Kia Morning JA Body Kit Review: Customization & Cost
Service Price
$approx. $750–1,150
Estimated price · Actual price may vary by shop
Kia Morning JA Turbo custom body kit installation: approx. ₩700,000 ($500 USD). Results in a unique, sporty aesthetic.
Customizing Your Kia Morning JA Turbo with a Body Kit
For Kia Morning JA Turbo owners looking to inject more personality into their ride, a custom body kit offers a unique solution. While finding specific aftermarket parts for the JA Turbo model can be challenging due to its distinct bumper design compared to standard models, solutions exist. This review details a custom fitting process undertaken at the O-neul-ui-car (Today's Car) Ansan branch in South Korea, where a modified 'Kongman' body kit, originally designed for the 'The New Morning', was expertly adapted. This approach addresses the scarcity of dedicated JA Turbo body kits and provides a pathway to a personalized aesthetic.
The Custom Body Kit Installation Process
The journey to a custom body kit begins with meticulous planning and fitting. The primary goal is to achieve a seamless integration, minimizing gaps and aligning with the vehicle's original lines. For this Kia Morning JA Turbo, the front lip from 'The New Morning' Kongman kit required significant modification. This involved precise cutting and the use of FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic) to create new mounting points that would conform to the JA Turbo's bumper contours. Multiple test fittings and adjustments were crucial to ensure a high-quality, integrated look. The side lips also underwent a custom fitting process, adapting 'The New Morning' Kongman parts. While the JA Turbo's original side skirts are slightly shorter, the side lips were fitted with minimal adjustments, ensuring a clean and sporty profile without appearing overly aggressive. The entire process demands skilled craftsmanship to achieve a factory-like finish.
Installation process:
- Preparation and Test Fitting: The custom body kit components are carefully inspected and test-fitted to the Kia Morning JA Turbo's body to identify areas needing modification.
- Component Modification: Parts like the front lip are precisely cut and reshaped using FRP to match the specific curves and mounting points of the JA Turbo bumper.
- Painting and Finishing: Once the fit is perfected, the body kit components are painted to match the vehicle's original white color, ensuring a cohesive look.
- Secure Attachment: The finished body kit pieces are securely attached using a combination of automotive-grade double-sided tape and screws for long-term durability.
Before and After: The Visual Transformation
The transformation is striking. Before the installation, the Kia Morning JA Turbo retained its stock appearance. After the custom body kit was fitted and painted, the vehicle gained a more aggressive and sporty stance. The modified front lip adds a pronounced lower profile, while the adapted side skirts enhance the car's side silhouette. The white paint finish on the FRP components ensures they blend seamlessly with the car's original body color, creating a unified and bespoke look. This custom approach results in a unique aesthetic that sets the JA Turbo apart, effectively addressing the owner's desire for a more distinctive vehicle.
Durability, Maintenance, and Value
The durability of a custom body kit largely depends on the materials used and the quality of the installation. The FRP components, when properly installed and painted, offer good resilience against minor impacts and road debris. Maintenance involves regular cleaning with mild automotive soap and water, avoiding abrasive cleaners that could damage the paint or material. For long-term care, periodic checks of the mounting points (screws and tape) are recommended to ensure continued security. The value proposition of a custom body kit lies in its ability to create a truly unique vehicle. While the initial body kit cost can be higher than off-the-shelf options due to the custom labor involved, the result is a personalized aesthetic that is often worth the investment for owners seeking exclusivity. The specific cost for this custom job in Korea, including parts and labor, was approximately ₩700,000 (around $500 USD at the time of reporting), though prices can vary significantly based on the kit complexity and shop rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does a body kit cost for a Kia Morning JA?
This custom body kit installation for the Kia Morning JA Turbo cost approximately ₩700,000 (around $500 USD). Standard, non-custom body kits can range from $300 to $1000+ USD depending on the material and brand.
Q. How long does body kit installation take on a Kia Morning JA?
Custom body kit installations, like the one described, can take several days due to the modification and fitting process. Properly installed body kits can last for many years with basic maintenance, such as regular washing and avoiding harsh chemicals.
Q. Is a body kit worth it for a Kia Morning JA?
A body kit is worth it for Kia Morning JA owners seeking a unique, personalized look and enhanced sporty styling. It's most beneficial for those who want to stand out and are willing to invest in custom modifications.
Q. How is a body kit installed on a Kia Morning JA?
Installation involves preparing the vehicle's surface, test-fitting modified kit components, painting them to match the car, and then securely attaching them using automotive tape and screws.
Q. What is the difference between FRP and polyurethane body kits for a Kia Morning JA?
FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastic) kits are often used for custom modifications due to their moldability and repairability, though they can be heavier and require more finishing work. Polyurethane kits are typically more flexible, durable, and easier to paint, often offering a smoother finish right out of the box.
