How to properly install fender trims on a Niva

One of the vulnerable parts of the car, along with the sills and fenders, are the wheel arches. Elements are constantly exposed to moisture and are the first to receive mechanical shocks from flying gravel and layered reagents in winter. Niva fender covers not only help prevent corrosion in vulnerable areas, but also improve the appearance of the car. Auto stores offer a wide selection of fenders of various configurations; you can make the fender yourself and install it in the garage in 40 minutes.

Overlay functions

Fenders or wheel arch extensions are arched, round, or less often square plates that are installed along the rim of the car's fender, protecting the edge. They are mounted on the body with self-tapping screws through special plates or with auto glue. 80% of the fastening of arches to the wings of the VAZ 2121 is carried out in standard places; the manufacturer produces repair inserts (arches) of the wing for all modifications of the VAZ, made of stainless chrome-plated steel. The purpose of the inner linings on the wheel arches:

• protection of the inner part of the wing metal from premature corrosion;
• improving the appearance of the car;

For Niva, extensions are produced that protrude beyond the dimensions of the body. The elements are mounted on both cut and uncut standard elements. The additional purpose of the part is to protect the side windows from dirt and small stones when driving off-road.

Materials used for manufacturing:

1. LLDPE - thermoplastic low pressure polyethylene.
2. ABS plastic.
3. Heat resistant rubber.

It is recommended to mount the metal body kit only on self-tapping screws; plastic and polyethylene extenders are also installed on them, but through an additional plate or without it.

Tuning the trunk of Niva 2121

Improvements to the Niva-2121 include improvements to the luggage compartment. The trunk has a large volume, which can be considered an advantage, but the technical performance of this part of the car leaves much to be desired. Most often, complaints are caused by two disadvantages of the trunk:

1. A rib at the bottom of the trunk that interferes with loading things.
2. A folding shelf that divides the trunk crosswise into two parts.

A tuned Niva, at a minimum, should be rid of these unnecessary elements. By the way, they are absent in the latest models - the technicians took into account the numerous complaints of Niva lovers.

Instead of a rib and a partition, it is worth installing a box in the trunk. It can have any shelves, dividers, pockets that allow you to organize the things you transport. You can do it in the following way:

1. We make the frame of the box from tubes or corners.
2. We cover it with plywood, thick fabric, cardboard or other suitable material.
3. We attach partitions or pockets to it according to our taste.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68OSADkgmNs

In addition, the trunk can be improved by covering it with thermal insulation, sound insulation and waterproofing film.

Some people install a TV, speaker system or other gadgets in the trunk, but this is not very functional if the car is often driven off-road. When shaking, the contacts fly off, and the equipment quickly fails.

The Niva's extensive luggage compartment is an advantage only at first glance. The large volume provides absolutely no functionality, and the rib at the bottom of the trunk is a completely unnecessary element that interferes with loading. On later modifications it is missing. Also in the way is the folding shelf, which divides the trunk into two parts in the transverse plane.

It is best to remove these disturbing elements and install a box with pockets, drawers, compartments, which will allow you to organize the loaded items. It can be made from wood and metal. Corners or tubes should be used as a frame; it is subsequently sheathed with plywood or other material and trimmed with fabric. Before installing the box, it would not hurt to install noise and thermal insulation on the body.

An expeditionary trunk for the Niva wouldn't hurt. It will allow you to take a lot of things and save internal space. It will also be a harmonious addition to off-road style. An alternative would be to install an arc with headlights. This will increase the driver's visibility. It is a useful element when driving in bad weather conditions.

Kinds

By appearance, tuning elements can be divided into categories:

1. Semicircular. They are made of steel and often extend beyond the dimensions of the body. For niva they are made individually for standard holes.
2. Square. Tuning is made individually for a specific model and year of manufacture. Most often they are mounted on a cut rear arch; it is recommended to install square extensions at a service station. 70% of fenders of this shape are made of ABS plastic.
3. Round. Plastic is used to make round flares, and rubber is used for cut arches. The kit includes fastenings; during installation, you must additionally drill mounting holes on the wing.

Individual tuning will give the car originality and style. For Niva, extensions are not only a decorative element, but also a necessity, especially if the model is converted to run on wide-profile tires for off-road driving. If the tire protrudes beyond the dimensions of the car, then a regular factory arch will not protect the glass and body from the dirt that flies from under the wheels when driving off-road. Extenders in this case become a necessary safety element, providing the driver with maximum visibility of the road.

Preparation for work

There are many options for how to do off-road tuning. Depending on financial resources, the car can be completely redesigned. Most car enthusiasts are not ready to spend a lot of money on modifications and are limited to a few options that allow them to knead dirt comfortably and without damaging the car.

Serious work that requires changing the design of the SUV is excluded with these options. Not everyone can afford them, and most often it is impossible to make such an improvement in a regular garage. Any self-respecting owner who wants to prepare a Chevrolet for off-road use purchases good mud tires for this purpose. The cost can vary and reach several tens of thousands of rubles per set.

For the Chevrolet Niva, the maximum permissible tire size is taken.

The 15-inch option would be preferable. Handling is somewhat compromised, but it offers better ride quality and there are many different models on the market. When choosing mud tires, keep in mind that they are not suitable for winter, and when driving on asphalt, their service life is significantly reduced. In addition, the above dimensions can be supplied without lifting, installing arch extensions and other modifications.

The next required tuning attribute is a snorkel. The cost of a simpler option does not exceed one and a half to two thousand rubles; there are models that are more expensive. Some car enthusiasts prefer to make the element with their own hands. The main task of the snorkel is to prevent sand, dirt and water from entering the engine, preventing the risk of water hammer. Structurally, this is an air intake pipe that is carried outside, through which air enters the engine.

To look like a real SUV, Chevrolet Niva cannot do without a special trunk, which is called expeditionary. Some people are happy with a homemade one from scrap materials, while others buy a ready-made version. The cost of such a trunk can vary: from several thousand rubles to a couple of tens of thousands.

To conquer off-road conditions, the Chevrolet Niva will need reliable and durable protection for the underbody and, in particular, the engine. When driving off-road, no one can guarantee the safety of components and assemblies under the bottom. Its reliability will depend on the thickness and width of the car’s protection. The use of steel sheets is not recommended due to their heavy weight.

If desired, you can install a winch bracket on the front of the Niva and a tow bar on the rear.

A front or rear winch will always help you pull your car out of any mud. This is especially true for the Chevrolet Niva, where even the standard towing eyes cause a lot of trouble. If a towbar can be purchased for approximately several thousand rubles, then a winch will cost at least 15,000–20,000.

Additionally, reinforced shock-absorbing struts can be purchased. Without a load, stiffer springs and longer shock absorbers will cause inconvenience when driving, but the ground clearance will increase by several centimeters. And in off-road conditions, every millimeter becomes decisive. Such modernization can be carried out by any car owner independently, and it will be possible to save money.

Features of the material

Most drivers choose plastic fender flaps for the Niva 2121. The material is highly durable and, when properly processed, the flare does not corrode and provides reliable protection.

The price of plastic wings for Niva Vis starts from 2,400 rubles. In 70% of variants, pickup trucks are sold already with overlays. Plastic parts are made of low-density polyethylene, and ABS is used for the wing. Main advantages:

• resistance to corrosion;
• allow installation of larger diameter tires;
• plastic is UV resistant;
• high strength and flexibility.

The disadvantages of wings and extensions include the need for complete replacement under mechanical influence of medium force. If a dent forms on the steel plate after an impact due to careless parking, the plastic element will crack in this case.

Fender Manufacturers

VAZ Niva is one of the classic models of the Volga Automobile Plant. These configurations provide two types of arch extensions: square and round. Round fenders, in turn, are divided into wide and narrow. There are more than 20 companies on the market that offer wheel arch extensions and protective edge trims made for a specific configuration.

Original Niva door trims complete with wheel arch extensions are offered by the AvtoVAZ workshop (Togliatti). The cost of a set of 6 arched parts is 1500 rubles. Fenders are made from ABS plastic; there are two types in the model range:

• shagreen, with a relief pattern, do not require painting;
• with a primed surface for painting.

The extensions completely follow the relief of the arch; the body does not require additional cutting. Tuning protects the fenders of an SUV from mechanical damage from gravel, prevents corrosion, and prevents the vehicle's windows from quickly becoming dirty.

The Tuningcars63 LLC company offers a set of square trims for the Niva costing from 2,300 rubles. Tuning elements are made of high-strength ABS plastic for painting and “shagreen” type. During installation there is no need to cut the arches; the fenders exactly follow the geometry of the body. Square plates act as tuning and protect the edge of the arch from mechanical damage.

Square pads do not protect the car from dirt if wheels with zero offset are installed, i.e. alloy wheels on wide tires.

The Tuning Auto company produces complete linings for Niva arches and doors. The cost of parts starts from 2000 rubles. Fenders and moldings are made of heat-resistant rubber, serve as a decorative element, and give the car a finished shape. You can purchase individual parts for square and round arches at a price of 600 rubles. a piece.

Today, under the FENDERS (LAPTER) brand, trims and extensions are produced for the entire VAZ model range. For the Niva, square and round plastic elements with a rubber seal and fasteners are offered. During installation, you will need to expand the arches and cut off the edges.

What types of fenders are there?

In nature, there are three types of arch extensions known, not only for the Chevrolet Niva, but also for other cars, mainly intended for SUVs. So, the following types of products are distinguished:

Rubber arch fenders are universal and suitable for any car model, which cannot be said about plastic and fiberglass ones. These two types of products are manufactured exclusively for a specific car brand.

These products differ in size, shape and, most importantly, width of reach. If the round shapes of the arch fenders are intended to protect the car body, then the square ones perform a more decorative function

Plastic options are less durable, so their cost is low compared to fiberglass.

But most car owners, including Shnivovody, pay attention to rubber products. The main advantages of rubber expanders are:

• durability;
• versatility:
• low cost;
• ease of installation.

If you operate a Chevrolet Niva SUV in off-road conditions, then the absence of arch fenders will result in damage to the body, especially the side of the doors and windows. By installing extenders, you can forever get rid of the problem of dirt emissions from under the wheels, which sometimes reaches the roof. But before you begin the process of considering the installation of arch extensions on a Chevrolet Niva, you need to choose the most suitable option.

Product selection

If you plan to install fenders on a Chevrolet Niva, then the best option would be a universal type of product. They can be mounted without much difficulty yourself, without involving specialists at a service station. All you need for installation is a screwdriver and a little patience.

You can also install decorative fiberglass products, but you will need the help of a specialist. Rubber arch fenders come in different widths, so before choosing, you need to measure the wheel offset. Based on the information received, the optimal fender parameter is selected. For the Chevrolet Niva, the optimal arch width is 2-3 inches. The cost of rubber arch extensions is determined by the width and varies from 2000 to 3000 rubles. You can purchase products at any auto store. The set of rubber arch extensions for Chevrolet Niva includes self-tapping screws, special plates and products. So, having the arches available, you can start installing them yourself.

Installation

Manufacturers manufacture wheel arch linings for the Niva 2121 with the expectation that the driver will carry out the installation himself. The kit includes:

• mounting elements: aluminum strips, bolts, screws;
• rubber or plastic fenders;
• installation instructions.

Each arched overlay must have a drawing inside indicating where and on which wing the part is attached. The extender is selected for a specific year of manufacture and modification of the Niva, this allows you to avoid additional work during installation, you will not need to cut the trim or drill additional holes for self-tapping screws on the body.

If square trims are installed, mudguards must be added to the tuning.

If the kit does not include a rubber seal or cambric, the part must be purchased separately. The length of the seal is calculated from the size of the arch. Installing the arch trim step by step:

1. Treat the edge of the arch with gun fat; it is not recommended to use bitumen mastic to prevent corrosion; the material will not provide the necessary protection for the part.
2. Warm up the sealant, cambric, and apply it to the arch.
3. Insert the mounting plates into the rubber or plastic seal, position them at a distance of 3-4 cm from the edge of the pad.
4. Screw the part with self-tapping screws.

If the fender is made of plastic and completely follows the geometry of the body, the kit does not include fixing plates. The part has holes for self-tapping screws. Before installation, the edge of the arch is treated with an anti-corrosion compound, this will prevent the spread of rust at the joints of the screws and the metal of the wing.

Work on the suspension

The VAZ-2121 suspension was quite revolutionary for the seventies - before the Niva, such technical solutions were not used in off-road vehicles.

The front suspension is independent, on wishbones, equipped with springs working in pairs and hydraulic shock absorbers. The design includes a stability stabilizer.

The rear suspension is dependent, with mounting to the rear axle beam and a Panhard rod. The suspension is provided by hydraulic shock absorbers and springs similar to those used in the front suspension.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_JAK8-_lAA

The simplest and very justified step for those wishing to tune the Niva 2121 is to replace sets of springs and shock absorbers. The latest devices are now gas-filled, they are more reliable and handle irregularities better.

All these measures will somewhat reduce the discomfort of driving on a bad road, slightly improve the ride and off-road qualities of the car, but they will not be able to radically change anything.

If you need really serious changes, you should think about replacing the rear suspension of the outdated Panhard system with a more modern independent design. This will not only improve the smoothness of the ride, but also significantly improve the vehicle's handling characteristics, especially on hard road surfaces.

Since the Niva is an all-wheel drive SUV, when tuning it is necessary to pay attention to the suspension. The first step is the Niva elevator - increasing the ground clearance

This will create an impressive reserve for overcoming various obstacles. The concept of tuning the Niva 2121 chassis, as well as a suspension lift, includes:

• Installation of spacers between suspension elements. You can make them yourself or buy them in stores.
• Installation of shock absorbers "Rancho"
• Installation of springs VAZ 2104
• Strengthening the front and rear axles using steel boxes

The Niva 2121 suspension lift is a simple process from a technological point of view that can significantly increase the vehicle's cross-country ability. It must be remembered that lifting is directly dependent on the size of the wheels; the larger their diameter, the more significant modifications will be required. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a balance so that tuning the Niva 2121 suspension with your own hands does not turn into a headache.

Tuning of the Niva 2121 transfer case is also necessary, although this process is largely a refinement. The main problem is the backlash of the front and rear axle shafts. It can be eliminated by installing new components:

• Bearings (it is better to install a double-row variety)
• Lids
• Valov
• Flanges

A good solution would be to strengthen the shaft support. To do this, instead of the original flange, install a modernized one, which has an additional bearing and oil seal.

The third problem is the correct alignment of the transfer case in the horizontal and vertical plane. This is necessary to reduce vibration and, accordingly, wear of the moving parts of the unit. You can do the alignment manually, but it takes a lot of time, requires patience and the result does not always meet expectations.

Full tuning of the Niva-2121 is impossible without improving the properties of the suspension. Let's look at the most popular DIY Niva tuning. It includes:

1. Installation of spacers (store-bought or home-made) between suspension elements.
2. Replacing shock absorbers - for example, you can install Rancho shock absorbers.
3. Installing new springs.
4. Installation of steel boxes to strengthen the front and rear axles.

Refinement of the suspension lift during tuning of the Lada depends on the size and diameter of the wheels. The larger it is, the more significant modifications will be required.

You can also strengthen the shaft supports by installing an upgraded flange with an additional oil seal and bearings in place of the factory ones. High-quality installation of the oil seal will reduce the risk of leakage.

To reduce vibration and wear of the suspension in its lower part, it is necessary to correctly align the transfer case in the horizontal and vertical plane. We perform alignment manually or use a subframe.

Tuning a VAZ-2121 with your own hands includes installing higher springs, which allows you to significantly increase ground clearance. However, in order for the ground clearance to be increased by as much as 10 cm, it is better to install a full lift kit.

Installation recommendations

The original Niva Urban arch covers have a mudguard up to 50 mm wide. Before installation, the edge must be cleaned and primed. When installing, it is recommended to take into account the following nuances:

1. The most vulnerable place for corrosion to occur is where the self-tapping screw enters the wing. Drivers recommend dipping it in Movil before screwing it in and using cannon lard or a preservative for the internal cavities.
2. When installing rubber elements, it is not recommended to use a drill for installation, but to screw in the screws using muscle force.
3. At the first stage, the screws are screwed in a third around the perimeter of the arch, the lining is checked for distortion, then the fasteners are tightened.
4. If the arched thresholds are not cut, then it is better to install plastic linings, otherwise rubber ones with a cord along the edge.
5. The aluminum trim on the Niva rear door is installed after the wheel arch has been converted.
6. Extensions for arches with a width of more than 3 cm change the overall size of the car, this may cause the traffic police inspector to file claims for “unauthorized conversion of the vehicle,” which is prohibited by the rules.

Arch covers are always used as an additional means of protecting body metal from gravel impacts and premature corrosion. Whether or not to install additional extensions to protect the sidewall from dirt is up to each driver to decide for himself.