S14 Rocket Bunny Widebody Kit Installation Guide

Alright folks, let's talk about slapping a Rocket Bunny widebody kit on your S14. This isn't a weekend bolt-on project; it's a full commitment that requires patience, skill, and a willingness to permanently modify your car. We're diving into the deep end here, so make sure you've got the right tools, a decent workspace, and a clear understanding of what's involved before you even think about ordering that kit.

Before You Begin: Assess and Prepare

First, understand that a widebody kit, especially one like the Rocket Bunny, dramatically alters your car's appearance and performance. It's not just about looking cool (though that's definitely a factor!). You're changing the aerodynamics, weight distribution (slightly), and potentially the handling characteristics. Think about what you want to achieve with this modification.

Tools and Materials Checklist:

Complete Rocket Bunny S14 Widebody Kit (obviously!)
Angle Grinder with cutting and grinding discs
Welder (MIG or TIG preferred)
Welding Mask, Gloves, and protective gear
Drill with various drill bits
Riveter (for attaching the over fenders)
Body filler (Bondo or similar)
Sandpaper (various grits, from coarse to fine)
Primer
Paint (matching your car's color, or a custom color)
Clear Coat
Masking Tape and Paper
Measuring tape and marking pen
Safety glasses
Ear protection
Cut-off wheel (for precise metal cutting)
Body hammers and dollies (for shaping metal)
Pneumatic tools (optional but highly recommended: air grinder, sander)
Jack stands and floor jack
Wheel spacers (to achieve the desired stance)
New wheels and tires (wider to fill the fenders)
Rust preventative coating

This list isn't exhaustive, but it gives you a good idea of what you'll need. Don't skimp on quality; cheap tools will only make the job harder and potentially compromise the results. Safety is paramount, so invest in proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

Trial Fitment:

Before you even think about cutting anything, perform a thorough trial fitment of all the kit components. This is crucial. Rocket Bunny kits are known for their aggressive style, but they're not always perfect in terms of fitment right out of the box. You'll likely need to do some trimming, sanding, and shaping to get everything lined up correctly.

Pro Tip: Use masking tape to temporarily hold the panels in place. Mark any areas that need modification with a marker. Take pictures from different angles for reference.

Cutting and Preparation: The Point of No Return

This is where things get real. You're about to permanently alter the body of your S14. Take your time, double-check your measurements, and remember: you can always take more material off, but you can't put it back on.

Fender Removal and Trimming:

The core of any widebody installation involves cutting away the factory fenders to create space for the over fenders. This typically involves cutting along a pre-determined line, but the exact location will depend on the kit and the desired amount of tire clearance.

Carefully mask off the area around the cut line to protect the surrounding paint.
Using your angle grinder or cut-off wheel, make precise cuts along the marked lines. Don't try to do it all in one pass; go slowly and steadily.
Once the fender section is removed, use the grinding disc to smooth out any rough edges.
Apply a rust preventative coating to the exposed metal to prevent corrosion. This is essential, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather.

Note: Some kits may require you to cut and modify the inner fender wells as well. This will further increase tire clearance and allow for a more aggressive stance.

Dealing with the Fuel Filler Door:

The Rocket Bunny kit often requires relocation or modification of the fuel filler door. This typically involves cutting out the original filler door housing and either relocating it to a new position or fabricating a new filler door that integrates with the widebody panel. This is one of the more challenging aspects of the installation, so consider your options carefully.

Mounting the Over Fenders: Bringing it All Together

With the factory fenders trimmed and prepped, you can now begin mounting the over fenders. This is typically done using a combination of rivets and adhesive. Some kits may also require welding for additional strength and stability.

Position the over fender in its final location. Ensure it's aligned correctly with the body lines and that there are no gaps or overlaps.
Drill pilot holes through the over fender and into the underlying metal. Use a drill bit that's slightly smaller than the diameter of your rivets.
Use the riveter to secure the over fender in place. Make sure the rivets are properly seated and that they're not too tight or too loose.
For areas that require additional strength, consider welding the over fender to the underlying metal. This is especially important for the rear over fenders, as they're often subject to more stress.

Caution: When welding fiberglass or composite materials, be extremely careful to avoid overheating. Use a low amperage setting and take frequent breaks to allow the material to cool down. Excessive heat can cause the material to warp or even catch fire.

Bodywork and Finishing: Achieving Perfection

Even with careful installation, there will likely be some gaps, imperfections, or uneven surfaces where the over fenders meet the factory body panels. This is where body filler and sanding come in. The goal is to create a seamless transition between the new and old panels, making it look like the widebody is a factory-installed option.

Apply body filler to any gaps or imperfections. Use a plastic spreader to apply the filler in thin, even layers.
Allow the filler to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Sand the filler down using progressively finer grits of sandpaper. Start with a coarse grit (e.g., 80-grit) to remove the bulk of the material, then gradually move to finer grits (e.g., 120-grit, 220-grit, 320-grit) to smooth out the surface.
Once the surface is smooth and even, apply a coat of primer. This will help to seal the filler and provide a uniform surface for the paint to adhere to.
Sand the primer lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 400-grit) to remove any imperfections.

Painting: The Final Touch

With the bodywork complete, you're ready to paint. This is best left to a professional, but if you have experience with painting cars, you can certainly tackle it yourself. The key is to use high-quality paint and equipment, and to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Mask off any areas that you don't want to be painted. Use high-quality masking tape and paper to create clean, crisp lines.
Apply several thin coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
Once the paint is dry, apply several coats of clear coat. This will protect the paint and give it a glossy finish.
Allow the clear coat to dry completely, then wet sand it with a very fine-grit sandpaper (e.g., 2000-grit) to remove any imperfections.
Buff and polish the clear coat to achieve a mirror-like shine.

Final Assembly and Stance: Completing the Look

With the painting complete, you can now reassemble the car. This includes reinstalling the door handles, mirrors, and any other components that were removed during the installation process. You'll also need to install new wheels and tires that are wide enough to fill the new fenders. Wheel spacers might be necessary to dial in the perfect stance.

Important Considerations:

Suspension: A widebody kit often looks best with a lowered suspension. Consider installing coilovers or lowering springs to achieve the desired ride height.
Alignment: After installing the widebody kit and new wheels and tires, it's essential to get a professional wheel alignment. This will ensure that your car handles properly and that your tires wear evenly.
Fender Liners: The factory fender liners may need to be modified or replaced to accommodate the wider fenders. Consider using aftermarket fender liners or fabricating your own.

Installing a Rocket Bunny widebody kit is a challenging but rewarding project. With patience, skill, and attention to detail, you can transform your S14 into a true head-turner. Remember to take your time, double-check your work, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Good luck, and happy modding!