Chevy rims: Cavalier makeover is available for less than $1,000

What do you suppose it costs for an Xtreme makeover? Less than $1,000.

We’re not talking a face-lift and a tummy tuck, but a bolt-on body kit that transforms the latest model Chevrolet Cavaliers into hot-looking tuner specials. And if you don’t already have a Cavalier of recent vintage, Chevrolet will sell you a “Special Value Package” coupe for less than $10,700.

If you’re in a position to spend more, you might duplicate the Cavalier Xtreme project car that was on General Motors Corp.’s stand at the recent International Auto Salon in Los Angeles. The show was staged by the Specialty Equipment Market Association, a trade group for auto accessory makers.

The Xtreme body kit includes front fascia cover, rear bumper cover, side rocker panels, mounting hardware, bracket kit and installation instructions. It will fit coupe or sedan models from model years 2003 through 2005, and lists for $995.

The kit is an officially licensed product sold by Chevy dealers and was created by three prominent Michigan automotive companies under the banner Special Projects Automotive Accessories, or SPAA.

Styling was done by Stewart Reed Design, a Plymouth firm led by respected automotive designer Stewart Reed, who has worked at Chrysler and Toyota.

Parts are fabricated by Special Projects, a Plymouth-based company owned by Ken Yanez that built the Pontiac Solstice concept car in record time.

Bill Chamberlain and J.S. Chamberlain Associates of Troy put suppliers and automakers together and make sure the Xtreme kit is properly packaged.

If the Xtreme Cavalier isn’t quite extreme enough for you, you can follow the project car’s example with custom paint, deep tinted windows, big wheels, high-performance tires, exhaust system and an RK Sport Spoiler.

And just in time for the holidays in December, Chevy will offer a supercharger kit for the Cavalier’s Ecotec engine.