An aftermarket part either looks like it came with the car or it looks like it was added in a driveway. The difference is almost always the fitting: whether the shop test-fit it, used the right hardware, and protected your paint. These are the questions we’d ask any shop, answered honestly for our own.
1. Will they test-fit before anything is drilled or glued?
Aftermarket parts, especially fiberglass and carbon fiber from overseas, are rarely perfect out of the box. A shop that bolts straight on ends up with uneven gaps and a splitter that sits crooked, and by then the holes are drilled.
Our answer: Every part is held up to the car and aligned before a single hole is drilled or adhesive is applied. If it needs trimming or shimming, we do that first.
2. Will they install parts you bought yourself?
Many shops only install what they sell, which usually means a markup. Others will install anything without checking it. You want a shop that will fit your part and tell you honestly if it’s warped, short on hardware or wrong for your trim.
Our answer: Bring your parts. We check fit before we start, and we’ll tell you if something won’t work. We can also source parts for you if you’d rather not deal with it.
3. What hardware and adhesive do they use?
Hardware-store double-sided tape and zinc bolts are the shortcut. The tape lets go on the first hot day and the bolts rust in a Delaware winter. Spoilers and splitters in particular need proper hardware and sealed mounting points.
Our answer: Stainless or coated hardware, nut plates where the factory never intended a bolt, proper automotive adhesive on cleaned and primed paint, and sealed drill points.
4. Can you see their work up close?
Look at gaps, alignment and edges in photos, not just the whole car. A straight lip with even gaps on both sides is the tell.
Our answer: See our recent accessory installs and customer rides.
5. Do they think about how you drive?
A splitter set up for a show car will crack on the first steep driveway. A good shop asks how you use the car and sets things like ride height clearance and splitter depth around that.
Our answer: We talk through your daily driving before we set anything, and we’ll tell you when a part is a trade-off.
6. Can they do the rest of the build?
Parts usually come with a wrap, a chrome delete, tint or lighting. One shop doing it all means parts are fitted around the wrap instead of over it, and one drop-off instead of three.
Our answer: Wraps, tint and lighting are all in-house.
Where to find us
MarxModified AutoStyling is at 4706 Old Capitol Trail, Wilmington, DE 19808, off Kirkwood Highway near Prices Corner. Hours are Wednesday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, with Monday and Tuesday by appointment. Read more about our Wilmington accessory installs.
Choosing an accessories shop FAQ
How do I pick a shop to install aftermarket parts?
Ask whether they test-fit first, whether they’ll install parts you bought, what hardware and adhesive they use, and look at their finished work up close for even gaps and straight lines.
Will a shop install parts I bought online?
Some won’t. MarxModified will, after checking fit, and we’ll tell you if a part is warped or wrong for your car before we start.
Does installing a spoiler or lip damage the car?
Not when it’s done right. Drilled points are sealed, adhesive parts go on cleaned and primed paint, and everything is test-fit first so there are no extra holes.
How much does it cost to install a front lip or spoiler?
It depends on how the part mounts and how much fitting it needs. Send us the part and your car and we’ll quote it, usually the same day.