2017 Chevrolet Impala Side Body

What Is Side Body & Why Does It Matter?

The side body of a vehicle is more than just a cosmetic concern — it's the first line of defense against road debris, minor impacts, UV exposure, and the slow creep of corrosion. From the structural steel panels that form the shape of a car's flanks to the decorative and protective moldings that run along door lines, every component plays a role in preserving both the look and the integrity of your vehicle. Whether you're repairing collision damage, restoring a classic, refreshing worn trim on a daily driver, or replacing cracked ATV body panels after a tough ride, the side body category covers the parts you need.

Subcategories: Finding the Right Part

Side body parts span several distinct product types, each serving a different purpose. Body Trim Molding encompasses the protective and decorative strips applied along door edges, rocker panels, and body lines. These moldings guard against door dings, parking lot scrapes, and UV-related fading while giving vehicles a cleaner, more finished appearance. Side Body Panels are the larger structural and cosmetic sheet-metal or plastic components that make up the outer surface of a vehicle's sides — think quarter panels, rocker panels, and ATV side panels that take the brunt of damage in collisions or off-road abuse. For vehicles where the factory panel molding has cracked, faded, or gone missing entirely, Side Body Panel Molding offers factory-style replacement strips that restore the original profile and help protect the panel edges beneath.

Top Brands in Side Body

Cowles Products is a go-to name in automotive trim and molding. Currently recognized as an industry leader in the manufacture of plastic extrusions including moldings and trim for the automotive professional, Cowles offers three proprietary product lines — Cowles Custom, ProtektoTrim, and Cal-Stripes — covering body side moldings, door edge guards, and decorative pinstripe tapes, all manufactured in the USA.

Maier is the dominant choice for powersports side body panels. Widely regarded as the largest manufacturer of custom and OEM-type motorcycle and ATV plastics in the United States, Maier has been producing high-quality replacement body components since 1972. Their side panels are made from durable polyurethane and ABS plastics, available in multiple colors to match popular ATV and dirt bike models from Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and others.

Keystone brings one of the broadest selections in the category, with an extensive catalog of replacement body parts spanning a wide range of vehicle makes and models — making it a reliable resource when sourcing harder-to-find side body components.

Sherman is a trusted name in OEM-quality replacement body panels for both collision repair and classic restoration. Sherman specializes in precision-crafted parts engineered to match or exceed original factory specifications, and the brand is particularly notable for offering structural sheet-metal components — including quarter panels, rocker panels, and body side panels — for vehicles dating back to 1949 and extending to current models.

Trim Illusion rounds out the lineup with a focus on premium decorative trim and chrome accents that upgrade the appearance of side body lines without requiring bodywork, making it popular among enthusiasts looking to personalize their vehicle's exterior.

What to Consider When Shopping Side Body Parts

• Material: Steel panels are standard for automotive collision repair and offer the best weldability. Plastic or polyurethane panels are preferred for ATVs and powersports due to their flexibility and resistance to impact.
• Fit: Always verify fitment by year, make, model, and trim level. OEM-style parts are designed to match factory contours precisely, reducing installation time and finishing work.
• Finish: Replacement panels typically ship unfinished (primer-ready), while trim moldings often come in chrome, black, or carbon fiber finishes ready for installation.
• Protection vs. Restoration: If the underlying panel is structurally sound, adding body side molding or trim can refresh the appearance and prevent future damage. If the panel is bent, rusted through, or heavily damaged, a full replacement panel is the right call.