Do I need to bring my car to C1 Studio for a custom kit?

For complex custom kits, having the car available for scanning produces the best results. For parts based on existing designs (e.g., the MX-5 NB range), you don't need to — those are designed from an already-scanned car. For enquiries where you can't bring the car, detailed photos and measurements can work for simpler parts.

Where is C1 Studio located?

C1 Studio is based in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia. We ship finished parts worldwide.

How long does a custom body kit design take?

From initial enquiry to finished part, a custom-designed fibreglass component typically takes 6–12 weeks depending on complexity, current workload, and how quickly decisions are made during the design review phase. Each project is unique — provide as much detail as possible in your enquiry for an accurate estimate.

What if my car has been modified from stock?

If the car has been modified (e.g., previous body kit, accident repair, or chassis changes), this can affect fitment. Always note any modifications in your enquiry. Where possible, measurements should be taken from the actual car rather than factory specs.

How to Measure a Car for a Custom Body Kit

One of the most common questions about custom body kits is: how do you make sure it fits? The short answer is accurate measurement — ideally 3D scanning. This guide explains the measurement process used at C1 Studio and what you can provide if you're commissioning a custom part without being local.

WHY ACCURATE MEASUREMENT MATTERS

Body kits that don't fit properly are the single biggest source of customer frustration in aftermarket aero. Gaps, misaligned panel edges, and parts that require excessive modification to fit all come from inaccurate measurements. At C1 Studio, accurate fitment is non-negotiable — every part is designed around real-car data.

3D SCANNING: THE PROFESSIONAL METHOD

3D scanning uses a structured light scanner or photogrammetry rig to capture the precise geometry of the car's body panels. This creates a digital model that can be used directly in CAD software to design parts that fit without guesswork. All C1 Studio parts designed for production (e.g., the MX-5 NB range) are scanned from the donor car. Scanning takes 2–4 hours per vehicle and produces measurements accurate to within 0.1–0.5mm.

MANUAL MEASUREMENT FOR REMOTE CUSTOMERS

If you're commissioning a custom part and can't bring the car to us, detailed manual measurements can work for simpler parts like front lips, rear diffusers, and spoilers. You'll need: overall width at the mounting edge, height of the part, projection distance, and the exact mounting point locations. Reference photos from multiple angles (front/rear/side/underneath) are essential.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR ENQUIRY

When you submit a custom enquiry, include the vehicle make, model, year, and any variant differences (e.g., Sport vs. Standard, pre-facelift vs. facelift). If you have measurements, include them. Links to reference images of the style you're after help significantly. The more information you provide upfront, the more accurately we can quote and design for your specific car.

TOLERANCES AND FITTING ADJUSTMENT

Even with 3D-scanned data, a small amount of trimming is normal on any fibreglass part due to manufacturing tolerances in the moulding process. Parts are designed with slight clearance to allow for this. Custom-designed parts should always be dry-fitted before painting.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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HOW TO MEASURE A CAR FOR A CUSTOM BODY KIT