How Much Does It Cost to Widebody a Car?

Last Updated on March 5, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Widebody kits are an increasingly popular modification in the automotive scene, giving vehicles a wider, more muscular, and more aggressive stance. But what exactly is the typical cost for a full widebody conversion?

Expect to spend anywhere from $3,000 on the low end up to $10,000 or more for a premium custom widebody application, depending on the specific kit purchased, the amount of additional custom fabrication and body work involved, and whether you take a DIY approach or hire a professional shop to install.

Highlights

• The total cost for a complete widebody car conversion averages $3,000 on the low end up to $10,000+ with premium fabrication and materials.
• The cost is greatly influenced by factors like custom work needs, shop rates, extensive additional modifications required, and whether you DIY install.
• Major additional expenses come from custom paint jobs, vinyl wraps, wheels and tires, brake upgrades, and suspension lowering.
• Joining enthusiast communities and forums can reveal insider tips on deals for buying widebody kits and specialty parts secondhand.
• Budgeting some wiggle room for unforeseen expenses or fitment tweaks is wise.

How Much Does It Cost to Widebody a Car?

For the widebody kit itself, costs range from:

• Basic pre-made bolt-on fiberglass kits: $2,000 – $4,000
• Partial kits with just flares: $800 – $1,500
• Full custom one-off widebody fabrication: $6,000 on the low end up to $10,000 or more

ChallengerTalk.com mentions a specific example where the widebody kit is priced at $2,495.00, with labor costs estimated at approximately $416 per hour. The total cost for this particular project is quoted at $10,000.00.

The major components contributing to the cost of a complete widebody conversion kit include:

• The front, rear, and side fiberglass or carbon fiber fender flares
• Side skirts and an extended rear bumper
• An integrated front spoiler or extended front bumper
• Mounting hardware and brackets for installation

Opting for higher-end materials like 100% dry carbon fiber for flares and aero pieces versus standard fiberglass substantially raises costs. Additionally, extensive custom widebody fabrication tailored specifically to your car’s make and model is understandably more expensive and labor-intensive than using a pre-made universal bolt-on kit.

Installation and Labor Cost Factors

Once you have your widebody kit, you have two options for installation: Take a DIY approach or pay an experienced shop to professionally install it. Having a performance shop install your widebody kit for you typically costs $1,000 to $3,000 in labor, based on:

• Simple bolt-on universal kit requiring only basic fabrication and alignment: $1,000 to $2,000
• Partial kit or major custom work requiring extensive modifications for fitment: $2,000 to $3,000
• Location and hourly shop rates, which vary regionally: $50 to $100+ per hour

Many advanced hobbyists choose to tackle the installation of basic bolt-on universal kits themselves to save substantially on labor fees, but custom widebody work is best left to the professionals. Shop rates account for their skillsets, experience, specialty tools, and facilities needed to do the job right.

Additional Related Expenses and Costs

Beyond just the widebody conversion kit itself, completing the seamless widebody look requires a variety of additional investments and upgrades that really add up:

• Body work and custom paint – $2,000 to $5,000+ for show-quality paint work to flawlessly match your widebody’s contours
• Vinyl wrapping – Professionally wrapping your entire car typically runs $1,500 to $3,000+ for materials and skilled application
• Wheels and tires – Wider aftermarket wheels sized appropriately paired with lower profile performance tires add $1,000 to $4,000
• Suspension kit – Lowering and stiffening your suspension for a track-ready stance starts at $500 to $2,000
• Brake system upgrades – Bigger brakes are vital for stopping power with added weight and grip, $1,000+

You might also like our articles about the cost of car lowering, Jeep lifting, or resonator deleting.

Take all of these additional but necessary costs into account when mapping out your total build budget. A widebody conversion extends well beyond just bolting on a kit.

Budgeting Tips and Ways to Find Deals

Here are some tips to make your widebody project more affordable:

• Order all parts like flares, side skirts, bumpers, hardware, wheels, and tires together as a package from one retailer for bulk discounts
• Source used or pre-owned parts through enthusiast classified ads and forums to save substantially
• Join online enthusiast communities to gain insider knowledge that helps locate used widebody kits and specialty parts for sale at big discounts
• Consider going with just a partial widebody flare kit if the cost of a full kit is currently prohibitive for your budget
• Build cost flexibility into your budget to account for potential unforeseen issues or expenses that can arise during custom car projects

Taking the time to thoroughly research pricing from retailers and tapping into fellow owner communities can yield helpful information to maximize value in your widebody build. Sometimes it pays to have patience and wait for the right deal.

Final Words

With careful upfront planning, budgeting, and tapping into resources, you can build your dream widebody beast while keeping your project financially manageable. Remember, your passion trumps the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is investing in a widebody kit worth the high cost?

For serious automotive enthusiasts seeking an ultra-custom, head-turning look, a professionally designed and installed widebody kit can definitely be worth the money for the added enjoyment, improved curb appeal, and car show status it brings.

But for more casual hobbyists or budgets, less dramatic mods may be better suited. Determine your build goals and budget wisely.

Can you comfortably daily drive a widebody car?

Yes, widebody cars can work fine also as daily drivers if the wheel/tire fitment allows for relatively smooth turning and the lowered suspension is dialed in for reasonable ride comfort and functionality.

However, you’ll sacrifice practicality compared to a stock car given decreased ground clearance and tighter squeezes through lanes or entrances. Some adjustments may be needed.

How do you widebody a car?

For advanced DIYers with auto bodywork experience, the installation of a universal bolt-on fiberglass widebody kit doesn’t require extensive welding and can be a manageable project with the proper tools.

But some custom fabrication and tweaks for optimal fitment are nearly always required, so patience and fabrication skills are key. Seeking guidance from experienced modders is wise for ambitious first-timers.