Nissan Laurel generation C35 is a legendary sedan that combines executive-class comfort and sporty character. However, the standard appearance may seem boring over time, and owners often pay attention to body tuning to give the car individuality.
Installation of a full aerodynamic kit can radically change the perception of a car on the road, making it more aggressive and streamlined. In this article we will analyze all aspects of the selection, installation and operation of the body kit specifically for the model C35.
Types of body kits for Nissan Laurel C35
The tuning market offers many options for the seven, but not all of them are suitable for everyday use. The most popular styling packages that imitate sports versions remain GT or Super Sport. These include a front splitter, side sills and a rear diffuser.
There are also more radical solutions, such as full aero package, which changes the geometry of the body. In this case, the hood with ventilation holes, the trunk lid with a spoiler, and even the bumpers with integrated air intakes are often replaced. It is important to understand that such changes require careful preparation and adjustment.
- 🏎️ Sports body kit — emphasis on aggressive design and improved aerodynamics.
- 🛡️ Off-road styling — Reinforced sills and extended arches to increase ground clearance.
- ✨ GT styling — factory appearance with elements made of carbon or plastic.
Manufacturing materials: from plastic to carbon
The quality of appearance and durability of the body kit directly depend on the material from which it is made. Cheap options from hard plastic (low-density polyurethane) can crack at the first slight bump or impact. This is especially true for Russian roads with their winter reagents and potholes.
Fiberglass is considered a more reliable option. It is lighter than plastic, but at the same time more fragile under targeted impacts. The ideal, but also the most expensive solution is carbon body kit. It has high strength with minimal weight, which has a positive effect on dynamics Nissan Laurel.
⚠️ Attention: Do not buy body kits made of cheap plastic without reinforcement, as they may not withstand vibrations when driving on bad roads and will quickly become unusable.
Before purchasing, be sure to check with the seller exactly what material is used. Often, ordinary PVC is sold under the guise of polyurethane, which quickly turns yellow and deforms under the sun.
Effect on ground clearance and suspension
Installation front splitter inevitably reduces ground clearance. If you plan to drive every day, you need to carefully calculate your suspension height. Standard ground clearance Laurel C35 is about 160 mm, but with the body kit installed it can decrease to 120-130 mm.
For comfortable operation, it is recommended to install air suspension or at least adjustable coilovers. This will allow you to raise the car before difficult sections of the road and lower it for better aerodynamics on the track. Without adjusting your suspension, you risk damaging your front bumper every time you drive off a curb.
It is also worth paying attention to arch extensions. Not only do they improve visual appearance, but they also allow you to fit wider wheels, which improves cornering stability. However, they require precise fitting and painting in body color.
- 🔧 Suspension adjustment - required to maintain functionality.
- 📏 Clearance measurement — measure the distance from the ground to the lowest point of the splitter.
- 🚧 Curbs — be extremely careful, the splitter is the first victim when parking.
- Polyurethane
- Fiberglass
- Carbon
- Metal
Installation process and installation nuances
Installation of body kit on Nissan Laurel C35 It's not just about screwing on a few bolts. Often it is necessary to modify standard fasteners, drill new holes and use additional brackets. Some elements, especially the front bumper, may require customization in place.
If you decide to do the work yourself, you will need a set of tools: a drill, metal drills, sealant, screws and rivets. It is important to follow the sequence of actions so as not to damage the body paint. Start by trying on all the parts without fastening.
☑️ Preparation for body kit installation
Pay special attention sealing joints. Water that gets between the body and the plastic body kit can cause metal corrosion and rust, which will then be difficult to remove. Use a quality automotive sealant or 3M double-sided tape.
⚠️ Attention: When drilling holes in the body, be sure to treat the edges of the cut with an anti-corrosion compound to prevent the metal from rusting.
Painting and finishing
Most body kits are sold primed, so they must be painted to match the body color Laurel. This is a difficult task that requires the skills of a painter. Incorrectly selected paint or poor surface preparation will result in the body kit looking like an alien spot on the car.
If you want to highlight details, you can use carbon or matte film. This will create a beautiful contrast with the glossy body. Covering the arches with a black textured film is also popular, which visually makes the car more brutal.
When painting, be sure to remove any unnecessary elements, such as emblems or decorative overlays, to prevent them from getting dirty. After the paint has dried, install them back onto the new fasteners.
Common mistakes when painting a body kit
Poor surface preparation, lack of primer, use of incompatible types of paint and ignoring the drying temperature conditions.
Legal aspects and registration of changes
In Russia, any changes to the design of a car, including the installation of body kits, must be registered with the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate. If you replace bumpers with aftermarket ones, this is considered a design change. Illegal tuning may result in a fine and a ban on operation.
To legalize changes, you must undergo an examination, obtain permission to make changes, and then register the car with new data. This is a long and expensive process, but it is necessary for a smooth ride.
If you install a body kit that is visually different from the standard one, but maintains overall dimensions and does not violate the rules, the chances of problems are reduced. However, traffic police inspectors are often picky about aggressive styling.
- 📄 Expertise — a mandatory step for legal registration of changes.
- ⚖️ Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation — fines for non-compliance with registration rules.
- 👮 Check — the inspector may require that the body kit be dismantled on site.
| Type of body kit | Material | Difficulty of installation | Effect on clearance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sports package | Polyurethane | Average | Minor | Average |
| Full aero package | Fiberglass | High | Essential | High |
| Carbon body kit | Carbon | High | Essential | Very high |
| Arch extensions | Plastic/Metal | Low | Missing | Low |
Before painting the body kit, be sure to test paint on an inconspicuous area to ensure compatibility of materials and shade.
Care and operation of a tuned car
Service Nissan Laurel with a body kit requires special attention. The joints between plastic elements and the body must be regularly cleaned of dirt and reagents. Otherwise, moisture may accumulate there, leading to metal corrosion.
When washing your car, avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the plastic or paint of the body kit. It is better to use special shampoos for tuned cars. Also check the condition of the fasteners, as vibrations can loosen the bolts over time.
If you notice cracks or chips on the body kit, do not delay repairs. Minor damage can be repaired with putty and painted, but serious cracks require replacement of the part. Timely repairs will help maintain the appearance of the car and avoid high costs in the future.
⚠️ Attention: When washing with a car suspension, be careful, high water pressure can tear off poorly secured body kit elements or damage them.
The correct choice of material and high-quality installation of the body kit are the key to long tuning service and the absence of problems with the operation of the car.
Which body kit is better to choose for daily driving?
For daily use, polyurethane kits are best suited. They are elastic, less susceptible to chips and cracks when hitting curbs or bumps than fiberglass. It is important to choose kits that reduce ground clearance minimally.
Do I need to repaint the body kit to match the body color?
Yes, for an aesthetic appearance the body kit should be painted in the body color. However, if you want to create contrast, you can leave it black or use a matte film. The main thing is high-quality painting and surface preparation.
How to legally install a body kit in Russia?
To legalize, it is necessary to go through the procedure for making changes to the design of the vehicle: obtain permission, install a body kit, undergo a re-examination and make changes to the PTS and STS. Without this, you may be fined and required to return it to factory condition.
Does body kit affect aerodynamics?
A high-quality aerodynamic body kit really improves downforce and reduces air resistance. However, cheap styling kits can only imitate a sporty look without actually improving aerodynamic performance.
Is it possible to install a body kit on air suspension?
Yes, installing a body kit on air suspension is the ideal solution. Pneuma allows you to adjust the ground clearance, which eliminates the risk of damage to the splitter on bad roads and allows you to enjoy an aggressive appearance without compromising on comfort.