Minivan owners Nissan Elgrand E50 generations are often faced with the desire to transform the appearance of their car, making it more aggressive and unique. The standard design, while practical, can become boring over time, especially when you see a lot of identical cars on the road. This is where styling comes to the rescue, or rather, installing a full-fledged aerodynamic body kit that can radically change the perception of your Nissan Elgrand.
Choosing the right kit isn't just about buying plastic parts. This is a complex process that requires understanding compatibility, quality of materials and installation skills. A poor-quality body kit can lead to problems with aerodynamics, noise on the highway, and even body corrosion due to improper installation. Therefore, to the issue of tuning Elgrand 50 It is worth approaching with the utmost care, studying the market of offers and reviews of real users.
Features of the E50 body and tuning style
The E50 generation, produced from 2002 to 2010, has its own unique body lines, which dictate certain rules when choosing aerodynamic elements. Unlike later versions, the “fifty” has more angular shapes, which allows the installation of body kits in both a sporty style and in the “VIP” direction.
For this car, the most popular are three main areas of modification: an aggressive sporty style with wide arches, an elegant VIP tuning with lowering and smooth lines, and an off-road style with protective elements. Each of these approaches requires the use of specific parts, such as front splitters, side sills and rear diffusers.
It is important to consider that the original body Nissan Elgrand has certain attachment points that must be retained or carefully adapted to new parts. Incorrect calculation of loads can lead to the body kit elements simply falling off at the first bump in the road.
- The sporty style means the presence of large air intakes and extended wings.
- VIP style focuses on chrome elements and smooth line transitions.
- Universal kits often combine features of both directions, which is practical for city driving.
If you are planning to radically change the appearance of your car, it is worth remembering that changes in body dimensions may affect the passage of technical inspection and insurance payments in the event of an accident. Always check the dimensions of new parts with your country's regulations before installation.
Manufacturing materials: what to choose for durability
When choosing a body kit for Elgrand 50 It is critical to pay attention to the material from which the parts are made. Not only the appearance, but also the service life of the tuning, as well as the behavior of the car at speed, depends on this. The market offers several main types of materials, each of which has its own pros and cons.
The most common material is polyurethane (PUR). It has excellent elasticity, which allows parts to withstand minor impacts and deformations without destruction. However, polyurethane can fade over time when exposed to ultraviolet light, requiring regular maintenance and painting.
The second popular option is ABS plastic. It is stiffer than polyurethane and holds its shape better, but is more fragile at low temperatures and strong impacts. Fiberglass (fiberglass) is also found, but it requires very careful installation and professional painting, as it does not tolerate vibrations and shocks well.
- Polyurethane is ideal for harsh operating conditions and poor roads.
- ABS plastic is suitable for quiet city driving and exhibition displays.
- Fiberglass is chosen by enthusiasts who are ready for complex installation for the sake of a unique look.
Never skimp on the quality of the material, as cheap analogues often have casting defects, cracks and irregularities that cannot be eliminated even with professional putty. Before purchasing, be sure to inspect the parts for chips and check that all necessary fasteners are present.
- Polyurethane
- ABS plastic
- Fiberglass
- Original plastic
Aerodynamic body kit
A complete body kit is not one part, but a complex of elements that work together. Standard kit for Nissan Elgrand usually includes front bumper, side sills, rear bumper and spoiler. However, many owners expand this set with additional elements to achieve maximum effect.
The front bumper with extended air intakes not only changes the appearance, but also improves cooling of the engine and brake system. Side sills visually make the car lower and wider, and also protect the body from dirt and stones. The rear diffuser and spoiler help stabilize airflow at high speeds.
Some kits include fender flares that allow you to install wider wheels and tires. This is especially true for those who want to achieve an aggressive stance and improve the handling of their minivan. However, the expansion of the wheel arches requires careful adjustment so that the parts do not touch the wheel rims when turning the steering wheel.
| Body kit element | Main function | Difficulty of installation | Effect on clearance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front splitter | Bumper protection, improved aerodynamics | Average | Reduces by 2-5 cm |
| Side sills | Dirt protection, visual lowering | Low | Does not affect |
| Rear diffuser | Air flow stabilization | Average | Minor |
| Arch extensions | Installation of wide wheels | High | Does not affect |
Installation process and installation nuances
Installing body kit on Elgrand 50 is a process that requires attention to detail and special tools. Many owners try to do the installation themselves to save money, but without experience this can lead to distortions and damage to the body paint.
The first step is always preparing the body: removing standard elements, cleaning surfaces from dirt and degreasing. Then the new parts are tried on without fixation to make sure they are in the correct position and there are no gaps. It is often necessary to fit parts into place using files or a grinder.
The body kit can be fixed using self-tapping screws, special double-sided tape or polyurethane glue. The use of glue alone is only acceptable for lightweight elements, while bumpers and sills require mechanical fastening for reliability. It is important not to overtighten the fasteners so as not to deform the plastic.
☑️ Preparation for installation
⚠️ Attention: Never attach the body kit to old, worn-out tape or low-quality glue. This can lead to parts tearing off at speed and creating an emergency situation.
When installing arch extensions, care must be taken not to damage the paintwork of the metal. Any scratches must be immediately treated with anti-corrosion compounds and painted over, otherwise rust will begin to develop under the new body kit and destroy the body from the inside.
How to hide attachment points?
Use body-colored trim caps or custom bolt caps to hide fastener heads and maintain the aesthetics of your vehicle's appearance.
Painting and finishing
Most body kits are supplied primed, which requires painting before or after installation. The quality of painting directly affects the appearance of the car and the protection of parts from the external environment. Uneven paint application can ruin even the most expensive kit.
Before painting, parts must be thoroughly puttied and sanded to eliminate minor irregularities from casting. Then a primer is applied, which levels the surface and improves paint adhesion. After the primer has dried, a base color is applied, followed by a varnish to add shine and protection.
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust the painting to professionals in a body shop. They use professional equipment to select colors and apply paint, which guarantees a perfect result and no discolouration. Do-it-yourself painting in a garage often leads to the appearance of smudges and dust on the surface.
- Use only high-quality paints and varnishes from trusted manufacturers.
- Carefully follow the technique of applying layers and the drying time between them.
- Check the paint shade in natural light, not just under lamps.
Before painting, apply masking tape to all technical holes and threaded connections so that paint does not get into them and the threads do not clog.
Legal aspects and registration of changes
Owners Nissan Elgrand must be aware of the legal regulations governing changes to the design of the vehicle. Installing a body kit can be regarded as a design change, which requires appropriate registration with the traffic police or similar structures.
If the body kit changes the vehicle's dimensions or appearance so much that it is difficult to identify, you will need to go through a design safety process. This includes obtaining a prescription, installing, checking and making changes to the vehicle. Without this, you may be fined and required to return the car to factory condition.
In some cases, installing elements not provided by the manufacturer may lead to problems during technical inspection. Inspectors may not accept the car for inspection if they see inconsistencies between the data in the documents and the actual condition of the car.
Registration of design changes is required if the body kit significantly changes the dimensions or appearance of the car in order to avoid fines and problems with the law.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Do I need to paint the body kit before installation?
Yes, most body kits are supplied primed. Painting is necessary to protect the plastic from ultraviolet radiation and give the car a complete appearance. You can paint before or after installation, but it is easier to ensure even application before installation.
Does body kit affect the car's ground clearance?
Depends on the type of body kit. Front splitters and rocker panels can visually and physically reduce ground clearance. If you often travel off-road or on bad roads, choose kits with a minimal reduction in ground clearance or install them taking into account the suspension reserve travel.
Is it possible to install the body kit yourself?
Theoretically, it is possible if you have experience working with auto bodies and the necessary tools. However, for complex kits that require fitting and drilling, it is better to turn to professionals to avoid distortions and damage to the body.
How long does a polyurethane body kit last?
With proper use and care, a polyurethane body kit can last more than 5-7 years without losing its properties. The main thing is to avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and promptly repair minor damage.
What to do if the body kit starts to come off?
Stop immediately and check the condition of the fasteners. If the tape comes off, replace it with a new one or additionally secure it with self-tapping screws. Driving with the body kit coming off is dangerous, as the part can fly off and damage other vehicles or pedestrians.