If you are a car enthusiast, you must think of ways to make your vehicle look better and different. Body cladding is a way to enhance the look and functionality of your truck. Body cladding is the next-generation distinctive look. It is a part of the exterior body modifications.
But what is body cladding on a truck? It is a way to protect exposed parts of the body of the car from impacts and scratches by installing a cladding kit. It can be installed on the different parts of the automotive body, like sides, fenders, bumpers, and grills. Cladding is especially important for trucks because they are often used on roads and bad roads. That is a great way to preserve the truck from the impact of the environment.
There are different types of cladding elements made of different materials. What you will choose for your truck is your prerogative. In either case, it will bring out the body contour and will help in body molding. The cladding price is connected with the elements you will buy and the materials used. Body shops specialize in this type of work, but there are also DIY options.
Benefits of Body Cladding on a Truck
Body cladding doesn’t only add an aesthetic element to the truck, but it also protects it from impacts. It offers body-side protection and will shield common body panels from damage.
Protection from Scratches and Dents
Doors, fenders, front end, and bottom of the car are all susceptible to damage. Parking lots are often the place where your truck can get a bump from other cars. Also, during driving, the debris from the road can be the culprit for many smaller scratches.
Key Takeaway: Body cladding can help in preventing most of that aesthetic mishaps.
Enhanced Durability
Not only will the cladding serve as protection from damage, but it will also improve the durability of the car body. Paint will be better protected, and problems with rust will be minimized.
Improved Aesthetics
Whether you buy a universal cladding kit or a custom made, your truck will stand out. A good paint job will add to the result of the cladding kit.
Types of Body Cladding Materials
There are different types of cladding materials, and all of them have their unique features.
Carbon Fiber
This material is often used and is known for its strength and lightweight. Carbon fibers are mixed with epoxy making this material a great choice for body cladding. This material is favorite for use on sports cars because of its features. Elements made of carbon fiber are expensive because of their advanced features.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is the most commonly used material for cladding. It is made in layers to make it stronger. It is lightweight and can sustain high temperatures. Painting fiberglass is easy, making it a great choice for DIY car enthusiasts. The downside of fiberglass is its lack of flexibility, making it hard to install.
ABS Plastic
Three components are used for making ABS plastic – acrylonitrile, styrene, and polybutadiene. It is an improved version of fiberglass because it is stronger and more resilient. It is heavier than fiberglass but is also easy to paint. They are not so prone to cracks and breaking, and it bodes well against chemicals and heat.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is often compared to fiberglass, but it is much more flexible. It is heavier than other materials and is very hard to paint.
Composite
Composite cladding is made of more materials, thus creating a strong and flexible cladding kit.
How Body Cladding on a Truck Works
You need to choose the elements that you will install. Check for compatible vehicles before you buy them. There are different elements, like body side panel elements and other different elements for the car’s body.
Installation Process
Most manufacturers make body cladding installment easy and without the use of any heavy equipment. The first thing to do is to add the primer to the car body. Next, the adhesive tape from the cladding needs to be removed. Then the cladding is pressed on the primer and held in place. In some cases, the fixation is done with nutserts that can be inserted with a rivet gun.
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Maintenance Tips
Maintenance of the cladding is important, so it would keep its functionality and aesthetic. Depending on the materials of the cladding, the elements can be prone to cracks. Also, keep an eye on the paint job, and fix any dreaded paint bubbles.
Comparison of Body Cladding to Other Truck Accessories
Trucks have different accessories that can help with protection and functionality. Running boards, bull bars, and bed liners are the most commonly used. These elements should not be confused with the cladding elements.
Running Boards
Trucks with high clearance need a quality running board. A running board is a step stool into your vehicle. It helps the passengers to enter and exit the truck safely. A running board will also protect truck doors in the parking lots and prolong the life of the seat. Running boards are usually made of stainless steel, mild steel, or aluminum.
Bed Liners
Bed liners are used to protect the truck bed. If the truck bed is not protected, it will be covered in dents and scratches. That can also cause rusting of the metal in the bed of the truck. Using bed liners is practical and can also add aesthetic value to your truck.
Bull Bars
The primary use for a bull bar is to protect the engine from an impact on an animal. As people moved into the cities, other reasons for installing the bull bars emerged. Now they are used as cosmetic accessories and can be used as a mount for additional lights. Also, they protect the engine when the truck is used in off-road terrain.
Top Brands for Body Cladding on a Truck
There are different brands on the market, but some have already made a name for themselves. They have a proven reputation based on high-quality materials used in production. Also, they have a wide array of products.
Bushwacker
Bushwacker makes body cladding elements for various truck brands. You can find anything for Jeep, Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota. They are using dura flex plastic for most products. It has proven its quality, flexibility, and thickness.
Lund International
Lund offers a wide variety of bed covers, side steps, fender flares, storage boxes, tanks, and bull bars. Their products are compatible with various models coming from Chevrolet, Ram, GMC, Honda, Jeep, Nissan, and Toyota.
Stampede
Stampede is an established manufacturer of cladding elements that can fit most of the trucks on the market. They are known for making quality elements:
- Hood protectors
- Side window deflectors
- Fender flares
- Mud flaps
- Rocker panels.
EGR
The EGR is using plastic compounds to make the most of its cladding program. They are making:
- Cargo liners
- Fender flares
- Side window deflectors
- Headlamp deflectors
- Side skirts
- Full body cladding elements.
Cost of Body Cladding on a Truck
The cost of body cladding depends on the elements that are installed. The paint job and materials used also impact the price of the cladding. The price can vary significantly – from around $100 to several thousand dollars.
Factors that Affect the Cost
You can customize your truck’s cladding, which is the main factor impacting the cost. Side body cladding is cheaper when compared to fender flares. The material used for making the cladding also impacts the price. You can choose to color the kit black finish or in some other color. But that also raises the price.
Average Prices for Body Cladding on a Truck
Fender flares can be found for an average of $250, while mud flaps go between $50 and $100. Side body cladding can be found for around $200, but it goes up with higher quality.
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FAQ
Why Do Cars Have Plastic Cladding?
Plastic and its derivatives have features that are best suited for cladding. It is lightweight, can be painted, and is flexible.
Are claddings An external finish?
Yes. Claddings are type of exterior automobile finish. They improve the aesthetic of the car and act as a protective coating element, defending it from little dings, scratches, or dents.
Final Considerations
Depending on your preferences, you can choose from several types of cladding kits. There are full-body kits, ground effect kits, bumper replacements, and wide-body kits. Besides those, there are individual elements that you can install.
Each element has its function, but most of them are pointed toward aesthetics and protection. Your truck will look classier, and it will be protected!
