What is a Fox Body?
The term “Fox Body” refers to a generation of Ford Mustang models produced from 1979 to 1993․ These cars are known for their distinctive styling‚ including a long hood‚ sloping roofline‚ and wraparound taillights․
Popular Fox Body Kit Manufacturers
The world of Fox Body kits is populated by a diverse range of manufacturers‚ each with their own unique style and approach to enhancing the Mustang’s aesthetics․ Here are some of the most popular names in the industry⁚
- Roush⁚ Roush Performance is a renowned name in the performance automotive world‚ and their Fox Body kits are no exception․ Known for their aggressive styling and focus on performance‚ Roush kits often feature widebody flares‚ spoilers‚ and functional aerodynamic elements․
- Saleen⁚ Another legendary performance brand‚ Saleen offers a range of Fox Body kits that blend aggressive styling with functional enhancements․ Saleen kits often feature distinctive front and rear fascias‚ side skirts‚ and unique wheels‚ giving the Mustang a truly sporty look․
- Steeda⁚ Steeda Autosports is a company known for its focus on handling and performance upgrades․ Their Fox Body kits often feature subtle but effective aerodynamic enhancements‚ such as splitters‚ spoilers‚ and side skirts‚ designed to improve downforce and stability at high speeds․
- Cervinis⁚ Cervinis is a popular choice for Fox Body owners seeking a more affordable way to enhance the car’s appearance․ Their kits often feature fiberglass body panels‚ such as hoods‚ spoilers‚ and bumpers‚ that can be easily installed and customized․
- CJ Pony Parts⁚ CJ Pony Parts is a well-established online retailer that offers a wide selection of Fox Body kits from various manufacturers․ Their website is a great resource for finding the perfect kit to match your individual style and budget․
These are just a few of the many manufacturers offering Fox Body kits․ When choosing a kit‚ it’s important to consider your budget‚ desired style‚ and the level of customization you’re looking for․ Researching different manufacturers and reading reviews can help you make an informed decision․
Types of Fox Body Kits
The world of Fox Body kits offers a diverse range of options‚ allowing owners to customize their Mustang’s appearance to their liking․ Here are some of the most common types of kits available⁚
- Full Body Kits⁚ These kits provide a complete transformation‚ replacing the entire front and rear fascias‚ side skirts‚ and often the hood and fenders․ Full body kits offer a dramatic visual change and are ideal for those seeking a complete makeover․
- Aerodynamic Kits⁚ These kits focus on enhancing the car’s performance by improving aerodynamics․ They typically include spoilers‚ splitters‚ and diffusers designed to reduce drag and increase downforce․ Aerodynamic kits are popular among enthusiasts who prioritize track performance․
- Ground Effects Kits⁚ These kits focus on lowering the car’s profile and giving it a more aggressive stance․ They typically include side skirts‚ rear spoilers‚ and front splitters that create a more streamlined look․ Ground effects kits are a popular choice for those seeking a sportier appearance․
- Widebody Kits⁚ These kits expand the car’s bodywork‚ typically by adding flared wheel arches or fender extensions․ Widebody kits are often paired with larger wheels and tires‚ giving the Mustang a more aggressive and muscular appearance․
- Cosmetic Kits⁚ These kits focus on subtle enhancements‚ such as adding a new grille‚ headlights‚ or taillights․ Cosmetic kits are a good option for those who want to freshen up the car’s look without making drastic changes․
The specific components included in each kit vary depending on the manufacturer and the intended purpose․ When choosing a kit‚ it’s important to consider your budget‚ desired style‚ and the level of customization you’re looking for․ Researching different kit types and reading reviews can help you make an informed decision․
Benefits of a Fox Body Kit
Installing a Fox Body kit offers a range of benefits for both aesthetics and performance‚ transforming your Mustang into a unique and head-turning vehicle․ Here are some of the key advantages⁚
- Enhanced Aesthetics⁚ A Fox Body kit can significantly enhance the car’s appearance‚ giving it a more aggressive‚ modern‚ or customized look․ Whether you’re aiming for a classic muscle car vibe or a sleek‚ aerodynamic profile‚ a kit can help you achieve your desired style․
- Improved Aerodynamics⁚ Aerodynamic kits‚ in particular‚ can improve the car’s handling and performance by reducing drag and increasing downforce․ This can lead to better fuel efficiency‚ increased stability at high speeds‚ and improved cornering ability․
- Increased Performance⁚ While some kits primarily focus on aesthetics‚ others can actually boost performance by enhancing airflow‚ reducing weight‚ or providing a more aggressive stance․
- Personalization and Individuality⁚ Fox Body kits allow you to personalize your car and make it stand out from the crowd․ With so many different options available‚ you can create a unique look that reflects your individual style and preferences․
- Increased Value⁚ A well-installed and high-quality Fox Body kit can increase the value of your car‚ especially if it’s a rare or limited-edition model․ A custom look can also make your Mustang more desirable to potential buyers․
It’s important to note that the benefits of a Fox Body kit can vary depending on the specific kit chosen and the quality of the installation․ Choosing a reputable manufacturer and installer is crucial to ensure a successful and satisfying outcome․
Installing a Fox Body Kit
Installing a Fox Body kit can be a challenging project‚ but with the right tools‚ knowledge‚ and patience‚ it’s a rewarding experience for those who want to customize their Mustang․ Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing a Fox Body kit⁚
- Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials⁚ Before you start‚ ensure you have all the necessary tools‚ including wrenches‚ sockets‚ screwdrivers‚ a drill‚ a tape measure‚ a level‚ and a jigsaw․ You’ll also need the kit itself‚ adhesive‚ primer‚ paint‚ and sandpaper․
- Prepare the Car⁚ Clean the car thoroughly and remove any existing bodywork or accessories that may interfere with the installation․ Mask off areas that you don’t want to paint․
- Install the Body Panels⁚ Start by test-fitting the new body panels to ensure proper alignment․ Use adhesive to secure the panels in place‚ making sure they are flush with the existing bodywork․
- Drill and Install Hardware⁚ Drill holes for any necessary hardware‚ such as bolts or rivets‚ and install them securely․ Ensure that the hardware is compatible with the kit and your car․
- Prime and Paint⁚ Once the body panels are in place‚ prime them with an appropriate primer․ This will help to create a smooth surface for painting and ensure proper adhesion․ After the primer has dried‚ apply several coats of paint to match the rest of your car․
- Final Adjustments and Refinement⁚ After the paint has dried‚ carefully inspect the installation for any gaps‚ misalignments‚ or imperfections․ Make any necessary adjustments and sand down any rough edges․
- Clean Up and Enjoy⁚ Once the installation is complete‚ clean up any debris and admire your newly customized Fox Body․
If you’re not comfortable with any of these steps‚ it’s highly recommended to seek professional help from a reputable body shop or automotive specialist․ They can ensure a high-quality and safe installation‚ maximizing the benefits of your Fox Body kit․
Fox Body Kit Resources
There are numerous resources available for those interested in learning more about Fox Body kits and finding the best options for their Mustang․ Here are some valuable sources of information and inspiration⁚
- Online Forums and Communities⁚ Websites like Mustang forums‚ Facebook groups‚ and online communities dedicated to the Fox Body Mustang are excellent places to connect with other enthusiasts‚ share knowledge‚ and find recommendations for kits and installers․
- Manufacturer Websites⁚ Visiting the websites of popular Fox Body kit manufacturers can provide valuable insights into their product offerings‚ installation guides‚ and customer testimonials․
- YouTube Tutorials and Reviews⁚ YouTube is a treasure trove of educational content‚ with countless videos demonstrating Fox Body kit installations‚ comparisons‚ and reviews․ These resources can provide visual guidance and help you understand the process better․
- Magazine Articles and Books⁚ Many automotive magazines and books feature articles and guides on modifying Fox Body Mustangs‚ including sections on body kits‚ installation techniques‚ and performance upgrades․
- Local Auto Parts Stores and Body Shops⁚ If you’re looking for hands-on assistance‚ local auto parts stores and body shops can provide valuable information on kit availability‚ installation services‚ and recommended products․
- Professional Installers⁚ If you’re unsure about installing a kit yourself‚ seeking professional help from a reputable body shop or automotive specialist can ensure a high-quality and safe installation․ They can also offer guidance on selecting the right kit for your needs․
By utilizing these resources‚ you can gain a comprehensive understanding of Fox Body kits‚ find the perfect option for your Mustang‚ and successfully complete your customization project․