Aftermarket Body Parts

Aftermarket body parts are auto parts manufactured by a manufacturer other than the original one.  Although the use of these parts is a controversial subject depending on whom you speak with, the majority of the time these parts don’t fit properly.  Mechanics have to manipulate them in order to make them work. 


The After Market Body Parts - The Industry

The aftermarket body parts industry had its start in the 1970s.  It started functioning under the name, Parts of America, which was funded by an insurance company.  Its purpose was to duplicate General Motors and Ford fenders.  After filing bankruptcy, the insurance company opened another company in Taiwan to continue with the work.  Thus, the aftermarket body parts industry was born.

One problem is that these parts are not tested; they’re simply copied.  As a result, they often don’t fit properly; paint cracks and lights turn yellow.  There have been reports of aftermarket hoods coming off a vehicle while on the highway. 

The Certified Auto Parts Association (CAPA) was formed to check the Taiwanese parts because they were of such poor quality.  The CAPA came up with a list of criteria to certify the parts.  Insurance companies can claim to use only CAPA certified parts.  The ironic thing is that the same insurance companies formed CAPA.  The insurance companies normally push for these parts; they rely on the majority of consumers not fighting for the quality factory parts.


The Insurance Industry

If you’ve ever had your car repaired through your auto insurance, chances are that the replacement parts used were after market body parts.  Since the auto insurance industry is regulated at the state level, each state may have different guidelines regarding the use of after market body parts.  In some states, insurance companies may use aftermarket body parts without the policyholder’s consent.  Other states may stipulate that the consumer should be notified if an aftermarket body part was used on his car.  Furthermore, some states have banned the use of this type of auto parts.


Best Places On The Web

Geocities.com is an online resource you can use if you’re interested in purchasing after market body parts.  This site contains a long list of links to part manufacturers.  Majesticmodifications.com is another helpful resource.  Car enthusiasts who like to customize their car or truck will find this site a useful resource.  Bestdealcarparts.com offers 5% off when you place an order over $100.  Customers buying wholesale receive 40-70% off their order.  This site even offers same day shipping on many items.  In addition, Hubcaps.com also provides a list of suppliers. 


After Market Body Parts Manufacturers  

Keystone Automotive Industries, Inc. is a manufacturer of aftermarket body parts.  They have 100,000 part numbers in their database, so you’re sure to find what you need.  They carry the Platinum Plus label, which includes replacement mirrors, lighting components, wheels, bumper covers, and cooling system products.  Furthermore, Uniauto Inc. is a Chinese company that manufactures hubcaps, emblems, wheel racks, shift knobs, and many other products.  Haw Tuoh Auto Spare Parts Co., Ltd. is another Chinese manufacturer of parts and accessories such as headlamps, mirrors, wheel covers, and front door panels.
After market parts are not limited to car parts only.  J&P Cycles® is a motorcycle aftermarket parts supplier.  At J&P Cycles®, you’ll find everything you need for your Harley-Davidson®, Vintage, Metric, or Sportsbike.  You can request a free catalog on CD or view the catalog online.


After Market Body Kits

Body kits are becoming more popular.  Most of us have seen customized trucks or cars.  If you’ve wondered how the doors can open vertically, it’s through the use of a body kit.  A body kit is a collection of components to make modifications on a car’s exterior.  When you order the kit, you receive all the components and instructions you need to make the modifications yourself.  Modifications can range from putting on a different bumper to giving your car a complete new look.  These kits have become so popular that car manufacturers are now manufacturing the kits, as well.

These kits can range anywhere from one hundred to thousands of dollars.  Kits are especially used to alter sports cars and trucks.  These aftermarket parts are normally made of fiberglass.

You may be wondering where you can buy these kits.  There is a plethora of companies selling aftermarket body kits.  Bodykits.com is a site that sells a wide range of body parts including body kits.  CarBodyStore.com is another website that sells after market parts and body kits for your car.  The site offers free shipping on all orders (where applicable).  Moreover, they offer guaranteed fit and price matching with prices starting at $395.  
   
As you can see, while consumers oppose the use of after market body parts by insurance companies, others elect to buy after market body kits by choice.  As with anything else, research is critical in making decisions.  Buying parts for your car is no different.  You will find pros and cons on both sides.  You’re the only one that can choose what’s best for you.