Installing decorative elements is the fastest way to change the appearance of a car, making it more aggressive or, conversely, elegant. Gills on car wings have become one of the most popular solutions in modern styling, allowing the owner to stand out in the crowd without major investments. Such overlays can perform not only an aesthetic function, hiding minor metal defects, but also serve as a place for installing side turn signals or markers.
Owners often choose this element to emphasize the sporty nature of the car or add “premium” to it. The market offers hundreds of shape options: from laconic stripes to complex designs simulating engine ventilation. It is important to understand that quality installation requires surface preparation and the correct choice of adhesive, otherwise the element may fly off at high speed or damage the paintwork.
In this article we will analyze all the nuances of choosing, installing and caring for gills. You will learn which materials are considered the best, how to avoid common mistakes when gluing, and whether it is worth getting involved with this type of tuning at all if you plan to sell your car in the future.
Main types and materials of manufacture
The first thing a car enthusiast encounters when looking for decor is a huge variety of materials. Not only the appearance, but also the durability of the element directly depends on them. ABS plastic remains the most common option due to its flexibility and low price. It tolerates temperature changes well, but over time it can fade in the sun if it is not covered with high-quality varnish.
A more expensive and prestigious option is considered natural carbon or its imitation. Such gills look most impressive, especially on dark cars, and are highly durable. However, carbon requires careful handling: upon impact, it can crack, and it is almost impossible to restore its integrity. There are also products made from polyurethane, which are highly elastic.
What is the difference between carbon fiber and carbon film?
Natural carbon is a composite material woven from carbon fibers and filled with resin. It has a characteristic relief and high strength. Carbon film is a printed vinyl backing bonded to a plastic backing. Film is cheaper, but loses its appearance faster and can be scratched.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the quality of the casting. Cheap Chinese analogues often have uneven geometry, which is why their edges may not fit tightly to the body, creating gaps into which dirt and moisture can accumulate. Original pads or high-quality replicas always have perfect repeatability of the wing contours.
- 🚗 ABS plastic: budget, flexible, easy to paint in any color, but may fade.
- 💎 Carbon: premium look, high rigidity, chemical resistance, but high price.
- 🛡️ Polyurethane: high impact resistance, does not crack in the cold, but is difficult to paint.
- ⚙️ Metal (aluminium): It is rare, heavy, and can corrode if the coating is damaged.
Functional purpose and style
Many drivers install gills solely for the sake of beauty, forgetting about their original purpose. In the classic automotive industry, such slits on the wings served to remove hot air from the engine compartment or reduce aerodynamic drag. In modern tuning decorative gills Most often they are deaf, but their design is designed to imitate the operation of functional elements.
Stylistically, these elements are divided into several directions. Aggressive style involves the use of large, raised overlays with sharp edges, often painted in a contrasting color or having a matte finish. Classic or luxury cars are characterized by thin, elongated chrome strips that only slightly emphasize the fender line.
If you plan to install gills with integrated LED lighting, make sure that the wiring goes through the access holes in the fender and is not just pressed against the metal to avoid chafing the insulation.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the gills with built-in turn signals. It is not only beautiful when the entire sidewall blinks, but also functional - such a car is more noticeable in traffic. However, the connection requires intervention in the electrical system, which may give rise to disputes with the insurance company in the event of an accident or fire, if the installation is made at home.
It is important to maintain balance. The body, overloaded with details, looks cheap and clumsy. Correctly selected element should be in harmony with the overall concept of the car, and not look like a foreign body. For example, on a massive SUV, large, brutal linings are appropriate, while on a low sedan, neat, barely noticeable accents look better.
Surface preparation before installation
The quality of fit of the gills depends 90% on surface preparation. Even the most expensive glue will not hold the trim on a dirty, greasy or wet body. Before starting work, the car must be thoroughly washed and, what is critically important, the installation site must be degreased. Use a special antisilicone or isopropyl alcohol, but not gasoline or aggressive solvents that can damage the varnish.
After degreasing, the surface must be completely dry. If the wing has chips or deep scratches at the point of contact, it is advisable to touch them up, otherwise a corrosion process will begin under the lining, which will emerge as rusty smudges in a few months. It is also recommended to warm up the body and the trim itself if installation is carried out in the cold season.
☑️ Preparation for installation of gills
For an ideal result, many craftsmen advise using a primer for plastics and surfaces. This is a clear liquid that is applied in a thin layer to the body and to the inside of the trim. The primer creates a chemical bond between the materials, making the connection virtually unbreakable. Using a primer increases adhesion strength by 2-3 times compared to using only double-sided tape.
Don't forget about the temperature. The optimal temperature for work is from +15 to +25 degrees Celsius. The garage should be warm and dry. Drafts or dust can get under the adhesive layer, creating air bubbles that will eventually lead to peeling.
Installation technology: step-by-step instructions
The installation process does not require sophisticated equipment, but demands accuracy and a steady hand. First you need to try on the gill, determining the exact position. Many trims have a universal length, and they have to be cut with a utility knife or metal scissors to the size of the wing. This must be done carefully so as not to leave burrs.
When the size is adjusted, remove the protective film from the adhesive layer (usually 3M VHB). Do not touch the sticky surface with your fingers - oil from the skin will reduce adhesion. Attach the element to the wing, starting from one edge, and press firmly along the entire length. It is most convenient to do this together: one holds, the other rolls.
| Stage | Action | Exposure time | Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Degreasing | 2-3 min | Cloth, anti-silicone |
| 2 | Fitting and trimming | 5-10 min | Knife, ruler |
| 3 | Primer application | 1 min | Brush, applicator |
| 4 | Fixation | Instantly | Hands, stitching roller |
| 5 | Final polymerization | 24 hours | Weight or clamps |
After gluing, it is necessary to ensure tight pressure. To do this, you can use masking tape, stretching it across the wing, or place a small weight (wrapped in soft fabric) in place of the gluing. Complete polymerization the adhesive composition takes from 12 to 24 hours. During this period, it is advisable not to wet the car and not drive on the highway at high speeds.
The main secret to a reliable installation is not to skimp on double-sided tape. The original 3M VHB can withstand vibrations and washes for years, while cheap analogues fall off after a month.
Painting and tinting of decorative elements
Gills are often sold in matte black or “primer”, which requires painting to match the body color or in a contrasting shade. If you plan to paint the element separately, use a special primer for plastic. It ensures paint adheres to the smooth ABS or polyurethane surface.
The painting process is not much different from body repair: primer, base, varnish. However, there is a nuance: plastic elements have a high coefficient of thermal expansion. In the sun they heat up more than metal and expand. Therefore, the paint must be flexible. Addition plasticizer into paint or varnish will make the coating more flexible and prevent the appearance of microcracks.
⚠️ Attention: When painting plastic gills, do not use aggressive solvents (for example, 646) to thin the paint. They can “eat” the plastic, turning its surface into mush. Use only solvents recommended by the paint manufacturer.
If you want to leave the gills black, but give them a deep shine, you can use a tinting varnish or a special film. This will protect the plastic from fading and give the appearance of “wet” carbon fiber. The main thing is not to overheat the part with a hairdryer when installing the film so that it does not become deformed.
Care, maintenance and dismantling
Installed gills require the same care as the rest of the body. When using a touchless wash, be careful not to direct the high-pressure water jet directly into the joint between the trim and the fender. Over time, water can wash away the glue and the element will begin to loosen. Check the condition of the edges regularly.
Sooner or later the question of dismantling will arise. This may be due to selling the car (to return it to factory condition) or replacing a damaged element. The gill must be removed carefully so as not to damage the paintwork of the wing. Sudden jerks are unacceptable here.
To remove, use a heat gun and fishing line (or a special string). Heat the overlay to 60-70 degrees to soften the glue, and use the fishing line to gently saw along the adhesive layer. Glue residues are easily removed with a special remover or a rubber disk on a drill.
- 🧼 Washing: Avoid direct contact of the Karcher jet into the joints.
- 🔥 Dismantling: It is necessary to warm it up with a hairdryer before removing it.
- 🧽 Glue cleaning: use a rubber disk or special tools, do not scrape with a knife.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the gills fall off in an automatic car wash?
If the installation is done correctly using a primer and high-quality 3M tape, and the polymerization time is maintained (24 hours), then automatic washing is not a problem. However, it is best to avoid using pressure washers for the first couple of weeks.
Will the gills interfere with wing painting in the future?
Yes, for high-quality painting of the wing, the gills will have to be removed. It is impossible to paint “all-round” with installed overlays, since there will be unpainted underneath and the transition border will be visible. Removal usually takes place without consequences for the paintwork if you use the right technology.
Is it possible to install gills on a rusty wing?
Strongly not recommended. A greenhouse effect will be created under the lining, moisture will stagnate, and corrosion will accelerate. First you need to cure the rust, putty and paint the damage, and only then glue the decor.
Do gills affect aerodynamics?
Decorative overlays, as a rule, have a streamlined shape and have little effect on aerodynamics. In some cases, they can even improve streamlining, smoothing out sharp transitions. However, at high speeds (over 140 km/h) they can create additional wind noise.