking for bodykits..but same exact problem..i've heard alot about duraflex and they say that it's the best..i'm new to everything..can you guys give me some advice?
Yes. You live in Anaheim... just take the time to go to Extreme Dimensions and ask if you can fit any of their duraflex kits. If they don't allow that, take you business elsewhere.

Like I said, "Professional Installation" is one thing, but when the shop needs to chop up the kit because it has fvcked up fitment and either needs to be shortened or extended to fit that is a totally different thing. You might as well fit and contour a cardboard box to make a body kit.

ViSracing should be in your area. I've dealt with their body kits countless times. And of those times, I've only needed to trim off excess pieces to make things fit - not cut the bumper in half and either shave it down a bit and re-fiberglass it together or cut it in half and fiberglass some extra length to it.

Why are you fixated on Duraflex any way?

Skooter

11-30-2009, 09:20 PM

I think the main thing people find intriguing is that duraflex's video on their website has them literally kicking, dropping and slamming a baseball bat into one of their body kits.
That's what got my attention when looking at their site but who knows if its legitimate consumer advice or a simple selling scheme. I'd also be interested to hear what people think who have bought a duraflex kit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOb4Kpk3f8s
Here's their demonstration video, you'll have to sit through some bad acting.

Another question for you guys, in terms of weather conditions which material holds up better in extreme temperatures like heat waves or really cold winters, im guessing Polyurethane?

Zero

11-30-2009, 09:23 PM

im guessing Polyurethane?Nope. In extreme heat, Polyurethane will start to sag. I'm assuming it'll turn brittle in extreme cold, to the point where it's flexibility becomes compromised.

Skooter

11-30-2009, 09:53 PM

damn...so fiberglass would be more resilient towards weather? Mind you I'm in Vancouver and even though we have hot summers I doubt its extreme heat, the winters on the other hand can get pretty cold.

Zero

11-30-2009, 10:01 PM

Over time, weather and temperature conditions will effect polyurethane as opposed to fiberglass.

Did you read my pros and cons?

simba888

12-01-2009, 01:48 AM

Yes. You live in Anaheim... just take the time to go to Extreme Dimensions and ask if you can fit any of their duraflex kits. If they don't allow that, take you business elsewhere.

Like I said, "Professional Installation" is one thing, but when the shop needs to chop up the kit because it has fvcked up fitment and either needs to be shortened or extended to fit that is a totally different thing. You might as well fit and contour a cardboard box to make a body kit.

ViSracing should be in your area. I've dealt with their body kits countless times. And of those times, I've only needed to trim off excess pieces to make things fit - not cut the bumper in half and either shave it down a bit and re-fiberglass it together or cut it in half and fiberglass some extra length to it.

Why are you fixated on Duraflex any way?
same thing with skooter saw the video..and my friend had duraflex on his 350z..funny thing was he was actually rammin his bumper on the curb and he was pretty slammed at the same time..so it just got me thinking :) but thank you so much for the advice zero..i'm new to all this that's why hehe :)

celica_2nr

12-01-2009, 08:12 AM

hey chad:wave:just checking in on you. looks like you have your hands full in here! lol

Skooter

12-01-2009, 09:24 AM

Over time, weather and temperature conditions will effect polyurethane as opposed to fiberglass.

Did you read my pros and cons?

lol yes I did, sorry Zero if I'm asking too much I just want to be sure.:gap:

RWCustoms

02-05-2010, 09:58 PM

Here is the link to my body kits basic section of the class i am teaching.
I uploaded early so that it may help those interested.

Basic - Body Kits1 (http://www.rwcustoms.com/Educational/introAutoCust_PPTs/PowerPoints.html)

Extreme Dimensions

02-16-2010, 08:34 PM

feel free to call me up and ask questions as well. We're very straight forward as far as how durable our different materials are, whats needed for installation etc. If you're thinking about buying a kit call and say you're a forum member. Even if you don't buy from us I can give you a good understanding to arm yourself before your purchase.

lilmexicanoboi

02-24-2010, 10:46 PM

im going to get an authentic PUR kaminari kit straight from kaminari.com soon. my car is always parked outside unfortunately since i do not have a garage. since the kami kit doesnt have many parts that need much leverage to be held up besides the lower lip, would it still sag alot? because i had no idea until now that polyurethane sags... which sucks...

also, does anyone know what i need to paint on PUR? cuz i know you need some special adhesion promoter or something like that and some felixible paint, but does anyone have anymore details on it or as to what exact paint/primer/adhesion promoter/etc i need?

Zero

02-25-2010, 01:47 AM

That's pretty much it.

When I first got my Vizage lip, I was told that it was painted by a professional, yet the paint had (I agreed to it) been chipping off. It didn't adhere to the lip.
I painted it myself and scraped and bumped it countless times and not once did it chip off like how it came when I bought it.

I guess I'm more of a pro than the painter who originally painted it? :chuckles:

paint/primer/adhesion promoter
Be sure to tell the paint guy that you are painting PUR, he should suggest some additives for the paint to be mixed with.

lilmexicanoboi

02-25-2010, 01:58 AM

Be sure to tell the paint guy that you are painting PUR, he should suggest some additives for the paint to be mixed with.

well im going to paint it myself. my dad does furniture repair and refinishing so he has all the legit spray painting tools i need in his shop. i know how to paint, ive just never worked with PUR before so i dont wanna mess up.

but as for the actual paint itself, im probably gonna go to a body shop and have them color match the white and imma ask them for tips on how to paint PUR and also have them provide the proper materials needed. ive heard from numerous ppl that the original 040 super white paint tends to "dull" a bit and get kind of a beige-ish hue to it so i would want to match it since its not considered 040 anymore.

how much paint would i need to cover the whole kit (front, sides, rear) with primer + at least 2 base coats + clear coat? and how much should i expect to spend on adhesion promoter/primer/paint/clear (just the materials)?

Zero

02-25-2010, 12:16 PM

I think I got a pint. I had a good amount of paint left over to paint other stuff.
-Vizage front lip
-TRD spoiler
-Bomex rear

lilmexicanoboi

02-25-2010, 02:47 PM

awesome. thanks. ill PM u if i have anymore questions.

Eden Prime

05-29-2010, 06:39 AM

When approaching a Kit Install [Namely Fiberglass Front Bumper], is there anything special to do before install? [Such as:] Covering it in bondo and sanding?

I'm attempting my first body kit install and i'm just wondering if there are any tips for a noob. [I will have assistance from my Father.]

lilmexicanoboi

05-29-2010, 12:11 PM

^dont you already have a kit?

you dont "convert" to bondo. you fill in any gaps or uneven spots with bondo. then you sand it down smooth then prime then paint.

Eden Prime

05-29-2010, 07:21 PM

^dont you already have a kit?

you dont "convert" to bondo. you fill in any gaps or uneven spots with bondo. then you sand it down smooth then prime then paint.

My kit is Duraflex, which is God-awful and i'm replacing it with fiberglass. The rear i already have is actually fiberglass and i have no problems with it. I have new fiberglass front bumper and sideskirts, and will be painting them and fitting them on my vacation from work June 5-10.

Thank you for your input, lilmexicanboi

ronscelica

05-30-2010, 10:56 AM

Hey guys I have been using Extreme Dimensions for a while now and havent had any problems with there product. Duraflex is great as long as it is installed properly. I had a stupid lady back into me and my bumper popped back into shape instantly. My team is sponsored by ED and several of us have been using them, none of us have had any fitting problems. They do tell you when you buy if you have any problems with fitting they will send you a paper to fill out and you send it back with a few pictures and they will replace it for you. I love it over any fiberglass kit. If you are a city driver than im pretty sure you can agree nice cars and cities dont mix well. Well duraflex helps solve that problem to a certain extent. But thats just my 2 cents :eslap:

lilmexicanoboi

05-30-2010, 03:06 PM

My kit is Duraflex, which is God-awful and i'm replacing it with fiberglass. The rear i already have is actually fiberglass and i have no problems with it. I have new fiberglass front bumper and sideskirts, and will be painting them and fitting them on my vacation from work June 5-10.

Thank you for your input, lilmexicanboi

yea i dont hear many good things about duraflex...

and your welcome :)

Hey guys I have been using Extreme Dimensions for a while now and havent had any problems with there product. Duraflex is great as long as it is installed properly. I had a stupid lady back into me and my bumper popped back into shape instantly. My team is sponsored by ED and several of us have been using them, none of us have had any fitting problems. They do tell you when you buy if you have any problems with fitting they will send you a paper to fill out and you send it back with a few pictures and they will replace it for you. I love it over any fiberglass kit. If you are a city driver than im pretty sure you can agree nice cars and cities dont mix well. Well duraflex helps solve that problem to a certain extent. But thats just my 2 cents

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b380/LiLgHeTTo145/billy-mays-ED.jpg

Eden Prime

05-30-2010, 05:00 PM

yea i dont hear many good things about duraflex...

and your welcome :)

Also, there's like a Gel coating on that stuff so when it sits in the sun it rises through the paint and clear and screws it up. My bumper doesn't even really shine, it's all foggy. And it bubbles, and i have "spider cracks" everywhere.

Zero

05-31-2010, 02:40 PM

My team is sponsored by ED and several of us have been using them, none of us have had any fitting problems.You don't say...

:monkey:

StickyCh0pstick

02-21-2011, 01:32 PM

I hate to give this company a bad rep since my best friend's brother is involved with them but here's my experience.

My best friend's brother hooked me up with a duraflex kit from Extreme Dimensions a couple of years ago. I actually recognize his voice in one of the videos as well as a good friend of his. I got the TRD replica front, back, sideskirts, and spoiler for 300 bucks total with his discount and went to pick up the kit from the warehouse. When I unwrapped it at my house (stupid stupid stupid I should have done it at the warehouse) I noticed a few chips here and there and that some parts of the kits were thinner than other parts allowing some light to pass through when held up.

The next day I tried installing the spoiler myself and discovered that the fitment was crap. I was also displeased with the spoiler because it looked very crude compared the pictures they had and the actual TRD spoiler. At this point I decided I wasn't going to install the spoiler on my car so I decided to try to force the spoiler into place since their videos showed how durable and flexible the material was and I wanted to test their claim. Well I wouldn't be telling this story if it didn't cause a huge crack to run all along the length of the spoiler.

Fed up, I decided to throw it away. I also decided to throw the sideskirts away since they had the most amount of chips and holes along with the rear lip which was bent. As I'm walking I accidentally dropped a side skirt and it just shattered into several pieces. At this point I decide to take the front (which is the piece I really want) to a shop owner I trust. I show him the kit and he shows me the fitment issues it's going to have and that the amount of labor he's going to have to put into this kit to make it fit and actually withstand regular driving isn't a good investment for me. He also tells me that it's the worst kit he's ever seen in all his years of business. The guy felt so bad for me that he cut me a couple hundred dollars on a quote for body work that we had already discussed. If I had a decent camera I would have taken pictures. He mentioned having see the duraflex videos and told me he thinks I got the oldest kit they had since I was getting a discount and that he suspects that in the videos they're using kits right after they're made since that's the only time the kits can really sustain that type of stress.

tl:dr Stay away from duraflex kits from Extreme Dimensions, they're crap. I'm hesitant to ever buy a fiberglass kit again.

xXC3L1CAXx

04-18-2011, 11:32 PM

I HATE V-FIBER!!!!!!!!!!! i bought a full kit from them nothing fit!!!!!
i had to buy my own hardware too!!!! but the thing is i went to a shop and
they said the estimate to install it was 1200 dollars?!?!?!?! i was sooo
pissed off do not purchase v-fiber!! but if i were to buy another body kit what
brand and what material should i get????

lilmexicanoboi

04-19-2011, 12:16 AM

if i were to buy another body kit what
brand and what material should i get????

Authentic.

Nuff said.

xXC3L1CAXx

04-22-2011, 11:08 AM

they are sooo expensive tho lol!!!

lilmexicanoboi

04-22-2011, 11:59 AM

You best start saving up...

24wicked7

04-22-2011, 01:19 PM

You best start saving up...

or... you can do what i do every time i decide to drop alot of money on my car... wait til income tax comes in... lol... that's IF you don't have to pay back...

BCwillis

04-27-2011, 08:21 AM

Wow after reading all of these I'm still not sure which to get, im new to body kits and the different kinds of material, but ive been doing research before i buy one, and this thread is saying get fiberglass, no get polyurethane, no fiberglass sucks, no urethane sucks, im just stuck right now...which is overall better, i have a 07 corolla LE, i was just doing it for looks (like mostly everyone else) maybe put a spoiler on it....i need some help thanks

xXC3L1CAXx

05-15-2011, 01:19 PM

authentic bro lol im saving now lol

lilmexicanoboi

05-15-2011, 01:49 PM

^Yeah, because if you don't get authentic, you will end up with fitment worse than the front bumper in your sig :scared:

Resize your sig, by the way. It's huge.

textmonster

08-10-2011, 05:41 PM

Just got duraflex and my body guy said it isn't going to fit. He also said some areas of the kit are thinner then others. Also that it looks like its been tried to be installed before. After I complained they said send us some
Pictures proving it doesn't fit and we will issue a full refund so now I must pay my body guy again just to take the front bumper off to take pictures to get money back. Such BS. He said he would try or will make it work and fit but it will cost just about double. So I'm think I might just return it. I still need a good place where I can get a good reliable kit where I won't have issues. I'm also very new to all this. Should of did more research effort buying but that promo video they have made it look so good.

---
- Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Poo Poo Cachew

08-10-2011, 06:13 PM

Celicrangel

11-26-2011, 03:47 PM

hello, iam using this thread to ask about the TRD body kit, i bought the TRD side skirts, they are original, were took off from a GTS, when iam installing this side skirts, they didnt fit 100% in the rear wheel/tire area (rear fender?), its that normal on the GT celicas? are the GTS rear area more wider than GT? :shrugs:

lilmexicanoboi

11-26-2011, 04:13 PM

If there is about a 1/4" gap between the inside of the rear of the TRD side skirts (side facing away from the tire) and the outside of the rear wheel arch (side facing the rear tire), then that is normal from what I've seen. People just drill screws through the side closest to the wheel and through the car frame and it holds up pretty good that way. Just make sure to drill at least 2 or 3 screws there to really secure the side skirts in place.

Celicrangel

11-26-2011, 05:23 PM

oooo... yes, that´s what´s happen to me... ok, thank you very much for a very quick response... i will do that tomorrow...greetings from Juárez Chih. Mex.:rolleyes:

ParalyzedPimp

02-14-2012, 01:13 PM

This same **** just happened to me thinking that FRP looked good and didnt do more research. Now the guy says if I destroy it, he'll give me $200 credit towards a urethane bumper, which of course you can only get blitz :( It sucks because Im on a fixed income and just blew $442 getting the kit I have now to me (Extreme Dimensions Vader front and Vader SE rear). My body guy wants another $300 to fix the kit, and then its on my daily driver, even though I dont drive muc hand I know how to drive a lowered car, its bull**** I know Im gonna deal with as a result.