G37 carbon side skirts are aftermarket automotive panels made from carbon fiber, designed to replace or supplement the factory side skirts on Infiniti G37 coupes and sedans, improving aerodynamics, styling, and structural rigidity.
1. Why Carbon Fiber for G37 Side Skirts?
1.1 Material Strength and Lightness
Carbon fiber offers high rigidity at a low weight—ideal for performance upgrades. Where factory abs plastic skirts weigh around 6–8 lbs, a pair of carbon skirts tips the scale closer to 4–5 lbs—saving weight while stiffening the side structure.
1.2 Visual Drama: Twill Weave Aesthetic
A properly finished carbon twill pattern gleams in sunlight, conveying high-end craftsmanship and performance pedigree. Unlike painted or molded alternatives, carbon has depth—an optical richness that elevates the car’s profile.
1.3 Performance Cred
Carbon components suggest track-readiness. In automotive tuning culture, carbon upgrades are more than cosmetic—they signal respect for engineering, weight-savings, and modular performance builds.
2. Understanding Fitment: OEM-Compatible vs Universal Kits
Not all side skirts are equal. Here’s what you should know:
2.1 OEM-Compatible Carbon Skirts
Designed to match Infiniti’s factory mounting points, these skirt kits fit seamlessly under the doors, aligning with rocker panels and wheel arches. Benefits include:
- Straightforward install with OEM clips/bolts
- Gap-free finish
- Retains factory clearance and spray pattern
2.2 Universal or “Bolt-on” Kits
These may require custom trimming, rivnuts, edge-trims, or screws. Fitment can vary significantly, and may require:
- Body filler or edge trim for alignment
- Repainting or wrapping
- Temporary fit-test or adjustment
2.3 Importance of Mounting Hardware
Good kits include rivnut inserts that allow repeatable, secure installation—especially helpful if you service or remove skirts periodically.
3. Installation: What to Expect
3.1 Tools & Preparation
- Jack stands and ramps to raise the car safely
- Rivnut tool (if included)
- Socket set and trim removal tools
- Painter’s tape to protect paint
- Panel alignment helpers
3.2 Surface Ready
Skirts should touch the rocker—any uneven gap can distort under driving loads. The installer should check:
- Door alignment
- Pinch weld orientation
- Centerline symmetry side-to-side
3.3 Painting & Clearcoat
Many CF kits ship carbon bare weave only. Weather and rock chips justify a clear-coat, while color-match enthusiasts may choose a paint-over.
Note: Clearcoat isn’t scratch-proof. Stone chips require attention to avoid eventual delamination.
3.4 Timeline
Professional fit typically takes 2–4 hours. DIYers may need longer for alignment, drilling, and panel welding.
4. Benefits: Style, Structure, and Aerodynamics
4.1 Style Evolution
Compared to OEM skirts:
- Carbon skirts lower visual center of gravity
- Reveal deeper rocker lines
- Provide contrast against lighter paint (white, silver, gray)
- On dark-wrapped or blacked G37s, they add glossy accent
4.2 Structural Integrity
Carbon’s stiffness can reduce flex under doors, especially in lowered or track-driven cars. The side skirts help distribute energy in side impacts, though bumpers still control most crash loads.
4.3 Aerodynamic Flow
Well-designed skirts:
- Reduce air scouring under chassis
- Help manage airflow toward diffusers or rear wheels
- Complement rear diffusers and front lips for fuller aero kit synergy
However, drag reduction is modest unless paired with front splitter and diffuser.
5. Real-World Durability
Owners report: G37 Carbon Side Skirts
- Minor rock chips: Frequent with highway use. Clearcoat helps.
- Edge peeling: If lower edge isn’t reinforced, can sag or crack over time.
- Park bump damage: Carbon is more impact-prone than molded plastic. Leading edges may crop chipped plastic overlays.
DIY tip: Install rubber wheel-well liners to deflect gravel and reduce wheel splash.
6. Cost Breakdown
6.1 Product Price
- Budget universal CF skirts: $500–$800/pair
- OEM-fit high-grade kits: $900–$1,500/pair
- Painted CF options: $1,200+
6.2 Professional Installation
Expect ~$300–$500 depending on location—includes jack, drilling, and seam-sealed firewall corners.
6.3 Maintenance
- Touch-up clearcoat or carbon patch kits: $40–$60
- Yearly wash/wax; avoid pressure-washer blasting
6.4 Resale Impact
Well-installed CF side skirts on a tuned G37 often enhance customer interest and resale value—particularly among enthusiast buyers.
8. Owner Experiences: Anecdotal Insights
Widebody Tribute Coupe: G37 Carbon Side Skirts
A G37 owner installed carbon skirts along with extended flares and full CF lip/diffuser kit. He reported enhanced side profile and confident aero balance—even at highway speeds. Minor chips were buffed during the annual detailing day.
Comfort Cruiser Sedan:
One sedan owner loved how CF skirts gave the ride an upscale edge. Over 20,000 miles, he added rubber mud-flaps behind the rears to prevent underside stone exposure.
9. Comparing Carbon vs Other Materials
| Material | Pros | Cons |
| ABS Plastic | Durable, impact-resistant, cost-effective | Heavier, less aesthetic, paint-required |
| CFRP Carbon Fiber | Lightweight, visually striking, stiff | Expensive, scratch-prone |
| Polyurethane (PU) | Flexible, basic aero effect | Sagging under heat, heavy |
| Fiberglass | Cheap, repairable | Brittle, cracks easily, requires prep |
Carbon strikes the middle with performance-focused drivers—appealing yet functional.
10. Are They Worth It?
If you want:
- Aesthetic upgrade with premium appearance
- Slight aero improvement
- Component consistency with other CF parts
…then carbon side skirts are a solid addition. If you’re driving rough roads, budget-limited, or indifferent to styling, ABS skirts may do.
Conclusion
G37 carbon side skirts represent a visually impactful, performance-conscious, lightweight upgrade—ideal for Infiniti enthusiasts seeking refined style with modest aerodynamic benefit. When fitted with care, paired with quality clear-coat protection, and installed ORM-spec, they elevate your car’s presence and reflect a greater investment in protective, detailed build. Just don’t choose carbon lightly—prep, costs, and upkeep matter.
Fitment, care, and context define success. If those align with your priorities, carbon side skirts could be a defining piece in your G37’s story—reflecting personality, pride, and
FAQs: G37 Carbon Side Skirts
1. Will carbon side skirts crack from hitting a curb?
They won’t crack from low-speed curb grazing, but deep impacts can crack the weave. Installation of wheel well liners helps.
2. Do I need to repaint the rock-chipped area?
Minor chips only need touch-up clear coat. Larger chips can be filled with CF resin patch kits.
3. Can I install them myself?
Yes, if you’re comfortable with drilling rivnut holes and adjusting rocker fit. Work slowly and level the car with jack stands.
4. Will they interfere with rocker paint protection film?
Not if installed after the film. Apply them with clean surfaces—film must cover edge bead lines too.
5. How do I keep them glossy?
Use quick detail sprays, a ceramic spray coating, or dedicated CF-specific polish. Wash weekly to remove grit and road salt.
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