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Dodge Neon Style Conversion

Installing a body kit on a sport compact

Even though sport compacts are the hottest trend in the automotive aftermarket, the Dodge Neon wasn't one of the star performers in "The Fast and the Furious." That doesn't mean the car lacks potential. The engine on the R/T model has one of the highest power outputs in its class, and the chassis is a willing and competent performer. The problem mostly lies in the too-cute econo styling, a problem Dodge seems intent on rectifying with its feisty 2003 Neon SRT-4. If you can't wait for this sported-up version, or you want to make the most of the commuter already in your parking space, turn up the juice on your stock Neon with a body-styling kit.

Factors

The kit used here for the 4-door Neon (2000-02) consists of six body pieces: front fascia, rear valence, side skirts and trim pieces. The front fascia basically replaces the factory front end. Installation is of medium difficulty, but if you'd rather have somebody do it for you, figure on $700 to $1,000 for the prep, paint and mounting.

Obviously, the fewer the pieces in the kit, the simpler the installation since the less there are to align, the better. "If you're off by even 1/16 or 1/8 of an inch, it really shows," says installer Mike Clinger of S.A. Motorsports.

In addition, if the pieces have to be applied over the factory bodywork, instead of replacing it or aligning against a body seam, getting the piece to line up is a bit trickier. And even when a component does replace the factory part, you still may need to use shims or washers.

How do you determine if you can handle this type of project? "You don't have to be mechanic," Clinger points out. "But you should be a hands-on craftsman, somebody who is comfortable making things fit, like a woodworker. These parts just don't fall on the vehicle."

In other words, every part and vehicle has a personality, so they don't go together in a routine mechanical way, like bolting on a throttle body or exhaust headers. You need to keep your eyes open and watch for that "ripple effect"— how the entire vehicle looks when you line up the pieces.

Proper Prep

Prep work is the key to the success of the project. In addition to test-fitting the parts, that process includes sanding and washing the parts. Any surface imperfections should be filled with glazing putty and sanded smooth. Urethane paint should be used, the same as that for any flexible polyurethane component.

It took two technicians at S.A. Motorsports about half of a day to install the pieces. The most time-consuming aspect was trimming the aluminum mesh for the intakes, which needs to be cut closely to the openings to prevent interference with the chassis. Tools needed, in addition to tin snips, are a socket set, electric drill (with bits and drivers) and jack stands (if you don't have access to a hoist). This job requires two people, since it takes some extra muscle to press the pieces into position when attaching them with screws and/or two-sided tape. An adhesion promoter (included with kit) was wiped on the body and styling pieces at the contact areas prior to pressing on the two-sided tape.

Once you have the pieces secured on the body, throw on a set of 17-inch rims and rubber bands to complete the look. Add some fierce graphics and maybe your Neon will be cast in "The Fast and the Furious" sequel.

Resources

S.A. Motorsports, www.samotorsports.net

Xenon, www.teamxenon.com