Car owners Nissan Sunny Often faced with the desire to transform the appearance of their vehicle, making it more aggressive or, conversely, elegant. The factory design of these sedans, especially the B13, B14 and B15 models, is quite restrained, which opens up a lot of customization options. Properly selected aerodynamic elements can not only change the visual perception of the car, but also improve its aerodynamic performance if selected correctly.
The auto parts market offers a huge variety of solutions: from simple door sills to full-fledged kits that change the silhouette of the car beyond recognition. However, choosing the right kit requires attention to detail, compatibility with your specific body modification and quality of materials. Low-quality plastic can be deformed due to temperature changes, and improper installation will lead to gaps and extraneous noise during movement.
In this article we will analyze in detail what types of body kits exist, what materials they are made from and how to install it yourself so that the result exceeds expectations. We will also touch on the issues of legalization of changes in the design of the vehicle and give advice on caring for new body elements.
Types of aerodynamic kits and their features
Before you go to the store, you need to decide on the tuning concept. For Nissan Sunny Most often there are three main styles of styling: sporty, classic and aggressive. Sports kits typically include trunk lid spoilers, front splitters and fender flares. They are designed to emphasize the dynamics of the car, even if it does not have outstanding speed characteristics.
The classic style involves the use of unobtrusive elements such as moldings, chrome trim and lightweight fairings. Such solutions are suitable for those who want to maintain the solidity of the car, but add a little modernity to it. Aggressive style is characterized by deep cutouts in the bumpers, massive skirts and pronounced diffusers, which often requires not only the installation of a body kit, but also repainting the body for a harmonious combination.
- 🏁 Complete kits (Body Kit) - include front and rear bumpers, side skirts, spoiler
- 🛠️ Individual elements - replacing only the front bumper or installing thresholds
- 🎨 Custom solutions - individual development of a form for the specific wishes of the owner
It is important to consider that some elements can affect the vehicle's ground clearance. For example, installing a low front splitter on Nissan Sunny may make driving on unpaved roads impossible without the risk of damaging the part. Therefore, the choice must be balanced, based on the actual operating conditions of the machine in your region.
Materials of manufacture: plastic, fiberglass and polyurethane
The quality and durability of the body kit directly depend on the material from which it is made. There are three main types of raw materials on the market, each of which has its own pros and cons. The cheapest option is regular plastic (ABS), which is often included with budget Chinese kits. It bends easily, but with a strong impact it can crack or split.
Fiberglass (fiberglass) is a more durable material that allows you to create complex shapes and relief surfaces. However, it is quite fragile when subjected to point impacts and requires careful puttying and painting before installation. If you plan to drive frequently on rough roads, fiberglass can be a problematic choice due to the difficulty of repairing chips.
Polyurethane is considered the “golden mean” and the best choice for body kits on Nissan Sunny. This material has high elasticity, which allows it to withstand small impacts, pebbles and even small collisions with curbs without breaking. Polyurethane parts often do not require complex adjustments before installation and have excellent adhesion to paint.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse polyurethane with rubber. Rubber pads are cheaper, but they quickly stretch and lose their shape, creating unsightly gaps between the body and body kit.
- 💪 Polyurethane - elastic, impact resistant, ideal for harsh conditions
- 🧱 Fiberglass - strong, but fragile, requires professional painting
- 📦 ABS plastic - cheap but brittle, suitable for quiet driving
When purchasing, be sure to check the labeling on the packaging or in the documentation from the manufacturer. Often, unscrupulous sellers pass off ordinary hard plastic as polyurethane, which can lead to disappointment after the first winter or off-road trip.
- Polyurethane
- Fiberglass
- Plastic
- I don't know
Preparing the car for installation of body kits
The success of the installation depends not only on the quality of the parts, but also on the careful preparation of the body. Before starting work, it is necessary to thoroughly wash the car, especially in the places where future elements will be attached. Dirt, dust and road chemical residues can prevent the parts from fitting securely or damage the paint during fixation.
Inspect the stock bumpers and side sills for damage. If you plan to install a body kit over factory parts, make sure they are level and don't have deep dents. Otherwise, the new body kit may repeat the defects, which will spoil the overall appearance. Sometimes partial disassembly of the front or rear optics is required for easy access to the mounting points.
☑️ Preparing the body for body kit installation
Prepare the necessary tools. You will need a screwdriver, a set of screwdrivers, wrenches, a drill (if you need to drill new holes) and marking tools. Don't forget about masking tape - it will help to temporarily fix the parts for trying on before the final fixation.
Front and rear bumper installation process
It is best to start installation with the front bumper, as it often has the most complex geometry and many attachment points. Remove the stock bumper by unscrewing all the screws and clips. Carefully disconnect the connectors for the fog lights and parking sensors, if you have them. Clean the mounting area from old sealant and dust.
Try on the new body kit. Place it on the body and make sure all the holes line up. If the holes do not match, do not rush to drill the body. Try slightly bending the plastic fasteners or widening the holes in the body kit itself. In some cases, minor modifications to the standard brackets are required.
Алгоритм действий: 1. Снять штатный бампер → 2. Очистить зону крепления → 3. Примерить новый элемент → 4. Разметить отверстия → 5. Нанести герметик → 6. Закрепить болтамиThe rear bumper is installed according to a similar principle, but here it is important to pay special attention to the gaps between the wings and the new part. The gaps must be uniform along the entire length. If the bumper is crooked, it will be noticeable from afar and can lead to vibration or hum when driving.
What to do if the bumper doesn't fit perfectly?
If large gaps remain after fitting, the part may have been manufactured with a manufacturing defect or is not suitable for your modification. In this case, you can try using special adapter brackets or carefully trim the edges of the plastic to achieve a tight fit. However, this should be a last resort as it may compromise the integrity of the structure.
Installation of thresholds and spoilers
Thresholds are the elements that experience the greatest load when boarding and disembarking passengers, as well as when driving through snow or mud. Their fastening should be as reliable as possible. It is recommended to use a combination of bolting and special double-sided tape or liquid nails to avoid tearing off the part at high speeds.
The spoiler on the trunk lid of Nissan Sunny can be attached through holes in the lid or using glue. Drilling the cover is an extreme measure that can lead to metal corrosion. If you do decide to drill, be sure to treat the edges of the holes with an anti-corrosion compound and use rubber seals for the bolts.
- 🔩 Use bolts and washers to distribute the load evenly
- 🧴 Apply glue only to a clean, grease-free surface
- 📏 Check the horizontal installation using a level
When installing the spoiler, it is important to consider its angle of inclination. An angle that is too aggressive can create lift, compromising rear axle handling. The optimal angle is usually 5-10 degrees relative to the horizontal, but this depends on the specific spoiler model and driving style.
Before applying glue or sealant, warm the surface of the body kit and body with a hairdryer. Warm material adheres better to the surface and is less susceptible to deformation when cooling.
Painting and protection of new elements
Most body kits are supplied primed and require painting to match the body color. Quality painting is not just about applying paint, but a complex process that includes preparation, priming, staining and varnishing. If you do not have the skills of a painter, it is better to entrust this work to professionals, since the different colors will immediately catch your eye.
If you choose a black or matte body kit, it also needs to be protected. For polyurethane, it is ideal to apply a protective film or liquid glass, which will prevent micro-scratches and color fading. Black plastic quickly loses its appearance when exposed to ultraviolet radiation, so regular polishing and the use of protective compounds are mandatory.
⚠️ Attention: Never paint body kits on the street without preparation. Dust and insects stuck to wet paint will ruin the appearance of the part forever.
Pay special attention to the joints between the body kit and the body. After painting, they must be carefully taped with masking tape so that the paint does not get on the body, but also does not form unsightly smudges in the cracks. This is a small thing that greatly affects the overall impression of the result of the work.
| Part type | Recommended Material | Difficulty of installation | Approximate price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front bumper | Polyurethane | Average | 15,000 - 35,000 rub. |
| Thresholds (pair) | Plastic/Polyurethane | Low | 5,000 - 12,000 rub. |
| Rear bumper | Fiberglass | Average | 12,000 - 25,000 rub. |
| Spoiler | Plastic | Low | 3,000 - 8,000 rub. |
| Diffuser | Polyurethane | Low | 4,000 - 9,000 rub. |
Properly selected painting and protection of the body kit extends its life several times and preserves the presentable appearance of the car for many years.
Legal aspects and security
Changing the appearance of a car is regulated by law. Installation of body kits that significantly change the dimensions or structure of the body may require changes to the vehicle documents. In most cases, if the body kit does not protrude beyond the dimensions of the body by more than 10-15 cm and does not block the headlights, it is considered an acceptable tuning.
However, if you install an aggressive body kit with deep cutouts that changes the shape of the bumpers and covers standard safety features (such as seat belts or airbags), you may have problems when passing inspection. It is also worth remembering that too low ground clearance may result in a fine from the traffic police.
Security is not just a legal issue. A correctly installed body kit should not interfere with the driver’s view, should not block turn signals, and should be securely fastened so as not to come off on the road and create an emergency situation for other road users.
What documents are needed to legalize tuning?
To legalize changes, you must go through the procedure at the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, obtain a certificate of conformity for the installed parts and make changes to the title. The process is complex and time-consuming, but this guarantees there will be no problems with the law.
Don't forget that even the most beautiful body kit should not come at the expense of safety. If the part covers the license plate or headlights, it must be removed immediately. Respect for the rules of the road is a sign of a true car enthusiast.
Is it necessary to register the installation of a body kit with the traffic police?
If the body kit does not change the dimensions of the car and does not violate safety rules (does not cover the headlights, license plate), registration is usually not required. However, in case of major design changes, it is better to consult the traffic police in advance.
Is it possible to install the body kit on standard mounts?
Yes, most modern kits for Nissan Sunny are designed with stock mounting points in mind. This makes installation easier and more secure without the need to drill new holes.
How to protect your body kit from chips and scratches?
The best way is to apply a protective film (polyurethane or PVC) or use liquid glass. Regular washing and the use of plastic waxes also help.
Does body kit affect fuel consumption?
Aggressive body kits can slightly increase aerodynamic drag, which could theoretically lead to a slight increase in fuel consumption, especially at high speeds. However, at city speeds the difference will not be noticeable.
What to do if the body kit is cracked?
For polyurethane, you can use special adhesives and patches. Fiberglass requires puttying and painting. Plastic is often easier to replace as it may not be economically feasible to repair.
Tuning Nissan Sunny is a great way to express your individuality and make everyday driving more enjoyable. The main thing is to approach the selection and installation of body kits wisely, taking into account the quality of materials, safety and legal regulations. Correctly selected parts will turn your sedan into a real masterpiece of auto tuning.