Purpose, protection, repair and replacement of thresholds on the VAZ 2106

Description and purpose of VAZ 2106 thresholds

Some novice car enthusiasts believe that the thresholds on a VAZ 2106 or any other car play only a cosmetic role and act as tuning. This is not true - car thresholds are important, namely:

• provide an attractive and beautiful appearance;
• serve to protect the body from mechanical damage, as well as from the negative effects of chemical reagents and external natural factors;
• provide ease of boarding and disembarking of passengers.

Thresholds perform a cosmetic and protective function

Load-bearing body element

If you look at the design of the VAZ 2106 thresholds, they consist of the following elements:

• outer panel - is in plain sight and is called a threshold;
• internal part - it can be seen from inside the car;
• amplifier - located inside the box;
• connector - visible if you look at the threshold from below.

  
  A car threshold consists of several parts: an external and internal element, a connector and an amplifier

The rigidity of the car body is achieved by connecting the outer and inner parts of the threshold, the amplifier and the connector. Spot welding is used for this. The result is a box-shaped structure, which provides the necessary rigidity.

Read how to adjust wheel alignment on a VAZ 2106: https://bumper.guru/klassicheskie-modeli-vaz/hodovaya-chast/razval-shozhdenie-svoimi-rukami-vaz-2106.html

Jack sockets

The jack sockets are welded to the car body. If it is necessary to replace a wheel or other elements, you must raise the car. To do this, use a jack, which is inserted into a special hole on the jack socket.

The jack socket is used to install a jack and raise one side of the car.

To make it easier to install the jack in winter or slush, home craftsmen close the hole on the socket using a regular champagne cork. This way the nest always remains dry and clean. This not only allows you to quickly and easily insert the jack into it, but also extends the life of the entire jack socket.

Repair without welding

Thresholds 2106 are very rarely repaired without welding. This is due to the fact that the “youngest” car is 13 years old, such a service life for metal is critical. If necessary, you can patch corrosion holes with metal patch or use epoxy resin, putty or fiberglass. Necessary tools that will be needed for repair:

• sandpaper R-80;
• fiberglass cover;
• epoxy resin;
• rubber spatula, roller (optional);
• solvent;
• rust remover;
• automotive putty;
• aluminum powder;
• primer;
• enamel.

Anti-corrosion treatment of thresholds

In order to delay the repair or replacement of thresholds on the VAZ 2106 as much as possible, it is enough to carry out their anti-corrosion treatment correctly and on time. Experts recommend anti-corrosion treatment of thresholds once every two years. This will be enough to prevent corrosion from damaging the specified element. It is advisable that the first treatment be done by specialists, and only then can you maintain the threshold in a normal state on your own.

To treat the thresholds yourself, you need to buy an anti-corrosion agent, it can be Car System, Novol, Rand or similar. You will also need anti-rust liquid, a metal brush, and sandpaper. The following work is carried out wearing personal protective equipment:

1. The car must be washed and dried well.
2. Use a brush and sandpaper to remove rust from the threshold.
3. Coat the surface with rust preventative and allow it to dry completely.
4. Treat the thresholds from the inside with an anti-corrosion compound. It can be either liquid or in the form of an aerosol.

   
   The anti-corrosion compound completely covers the inner surface of the thresholds

From the outside, you can treat the car's thresholds with anti-gravel or gravitex. To do this, the car body is closed and only the thresholds are left. The purchased composition is applied from a spray can in several layers, and each layer must dry for at least 5 minutes. It is enough to apply 2-3 layers.

Anti-gravel or gravitex is used to cover the outer part of the threshold

More about VAZ 2106 body repair: https://bumper.guru/klassicheskie-modeli-vaz/kuzov/kuzov-vaz-2106.html

Video: filling thresholds with Movil

DIY replacement

When replacing the thresholds yourself, you will need a gas welding machine, a set of parts and the necessary tools for cutting or cutting out the element:

• power screwdriver;
• chisel;
• spot welder, spotter or MIG welding;
• electric drill;
• metal brush.

To clean and align the element after welding you will need:

• automotive putty;
• primer;
• sandpaper R-80;
• anti-corrosion mastic;
• enamel.

The procedure for replacing thresholds using welding is step by step:

1. Place the car on a flat surface.
   

   If the body is old, then in order to avoid distortions and to maintain the required size of the gaps, install braces in the doorways.

2. For ease of operation, dismantle the doors, having previously marked the position of the hinges on the body.
3. Use a chisel or grinder to cut off the outer panel of the part.
4. Remove the amplifier.
5. Clean the seat from corrosion with a chisel, drill with an attachment or grinder.
6. Try on the amplifier, modern replicas can be several centimeters longer than necessary, cut off the excess part.
7. Weld the amplifier, first securing it with welding clamps or pliers.
8. Try on the outer part of the threshold, remove the shipping primer from the factory part.
9. Treat the panel with an anti-corrosion compound, install the outer part with screws or secure with clamps.
10. Install the doors, check the gaps and the length of the part, which should not exceed the length of the door.
11. Weld the outer part, start welding from the place of the central pillar, then work the seam left and right.
12. Weld the connecting strip at the bottom of the threshold.
13. Clean the welds with a grinder and sandpaper.
14. Prime, treat uneven areas with putty, and paint at the final stage.

Strengthening thresholds

To enhance the thresholds, you can purchase a factory amplifier. Often home craftsmen make it themselves, using a metal strip 125 mm wide and 2 mm thick. A piece of the required length is cut from it, in which holes are made every 6–7 cm, and the amplifier is ready. To obtain maximum body rigidity, some craftsmen strengthen the sills using a profile pipe.

To obtain maximum body rigidity, some craftsmen strengthen the sills using a profile pipe

To strengthen the location of the jacks, you can additionally weld a metal plate, and only then fix the jack.

Procedure for replacing body parts

Repairing a power frame is usually a rather lengthy process, which is carried out in an electrified garage. The machine is installed on an inspection pit or lift. Replacement of corroded thresholds is carried out in the following sequence:

1. The car interior is disassembled to provide access to all body parts.
2. Power elements are carefully inspected and defective. For these purposes, an awl is usually used to check problematic areas.
3. Damaged parts are cut out of the structure using an electric angle grinder.
4. The joints of the load-bearing elements are thoroughly cleaned of dirt and rust using metal brushes and coarse sandpaper.
5. Cavities and other hard-to-reach places are treated with corrosion modifiers.

The place for installing new parts on the VAZ 2107 car has been prepared and the next step will be their direct replacement. Further body repairs involve the following work:

1. The amplifier is secured to the outer casing using clamps or self-tapping screws along the contour.
2. The doors are closed and checked to ensure that the gaps are even along the bottom edge.
3. After this, the thresholds are welded using a special apparatus in an inert gas environment.

At this point, the replacement of VAZ 2107 body elements can be considered complete. Body repairs of this kind are completed by painting the parts and applying special protective coatings.

Threshold decoration

In order to make the appearance of their car more attractive, many owners install special plastic trims and moldings on the sills.

Door sills

Threshold covers for the VAZ 2106 are plastic elements that are attached to the outer part of the threshold. The main advantages of installing decorative overlays:

• protection of thresholds from the negative effects of moisture, sand and dirt;
• prevention of premature corrosion;
• protection of paintwork from mechanical damage;
• the ability to hide minor defects;
• improving the appearance of the car.

Plastic door sills improve the appearance of the car

Moldings

Threshold moldings are rubber-plastic products that are attached to the standard places of the VAZ 2106. They are mounted with double-sided tape. The presence of hollow sections inside allows you to absorb minor mechanical shocks. Such elements also decorate the appearance of the car.

Threshold moldings can be chrome or black

How to replace thresholds on a VAZ - we outline the essence

Replacing VAZ 2107 thresholds is an operation that sooner or later has to be carried out on most cars. The reasons for this may be:

• poor quality anti-corrosion treatment;
• humid climate;
• road chemicals;
• road condition.

Independent replacement of VAZ 2107 thresholds requires certain qualifications in welding work and the availability of appropriate tools.

Preparing to replace the threshold

• You need to lift the car and level it. It is better that the body is supported evenly at several points to avoid body distortion.
• When completely replacing the threshold, it is better to remove the doors. This will give good access and prevent damage to the doors during welding. When removing doors, it is better to leave the hinges on the body so that their position does not change. In most cases, it is also necessary to remove the front fender. Removing the front fender may require additional disassembly. So, for example, you will have to remove the front bumper and headlight.
• If the threshold is being replaced due to its corrosion, then it is necessary to clean the area around the rusty areas with a reserve in order to determine the boundaries of the rust. This way you can understand which areas of the threshold can be left and which need to be cut out.
• To replace the thresholds, it is necessary to dismantle some interior parts, such as plastic cladding, seats, and rubber seals. Carpeting can be rolled up.
• Protect your car's paintwork, glass and interior from sparks from welding and grinders.
• Before welding, you need to disconnect and insulate the battery terminals.

The final stage of work. Finishing and painting

After completing the welding work, all that remains is to process the seams with a cleaning disk and roll the lower part of the VAZ 2110 threshold (clamp it onto the connector). You can take a few breaths, then it will be easier. From the outside, treat the car with a primer. Inside the cabin, the bottom is initially treated with mastic, then a layer of polyethylene is laid down, then back with mastic, sound insulation and carpet.

All that remains is to collect all the other parts in their places and you can hit the road again. Be prepared that the total scope of work may take at least three to four days. As you understand, having certain skills and tools will allow you to save a considerable amount of money, but it also takes a lot of time, so it’s up to you to decide whether it’s advisable to restore the VAZ 2110 thresholds yourself.