Smart-Mann body kits AVAILABLE NOW!

[piglith]

So what is the cost of the entire kit shipped to the US/California. How is payment taken?

[SmartIdea]

Originally Posted by smartune

Cheesy, half-assed methods like wood screws....or screws of any fashion. Especially if you have to put those screws through your stock bodywork.

So are you sure there are ZERO screws needed to install this body kit, even on the Side Skirts which have obvious mounting holes?

Also I'm not sure if screws are your body works only enemy as once those Skirts are glued to the originals I'm sure you can't decide to remove them without damaging the original skirts which will then have to be replaced?

Originally Posted by smartune

I'm not worried about the strength of the rear valence, it isn't a piece that is supposed to sustain any impact in the event of a collision. The black center section holds the valence together.

Well I wasn't so much referring to strength on impact more the general strength of the Rear Valance during high speed driving. With there being a join in it's center you would imagine that would question it's integrity?

[smartune]

Originally Posted by SmartIdea

So are you sure there are ZERO screws needed to install this body kit, even on the Side Skirts which have obvious mounting holes?

Also I'm not sure if screws are your body works only enemy as once those Skirts are glued to the originals I'm sure you can't decide to remove them without damaging the original skirts which will then have to be replaced?

I'll admit it, you got me.

I took a really close look at the pictures I have of the silver side skirts and found a number of holes tucked up along the upper inside edge. They don't show too well in the pictures of the black version.

Per my conversation with the manufacturer when I first enquired about their products I asked if it had to be screwed into the stock pieces, the answer I received was that it wasn't necessary but an option.

I'm personally of the belief that the adhesive itself will do an adequate job of holding the side skirts all by itself, as it is pretty tough stuff.

I still believe that the S-Mann products are the best bang for the buck. They are currently (at time of writing this) the most cost effective solution offered in the US.

As far as removing them goes, why would you want to do that?!? :P

A little safety wire and patience goes a long way when it comes to cutting through adhesives. Don't go gung-ho and the pieces will be fine. Its the same method used for emblem removal from the trunk and boot but with upgraded materials.

Originally Posted by SmartIdea

Well I wasn't so much referring to strength on impact more the general strength of the Rear Valance during high speed driving. With there being a join in it's center you would imagine that would question it's integrity?

Once again I'm not too worried about it. With the amount of surface area dedicated to mounting they will be sturdy enough to withstand what most owners can put them through.

We are not running 200mph cars here, nor would I expect any valence to withstand multiple curb hits without having something to show for it.

-Dan

(PS: I'll post up the parts in the raw, now how many other vendors will do that? ;) )

[mmmeat]

Originally Posted by smartune

I'll admit it, you got me.

Your patience is ... remarkable.

Your pal,
Meat.

[smartune]

Here they are, as promised. 100% fully in the nude...










I don't have pictures of the black rear valences, but they look just like thier silver counterparts....except not silver. My new order ships out next week I believe, the manufacturer ran out of parts (market is excellent in the UK) and had to get some more made up.

-Dan

[SmartIdea]

I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my questions and I'm sure the extra photos will be of benefit to the forum members in making an educated choice, it also shows you have little to hide other than learning about them on the fly ;)

Originally Posted by smartune

As far as removing them goes, why would you want to do that?!?

Well people tastes can change with time and it's a good idea that a customers has a good understanding in advance of what they might be getting themselves into if they decide they would like to go back to the original Side Skirts.

This point also came about as we were addressing "half-assed methods" of installation which involve damaging your cars body work.

Originally Posted by smartune

A little safety wire and patience goes a long way when it comes to cutting through adhesives. Don't go gung-ho and the pieces will be fine. Its the same method used for emblem removal from the trunk and boot but with upgraded materials.

I don't think we are comparing apples to apples on this one, I'd like to see someone successfully run a piece of safety wire behind the contours of these Side Skirts to cut through the commercial grade caulking glue S-Mann recommends for installing their parts.

The only reason I am addressing this issue is because I am familiar with issues people had with the previous generations of Side Skirts that upon removal their original Side Skirts needed to be replaced due to severe damage.

Originally Posted by smartune

Once again I'm not too worried about it. With the amount of surface area dedicated to mounting they will be sturdy enough to withstand what most owners can put them through.

Should we really consider the 2 inch top lip of the Rear Valance to be a substantial amount of surface area?

[smartune]

Originally Posted by SmartIdea

I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my questions and I'm sure the extra photos will be of benefit to the forum members in making an educated choice, it also shows you have little to hide other than learning about them on the fly ;)

These cars are new for me, but I've been in the tuning scene as long as I've been driving. I really cut my teeth on older BMWs and have to admit that I'm learning new stuff everyday.

Originally Posted by SmartIdea

Well people tastes can change with time and it's a good idea that a customers has a good understanding in advance of what they might be getting themselves into if they decide they would like to go back to the original Side Skirts.

This point also came about as we were addressing "half-assed methods" of installation which involve damaging your cars body work.

I don't think we are comparing apples to apples on this one, I'd like to see someone successfully run a piece of safety wire behind the contours of these Side Skirts to cut through the commercial grade caulking glue S-Mann recommends for installing their parts.

The only reason I am addressing this issue is because I am familiar with issues people had with the previous generations of Side Skirts that upon removal their original Side Skirts needed to be replaced due to severe damage.

Since the skirts come pre-drilled for mounting screws would it make sense to only use the adhesive where it is absolutely needed? I have no plans on removing mine, but as an idea it would be possible to only glue the top. You eliminate the funny angles to work around during removal and minimize the chance of damaging your stock pieces.

Originally Posted by SmartIdea

Should we really consider the 2 inch top lip of the Rear Valance to be a substantial amount of surface area?

Its not the width that matters, but the length in this case. That strip runs the entire length of the valence and wraps around the sides as well.

[itslew]

Dan - how much extra are the fog lamp inserts in the front valance? Thanks.............Lew

[SunDiego]

The S-Mann kit seems like one of the best body kits out there in terms of quality, looks and price.

[smartune]

Originally Posted by SunDiego

The S-Mann kit seems like one of the best body kits out there in terms of quality, looks and price.

Absolutely, all of the other kits made from plastic are priced well above what an average enthusiast is willing to spend. Quality is without equal, this kit fits the car like nothing else I've installed.

Now sale priced @ $1250 shipped in the Cont. US!


Thanks for your support ;)