If you’ve been searching for how to install a widebody kit on a Charger, you’re about to tackle one of the most transformative mods in the Mopar world. A widebody conversion takes your Dodge Charger from aggressive to absolutely menacing — adding 3+ inches of fender width per side and opening the door to massive wheel and tire setups. This guide walks you through every step of the installation process using a polypropylene widebody kit from Vicrez, the gold standard for fitment and durability.
Vicrez Dodge Charger Widebody Kit — Gallery
Before You Start: What You Need to Know
Difficulty Level
This is an intermediate to advanced installation. If you’ve done bumper swaps or fender work before, you can handle this. If this is your first body modification, consider having an experienced friend or shop assist.
Time Estimate
Plan for 8–12 hours for a full widebody kit installation. This includes test-fitting, trimming, drilling, and final mounting. Paint and body work are separate — add 3–5 days if you’re sending pieces to a paint shop beforehand.
Why Polypropylene Matters
Vicrez widebody kits are manufactured from polypropylene (PP) — the same material used by OEMs for factory bumpers and fender flares. Unlike fiberglass (which cracks on impact) or ABS (which becomes brittle in cold weather), polypropylene is flexible, impact-resistant, and arrives with a paint-ready finish. This means less prep work and a factory-quality result once painted.
Complete Tools and Materials List
Essential Tools
- Socket set (10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 15mm)
- Trim removal tools (plastic pry set)
- Electric drill with 1/8″ and 3/16″ drill bits
- Dremel rotary tool with cutting wheels
- Heat gun
- Rivet gun with 3/16″ rivets
- Masking tape (automotive grade)
- Body line tape (1/8″ fine line)
- Clamps (6–8 spring clamps)
- Jack and jack stands
- Fender roller (recommended)
Materials
- 3M double-sided automotive tape (heavy duty)
- Silicone adhesive (black, automotive grade)
- Self-tapping screws (supplied with most kits)
- Touch-up paint for any exposed metal after trimming
- Rubbing alcohol or surface prep wipes
- Sandpaper (320 and 600 grit)
Step 1: Unbox and Inspect Every Piece
Before touching your car, lay out every component of your Vicrez widebody kit on a clean surface. Cross-reference with the included parts list. You should have:
- Front fender flares (left and right)
- Rear fender flares (left and right)
- Front bumper extensions or splitter (if included)
- Side skirt extensions
- Hardware kit (screws, rivets, clips, brackets)
- Installation guide
Inspect each piece for shipping damage. Polypropylene is forgiving — minor bends will flex back — but check edges for any cracks or defects. Contact Vicrez support immediately if anything is off.
Step 2: Prepare the Vehicle
Wash the car thoroughly, especially the fender wells and lower body panels. Any dirt or oil will compromise adhesion later.
- Remove the wheels — Jack up the car and place it securely on jack stands. Remove all four wheels for full access to the fenders.
- Remove inner fender liners — Pop the plastic clips holding the fender liners in place. Set liners aside; you’ll reinstall (and likely trim) them later.
- Remove factory fender trim — The Charger has a subtle fender lip/trim piece. Use trim tools to carefully pry it off without damaging paint.
- Clean and prep surfaces — Wipe all mounting surfaces with rubbing alcohol. This ensures tape and adhesive bond properly.
Step 3: Test-Fit the Front Fender Flares
This is the most critical step. Do not drill or cut anything yet.
- Hold the front flare up to the fender. Use spring clamps or masking tape to temporarily hold it in position.
- Check alignment with the body lines — the flare should follow the factory fender contour seamlessly. Vicrez kits are 3D-scanned to match OEM body lines, so gaps should be minimal.
- Mark any areas where the flare overlaps the factory fender edge. You may need to trim the inner lip of the stock fender by 1/4″–1/2″ for flush fitment.
- Check door clearance — open and close the doors to ensure nothing rubs.
- Mark mounting hole locations with a pencil or marker through the pre-drilled holes in the flare.
Step 4: Trim the Factory Fenders
Most widebody kits require some trimming of the stock fender lip to accommodate the wider flares.
- Use body line tape to mark your cut line. Stay conservative — you can always trim more, but you can’t add metal back.
- Use a Dremel with a cutting wheel to carefully trim along your marked line.
- Use a fender roller on the inner lip to fold any remaining metal inward. This prevents tire rub when you upgrade to wider wheels.
- Sand cut edges smooth with 320-grit sandpaper.
- Apply touch-up paint or rust inhibitor to any exposed bare metal immediately.
Step 5: Mount the Front Fender Flares
- Apply 3M double-sided tape along the back edge of the flare where it meets the body panel. This provides initial hold and vibration dampening.
- Apply a bead of automotive silicone adhesive along the inner mounting surface for permanent bond.
- Position the flare on the fender, aligning with your marked mounting holes.
- Drill pilot holes at marked locations using a 1/8″ bit, then upsize to 3/16″ for rivets or self-tapping screws.
- Secure with hardware — start at the top center and work outward to ensure even fitment.
- Clamp the flare in position and let adhesive cure for 2–4 hours before removing clamps.
Step 6: Install the Rear Fender Flares
The rear flares follow the same process as the fronts, with a few differences:
- Rear fenders are typically one piece of stamped metal — trimming requires more care.
- You may need to relocate or extend the fuel door cable (driver side).
- The rear flares are larger and heavier — have a helper hold them during test-fitting.
- Ensure adequate clearance for the rear suspension travel. With 305-width tires, you need every millimeter.
Follow the same test-fit → mark → trim → prep → mount sequence as the fronts.
Step 7: Install Side Skirts and Extensions
If your kit includes side skirt extensions:
- Test-fit by holding the skirt in position along the rocker panel.
- Mark mounting locations.
- Clean the rocker panel surface with alcohol.
- Apply 3M tape and adhesive.
- Secure with screws from underneath (into the pinch weld area).
Step 8: Reinstall Fender Liners and Wheels
- Trim inner fender liners to fit within the new flare profile. Mark and cut with scissors or a utility knife — the plastic is easy to work with.
- Reinstall liners using factory clips plus any additional hardware from the kit.
- Mount your wheels. This is where the widebody really comes alive — now you can fit 20×11″ wheels with 305/35ZR20 tires like the VCorsa VT101.
- Lower the car and do a final visual inspection from every angle.
Step 9: Final Adjustments and Quality Check
- Check all gaps and panel alignment. Polypropylene allows minor adjustments with a heat gun — warm the material gently and press into position.
- Verify all hardware is tight. Do a second pass on every screw and rivet.
- Open and close all doors and the trunk to confirm zero interference.
- Drive the car at low speed over bumps to listen for rattles. Address any loose points immediately.
Paint and Finish Options
Vicrez polypropylene kits arrive with a smooth, paint-ready surface. You have several options:
- Color-matched paint — The most popular choice. Take the flares to a body shop with your paint code for a seamless factory look.
- Satin or matte wrap — Vinyl wrap the flares for a two-tone effect. Popular with blacked-out builds.
- Textured/unpainted — Some builders prefer the raw look, especially on aggressive street builds.
For best paint adhesion on polypropylene, use a plastic adhesion promoter (like Bulldog or SEM) before primer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping test-fitting — Every car has slight manufacturing variances. Always dry-fit before drilling.
- Cutting too much fender — Be conservative. Take your time.
- Not prepping surfaces — Dirty or oily surfaces = adhesive failure within months.
- Rushing the install — An 8-hour job done in 4 hours will look like it. Take breaks.
- Ignoring rust prevention — Any cut metal must be sealed immediately.
What to Upgrade Next
Once your widebody kit is installed, the build really opens up. Consider these next steps:
- Rear diffuser to complete the rear-end look
- Front splitter for aerodynamic balance
- Aftermarket hood (carbon fiber or vented)
- Custom carbon fiber steering wheel for the interior
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to install a widebody kit on a Dodge Charger?
Plan for 8–12 hours for the full installation, not including paint. Experienced installers may finish in 6–8 hours, while first-timers should allow a full weekend.
Can I install a widebody kit myself or do I need a professional?
A confident DIYer with basic hand tools and body work experience can absolutely install a widebody kit at home. Having a helper for holding large pieces makes the job significantly easier. If you’ve never done body work, consider having a shop handle at least the fender trimming.
Do I need to cut my factory fenders?
Yes, most widebody kits require trimming the factory fender lip by 1/4″ to 1/2″. This is a permanent modification. The flares completely cover the cut area, so it’s invisible once installed.
What years of Dodge Charger fit Vicrez widebody kits?
Vicrez offers widebody kits for the 2015–2023 Dodge Charger (the LD platform), as well as the 2024–2026 new-generation Charger. Always verify the specific part number for your model year.
Why is polypropylene better than fiberglass for a widebody kit?
Polypropylene is flexible, impact-resistant, and won’t crack or shatter like fiberglass. It arrives paint-ready without extensive sanding or gel coat repair. It’s the same material OEMs use for factory bumpers, which means it expands and contracts with temperature changes without cracking.
Can I run stock wheels with a widebody kit?
Technically yes, but it defeats the purpose. Stock wheels will look sunken inside the wider fenders. Most builders upgrade to 20×11″ wheels with 305/35ZR20 tires to fill the flares properly. Check out Vicrez widebody wheel and tire packages for a complete solution.
