How to independently change the bumpers VAZ 2107

Cars of the Zhiguli brand of the classic series were equipped with unsightly old-style bumpers protruding beyond the body. Unlike the earlier models - "penny" and "six", the body kit elements of the VAZ 2107 have changed, they began to look more presentable. Many years of experience in operating the "seven" showed that standard parts can be improved in various ways or replaced with bumpers of a different shape. Moreover, the modernization and installation is carried out by the motorist on his own, without unnecessary calls to the service station.

Purpose and dimensions of body kits "seven"

On the vast majority of modern cars, the front and rear bumper is a continuation of the body and serves as a decorative element. The exception is some SUV models equipped with power body kits. The VAZ 2107 bumpers are more suitable for the name "buffers", since they are extended beyond the body parts and are designed to perform 3 functions:

1. Protect car body parts from dents in light collisions.
2. Protect the paintwork of the front and rear fenders from scratches if it hits an obstacle or another vehicle (for example, while parking).
3. Improve the appearance of the vehicle.

The factory body kits of the "seven" are entirely made of plastic, a thin decorative overlay is placed on top

Unlike previous "classic" models, VAZ 2107 body kits are made of plastic and equipped with decorative chrome inserts. Side plastic lining retained similarity with similar parts of the "six", but increased in height.

Practice shows: the pretty bumpers of the "seven" have lost their protective function for the following reasons:

• buffer material is able to withstand really light impacts;
• from an average shock load, the plastic cracks and breaks into pieces;
• the body apron is easily damaged by a broken body kit;
• when the front hits the wall, the chrome grille of the radiator is also destroyed - the VAZ emblem fixed on it is on the same level with the bumper.

There is a platform for installing a license plate on the front bumper

Previously, the VAZ 2101-06 models were equipped with chrome-plated buffers made of metal about 2 mm thick. The so-called fangs were attached to each, additionally protecting the body kit itself.

Rear factory bumper size is 1600 x 200 x 150mm (length/width/height). On the front element, the manufacturer provides a platform for attaching a license plate, so its width is 50 mm larger. The rest of the dimensions are identical.

The design of the rear body kit VAZ 2107 is distinguished by the absence of a platform for the number

Bumper upgrade options

In order to improve the design of factory body kits, the owners of the "sevens" practice the following improvements:

• perforation of the frontal plane of the part;
• reinforcement of the front and rear buffer with stiffeners;
• replacement of regular bumpers with tuning products made in the factory or garage with your own hands;
• installation of an additional “lip” at the bottom of the body kit;
• refreshing the appearance of regular parts by painting.

Installing a plastic apron makes the appearance of the factory body kit more attractive.

Perforation is the easiest way to change the appearance of the hinged elements of the VAZ 2107. There is no need to dismantle the buffers. The upgrade is performed in the following order:

1. Get a core drill with a diameter of 30-45 mm.
2. Mark the front planes of the body kit on the sides of the license plate - 4 holes should fit on each side.
3. Install the drill in a regular drill and make 8 holes. Tuning completed.
   

   It is enough to make a few holes to make the hinged part look more original.

Perforated bumpers for the VAZ 2105-07 car can be purchased ready-made. Products look better than home-made "brothers".

Alternative solution - buy ready-made perforated parts

Refinement by amplification

Since the regular elements of the "seven" began to protect the body only from minor damage, but did not acquire much beauty, many motorists improve the bumpers by reinforcing them with a metal insert. As such, a steel profile acts - a corner 1300 mm long with a shelf width of 7 cm, metal thickness - 1,5-2 mm. For fastening, prepare 4 M8 bolts with nuts and the following tools:

• electric drill with a drill with a diameter of 8 mm;
• a set of spanner and open-end wrenches;
• passages;
• a hammer;
• spray lubricant type WD-40.
  

  If necessary, instead of an electric drill, you can use a manual

First of all, remove both bumpers from the car according to the instructions below. Take this opportunity to clean the parts from dirt and change the chrome lining if they have become unusable. The black sheen of plastic can be restored with a building hair dryer - just treat the surfaces with a stream of hot air.

The color of the plastic becomes brighter after heating with a hair dryer.

Before unscrewing, treat all threaded connections with WD-40 spray, then wait 5-10 minutes until the grease dissolves rust.

Applying an aerosol greatly facilitates the unwinding of threaded connections

The amplifier is mounted as follows:

1. Attaching a steel angle to the mounting flange of the bracket, mark and drill 2 holes in it. Place them closer to the edge of the profile.
2. Fix the corner by threading the standard bolts through the pre-drilled holes. Repeat the operation on the second bracket.
3. Close to the outer shelf, drill 2 pairs of holes, using the removed body kit as a template.
4. Screw the profile to both brackets with standard fasteners.
5. Fasten the bumper to the corner with prepared bolts and nuts. Since the buffer has moved forward, there is no need to install side mounts - just wrap the standard bolts into the holes and tighten.
   

   The steel profile serves as a spacer between the brackets and the plastic frame

Installation of tuning elements

The proposed upgrade option allows you to change the appearance of the VAZ 2107 for the better by getting rid of the protruding regular buffer. Instead, a streamlined body kit of a different shape is installed, imitating the continuation of the body. During installation, factory fasteners are used.

PRESTIGE front bumper installation example - the appearance of the car dramatically changes for the better

The list of the most popular models of tuning body kits for the "seven" available for sale:

• PRESTIGE;
• SNIPER;
• ROBOT;
• VFTS from the ABS plastic brand.

A less costly and time-consuming option is to install a regular “lip” bumper from below - a plastic apron that protrudes slightly forward. The element closes the "beard" of the body, usually damaged by pebbles and corrosion, and also creates the appearance of continuing the body kit. Installation of the part is extremely simple - the apron is screwed to the car body with self-tapping screws.

Manufacturers usually sell tuning body kits complete with thresholds.

Is it possible to put homemade parts

The current legislation interprets the installation of homemade bumpers unambiguously - unacceptable interference in the design of the car. True, patrol officers pay attention mainly to off-road vehicles equipped with power bumpers - “kenguryatniks”.

If the owner has installed a home-made body kit without proper registration of permits, employees have the right to issue a fine or detain the car at the penalty area. The last resort is to remove the car from the registration.

Some details significantly increase the dimensions of the body

In order not to encounter the problems described after replacing the bumpers, consider a number of recommendations:

1. Do not install hanging elements made of metal. According to the law, such parts carry an increased danger to pedestrians and other vehicles in the event of an accident.
2. The edges of the installed body kits should not go beyond the dimensions of the car specified in the attached technical documentation.
3. Purchase and install factory-made tuning parts. The seller is obliged to provide a certificate of conformity confirming that the bumper is made taking into account safety requirements.

Some garage craftsmen practice fiberglass body kits. From a technical point of view, such spare parts do not pose a danger to other road users, but from a legal point of view they are illegal. To obtain permission to install, you must pass a special examination, which is much more expensive than any factory bumper.

Homemade bumpers are made from fiberglass mats.

Restoration of appearance by painting

To paint, remove body kits from the car, wash and dry thoroughly. It is better to dismantle and change chrome lining, but this is not always feasible for a number of reasons:

• the threads of the mounting bolts are heavily rusted;
• the bolt heads rotate inside the lining along with the nuts, it is unrealistic to get close and grab with a key;
• The chrome finish is in good condition and there is no need to remove the trim.

Before painting, all surfaces are cleaned with sandpaper.

For painting, it is enough to purchase a degreaser, primer, rags and a can of paint of the desired color (usually black or to match the car). Also prepare masking tape and sandpaper #800-1000. Further procedure:

1. If the chrome trim is not removed, cover it with masking tape.
2. Clean the surface to be painted with sandpaper. The goal is to get rid of smoothness and ensure the adhesion of the coloring composition, experts say - “put at risk”.
3. Carefully treat the part with a degreaser, dry for 5-10 minutes.
4. Apply a coat of primer from a can and let it dry.
5. Apply paint from a can for 2 times, taking a break between layers of 15-20 minutes. (the exact time is indicated on the package).
   

   If desired, the body kit can be painted directly on the car

Dry the painted body kit in a warm garage for at least a day, then install it on the car. If desired, the paint can be additionally protected with two layers of varnish (also sold in cylinders). If you need to update the pad, tape the painted plastic and apply a different color composition.

Video: how to paint an old body kit

the second life of the old bumper vaz 2107

Removing the front bumper

To remove and disassemble the body kit, you need to understand how the mount works. The buffer consists of the following parts (positions in the list and diagram are the same):

1. Chrome trim.
2. Side plastic pads.
3. Internal nut.
4. Side trim screw.
5. Bracket holding the main bracket.
6. Front bracket.
7. Body kit bolt.
8. Also.
9. Bolt holding the main bracket to the bracket.
10. Rubber bushing.
11. Bracket mounting bolts.
    

    Hinged elements of the "seven" are attached at 4 points - in the middle and on the sides

The easiest way is to remove the "seven" bumper along with the front brackets, and then finally disassemble it (if necessary). For dismantling, you will need the following tools and materials:

• a standard set of wrenches - ring or open-end;
• anti-corrosion aerosol lubricant, WD-40 is suitable;
• laundry soap solution.

This is what the front body kit of the VAZ 2107 looks like, removed along with the brackets

To dismantle the front buffer, you need to unscrew 4 threaded connections - 2 on each side of the car. The order of operations looks like this:

1. Turn the steering wheel of the car to the right until it stops.
2. Lubricate the threads of the two mounting bolts located under the left wheel arch - on the bracket and side trim. Wait 5-10 minutes.
3. Using a 22 mm wrench, loosen the bracket bolt, unscrew it to the end.
   

   The end of the bracket is attached to the body with a special bracket located inside the wheel arch.
4. Loosen the nut with a 13 mm wrench holding the side plastic trim.
   

   On the side, the bumper is held on by a bolt bolted to the fender.
5. Clean the rubber bushing with soapy water.
6. Repeat the above operations on the opposite side.
7. Grasp the bumper with both hands and pull it out of its sockets along with the brackets.
   

   The unscrewed bumper is easily removed from the sockets

If further disassembly is necessary, re-spray the bolt threads holding the brackets and top trim. To separate the body kit from the flanges, unscrew 4 nuts, two more press the decorative trim. Assembly and installation of elements is carried out in the reverse order.

During the assembly process, it is strongly recommended to generously lubricate the threaded connections with grease in order to avoid difficulties during the next dismantling of the buffer.

Video: how to remove attachments VAZ 2105-07

Dismantling the rear body kit

The algorithm for disassembling the rear buffer completely repeats the removal of the front part, since the mounting method is the same. Accordingly, identical tools are used. Two internal connections are untwisted on each side, then the element is removed from the bushings.

For complete disassembly of the body kit, it is enough to unscrew the 6 mounting bolts

There is one difference in dismantling the rear bumper - the wheels do not turn, access to bolts and nuts is difficult. The problem is solved in two ways - by alternately removing the wheels or unwinding the fasteners from the inspection ditch. If the threads are heavily rusted, it is preferable to use the first option.

Video: how to improve the rear buffer

Repair or improvement of the bumper for the VAZ 2104

Since the era of the “classic” VAZ is gradually becoming a thing of the past, the production of spare parts for the Zhiguli is declining. Factory bumper assemblies are sold on the market and in automotive stores, but finding chrome trims is becoming more difficult. Hence, there is a need to repair and paint existing parts; buying tuning body kits is unacceptable for many motorists.