Frequently Asked Questions
Donor Chassis
What Donors can I use and what is the wheelbase?
The standard 4-door body is designed for around a 130" (3,300 mm) wheelbase. Ford, Chevy, GM, and Dodge standard-cab, long-bed pickups as well as Suburbans all make great donors with a wheel base around 130" (normally between 129" to 135"). The 2-doors can usually be used on trucks with a wheelbase of about 88" ( on up (Blazers/Jimmys, Bronco, Ram-Chargers, short-bed pickups, etc...) or on regular donors when an extra long bed, 2-door is desired. The Sport bodies (72"/1,830 mm wide versus regular 84"/2,135 mm width) can be use on compact pickups/suvs (e.g. S-10, Ranger, Dakota, Toyota, Nissan...) or they can also be used on full-size donors when you want less width for mileage, extreme trails, parking, etc... The Stretch bodies can be used when you want extra room between the doors (e.g. stretch limo) or a longer bed behind the rear tires (e.g. reuse larger gas tanks or for longer bed). The Stretch can also be added in the wheelbase for longer wheelbase donors (e.g. 1 foot stretch for Chevy extended-cab, short-bed pickups). You can also combine the options to get the perfect body for your specific donor and needs.
What are the preferred donors?
The preferred donor depends on the individual. The bodies look great on all types of donors. In the past before the Sport, Stretch, and Quick Swap bodies most customers use the early Chevy Pickups and Suburbans with the straight front axle. They preferred the stronger, easier to customize straight-axles. Some customers prefer the newer Chevy's with the Independent Front Suspension as the body may ride lower. If getting the new firewall option you may need to get a newer, shorter steering column like a front wheel drive GM car steering-column. Also, most guys have used up through 1999 so they don't have to worry about possible air-bag issues. With the Quick Swap bodies you would reuse the donor components which include the airbags.
Can I reuse the donor wiring harness?
Most customer reuse the donor wiring harness and you can label each lead as it is unplugged/removed. With the older donors many people feel that the new harness is well worth it due to the time saved in dealing with rusted, brittle wires.
Can I reuse the donor seats?
With the QuickSwap bodies (leave the existing firewall & front floorpan) you can reuse the existing front seats and may be able to reuse other rows of seats if desired. The new body is wider so you will have a gap to the side of the drivers seat on the QuickSwap bodies and may want to go with wider seats in the back to have more seating area. Many people have used seats from cars, minivans, or jeeps for the back. You may also want to use bench seats in the center in the back. You will probably have to remove old pedestals and make new pedestals/mounts for many seats.
Can I use a manual transmission?
A manual transmission should work fine with a QuickSwap build as you don't need to mess with the shifting area.
Can I use a Hemi, V-6, or Diesel engine?
We have had customers use most types of engines and most work without any problem. Some of the larger engines (e.g. large diesels w/ turbos & inter-coolers) may require extra customization/fitment (e.g. raise body/hood, shift body/hood forward, stretch back of hood area...). On extreme builds some customers get a new firewall and cut it and relocate the drive train backward into the cab. You may also be able to mount the body a little higher in order to clear the taller/bigger engines. Contact us for more information on the engine you are considering.
The standard 4-door body is designed for around a 130" (3,300 mm) wheelbase. Ford, Chevy, GM, and Dodge standard-cab, long-bed pickups as well as Suburbans all make great donors with a wheel base around 130" (normally between 129" to 135"). The 2-doors can usually be used on trucks with a wheelbase of about 88" ( on up (Blazers/Jimmys, Bronco, Ram-Chargers, short-bed pickups, etc...) or on regular donors when an extra long bed, 2-door is desired. The Sport bodies (72"/1,830 mm wide versus regular 84"/2,135 mm width) can be use on compact pickups/suvs (e.g. S-10, Ranger, Dakota, Toyota, Nissan...) or they can also be used on full-size donors when you want less width for mileage, extreme trails, parking, etc... The Stretch bodies can be used when you want extra room between the doors (e.g. stretch limo) or a longer bed behind the rear tires (e.g. reuse larger gas tanks or for longer bed). The Stretch can also be added in the wheelbase for longer wheelbase donors (e.g. 1 foot stretch for Chevy extended-cab, short-bed pickups). You can also combine the options to get the perfect body for your specific donor and needs.
What are the preferred donors?
The preferred donor depends on the individual. The bodies look great on all types of donors. In the past before the Sport, Stretch, and Quick Swap bodies most customers use the early Chevy Pickups and Suburbans with the straight front axle. They preferred the stronger, easier to customize straight-axles. Some customers prefer the newer Chevy's with the Independent Front Suspension as the body may ride lower. If getting the new firewall option you may need to get a newer, shorter steering column like a front wheel drive GM car steering-column. Also, most guys have used up through 1999 so they don't have to worry about possible air-bag issues. With the Quick Swap bodies you would reuse the donor components which include the airbags.
Can I reuse the donor wiring harness?
Most customer reuse the donor wiring harness and you can label each lead as it is unplugged/removed. With the older donors many people feel that the new harness is well worth it due to the time saved in dealing with rusted, brittle wires.
Can I reuse the donor seats?
With the QuickSwap bodies (leave the existing firewall & front floorpan) you can reuse the existing front seats and may be able to reuse other rows of seats if desired. The new body is wider so you will have a gap to the side of the drivers seat on the QuickSwap bodies and may want to go with wider seats in the back to have more seating area. Many people have used seats from cars, minivans, or jeeps for the back. You may also want to use bench seats in the center in the back. You will probably have to remove old pedestals and make new pedestals/mounts for many seats.
Can I use a manual transmission?
A manual transmission should work fine with a QuickSwap build as you don't need to mess with the shifting area.
Can I use a Hemi, V-6, or Diesel engine?
We have had customers use most types of engines and most work without any problem. Some of the larger engines (e.g. large diesels w/ turbos & inter-coolers) may require extra customization/fitment (e.g. raise body/hood, shift body/hood forward, stretch back of hood area...). On extreme builds some customers get a new firewall and cut it and relocate the drive train backward into the cab. You may also be able to mount the body a little higher in order to clear the taller/bigger engines. Contact us for more information on the engine you are considering.
Shipping
How is shipping handled with these bodies?
You can pick up your order or use any shipping company you chose. The new weld-it-yourself bodies they ship more compactly (about 8'x5'x2.5') so it is easy to shop around for the best LTL quotes. We can have a broker contact you about rates from dozens of companies and you can choose the best shipping for you.
For pre-welded bodies, some shippers may require special packaging or crating for protection of pre-welded bodies. As you are responsible for shipping you may want to go with a dedicated shipment as LTL(less than truckload) shippers usually transfer the shipment at several hubs (high risk of damage that they may not cover). In the past customers have preferred to use a dedicated shipment (e.g. 13 feet on a truck or 4 meters on a container) or use online services like UShip.com to have truckers bid on your shipment where the body will stay on the same truck or trailer. The free packaging includes packing the lose components and doors inside pre-welded bodies for protection and shrink-wrapping them into place. The bodies are now shipped without the doors installed so the doors and other components ship inside for protection. All shipping is FOB Origin.
I'm trying to calculate shipping and need to know the weight of the bodies. How much do they weigh?
Depending on what options are ordered the weight will vary. Here are some rough estimates for regular QuickSwap bodies: Combat - 700 pounds or 300 kg, 4-Door SlantBack - 1,250 pounds or 700 kg. The weld-it yourself bodies are about 8'x5'x2.5' (2.5 m x 1.5 m x .8 m) and a full-width pre-welded body is about 12.5'x7'x4.5' (4 m x 2.2 m x 1.5 m).
What freight class is used?
Most guys use independent shippers (e.g. via uship.com) that way they don't have to worry about freight class or special packaging. If required it is best to have the shipping company determine the shipping class. Many shippers consider the pre-welded bodies product to be class 150 but if they reclassify later as say a class 250 then the price could triple! Or you may want to do a stated class if they are willing. It is best to stay flexible and check around to get the best deal and save a bunch on shipping. We can have a representative from an independent shipping brokerage walk you through your options when you are ready to ship. They always seem to find much better deals than we could. For example, 2 SlantBack weld-it-yourself bodies were shipped together from Salt Lake City to New York City for around $650 with express shipment!
What is the shipping size?
The shipping dimensions for traditional bodies are approximately 86" wide, 54" high, and 150" long (4 m x 2.2 m x 1.5 m). For the weld-it-yourself they are approximately 8' by 5' by 2.5'(2.5 m x 1.5 m x .8 m).
You can pick up your order or use any shipping company you chose. The new weld-it-yourself bodies they ship more compactly (about 8'x5'x2.5') so it is easy to shop around for the best LTL quotes. We can have a broker contact you about rates from dozens of companies and you can choose the best shipping for you.
For pre-welded bodies, some shippers may require special packaging or crating for protection of pre-welded bodies. As you are responsible for shipping you may want to go with a dedicated shipment as LTL(less than truckload) shippers usually transfer the shipment at several hubs (high risk of damage that they may not cover). In the past customers have preferred to use a dedicated shipment (e.g. 13 feet on a truck or 4 meters on a container) or use online services like UShip.com to have truckers bid on your shipment where the body will stay on the same truck or trailer. The free packaging includes packing the lose components and doors inside pre-welded bodies for protection and shrink-wrapping them into place. The bodies are now shipped without the doors installed so the doors and other components ship inside for protection. All shipping is FOB Origin.
I'm trying to calculate shipping and need to know the weight of the bodies. How much do they weigh?
Depending on what options are ordered the weight will vary. Here are some rough estimates for regular QuickSwap bodies: Combat - 700 pounds or 300 kg, 4-Door SlantBack - 1,250 pounds or 700 kg. The weld-it yourself bodies are about 8'x5'x2.5' (2.5 m x 1.5 m x .8 m) and a full-width pre-welded body is about 12.5'x7'x4.5' (4 m x 2.2 m x 1.5 m).
What freight class is used?
Most guys use independent shippers (e.g. via uship.com) that way they don't have to worry about freight class or special packaging. If required it is best to have the shipping company determine the shipping class. Many shippers consider the pre-welded bodies product to be class 150 but if they reclassify later as say a class 250 then the price could triple! Or you may want to do a stated class if they are willing. It is best to stay flexible and check around to get the best deal and save a bunch on shipping. We can have a representative from an independent shipping brokerage walk you through your options when you are ready to ship. They always seem to find much better deals than we could. For example, 2 SlantBack weld-it-yourself bodies were shipped together from Salt Lake City to New York City for around $650 with express shipment!
What is the shipping size?
The shipping dimensions for traditional bodies are approximately 86" wide, 54" high, and 150" long (4 m x 2.2 m x 1.5 m). For the weld-it-yourself they are approximately 8' by 5' by 2.5'(2.5 m x 1.5 m x .8 m).
General
What type of glass do I need, and where can I get it?
The bodies come with all the trim so you can use 1/4" flat glass from a local residential/commercial glass shop. Laminated safety glass (has a thin layer of plastic in center) is typically required on the windshield and can be used on all fixed glass. The local shop can cut and install this for you. Some guys will use this same glass for the roll-up windows. Others recommend you have your glass shop order in rectangular-cut tempered glass (pre-cut glass that is then heat treated) for the roll-up windows. You will probably want to remind them to smooth the edges before they temper the door glass. There is some debate about which glass is better for roll-up windows but it sounds like guys have had success with both types.
What lights are included?
All required lights are included in the light kit: Headlight assembly, tail lights, 4 marker lights (corners), 2 bars with 3 ICC lights (yellow for front & red for back), turn signals, dome light... Short pig tail wires come with some of the lights to attach to the donor wiring. You may need to add extensions to some of the donor wiring.
What rims are recommended?
Many guys recommend using standard 12" (300 mm) wide rims with 1/2 ton donors, 10" (250 mm) wide rims for the 3/4 ton donors, and regular rims on the 1 ton chassis. As back spacing differs you may want to take some measurements or borrow some rims/tires to try on for size before purchasing.
What is the recommended wheelbase?
As the bodies are custom made based on your desired wheelbase and width, we can customize a body for just about anything with a separate frame. Here are some general examples for each model:
The bodies come with all the trim so you can use 1/4" flat glass from a local residential/commercial glass shop. Laminated safety glass (has a thin layer of plastic in center) is typically required on the windshield and can be used on all fixed glass. The local shop can cut and install this for you. Some guys will use this same glass for the roll-up windows. Others recommend you have your glass shop order in rectangular-cut tempered glass (pre-cut glass that is then heat treated) for the roll-up windows. You will probably want to remind them to smooth the edges before they temper the door glass. There is some debate about which glass is better for roll-up windows but it sounds like guys have had success with both types.
What lights are included?
All required lights are included in the light kit: Headlight assembly, tail lights, 4 marker lights (corners), 2 bars with 3 ICC lights (yellow for front & red for back), turn signals, dome light... Short pig tail wires come with some of the lights to attach to the donor wiring. You may need to add extensions to some of the donor wiring.
What rims are recommended?
Many guys recommend using standard 12" (300 mm) wide rims with 1/2 ton donors, 10" (250 mm) wide rims for the 3/4 ton donors, and regular rims on the 1 ton chassis. As back spacing differs you may want to take some measurements or borrow some rims/tires to try on for size before purchasing.
What is the recommended wheelbase?
As the bodies are custom made based on your desired wheelbase and width, we can customize a body for just about anything with a separate frame. Here are some general examples for each model:
- 2-Door - Wheelbases from about 88" (2,235 mm) on up like Bronco, Blazer, Ram Charger, jeeps, short bed pickups... or when a larger bed area is desired.
- 4-Door - Wheelbases from about 123" (3,125 mm) on up like suburban, regular-cab long-bed pickups, compact extended-cab pickups...
- 6-Door - Wheelbases from about 153" (3,885 mm) on up like crew-cab pickups, extended-cab long-bed pickups, custom stretched frames...
Materials
Are the bodies made of fiberglass or steel?
The bodies are made from steel (14-16 gauge steel with a 0.083-0.120" wall tubular substructure). Gel-coated fiberglass composite is used for the hood, rear quarter panel inserts, and doors. There are also 3 custom dash pieces that are out of fiberglass composite if applicable.
How long does it take to build?
Build time will vary according to skill and the amount of detail. Some guys will build their Gorillas in record time and use a spray out interior, no-doors, etc. Others will wrap everything in leather, build custom bumpers, make other custom parts, and take years to build a show-quality Gorilla. We recommend that you watch the assembly videos or download the old general assembly guide to see the general steps. As there are numerous ways to do many steps, you should plan time to figure out how you want to do things. With the new Quick Swap bodies some guys could have the body mounted in less than a day and finish most everything in a couple of weekends.
What kind of special tools do I need?
Urban Gorilla Body Kits are designed for the do-it-yourself-er. The complete job requires only ordinary Auto Shop skills and equipment. Having access to a welder will make some of the steps easier especially on complete body swaps. The new Quick Swap body should be even easier as you don't have to do anything with the steering, pedals, firewall, dash, heater/AC, etc...
Are turnkeys (ready to drive) or rolling chassis available?
We do not offer turnkey solutions. However, if you would like to email us, we may be able to point you to an independent assembler in your area.
The bodies are made from steel (14-16 gauge steel with a 0.083-0.120" wall tubular substructure). Gel-coated fiberglass composite is used for the hood, rear quarter panel inserts, and doors. There are also 3 custom dash pieces that are out of fiberglass composite if applicable.
How long does it take to build?
Build time will vary according to skill and the amount of detail. Some guys will build their Gorillas in record time and use a spray out interior, no-doors, etc. Others will wrap everything in leather, build custom bumpers, make other custom parts, and take years to build a show-quality Gorilla. We recommend that you watch the assembly videos or download the old general assembly guide to see the general steps. As there are numerous ways to do many steps, you should plan time to figure out how you want to do things. With the new Quick Swap bodies some guys could have the body mounted in less than a day and finish most everything in a couple of weekends.
What kind of special tools do I need?
Urban Gorilla Body Kits are designed for the do-it-yourself-er. The complete job requires only ordinary Auto Shop skills and equipment. Having access to a welder will make some of the steps easier especially on complete body swaps. The new Quick Swap body should be even easier as you don't have to do anything with the steering, pedals, firewall, dash, heater/AC, etc...
Are turnkeys (ready to drive) or rolling chassis available?
We do not offer turnkey solutions. However, if you would like to email us, we may be able to point you to an independent assembler in your area.
Registration and Insurance
How are the finished vehicles registered?
Your state highway patrol and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can help you through the registration process. Most customers register the vehicle as the donor vehicle as it still has the same frame, engine, chassis, firewall, front seats, etc... Many states have guidelines to register it based on the frame or engine. Many people may even decide to register it as a home-made or kit car or component vehicle.
What about insurance?
Most guys will use their existing insurance company. They may choose to insure it as the donor chassis with a note that it has a new body/increased value. Also, there are also companies that specialize in exotic, kit cars, or replicars.
Your state highway patrol and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can help you through the registration process. Most customers register the vehicle as the donor vehicle as it still has the same frame, engine, chassis, firewall, front seats, etc... Many states have guidelines to register it based on the frame or engine. Many people may even decide to register it as a home-made or kit car or component vehicle.
What about insurance?
Most guys will use their existing insurance company. They may choose to insure it as the donor chassis with a note that it has a new body/increased value. Also, there are also companies that specialize in exotic, kit cars, or replicars.
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_© 2012 Urban Gorilla LLC - All Rights Reserved
Notice: Urban Gorilla sells superior-quality, steel bodies for customers to use to build their own vehicle/kit car/re-body. These body packages are not GM® Kits, Dodge® Kits, Ford® Kits, Chevrolet® Kits, Land Rover® Kits, HMMWV Kits, Humvee® Kits, Hummer® Kits, H1® Kits, H2® Kits... kit cars, replicas, replicars... Urban Gorilla LLC is not associated with any of these companies, their subsidiaries, their owners, or any other company in any way. These names are registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Notice: Urban Gorilla sells superior-quality, steel bodies for customers to use to build their own vehicle/kit car/re-body. These body packages are not GM® Kits, Dodge® Kits, Ford® Kits, Chevrolet® Kits, Land Rover® Kits, HMMWV Kits, Humvee® Kits, Hummer® Kits, H1® Kits, H2® Kits... kit cars, replicas, replicars... Urban Gorilla LLC is not associated with any of these companies, their subsidiaries, their owners, or any other company in any way. These names are registered trademarks of their respective owners.