Introduction
Looking to give your 1999 Club Car DS a fresh and unique look? A body kit is an excellent way to enhance its style and performance. From aggressive spoilers to sleek side skirts, there are numerous options available to personalize your cart and make it stand out from the crowd.
Popular Body Kit Styles
When it comes to customizing your 1999 Club Car DS, body kits offer a plethora of options to transform its appearance. From subtle enhancements to bold statements, there’s a style to match every taste and preference. Here’s a breakdown of some popular body kit styles to inspire your customization journey⁚
Sporty and Aggressive
- Spoilers⁚ These aerodynamic additions not only enhance the visual appeal but can also improve stability at higher speeds. Choose from subtle lip spoilers or dramatic rear wings to create a sporty and aggressive look.
- Side Skirts⁚ Extending the body line along the sides, side skirts add a sleek and low-slung profile. They can be designed in various styles, from simple lines to intricate curves, adding a touch of sophistication to your cart.
- Front Bumpers⁚ Replace the stock bumper with a more aggressive design featuring integrated fog lights, air intakes, or even a custom grille. This creates a bolder and more imposing front end.
Classic and Elegant
- Fender Flares⁚ Adding a wider and more muscular stance, fender flares can be fitted in various materials and styles to create a classic and elegant look. They also protect the body from road debris and enhance the overall design.
- Running Boards⁚ Not only practical for easier entry and exit, running boards can also add a touch of elegance to your cart. They can be designed in chrome, polished aluminum, or even wood for a more traditional feel.
- Custom Grille⁚ Replace the stock grille with a more refined design featuring chrome accents or a custom mesh pattern to add a touch of class to your cart’s front end.
Off-Road and Rugged
- Roll Cages⁚ Provide added safety and a rugged look, especially for those who enjoy off-road adventures. Choose from various styles and materials, from basic steel cages to more intricate designs featuring additional lights or storage.
- Brush Guards⁚ Protect your cart from tree branches and other obstacles while adding a rugged and utilitarian aesthetic. Choose from steel, aluminum, or even custom designs featuring integrated lights or winches.
- Wheel Arch Flares⁚ Similar to fender flares, these protect the wheels and tires from debris and add a wider, more aggressive stance, perfect for off-road applications.
Remember, the key to a successful body kit customization is to choose a style that complements your cart’s overall design and reflects your personal preferences. By considering the various options available, you can create a personalized and stylish Club Car DS that stands out from the crowd;
Material Options
Body kits for your 1999 Club Car DS are typically crafted from a few popular materials, each offering distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a look at the most common options⁚
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a widely used material for body kits due to its versatility, strength, and affordability. It’s a composite material made from woven glass fibers embedded in a resin matrix, resulting in a lightweight and durable product. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of fiberglass body kits⁚
Advantages⁚
- Lightweight⁚ Fiberglass is significantly lighter than other materials like steel or aluminum, reducing the overall weight of your Club Car DS and potentially improving its performance.
- Durable⁚ When properly manufactured and installed, fiberglass body kits can withstand impacts and scratches, offering decent protection for your cart.
- Versatile⁚ Fiberglass is highly moldable, allowing manufacturers to create intricate and complex designs for your body kit, giving you a wide range of styling choices.
- Affordable⁚ Fiberglass is a relatively inexpensive material, making it a budget-friendly option for customizing your Club Car DS.
Disadvantages⁚
- Susceptible to Cracking⁚ Fiberglass can be brittle, particularly in cold temperatures, making it susceptible to cracking if not handled carefully during installation or subjected to harsh conditions.
- Requires Proper Preparation⁚ Fiberglass body kits often require sanding, priming, and painting for a smooth, professional finish, adding to the installation time and effort.
- Can Be Difficult to Repair⁚ While repairable, repairing fiberglass body kits can be challenging, requiring specialized tools and techniques.
- May Not Offer the Same Strength as Other Materials⁚ While fiberglass is durable, it may not possess the same strength and impact resistance as other materials like polyurethane or steel.
Overall, fiberglass offers a good balance of affordability, versatility, and durability, making it a popular choice for body kits. However, it’s essential to consider its potential drawbacks and ensure proper installation to maximize its longevity and performance.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane, often referred to as “poly,” is another popular material for body kits, offering several advantages over fiberglass. It’s a synthetic polymer that provides a balance of flexibility, durability, and ease of installation.
Advantages⁚
- Flexibility⁚ Polyurethane is significantly more flexible than fiberglass, making it less prone to cracking in cold weather or during impacts. This flexibility also allows for easier installation and less concern about damaging the kit during fitting.
- Durability⁚ Polyurethane is known for its durability, resisting scratches, dents, and impacts better than fiberglass. This makes it a good choice for those who frequently use their Club Car DS in demanding environments.
- Easier Installation⁚ Polyurethane body kits are generally easier to install than fiberglass kits. They are often pre-primed and require less sanding and preparation, saving you time and effort.
- Easier Repair⁚ Polyurethane body kits are easier to repair than fiberglass kits. They can be easily filled and sanded, making repairs less time-consuming and less demanding.
- Better Sound Deadening⁚ Polyurethane offers better sound deadening properties than fiberglass, reducing noise levels inside the cart.
Disadvantages⁚
- Higher Cost⁚ Polyurethane body kits tend to be more expensive than fiberglass kits, making them a less budget-friendly option.
- Less Variety⁚ Polyurethane body kits may not offer as wide a variety of designs as fiberglass kits, as the material can be more challenging to mold into complex shapes.
- May Be Heavier⁚ While still lightweight, polyurethane is slightly heavier than fiberglass, which can slightly affect the performance of your Club Car DS.
Overall, polyurethane offers a good balance of durability, ease of installation, and sound deadening properties. While it’s more expensive than fiberglass, its advantages can be worth the extra cost, especially for those seeking a more robust and user-friendly body kit.
Installation Considerations
Installing a body kit on your 1999 Club Car DS can be a rewarding project, but it’s essential to consider a few important factors before diving in. Proper planning and preparation will ensure a smooth and successful installation.
- Experience Level⁚ Installing a body kit requires a certain level of mechanical aptitude and familiarity with automotive work. If you’re not comfortable with basic tools and procedures, consider seeking professional help. A professional installation can guarantee a clean and precise fit.
- Time Commitment⁚ Installing a body kit can take several hours or even days depending on the complexity of the kit and your experience level. Be sure to allocate sufficient time for the project, especially if you’re doing it yourself.
- Tools and Supplies⁚ You’ll need various tools and supplies for the installation, including a drill, screwdriver, wrenches, sandpaper, primer, paint, and adhesive. Make sure to have all the necessary materials ready before you begin.
- Safety Precautions⁚ Working with tools and chemicals can be hazardous. Always wear safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator when handling abrasive materials and paints. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all products used.
- Proper Preparation⁚ Before installing the body kit, thoroughly clean the surface of your Club Car DS, removing any dirt, grime, or rust. This will ensure proper adhesion and prevent future problems.
- Precise Alignment⁚ Take your time when aligning and fitting the body kit components. Make sure they are properly positioned and secured before applying any adhesives. Improper alignment can result in an uneven or unsightly appearance.
- Professional Assistance⁚ If you’re unsure about any part of the installation process or prefer to have it done by a professional, there are many reputable shops that specialize in customizing golf carts. They can provide expert advice and ensure a high-quality installation.
By carefully considering these factors and following proper procedures, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable installation of your body kit, enhancing the style and performance of your 1999 Club Car DS.
Transforming your 1999 Club Car DS into a head-turning masterpiece is within reach with the right body kit. From sleek and modern designs to aggressive and sporty styles, there’s a kit out there to perfectly match your vision. Whether you prioritize performance enhancements or simply want to add a touch of personality, a well-chosen body kit can elevate your cart to new heights.
Remember to consider your budget, desired aesthetics, and installation capabilities when making your decision. Whether you opt for a fiberglass, polyurethane, or carbon fiber kit, ensure it’s made from high-quality materials and comes with detailed instructions for a smooth installation process. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a customized Club Car DS that reflects your unique style and turns heads wherever you go.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different designs and explore the vast array of options available. Whether you’re aiming for a classic, sporty, or futuristic look, the right body kit can make your 1999 Club Car DS stand out as a testament to your individuality and passion for customization. The possibilities are endless, and with a little creativity and dedication, you can transform your cart into a true reflection of your personal style.