Owners Nissan Almera Classic Often faced with the desire to transform the appearance of their car. This sedan, although it has a reliable design, looks quite utilitarian and boring for many car enthusiasts. Body kits for Nissan Almera Classic become the very tool that can radically change the perception of a car on the road, adding aggressiveness or sporty gloss to it.
Body tuning is not just a cosmetic procedure, but also a way to make your car stand out from the gray stream. However, the approach to selecting parts requires serious preparation. It is necessary to take into account the compatibility of elements, the quality of materials and correct installation so as not to harm the geometry of the body.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available options for aerodynamic kits, their features and installation nuances. You will learn the difference between plastic and polyurethane, how to avoid problems with painting, and what mistakes beginners make when installing it themselves. A properly selected body kit can increase ground clearance by 5-10 mm, which is critical for Russian roads.
Types of body kits and materials of manufacture
The auto parts market offers a huge range of parts for Nissan Almera Classic. Selecting the material is the first and most important step. The durability, appearance and price of the final product depend on this. The most popular materials remain polyurethane, ABS plastic and fiberglass.
Polyurethane is considered the “golden mean” for tuning. This material is highly elastic, which allows it to withstand minor impacts and deformations without breaking. If you snag a curb or cut a piece with a branch, the polyurethane will most often simply bend rather than crack. This makes it an ideal choice for urban environments.
On the other hand, ABS plastic It is characterized by rigidity and low cost. Such body kits are often supplied in factory gray color and require mandatory painting. The main disadvantage of plastic is its fragility at low temperatures. In winter, hitting a snowdrift can turn your bumper into a pile of fragments. Fiberglass is more often found in exclusive versions, but it is too fragile for everyday use.
- 🚗 Polyurethane: high elasticity, shock resistance, retains its shape for a long time.
- 🛡️ ABS plastic: low price, rigidity, requires mandatory painting and priming.
- 🏎️ Fiberglass: exclusive design, difficult to repair, high fragility.
⚠️ Attention: Do not buy body kits made of cheap plastic if you plan to use your car in winter. The fragility of the material will lead to rapid destruction of parts under minimal loads.
Choice of front and rear bumpers
The front bumper is the face of your car. For Nissan Almera Classic There are both complete sets and individual elements, such as a lip or splitter. The purpose of the front body kit is not only aesthetics, but also to improve aerodynamics. A properly designed body kit can reduce lift on the front axle.
The rear bumper is often complemented by a diffuser or skirt. These elements visually shorten the wheelbase and make the car more squat and sporty. However, this will turn your car into a steamboat on rough roads.
When choosing a specific product, pay attention to the presence of holes for fog lights and parking sensors. Some cheap Chinese kits require modifying the standard wiring or drilling new holes. This can be a problem for those who are not experienced in auto body repair.
- 🔧 Splitter: improves downforce, but requires careful installation to avoid hitting the asphalt.
- 🔧 Diffuser: optimizes air flow under the bottom, visually expands the stern.
- 🔧 Lip: a simple and cheap way to change the look of the bumper without replacing the entire part.
- Polyurethane
- ABS plastic
- Fiberglass
- Original body
Thresholds and arch extensions
Thresholds play a key role in the visual perception of the side profile of the car. For Nissan Almera Classic often offer wide plastic trims that create the effect of “bloated” wings. This adds sportiness to the car and makes it wider visually.
Installation of thresholds requires careful preparation of the surface. It is necessary to thoroughly degrease the attachment points and, preferably, use additional fasteners in addition to the glue gun. Simply gluing the threshold is not enough, since vibrations and impacts of stones can tear off the part while moving.
Fender flares are also a popular item. They allow you to install wider offset wheels or larger rims without interfering with the fender. However, you should be careful with the width of the arches. Arches that are too wide may not pass inspection and raise questions from traffic police inspectors.
☑️ Preparation for installing thresholds
Installation of thresholds is best done with an assistant. One person holds the part, the second applies glue and fixes the position. It is important to avoid skewing, otherwise a noticeable step will appear on the sidewall, which will spoil the whole look.
⚠️ Attention: Before gluing the thresholds, be sure to check that they are dry. If the part does not fit perfectly with the body, do not try to glue it by force - the glue will not hide the gaps.
Spoilers and wings
A rear spoiler is the easiest way to add sporty character to a sedan. For Nissan Almera Classic the choice is huge: from a neat “houndstooth” to a massive wing on struts. The choice depends on your driving style and preferences.
Small spoilers integrated into the trunk lid most often serve a decorative function. They offer no real aerodynamic benefit at speeds up to 120 km/h, but they look great. Massive wings require reinforced mounting and can create noise at high speeds.
The spoiler is usually installed using sealant and bolts. It is important not to damage the paintwork on the trunk lid when drilling holes. Use high-quality drills and be sure to treat the cut edges with an anti-corrosion compound.
- 🚀 “Paw” spoiler: stylish, compact, minimum interference with the body.
- 🚀 Anti-wing on struts: aggressive, requires reliable fastening, can be noisy.
- 🚀 Integrated spoiler: harmonious look, difficult to remove without leaving marks.
Effect of spoiler on fuel consumption
Installing a massive wing can increase aerodynamic drag and fuel consumption by 2-4% at high speeds.
Installation and painting technology
The process of installing body kits requires patience and accuracy. Most parts come in gray, which means painting is required. Painting should be done in several stages: sanding, priming, painting and varnishing.
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust painting to professionals. An incorrectly applied layer of paint may peel off after a month of use. It is important to use materials that are compatible with the body kit material. Polyurethane requires special elastic primers and paints.
Installation on the body is carried out using self-tapping screws, clips and glue. The glue must be of high quality, preferably based on neoprene or polyurethane. The fastening points with self-tapping screws must be covered with decorative plugs to prevent water from getting into the metal of the body.
Before painting the body kit, be sure to warm the part with a hairdryer or leave it in a warm room. Cold plastic does not absorb soil well and can crack when applying paint.
Don't forget to insulate all electrical connections if you are replacing bumpers with fog lights or parking sensors. Use heat shrink tubing and high quality electrical tape. Moisture under the hood and in the bumper can quickly oxidize the contacts.
Price range and popular brands
Cost of body kits for Nissan Almera Classic varies widely. Cheap kits from China can cost from 10,000 rubles, but their quality often leaves much to be desired. More expensive options from well-known brands cost from 30,000 to 60,000 rubles for a complete set.
When choosing a brand, you should focus on user reviews and the manufacturer’s reputation. Well-known companies often provide a guarantee on their products and provide the possibility of returns. Chinese nameless brands may offer a low price, but the risk of getting a crooked part that won't fit is very high.
| Type of body kit | Material | Average price (RUB) | Difficulty of installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front bumper | Polyurethane | 8 000 - 15 000 | Average |
| Rear bumper | ABS plastic | 10 000 - 18 000 | High |
| Thresholds (pair) | Polyurethane | 4 000 - 7 000 | Low |
| Spoiler | Fiberglass | 3 000 - 6 000 | Low |
| Set (Full) | Polyurethane | 25 000 - 45 000 | High |
The table shows average market prices, which may vary depending on the region and exchange rates. Remember that saving on material can result in double costs for repairs and painting in the future.
Saving on the quality of a body kit often leads to the need to frequently replace parts, which ultimately costs more than buying a quality product the first time.
Legal aspects and technical inspection
Many owners wonder whether installing body kits is legal. From the point of view of the law, making changes to the design of a car requires registration with the traffic police. However, small visual changes that do not affect safety often go unnoticed.
If you change the bumper to another one, but keep its shape and color, there should be no problems. But if you are installing an aggressive body kit that changes the ground clearance or dimensions of the car, the inspector may require the appropriate documents. This is especially true for technical inspections.
It is also important to monitor the condition of headlights and lighting devices. If the body kit covers part of the headlight or changes the angle of the beam, this will be a violation. Always check how your new bumper affects the performance of the lights.
- 📄 Registration: required for significant changes in design and dimensions.
- 📄 Technical inspection: refusal is possible if the lighting devices do not comply with the standards.
- 📄 Fine: for illegally making changes to the design.
⚠️ Attention: Before installing extreme body kits, consult with specialists in registering changes in the traffic police. This will help you avoid fines and problems when selling your car.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do body kits need to be repainted to match the body color?
It depends on your preference. Many owners leave body kits in a contrasting color to create a sporty look. However, for a harmonious look, it is best to paint the parts in the color of the car. Polyurethane paints well, but requires special preparation.
How to attach the body kit if there are no standard holes?
If the standard holes do not match, you can use universal fasteners or drill new ones. In the latter case, be sure to use a sealant to prevent metal corrosion. The use of high-quality automotive glue is also popular.
Does body kit affect the car's ground clearance?
Yes, many body kits, especially front bumpers and splitters, reduce ground clearance by 1-3 cm. This must be taken into account when operating on bad roads. Choose models with adjustability or a higher mounting position.
Is it possible to install body kits for the winter?
It is not recommended to install body kits in winter, as the materials become brittle in the cold. The glue does not adhere well, and the risk of breakage during installation increases. It is better to wait for warmer weather or carry out work in a heated garage.
What to do if the body kit is cracked?
Cracks in polyurethane can be repaired with a hairdryer or sealed with special glue. Plastic parts are more difficult to repair and often require complete replacement. Fiberglass can be repaired by puttying and painting, but this is a labor-intensive process.