Styling Your Ride with an 07 Acura TL Body Kit

If you've been hunting for an 07 acura tl body kit, you probably already know that this specific generation of the TL—the third gen, or the UA7 for the enthusiasts—is arguably one of the best-looking sedans Acura ever produced. Even though it's been well over a decade since these cars rolled off the assembly line, they have this timeless, sharp design that just doesn't seem to age. However, if yours is looking a little "stock" lately, a body kit is the quickest way to bring back that aggressive, modern edge.

Getting the right kit isn't just about picking the first thing you see on a search result. It's about understanding fitment, materials, and the specific "vibe" you want for your build. Some people want that slammed, show-car look, while others just want a subtle OEM-plus feel that makes people double-take at a stoplight.

Why the 3rd Gen TL is Still a Modding Favorite

It's actually kind of wild how much love the 2004–2008 TL gets today. The 2007 model year is right in that sweet spot where Acura perfected the interior and updated the exterior lighting. Because the car has such clean, straight lines, an 07 acura tl body kit doesn't have to be over-the-top to look good.

The car already has a wide stance and a muscular hood. When you add a front lip or a full aero kit, you're basically just emphasizing what the designers at Acura started. It's one of those rare cars that looks just as good with a simple lip kit as it does with a full-blown widebody setup, though most owners tend to stick to the cleaner "A-Spec" style.

Lip Kits vs. Full Body Replacements

When you start shopping, you're going to notice two main categories. You've got your lip kits and your full bumper replacements.

Lip kits are by far the most popular choice for the TL. These are essentially add-ons that attach to the bottom of your existing factory bumpers. They're great because they're usually cheaper, easier to install, and they keep the structural integrity of your OEM bumpers. If you're a daily driver, this is usually the way to go. It lowers the visual profile of the car without actually making the car so low that you're scraping on every pebble.

On the other side, you have full body kits. These replace the entire front and rear bumper covers. These are for the folks who want a total transformation. Maybe you want huge air intakes, or a rear diffuser that looks like it belongs on a track car. While these look incredible, they require a lot more work. You'll usually have to deal with more "fiddling" to get the gaps to line up perfectly with your fenders and hood.

Understanding Your Material Options

This is where things get a bit technical, but it's important. Not all kits are made equal. You'll generally run into three materials: Polyurethane, Fiberglass (FRP), and ABS Plastic.

  1. Polyurethane (Poly): This is the holy grail for daily drivers. It's flexible. If you bump a curb or scrape a driveway, a poly lip will usually just bend and pop back into shape. It's a bit heavier, but the durability is worth it.
  2. Fiberglass (FRP): You'll find a lot of cheap kits made of fiberglass. They're light and easy to paint, but they have zero "give." If you hit a speed bump too hard, it's going to crack or shatter. Most high-end custom kits are FRP, but they require a pro to install and maintain.
  3. ABS Plastic: This is what your factory bumpers are made of. It's the middle ground—sturdier than fiberglass but not as floppy as polyurethane. Finding an 07 acura tl body kit in ABS is usually a sign of a high-quality manufacturer.

The Iconic A-Spec Style

We can't talk about styling a TL without mentioning the A-Spec kit. Back in 2007, you could actually get an A-Spec package from the dealer. It included a specific front lip, side skirts, and a rear tuck. Today, finding an original OEM A-Spec kit is like finding a needle in a haystack—and if you do find one, it'll cost you a fortune.

Thankfully, the aftermarket community has stepped up. There are plenty of "A-Spec style" kits that mimic that look perfectly. It's a subtle, ground-effects look that makes the car look lower and wider without looking like it stepped out of a "Fast and Furious" movie from 2001. If you aren't sure which direction to go, the A-Spec style is almost always the "correct" answer for a clean build.

Installation Realities: It's Rarely "Bolt-On"

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but almost no aftermarket body kit is truly "bolt-on" in the way we want it to be. Even a high-quality 07 acura tl body kit will probably need some love.

If you're doing it yourself, be prepared to use a heat gun to slightly reshape pieces that got warped during shipping. You'll likely need to drill some holes and use plenty of 3M double-sided tape (the heavy-duty stuff) along with self-tapping screws for the undersides.

If you want it to look professional, don't just slap it on and call it a day. Test fit everything before you paint it. There's nothing worse than spending $400 on a professional paint job only to realize the left side of the lip is a quarter-inch too short for the bumper.

The Importance of Paint Matching

Unless you're going for a specific two-tone look (like a black lip on a white car), you're going to want to paint-match the kit. Acura's paint codes for 2007—like Nighthawk Black Pearl or Alabaster Silver Metallic—are beautiful but can be tricky to match perfectly because of the way the metallic flakes sit.

If you're on a budget, you can find color-matched spray cans from specialty shops, but for a full kit, it's usually better to take it to a body shop. They can blend the paint so it doesn't look like the new parts were just tacked on. A well-painted kit makes the car look like it came that way from the factory, which is the ultimate goal for most TL owners.

Dealing with the Type-S vs. Base Model

Here's a little tip that catches some people off guard: the 2007 TL came in a Base and a Type-S trim. The rear bumpers are actually different because the Type-S has those iconic quad-exhaust tips.

When you're looking for a rear lip or a full rear bumper as part of your 07 acura tl body kit, you have to make sure it matches your exhaust setup. If you put a Type-S rear lip on a base model with dual tips, you're going to have huge, empty gaps around your exhaust. Conversely, a base lip won't fit over the Type-S quad tips without some serious cutting. Always double-check which trim the kit was designed for before you hit that "buy" button.

Maintenance and Daily Driving Tips

Once you've got your kit installed and looking fly, your driving habits have to change a little. You're now lower to the ground, especially in the front.

  • Angle your turns: When going into steep driveways or over speed bumps, go at an angle. It prevents the front lip from taking the full brunt of the impact.
  • Keep it clean: Grime and road salt can get trapped between the kit and the body. Give those areas a little extra attention during your weekly wash to prevent any hidden rust or paint rubbing.
  • Check the hardware: Every few months, give the kit a little wiggle. Vibrations can loosen those screws over time, and you definitely don't want your side skirts flapping on the highway.

Where to Look for Your Kit

The market is actually pretty healthy right now. You can find options on eBay, which are usually the most affordable, but the quality can be a roll of the dice. There are also dedicated Acura enthusiast sites and tuners who specialize in the UA7 platform.

Joining a few Facebook groups or forums dedicated to the 3rd Gen TL is also a smart move. People are always selling "new in box" kits they never got around to installing, and you can often get a great deal on high-quality parts from someone who's parting out their car.

Wrapping Things Up

At the end of the day, adding an 07 acura tl body kit is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your car. It changes the entire personality of the vehicle. Whether you go with a subtle front lip to give it a little more "mean" or a full-blown aero package to turn it into a showstopper, the TL is a fantastic canvas to work with. Just take your time with the fitment, get the paint right, and you'll have a car that looks like it belongs in a showroom, even twenty years after it was built. Happy modding!