Widebody conversions are a hot topic in the world of car customization. Many enthusiasts wonder: What exactly is a widebody? How can a car be modified with a wide body kit? What are the advantages of widebody kits? Let’s break it all down.
What is a Widebody?
In the flourishing car modification culture, widebody modifications are a popular trend.
When people think of widebody cars, they often imagine bold lines, retro rivets, and dramatic transformations that completely overhaul a vehicle’s appearance, creating a striking visual impact. Simply put, a widebody refers to a car with fenders and body panels that are wider and more pronounced than the standard model.
Widebodies were initially used in racing to enhance vehicle stability and increase track width, improving handling performance. Over time, widebody modifications gained popularity for their aerodynamic benefits and aesthetic appeal, becoming a major trend in car customization.
Advantages of a Widebody – Safety and Aesthetics
In motorsports like drifting, cars often require a larger steering angle.
However, standard front suspension setups can cause the wheels to rub against other parts of the car during sharp turns.
To resolve this, drift cars often use extended suspension control arms to push the front wheels outward, preventing rubbing and increasing stability during slides.
This change also widens the front track, improving stability but increasing the load on the suspension, which can compromise safety.
To address this, regulations were introduced to ensure tires do not protrude beyond the car’s bodywork. Early widebody designs were developed in response to these rules.
While most regular cars don’t need extreme widebody setups due to their less aggressive handling requirements, widebody kits fulfill the growing demand for a bold visual style. The extended lines and “low and wide” stance evoke a sense of excitement, making widebody conversions an art form that captures enthusiasts’ hearts.
How Are Widebodies Modified?
Widebody modifications generally fall into two categories:
- Adding Wide Body Kits
- Using Custom Metal Panels
Let’s focus on widebody kits.Widebody kits are typically made from plastic or carbon fiber materials and are installed on the car’s front and rear fenders. They can be fixed using rivets, screws, or adhesives.
The process involves:
- Cutting off the original fender or body panel to make room for the widebody kit.
- Temporarily aligning the widebody kit with the car’s body.
- Drilling holes and fastening the kit with rivets or screws.
- Removing the kit for painting (as most widebody kits come in raw FRP or carbon fiber finishes).
- Reinstalling the painted kit onto the car.
The advantage of widebody kits is their flexibility — they allow for significant outward extension of the wheel arches and achieve dramatic visual effects. The installation process is relatively fast, though the kits are often expensive.
Widebody Modification Example –Mercedes W176 (2013–2015) Converted to A45
Widebody conversions can be complex and time-consuming, often requiring extensive cutting and welding. However, it is possible to achieve a widebody look without cutting into the car, as demonstrated by this Mercedes-Benz W176 project.
After upgrading suspension, wheels, brakes, exhaust, and intercoolers, one might think this W176 was already fully modified. But with car modification, there’s always more to do. This project involved installing a set of original Mercedes-Benz A45 widebody parts, including the front fascia, side skirts, and fender flares…
The A45’s factory body already features a widebody effect. After careful comparison, the A45 parts were found to be a perfect fit for the W176, allowing for a seamless installation process. Once all the components were prepped and painted, the result was a car with significantly enhanced visual appeal and a more aggressive stance.
Since these were OEM parts, they offered excellent fitment and did not require any cutting or welding, making this a great choice for perfectionists.
Conclusion
The transformation speaks for itself. The comparison images clearly highlight the difference a widebody can make. With the added width, the car’s front end looks fuller and more dynamic, exuding a bold and powerful presence. If you own a Mercedes-Benz W176 and are considering a widebody conversion, the original A45 widebody kit could be the perfect choice for achieving an eye-catching, race-inspired look without the need for heavy modifications.
