Arch extensions for an SUV (fenders) are not only a tuning element, but also a protective device that is designed to protect the car body and windows. A Chevrolet Niva with standard wheels does not require the installation of arch extensions, especially if the car is operated on asphalt conditions. It’s another matter when a Chevrolet Niva SUV is used in off-road conditions. In this case, it will be necessary to install tires with a wide profile or offset, which will provide greater stability to the car.
But in order to limit the car body, in particular, the paintwork and side windows from mechanical influences, arch extensions should be installed. We will look at how arches are installed on a Chevrolet Niva and what fenders are in this material.
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:
- plastic;
- rubber;
- universal.
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.
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.
What are universal arch extensions for?
Experienced motorists know well that to drive off-road, the car must be prepared in advance. To do this, most often, they use tires with a wider width than the standard one. Such tires significantly increase the vehicle's cross-country ability, but at the same time create additional problems. Since wheels with such rubber protrude beyond the dimensions of the body, when turning or slipping, dirt will get on the windows and doors, which, you see, is not very pleasant. you cannot do without such an addition as universal arch extensions They will save your car not only from the bulk of flying dirt, but also from stones that can cause significant damage to the paintwork of the body. Moreover, large tires have a large tread, into which stones are easily clogged and then at high speed they crash into doors, arches and other elements of the car, even glass. You don't need off-roading for this.
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:
- 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.
- When installing rubber elements, it is not recommended to use a drill for installation, but to screw in the screws using muscle force.
- 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.
- If the arched thresholds are not cut, then it is better to install plastic linings, otherwise rubber ones with a cord along the edge.
- The aluminum trim on the Niva rear door is installed after the wheel arch has been converted.
- 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.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=hCYax52WaUA
Price issue
The price of such arch extensions is small, and their installation is quite simple and you can handle it yourself.
Manufacturers offer several types of expanders, which differ in appearance, material and method of fastening:
- Universal – fastening with screws or rivets
- L-shaped - fastening with self-tapping screws or double-sided tape.
Installation of fixtures
Nowadays you can’t live without a car scanner! You can read, reset, analyze all sensors and configure the car’s on-board computer yourself using a special scanner. After screwing the arch extension, you need to trace the fold line. The ends may begin to warp. To do this, it is better to remove one of the plates. After installing the arch, it can be painted in the Niva color.
Screwing the arch extension If the fender is plastic, much less action needs to be done. The kit does not include any fixing plates. The factory fender has pre-made holes for self-tapping screws and is easier to install.
Which fender flares are right for me?
For domestic SUVs - Niva and UAZ, they most often use standard plastic (rubber (rubber-plastic)) arch extensions and fasten them using ordinary self-tapping screws with press washers, as well as plates, which are quite suitable for suspension from the profile.
For higher class cars, in order not to drill holes in the fender, use a more gentle option with double-sided tape. This method of fastening is much simpler and faster, but it has a significant drawback - adhered dirt must be regularly cleaned off, otherwise the expander may come off under its weight.
When purchasing universal arch extensions , you can immediately purchase a mounting kit with screws and plates already treated with an anti-corrosion agent to prevent rust.
Advice: to prevent corrosion on the wing at the attachment point, the screws must be treated with Movil before screwing in, as well as the entire area that will be hidden by the expander itself.
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.
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.
How to choose a product
If you want to install expansion arches on a Chevrolet Niva, then the best choice would be a universal product. It is easy to install it yourself, without involving specialists from a service station. All you need for DIY installation is a screwdriver. It’s time to install a fiberglass version, but in this case you can’t do without the help of a specialist. Rubber arch fenders can be of any width, so before purchasing you need to measure the wheel offset. For a Chevrolet Niva, the optimal option is an arch width of 2-3 inches. The set of rubber arches for this car model includes steel plates and self-tapping screws, so after purchasing, you can proceed to installation yourself.
10.4a Removing and installing decorative trims on the front wings and doors (2009-2019 onwards)
Details Category: 10. Body Updated 02/19/2019 05:54
Removal
1. Unscrew the five screws 1 securing the cladding 2.
2. Remove the lining 1, overcoming the resistance of the holders 2.
3. Remove cover 1, overcoming the resistance of the clips of the cover.
Using a decorative trim remover, press the edge of the cladding 2 and cut off the double-sided adhesive tape along the top of the cladding with a knife.
Remove the lining 2, overcoming the resistance of the plastic holders.
Front and rear door trims: 1 – front door trim; 2 – front door trim; 3 – front door; 4 – rear door trim; 5 – rear door.
Press the edge of the cladding 4 with a decorative trim remover and cut off the double-sided adhesive tape along the top of the cladding with a knife.
Remove the lining 4, overcoming the resistance of the plastic holders.
Remove remaining adhesive tape on the front and rear doors and trims using a 3M GR-DC adhesive tape remover.
4. Unscrew the two screws 1 securing the trim 2 of the rear wing arch.
Rear wheel arch trim: 1 – screw; 2 – rear wheel arch lining; 3 – rear wing.
Remove the lining 2, overcoming the resistance of the plastic holders.
Installation
Install new plastic holders on the facings.
Degrease the mating surfaces of the linings with the body using white spirit.
Apply double-sided adhesive tape along the top edge of the facings and install the facings in the reverse order of removal.
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:
- LLDPE - thermoplastic low pressure polyethylene.
- ABS plastic.
- 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.
By appearance, tuning elements can be divided into categories:
- Semicircular. They are made of steel and often extend beyond the dimensions of the body. For niva they are made individually for standard holes.
- 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.
- 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.
