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Installing the CMST dry carbon fibre aero kit on a 2024 Zeekr 001 follows the same clip-and-bond principle as the ABS variant, but carbon fibre's stiffness and surface fragility require a few additional precautions — particularly around edge protection during handling and adhesive selection for the bonding surface. The CMST carbon fibre kit for the 24-on Zeekr 001 typically includes a front lip, canards, side skirts, and rear lip in prepreg carbon fibre with a UV-protective clear coat. This guide covers the full installation sequence, material-specific handling requirements, and long-term care for a dry carbon exterior.

• Vehicle: Zeekr 001 (2024-on, all variants)
• Kit material: Prepreg dry carbon fibre, UV clear-coated
• Typical pieces: Front lip, canards, side skirts (pair), rear lip
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Estimated time: 4–5 hours
• Permanent modification: None required

Understanding Dry Carbon Fibre Before You Start

CMST's carbon pieces are prepreg dry carbon fibre — resin-impregnated fabric cured under autoclave pressure, producing a higher fibre-to-resin ratio than wet-lay carbon with no air voids in the matrix. The visible surface is a 2×2 twill or plain weave under a glossy or satin UV-stable clear coat.

The key installation difference from ABS: carbon is rigid rather than elastic. Apply force to an edge — not a flat face — and you risk chipping the clear coat or delaminating the corner. Always handle carbon pieces by their flat faces. Rest them on a soft foam mat, never concrete.

Tools and Consumables Required

• 10 mm and 8 mm socket with ratchet (undertray clips)
• Plastic pry tool — never use metal tools near carbon surfaces
• Torx T20 screwdriver
• Isopropyl alcohol 70%+ and lint-free microfibre cloths
• 3M 08115 adhesive primer (for carbon-to-painted-surface bonding) or 3M 08008 tape with self-priming backing
• 12 mm wide automotive double-sided bonding tape (3M or SikaTack automotive grade)
• Soft foam mat or moving blanket (for resting pieces)
• Cotton gloves — to prevent fingerprint oils contaminating bonding surfaces
• Masking tape (50 mm) — alignment marking
• Trim clips (CMST-supplied or OEM Zeekr equivalents)

Pre-Installation: Handling and Inspection

Unbox each piece over a foam mat and inspect the clear coat under diffuse light for chips, scratches, or delamination from shipping. If edge chips are present, fit the piece first to confirm geometry, then address imperfections with clear coat touch-up or a panel re-spray.

Wear cotton gloves throughout. Fingerprint oils contaminate the bonding surface and reduce tape adhesion — wipe immediately with IPA if you touch a bond face bare-handed.

Step 1 — Front Lip and Canards

Lower the forward undertray section (three 8 mm bolts, multiple push-pins on the Zeekr 001) to expose the rear face of the lower bumper. This is the same procedure as for the ABS kit — the OEM mounting points are identical.

With the carbon front lip, apply bonding tape to the contact face using an adhesive primer first on both the tape and the OEM painted surface. This is particularly important on carbon-to-paint bonds because the carbon surface is very smooth — surface energy is lower than on a scuffed ABS surface — and the primer compensates. Allow the primer to tack off (approximately five minutes) before pressing the tape backing into position.

Locate the CMST clip tabs through the bumper mounting holes and push-clip from centre outward. On some 001 units the OEM clip holes may have residual seam sealer from the factory — clear this with a plastic pick before attempting to push the CMST clips through. Carbon fibre pieces should never be forced; if a clip isn't locating cleanly, investigate the hole rather than applying more force to the piece.

Once clipped, peel the bonding tape backing section by section from centre outward and press firmly with a rubber roller or the heel of your palm through a cloth. Dwell each section for 45 seconds. Refit the undertray.

Canards (wind blades / front air deflectors) on the CMST Zeekr 001 kit mount via machine-thread bolts into captured OEM-position nuts in the front bumper ends. Thread the bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading into the carbon mounting flanges, then snug with a ratchet — do not overtighten. Carbon fibre flanges crack under localised point-loading if bolts are run past flush.

Step 2 — Side Skirts

The carbon fibre side skirts for the Zeekr 001 are stiffer than their ABS counterparts and do not flex to conform to minor panel-gap variation. Before applying any tape, press the dry-fit skirt against the sill moulding and check for consistent contact along the full length. If you observe a mid-length gap of more than 2 mm, the sill moulding may have a slight bow (common after minor panel repairs) — this should be addressed before proceeding, as bonding tape over a gap will either peel out or hold the skirt in a twisted position.

Apply bonding tape in three parallel strips along the inner face — top edge, bottom edge, and centre — plus adhesive primer on the sill moulding contact face. Position two small strips of Sika Flex 252 flexible sealant at the forward and rearward skirt ends to close the transition gap where the skirt meets the bumpers. This prevents water ingress along the bond line, which over time causes paint lift on the sill behind the skirt.

With a second person holding the piece, press firmly from centre outward. Apply masking tape bridge-strips every 200 mm to hold the skirt while the tape develops initial tack (30–60 minutes), then remove and check the bond line.

Step 3 — Rear Lip

Adhesive prime the rear lip contact surfaces, clip from centre outward, and press bonding tape home. The rear bumper valance 10 mm bolts (accessible via the boot floor) do not need to be disturbed unless you are simultaneously fitting a rear diffuser. Once secured, use a steel ruler to verify the lip is parallel to the ground at three points — left end, centre, right end. More than 5 mm variation end-to-end indicates a mounting clip has not fully seated.

Clear Coat Maintenance for Carbon Fibre

UV radiation degrades unprotected clear coat over 3–5 years in Australian conditions, causing yellowing and micro-cracking. Apply a ceramic spray or dedicated carbon clear coat protectant every six months. Avoid abrasive polishing compounds — they cut the UV protection layer. If the clear coat yellows, a panel shop can wet-sand and re-clear pieces while fitted. Do not pressure-wash directly at bond line seams; high-pressure water works into the tape adhesive at edges over time. Wash seam areas with a soft mitt at low pressure.

For further upgrades to complement the CMST carbon fibre kit on your Zeekr 001, explore the Zeekr body kit range at AME Motorsport, including the full carbon bonnet, rear spoiler, and diffuser options. The team can also advise on AME Motorsport body kit combinations that work alongside the CMST programme for a complete aero build. Browse the complete carbon fibre body kit range for all available Zeekr 001 options.

FAQ

Is the CMST carbon fibre kit heavier or lighter than the ABS kit for the Zeekr 001?

By volume, dry carbon fibre is denser than ABS (approximately 1.5–1.6 g/cm³ versus 1.0–1.1 g/cm³ for ABS), but CMST's carbon pieces are thinner-walled than their ABS equivalents, so the actual finished-piece weight is typically comparable or slightly lower for a front lip or skirt. The main weight saving with carbon comes on larger-surface pieces like bonnets and wings.

Can the CMST carbon fibre kit be fitted without professional installation?

Yes, provided you follow the handling precautions and allow adequate time for dry-fitting and adhesive cure. The critical difference from ABS installation is the need for adhesive primer and the avoidance of any forced fitment — carbon fibre will not flex to accommodate a misaligned clip the way ABS will.

What happens if a carbon fibre piece chips during installation?

A surface chip to the clear coat can be touched up with clear coat aerosol or a professional panel application. A chip that reaches the carbon fibre weave itself is more serious — the exposed fibres will absorb moisture over time, which can cause localised delamination. Have a panel shop apply fresh primer and clear coat over any chip that reaches the carbon layers.

Does the CMST carbon fibre kit for the 2024 Zeekr 001 fit the 2021–2023 model?

No. CMST tooled the 2024 kit to the updated 24-on body revision, which has a different front and rear bumper profile. The 2021–2023 Zeekr 001 uses an earlier bumper geometry. There is a separate CMST carbon kit for earlier 001 models.

Where can I buy the CMST carbon fibre body kit for the Zeekr 001 in Australia?

AME Motorsport stocks CMST carbon fibre kits and ships Australia-wide. Browse the CMST carbon fibre body kit range for current Zeekr 001 availability and contact the team with your specific build date for fitment confirmation.