Tesla Model 3 Highland CMST Style B Small Kit Install
The CMST Style B small kit for the 2023-onward Tesla Model 3 "Highland" is a subtle bolt-on and tape-on carbon-fibre upgrade that fits the new Model 3 without cutting. The small kit ("小包") keeps things restrained: a front lip, side skirts and a rear lip in pre-preg dry carbon fibre, rather than a full widebody. Each piece mounts with 3M VHB acrylic tape, a bead of structural adhesive and self-tapping screws, so two people can fit the lot in an afternoon.
This guide walks through the Style B small-kit pieces in the order we recommend, with the test-fit and clearance checks that matter on the low-slung Highland.
Quick facts
- Vehicle: Tesla Model 3 "Highland"
- Fitment years: 2023-onward
- Style: CMST Style B small kit (front lip + side skirts + rear lip)
- Material: dry carbon fibre, gloss or matte clear-coat
- Fixing method: 3M VHB tape + adhesion promoter + self-tapping screws (no cutting)
- Skill level: intermediate; two people recommended
- Estimated time: 3–5 hours
Tools and preparation
Lay each piece against the car dry before any tape backing comes off. A test-fit confirms how the gaps fall and lets you mark the alignment with masking tape. You will need:
- Trim-removal and plastic pry tools
- Electric screwdriver or impact driver with the supplied self-tapping screws
- Adhesion promoter and clean microfibre cloths
- Fine sandpaper (240–400 grit) to key the bonding faces
- 3M VHB tape (usually pre-applied) and a tube of glass-grade structural adhesive
- Masking tape for alignment, and a heat gun for cold-weather tack
- Ramps or a hoist to reach the sills and lower bumper
Handle the carbon by its edges and keep it on a padded surface; the clear-coat scratches easily. Bond at room temperature — 3M acrylic tape grabs best between roughly 21°C and 38°C — and warm the panels with a heat gun if the workshop is cold.
Step 1 — Front lip
Offer the front lip up to the lower bumper first to check the fit and the clip locations. Clean the bumper face with the adhesion promoter to strip wax and road film, then lightly sand the inner upper edge of the lip and wipe it clean. Run 3M tape along that edge with a few dabs of structural adhesive. Peel one end of the backing, locate the lip with a helper holding the far side, and confirm it sits centred with even corner wrap before peeling the rest. Press firmly along the full length, then drive self-tapping screws into the lower edge to lock it. Bond the left and right corner sections last, pressing each home until the seam closes.
Step 2 — Side skirts
Clean and lightly sand the rocker panel along the skirt line. Run 3M tape along the top inner edge of each skirt with a few points of adhesive, and clean the matching area of the rocker with the promoter. Peel one end of the backing, lift the skirt into place with a second person, and check that it tucks under the door sill and follows the rocker front to rear. Confirm the position, peel the remaining backing and press home, then fix the underside with self-tapping screws. The forward end near the front wheel usually wants an extra screw so it cannot lift at speed.
Step 3 — Rear lip
Clean and key the lower rear bumper where the rear lip will sit. Apply 3M tape to the lip's bonding face with a few dabs of adhesive. Peel one end of the backing, offer the lip to the bumper with a helper, and confirm it lines up evenly across the car before peeling the rest. Press firmly along the whole edge so the tape grabs, and add self-tapping screws underneath if the kit provides for them.
Step 4 — Final alignment and curing
With all three pieces fitted, step back and confirm the lip is square, the skirts run parallel to the sills, and the rear lip is level. Re-press every bonded edge for full contact. Leave the car to cure before washing or driving in the rain; acrylic tape reaches working strength in a few hours and full strength over several days.
Fitment tips and cautions
- Test-fit first. Tape and clips locate cleanly only once, so confirm the position before peeling the backing.
- Mind the front overhang. Even a small lip lowers the effective front clearance, so take steep driveways and speed humps slowly and at an angle.
- Cold weather kills tack. Warm the panels and the car if you are bonding below about 18°C.
- Skirt ends lift first. The leading edge of each skirt sees the most airflow, so secure it well.
- Paint-match if you want body colour. The carbon ships clear-coated; a panel shop can respray before fitting.
FAQ
What does the "small kit" include compared with the full kit?
The small kit ("小包") is the restrained option: front lip, side skirts and rear lip only. It skips the widebody fenders, carbon bonnet and large rear wing of the full kit, so the look stays close to factory while still adding carbon detail.
Will it fit the pre-Highland Model 3?
No. This Style B small kit is cut for the 2023-onward Highland, which has redesigned front and rear bumpers. The 2017–2023 Model 3 uses a different kit, so confirm your model year before ordering.
Is it dry carbon fibre?
Yes. The lip, skirts and rear lip are pre-preg dry carbon fibre with a clear-coat finish, so the weave shows and the panels stay light and rigid. A matte clear-coat is available if you prefer a satin look.
Does the kit need any cutting or permanent modification?
No cutting. Every piece fixes with 3M VHB tape, structural adhesive and self-tapping screws into the underside of existing panels, so the car can be returned to standard if you ever remove the kit.
Can I fit it at home?
Yes, a confident DIY installer can fit the small kit with basic tools and a second pair of hands. The skirts and rear lip are easiest with someone holding the panel while you start the screws, so plan for two people.
Professional fitment in Australia
If you would rather have it fitted and paint-matched correctly the first time, AME Motorsport can help. Browse the CMST body kit range for Tesla, compare CMST front lip for Tesla and CMST side skirts for Tesla options, or start with the complete CMST body kit collection for fitment advice on your Highland.