Veilside Body Kit For The 240sx: Cost, Fitment & Styling Review

The Veilside name is synonymous with bold, futuristic, and often controversial body kit designs, particularly their work on Japanese sports cars. For 240SX (S13) owners seeking a radical transformation, a Veilside body kit represents a significant investment and a commitment to a very specific aesthetic. This article dives into the details of Veilside body kits for the 240SX, covering cost, fitment considerations, and a styling review, providing you with the information needed to decide if this upgrade is right for your project.

Cost Breakdown and Sourcing

Let's get straight to the point: Veilside kits are not cheap. Expect to pay a premium for the brand recognition, the unique design, and the often-necessary bodywork required to achieve a proper fit. Here's a general cost breakdown:

• Initial Kit Cost: A complete Veilside body kit for the 240SX can range from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on the specific kit and the vendor. Discontinued kits, if you can find them, may command even higher prices due to scarcity. Common kits include the EC-I and Combat series.
• Shipping: Given that Veilside is a Japanese company, shipping can add a significant expense, potentially several hundred dollars or more, depending on the size and weight of the package and the chosen shipping method. Factor in potential import duties and taxes as well.
• Bodywork & Paint: This is where the bulk of your expense will likely be incurred. Prepping the kit, ensuring proper fitment (more on that later), and painting it to a high standard can easily cost between $2,000 and $5,000, or even more for show-quality finishes.
• Hardware & Miscellaneous: Don't forget to budget for new mounting hardware (bolts, nuts, washers, etc.), adhesive, and potentially even modifications to your existing car (e.g., trimming fenders) to accommodate the kit. This can easily add a few hundred dollars.

Where to Buy: Sourcing authentic Veilside kits requires careful research. Here are your primary options:

• Veilside Japan: Purchasing directly from Veilside is the most straightforward way to guarantee authenticity, but it can be the most expensive due to shipping and import costs.
• Authorized Distributors: Check Veilside's website for a list of authorized distributors in your region. These distributors may offer better shipping rates and local support.
• Reputable Aftermarket Parts Retailers: Some established aftermarket parts retailers carry Veilside products. Ensure they are authorized dealers to avoid counterfeit kits.
• Used Market: Used Veilside kits occasionally appear on online marketplaces, but exercise extreme caution. Inspect the kit thoroughly for damage, ensure it's genuine, and be wary of suspiciously low prices. Verify authenticity by checking for Veilside markings/stamps on the kit itself.

Fitment: Expect to Work for It

While Veilside kits are visually striking, they are notorious for requiring significant bodywork to achieve a proper fit. Don't expect a bolt-on experience. This is especially true of older kits or those sourced from questionable vendors. Here's what you need to know:

• Material: Most Veilside kits are made from fiberglass (FRP - Fiber Reinforced Plastic). FRP is lightweight but can be brittle and prone to cracking. More expensive kits might be available in carbon fiber, offering increased strength and weight savings, but these are rarer and cost significantly more.
• Common Fitment Issues:
  • Gaps and Misalignment: Expect to find gaps between the kit pieces and the body of your car, especially around the doors, fenders, and bumpers.
  • Surface Imperfections: Fiberglass parts often have imperfections like pinholes, waves, and uneven surfaces.
  • Mounting Point Issues: The mounting points on the kit may not align perfectly with the factory mounting points on your car. You may need to fabricate new brackets or modify existing ones.
  • Clearance Issues: The widebody nature of many Veilside kits may introduce clearance issues with wheels and tires. Plan on adjusting ride height, using wheel spacers, or even purchasing new wheels with a more aggressive offset.

Fitment Preparation Steps:

1. Test Fitting: Before any sanding or painting, thoroughly test fit all the kit pieces to your car. Use clamps, tape, and shims to hold the pieces in place and identify areas that need attention.
2. Sanding and Filling: Use body filler (like Bondo) to fill in gaps, smooth out imperfections, and create a seamless transition between the kit and the car's body. Sand the filler smooth, working your way up to finer grits of sandpaper.
3. Mounting Point Modification: Fabricate or modify mounting brackets as needed to ensure a secure and proper fit. Consider using rivnuts or threaded inserts for robust mounting points.
4. Primer: Apply several coats of high-quality primer to the kit, sanding between coats to create a smooth and even surface for paint.
5. Professional Installation (Recommended): Unless you have extensive experience with bodywork and painting, it's highly recommended to have a professional body shop install and paint your Veilside kit. Their expertise will ensure a high-quality finish and proper fitment.

Styling Review: A Love-It-Or-Hate-It Affair

Veilside's designs are polarizing. They push the boundaries of automotive styling, often incorporating aggressive lines, exaggerated proportions, and futuristic elements. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

• Aggressive Aesthetics: Veilside kits typically feature widened fenders, deep front and rear bumpers, and sculpted side skirts, creating a more imposing and aggressive stance.
• Distinctive Design Language: Veilside's design language is instantly recognizable. Expect sharp angles, intricate details, and a focus on aerodynamic efficiency (whether real or perceived).
• Overall Transformation: A Veilside kit completely transforms the look of a 240SX, turning it into a head-turning show car. It's a statement piece that demands attention.
• Potential Drawbacks:
  • Subjectivity: Not everyone appreciates Veilside's bold designs. The styling is subjective, and some may find it too extreme or outdated.
  • Practicality: The widened body and low-hanging bumpers can reduce ground clearance and make the car less practical for everyday driving. Speed bumps and steep driveways can become obstacles.
  • Attention-Grabbing: A Veilside-equipped 240SX will attract a lot of attention, both positive and negative. Be prepared to answer questions and deal with potential scrutiny.

Examples and Considerations:

• Veilside Combat Evolution: A very aggressive widebody with sharp angles and prominent vents. This kit requires significant bodywork and may not be suitable for street use due to its extreme width.
• Veilside EC-I: Slightly more subtle than the Combat, but still a widebody kit with a distinct Veilside look. It's a popular choice for those seeking a balance between style and usability.

Technical Considerations and Performance

Beyond aesthetics, consider the technical implications of installing a Veilside body kit:

• Aerodynamics: While Veilside claims aerodynamic benefits, the actual impact on performance depends on the specific kit and driving conditions. A properly designed kit can reduce lift and improve stability at high speeds, but a poorly designed kit can actually increase drag.
• Weight: FRP adds weight to the car, which can negatively impact acceleration, braking, and handling. Consider weight reduction measures elsewhere to offset the added weight of the kit.
• Wheel and Tire Fitment: A widebody kit allows you to run wider wheels and tires, which can improve grip and handling. However, you'll need to carefully calculate the correct wheel offset and tire size to avoid rubbing and ensure proper fitment. Understanding backspacing and offset is critical to achieving the desired stance.
• Suspension Tuning: The added weight and changed aerodynamics may require adjustments to your suspension to maintain optimal handling. Consider upgrading to stiffer springs and adjustable dampers.
• Cooling: Depending on the design of the front bumper, a Veilside kit may impact airflow to the radiator and intercooler. Ensure adequate cooling, especially if your car is heavily modified.

Conclusion: Is a Veilside Kit Right for You?

A Veilside body kit for the 240SX is a significant investment that demands careful planning, skilled labor, and a willingness to embrace a very specific aesthetic. If you're prepared for the challenges of fitment, the cost, and the attention it will attract, a Veilside kit can transform your 240SX into a truly unique and eye-catching machine. However, if you're looking for a simple bolt-on upgrade, or if you're not a fan of aggressive styling, there are other options to consider. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before taking the plunge.