Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our parts, materials, ordering, and shipping — answered directly. Tap any question to expand it.
General
What is Rigid Custom Works?
Rigid Custom Works is a Dubai-based engineering studio specialising in reverse-engineering and manufacturing discontinued, hard-to-find, and upgraded automotive interior and exterior trim components. Every part is designed in-house using precision 3D scanning and CAD modelling, then manufactured from engineering-grade materials built to outperform the originals.
What types of parts do you make?
We produce interior and exterior trim components across a wide range of vehicles — seat belt trim, dome light housings, door handle covers, mirror trim, fog light housings, speaker grilles, wing delete brackets, seat control knobs, belt presenter covers, rear air intakes, and more. If the factory stopped making it, we probably build it.
What vehicles do you cover?
Our current catalogue spans Mercedes-Benz (R129, W124, W126, C124), Porsche (911, 992 GT3 RS), Toyota (FJ Cruiser, Tacoma, 4Runner, Land Cruiser), Land Rover Defender, BMW (E46, Z3, Z4), Subaru WRX/STI, and Dodge Ram, among others. We're continuously adding new applications.
Are these OEM parts?
No. Every Rigid Custom Works part is an independently engineered aftermarket component. We reverse-engineer from original reference parts using sub-millimetre 3D scanning, then redesign and manufacture them to meet or exceed OEM specifications. We are not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer.
Where are you based?
Dubai, United Arab Emirates. We ship worldwide.
Materials & Quality
What materials do you use?
We manufacture primarily in ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate), ASA-CF (carbon fibre reinforced ASA), ABS, PA66-GF30 (glass-fibre-filled nylon), and PC-ABS (polycarbonate-ABS blend). Material selection depends on the part's function — UV exposure, mechanical load, operating temperature, and aesthetic requirements all factor into the decision.
Why ASA and not standard ABS or PLA?
ASA is an industrial thermoplastic engineered for outdoor and automotive use. Unlike ABS, it resists UV yellowing and degradation. Unlike PLA, it won't soften or warp in a hot cabin. ASA delivers the UV stability, heat resistance (up to ~100°C continuous), and impact strength that interior and exterior automotive trim demands. Standard desktop printing materials don't belong in a vehicle — we don't use them.
Will these parts fade, crack, or warp in extreme heat?
No. ASA and our other engineering-grade materials are selected specifically for automotive environments — sustained dashboard temperatures, direct sunlight, desert climates, and sub-zero winters. These materials hold colour, dimensional stability, and structural integrity across the full temperature range a vehicle will realistically see.
What surface finish can I expect?
Parts ship with a clean, professional matte finish consistent with OEM interior and exterior trim. Depending on the component, we may apply additional post-processing (sanding, vapour smoothing, or texture matching) to achieve the correct factory look and feel.
Are the parts strong enough for daily use?
Yes. These are functional components, not display pieces. Load-bearing parts use reinforced materials (carbon fibre or glass fibre composites), and every design accounts for clip retention force, vibration fatigue, and thermal cycling. We engineer for the life of the vehicle.
Do you test your parts?
Every new design goes through iterative fit-check prototyping on an actual reference vehicle or original part before it enters production. We verify clip engagement, panel gap alignment, and dimensional accuracy before a single unit ships.
Ordering & Payment
How do I place an order?
You can order directly through our website at rigidcustomworks.com or through our eBay store (seller: rigid-custom-works). Both platforms accept standard payment methods.
What payment methods do you accept?
On our website: all major credit/debit cards and Shop Pay. On eBay: PayPal, credit/debit cards, and any payment method supported by eBay's managed payments system.
Can I request a custom part that isn't listed?
Yes. If you have a broken, discontinued, or unavailable trim piece, contact us with photos and measurements. We'll assess feasibility, advise on material selection, and provide a quote. Custom projects typically require the original part (or a high-quality scan reference) to proceed.
Do you offer bulk or trade pricing?
Yes. If you're a workshop, restoration shop, or reseller looking for volume quantities, reach out to us directly for trade pricing. Volume discounts apply on qualifying orders.
Can I cancel or modify my order after placing it?
Contact us as soon as possible. If production hasn't started, we can modify or cancel. Once a part enters manufacturing, cancellations may not be possible or may be subject to a restocking fee.
Fitment & Compatibility
How do I know the part will fit my vehicle?
Every listing specifies the exact vehicle application — make, model, year range, and OEM part number where applicable. Our parts are reverse-engineered from original components to match factory mounting points, clip positions, and dimensional profiles. If you're unsure about compatibility, contact us with your VIN or chassis number before ordering.
Do your parts use the original mounting hardware?
In most cases, yes. Our parts are designed to use the factory clips, screws, or retention hardware already on your vehicle. Where original hardware is required and commonly missing, we note it in the listing. Some kits include replacement hardware where appropriate.
Will I need to modify anything to install your parts?
No modification should be required for any standard listed application. Our parts are designed as direct drop-in replacements. If a specific installation note applies (e.g. a trim piece that requires transferring a clip from the old part), it's clearly stated in the product description.
Do you provide installation instructions?
Yes. Installation guidance is included where applicable. For more complex assemblies, we provide step-by-step visual guides. If you need additional support, contact us — we'll walk you through it.
Shipping & Delivery
Where do you ship?
Worldwide. We ship to every country serviced by FedEx from the United Arab Emirates.
Who is your shipping carrier?
We ship exclusively via FedEx international services, with full tracking and insurance on every shipment.
How long does shipping take?
Orders are dispatched within 1–3 business days. Once dispatched, international orders typically arrive within 7–14 business days via FedEx. Delivery times vary depending on your destination and local customs processing, and are estimates rather than guarantees.
How do I track my order?
You'll receive a FedEx tracking number by email once your order ships. Track it at fedex.com, or use the 17TRACK shipment tracker, which supports FedEx and all major global carriers.
What does shipping cost?
Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on destination, package weight, and dimensions. We negotiate competitive FedEx rates to keep costs as low as possible for an international shipment from Dubai.
Do you offer free shipping?
Selected products and promotional periods may include free shipping. Check individual listings for current offers.
My tracking shows the package is in my country but hasn't been delivered — what's happening?
Once the package enters your country, it passes through customs clearance. This can add 1–3 business days depending on your local customs authority's processing speed. FedEx will update tracking once the package clears.
Customs, Duties & Import Taxes
Will I have to pay customs duties or import taxes?
Possibly, yes. Orders ship from Dubai, UAE. When the package arrives in your country, your local customs authority may assess import duties, VAT, GST, or other taxes based on the declared value of the goods and your country's tariff schedule. This applies to most international shipments worldwide.
Who is responsible for paying customs duties?
The buyer is responsible for all customs duties, import taxes, VAT, brokerage fees, and any other charges levied by the destination country's authorities. These charges are not included in the product price or shipping cost and are collected separately — typically by FedEx or a local customs broker before or upon delivery.
What value do you declare on the customs form?
We declare the actual transaction value of the goods as required by international customs regulations. We do not under-declare, falsify values, or mark shipments as "gifts." Accurate customs declarations protect both the buyer and the seller.
What HS code do your parts ship under?
Our trim components typically ship under HS code 8708.29 (other parts and accessories of motor vehicle bodies). The specific classification may vary depending on the component.
Can I estimate my import charges before ordering?
Yes. Most countries publish their tariff schedules online. You can use your country's customs duty calculator (or contact your local customs office) with HS code 8708.29 and the order value to get an estimate. We're happy to provide the declared value and commodity description in advance if it helps.
What happens if I refuse delivery to avoid customs charges?
If a package is refused at delivery or abandoned at customs, it will be returned to us at significant cost. The buyer remains responsible for all outbound shipping charges, return shipping charges, and any customs/brokerage fees incurred. A refund for the product value (less all shipping and handling costs) may be issued at our discretion. We strongly encourage checking your country's import duty rates before placing an order.
Returns, Refunds & Warranty
What is your return policy?
We accept returns within 30 days of delivery for unused, uninstalled parts in original packaging. The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs. A refund will be issued once we receive and inspect the returned item. Custom-order parts (made to your specific request) are non-refundable unless defective.
What if my part arrives damaged?
Contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photographs of the damage (including packaging). We'll arrange a replacement or full refund at no cost to you. Shipping damage claims are handled through our carrier's insurance.
What if the part doesn't fit?
Contact us immediately with photos showing the fitment issue and your vehicle details (year, model, VIN). If the issue is a manufacturing defect or design error on our end, we'll send a corrected replacement at no charge. If the part was ordered for the wrong application, standard return policy applies.
Do your parts come with a warranty?
Yes. Every Rigid Custom Works part carries a 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects — including cracking, warping, delamination, or dimensional failure under normal use. The warranty does not cover damage from improper installation, physical impact, chemical exposure, or modification of the part.
How do I make a warranty claim?
Contact us with your order number, a description of the issue, and photographs. We handle claims quickly — most are resolved within 48 hours.
Technical
What manufacturing technology do you use?
We use Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) on industrial-grade machines with hardened steel and specialty nozzles for engineering-grade and composite filaments. FDM with the right materials and process control produces functional, load-bearing parts — not prototypes.
Why additive manufacturing instead of injection moulding?
Injection moulding requires tooling that costs thousands of dollars per part design and only makes economic sense at volumes of 500+ units. The discontinued trim parts we specialise in serve a niche market where demand is real but volume per SKU is low. Additive manufacturing lets us produce any quantity — from one to one hundred — with no tooling cost, fast turnaround, and the ability to revise designs instantly. You get an engineered part without paying for a mould that a factory will never cut.
How accurate are your parts compared to OEM?
We scan original reference parts using structured-light 3D scanning with sub-millimetre accuracy. CAD models are built parametrically from scan data, meaning we capture every clip boss, rib, and mounting point from the original. Critical geometry — mounting points, clip bosses, and mating surfaces — is held to ±0.1 mm. General dimensional accuracy across the part is typically within ±0.2 mm of the reference.
Can you replicate soft-touch or textured surfaces?
We can match common OEM grain textures and produce leather-like surface finishes using multi-material strategies (e.g. TPU skin over a rigid ASA body). Exact texture replication depends on the original part — contact us to discuss your specific application.
Can you work from a broken or partial original part?
In most cases, yes. If the critical mounting geometry and overall profile are intact, we can reconstruct the missing sections in CAD. Severely fragmented parts may require additional reference data (photos, technical drawings, or measurements from your vehicle).
Contact & Support
How do I contact Rigid Custom Works?
- Email: info@rigidcustomworks.com
- WhatsApp: +971 55 533 6696
- Contact form: Get in touch
- eBay store: rigid-custom-works
What are your response times?
We typically respond within a few hours during UAE business hours (Sunday–Thursday). Weekend and holiday messages are answered the next business day.
Can't find your answer? Contact us — we're available Sunday–Thursday during UAE business hours.