Mercedes grille, fragile bumpers and a fake for Brezhnev: myths and facts about the VAZ-2107

The purpose of car tuning is to improve its technical, operational or aesthetic characteristics. Tuning the VAZ 2107 bumper is one of the most popular ways to add individuality and significantly improve the appearance of the “seven”. Modification of bumpers does not require expensive equipment or special skills, so it is often carried out by the car owners themselves. This can be either a modification of a standard bumper or the creation of new parts from fiberglass, plywood and foam. Refinement of the bumper begins with its removal from the car.

Front bumper

On the VAZ 2107 model, both bumpers are supported by 4 brackets. Side fastenings are used for lateral connections to the car fenders.

Attention! To avoid damage (scratches, dents) on the fenders, replacing the front bumper should be carried out carefully.

Removal process

When dismantling the façade buffer, you must step by step perform the following sequence of actions:

1. Secure the car so that it cannot move anywhere during repairs, or jack it up.
2. The wheels must be turned in such a way that it is convenient to work when unscrewing the nuts on the side securing the buffer to the bracket.
3. From inside the front wing, use wrench No. 13 to unscrew the bolt securing the buffer to the body.
4. On both sides of the wheel arches, use a chrome wrench No. 22 to unscrew the nut holding the buffer to the body on the brackets. If you turn the nut, you need to hold it on the reverse side with a similar wrench.
5. When finished, remove the bolt.
6. To reduce friction on the rubber seals and prevent their wear, lubricate the brackets with a solution of soap or shampoo.
7. Holding the bumper carefully with both hands, pull it out of the housing sockets with a “pull towards yourself” motion. The lubricated support tubes will slide out of the installation site with ease.

Procedure for dismantling

To disassemble the buffer, use a No. 13 wrench to unscrew the nut and bolt of the upper and lower fastenings of the tube connector and remove it from the bumper.

Unscrew the bracket bolts

After this, use wrench No. 3 to unscrew the 3 nuts holding the chrome trim.

Removing the decorative trim

To complete the disassembly, use a number 13 wrench to unscrew the nut of the side bracket and disconnect it from the main part.

Installation

Installation of the bumper is carried out according to the same scheme, but the actions are carried out in the reverse order, that is:

• The car is fixed;
• The disassembled bumper is being assembled;
• Everything is inserted into place and after turning the wheel or removing it, use a No. 22 wrench to screw in the bracket bolts on both sides;
• When everything is screwed down, you need to install the decor overlay in place.

Read, it may come in handy: We protect from rust and repair the thresholds of the VAZ 2107

Removing bumpers

When removing the VAZ 2107 bumper, you must perform the following steps. On one side, remove the nut from the bracket bolt that holds the bumper. At the same time, the wheels of the car must be turned in this direction to the very end. After removing the bolt, it is necessary to lubricate the seals with soapy water. Once this operation is completed, the second bolt is removed in the same way. The wheels are turned all the way in the other direction. After removing the bolt, the seals are also lubricated with soapy water. Then you need to free the front buffer from the side bolts. With their help, the bumper is attached to flat body parts. To tighten the nuts, it is better to use a spanner. Before removing the bumper, all bolts must be removed.

Rear bumper

The main difference between the rear bumper is that the mounts are hidden by rubber seals. To remove it, you need to open the trunk and remove the upholstery.

Step-by-step dismantling instructions

Removing the rear buffer is carried out according to the following scheme:

1. After opening the trunk, use a screwdriver to dismantle the rubber floor fastenings.
2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, the entire trunk upholstery, made of plastic, is removed.
   After unscrewing the screws, you need to remove the cover and take out the spare tire. Removing the decorative trunk trim
3. Access to the left bracket is open and you need to unscrew it. To do this, you need to remove the fuel tank trim, loosen the clamps, move it to the side so that you can reach the bracket.
4. Unscrew the fasteners and remove the central brackets.
   Unscrew the mounting bolts and remove the bumper from the car
5. Next, you need to carefully remove the buffer, for which, without making much effort, you need to pull it towards you so that the pipes finally come out of the housing.

How to put the bumper back

As in the case of the front bumper for installing in place of the rear bumper, similar steps are carried out in the reverse order. Before this, you need to carefully inspect the integrity of the rubber seals. If they are worn out they must be replaced.

REMOVAL OF THE REAR WEAR BUILDING

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 unscrewed on each side, then the element is removed from the bushings.

To completely disassemble the body kit, simply unscrew the 6 mounting bolts.

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

VIDEO: HOW TO IMPROVE THE REAR BUFFER

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 car stores, but chrome trim is becoming more difficult to find. This creates the need to repair and paint existing parts; buying tuning body kits is unacceptable for many car enthusiasts.

Features of bumpers of various series

VAZ models of other series (for example, 2105, 2104, etc.) have protective structures similar to those found on the 2107. The differences lie in the number of fasteners. There are only 2 of them. They are connected with tube amplifiers and brackets. The ends are removable. They are made from synthetic materials.

The front bumper plays an important role in the design of the exterior of any car. VAZ 2107 cars are also equipped with these devices, which not only perform a decorative function, but also protect the body in the event of a collision. The part in question is also called a body kit, and if repair, modernization or replacement is necessary, the front bumper on the VAZ 2107 must be dismantled.

Design Features

The design and method of attaching body kits on Lada 13-15 series cars differs from other models of the “tenth” VAZ family. Design features are as follows:

• Additional metal brackets for fastening to the body are installed inside the plastic elements;
• the brackets are held on by threaded connections and screwed to the bumper with self-tapping screws;
• plastic latches appeared on the central part of the front bumper;
• the edges of the rear body kit are pulled to the body by nuts hidden behind the wheel arches;
• It is easier to remove the front and rear parts together with the amplifier, and then unscrew it if necessary.

Front bumper design

The listed features make it somewhat difficult to dismantle elements from the machine, since the threads located next to the wheels become covered with dirt and rust during operation. Over the years, corrosion also eats away at bare metal brackets that are not protected by any coating.

The rusted bracket needs to be replaced

Design features of the seven bumper

The main distinctive feature of the front bumper on the VAZ 2107 is that they extend slightly beyond the side of the body, which is why they are also called “buffers”. This part has the following purposes:

• Improving the design and appearance of the car.
• Lateral protection of the corners of the front wings from light contact with obstacles. If such contact occurs, the body kit (plastic part) is damaged, but the body is not damaged.
• Protecting the body from damage in the event of a light frontal collision with obstacles or other vehicles.

The seven bumper is made of two types of materials - plastic and chrome-plated metal inserts. The predominance of plastic in the design of the front body kit contributed to a decrease in the protective properties of the element. The reasons for the predominance of plastic in body kit design are the following factors:

1. Plastic looks more modern and elegant.
2. The chrome trim remains to maintain design integrity, along with the chrome grille, door handles, window surrounds and velvet covers.
3. Cheap and easy to repair.

The design of the front bumper has a special platform designed to accommodate a state license plate. The dimensions of the body kit are 160x20x15 cm, and the platform area has been increased in width by 50 mm.

How to remove the front bumper on a seven

The dismantling of the device in question on the seven is carried out due to the need for repair or replacement. Repair, in turn, is of two types - restoration of the integrity of the part or modernization. To remove and disassemble the device on the VAZ 2107, you need to find out what it is. The photo below shows a diagram of the front bumper of the seven.

If you are removing and replacing the front bumper, it is recommended to do this together with the front brackets. After removing the device in question, you can continue the disassembly process by removing the mounting brackets. To remove it from the car, you will need the following set of tools:

• Spanners.
• A can of WD-40 lubricant.
• Metal brush.
• Soap solution.

When we have the necessary tools, we proceed to dismantling the part in question:

1. To begin with, you should unscrew the steering wheel in one direction until it stops, unscrew the bracket (more on this below), then do the same actions on the other side.
2. Using a metal brush, you need to clean the bolts and nuts securing the bumper brackets. They are located under the left and right wheel arch.
3. Treat fasteners with WD-40.
4. Using wrenches “22”, you need to unscrew the bolt and nut that secure the brackets.
5. Using the key “13”, you unscrew the fastening of the plate, which secures the very edge of the bumper to the wing of the seven (many drivers, after repairing or replacing a part, do not screw this plate in – considering it unnecessary).
6. Using a soap solution, treat the rubber bushing with it to make removing the bracket pipe more convenient.
7. After unscrewing all four bumper mounts on the VAZ 2107, you need to grab it with both hands (preferably with an assistant) and pull it out of the corresponding sockets in the body.

Making a bumper yourself

A tuned bumper can be made simply and quite cheaply from fiberglass. The individual design of your bumper can be made from plywood, parts of this design are connected together with glue or plaster putty, and foam plastic, or you can use programs for creating 3D models.

To make a bumper with your own hands you will need polyester resin and fiberglass or glass mat.

Pieces of fiberglass are laid on a matrix made of foam plastic or plywood, layer by layer, and they must be impregnated with polyester resin with a thickener, which will connect them into one.

Important: work must be carried out wearing a protective mask with an air filter and rubber gloves.

The thickness of the fiberglass should be selected based on the shape of the surface. It is better to make bends and small parts from a thin layer; a thicker glass mat will produce a more durable structure. For the manufacture of bumpers, glass mat with a density of 300 grams per m2 is most often used.

The bumper is made of several layers of fiberglass. The first layer must be laid very carefully, intensively impregnating it with resin. The inner corners are laid out with thin strips of slightly thickened resin, and the laid fiberglass is compacted with a flat brush. After the first layer has been laid, it should be left for a day to harden. After the first layer has hardened, it needs to be sanded with coarse sandpaper.

The next step is to apply two more layers of fiberglass, heavily impregnated with polyester resin. After 24 hours, after the resin has hardened, the bumper can be removed from the model. The finished bumper should be treated with polyester resin to create a smooth surface.

Do-it-yourself bumper tuning is complete. All that remains is to paint it with a spray can or spray gun and cut holes for fastening.

About the design of the rear part of the VAZ 2107 body kit

The rear body kit on the seven has a similar design to the front, so its dimensions are also 160x20x15 cm. The device is made entirely of plastic, and on top there is a decorative chrome plated metal trim, which stands out significantly and emphasizes the contour of the car body.

This is interesting! The rear unit does not have a place to attach a license plate, which is the main difference from the front bumper.

Like the front, the rear bumper of the seven is necessary to perform the following tasks:

• Protects the paintwork from scratches and impacts. Such consequences may arise due to a collision with obstacles.
• Improving the appearance of the VAZ 2107 car.
• Protection of the body from dents and impacts in light collisions with other cars.

When mechanical impact is applied to the device, it becomes deformed. If this happens, then it is necessary to restore the integrity of the body kit, for which you need to find out the specifics of its removal.

Removing the rear body kit of the seven

The photo in the material shows what the assembled rear bumper on a VAZ 2107 looks like. It is in this form that the device is removed from the car. It should be noted right away that if you had to remove the front body kit, then removing it from the rear will not be difficult. The devices have absolutely identical fastenings, therefore the dismantling algorithm is the same.

The instructions for removing the part in question from the seven look like this:

1. To dismantle, you will need to open the trunk and find both bracket fastenings located on the sides on the trunk floor. If there is a trough there, then you will need to get it out.
2. First you will need to unscrew the fastenings of the brackets, using “22” wrenches.
3. If the connections are dirty and cannot be unscrewed, then they must be cleaned and treated with WD-40 lubricant.
4. After 5-10 minutes, unscrew them on both sides, and then pull the bumper towards you, removing the brackets from the bushings. Remove the device by disconnecting it from the body.
5. The fasteners are also removed from the body to clean them or replace them if necessary.

Modification of the standard bumper of the VAZ 2107

The rear and front bumper of the VAZ 2107 are not very durable when compared with older VAZ models. The plastic base, reinforced with a chrome plate, does not withstand even light collisions, and does not look particularly elegant. You can strengthen the structure by inserting a metal L-shaped profile into it. To do this, you need to cut a piece of the profile of a suitable length, drill holes in it and bend it slightly so that its shape follows the shape of the standard bumper. All that remains is to insert the amplifier inside the standard bumper and install it on standard mounts. To prevent corrosion, the amplifier must be painted.

Tip: for painting it is convenient to use an aerosol can with dark-colored paint. The paint from such cans is sprayed evenly, without leaving drips or streaks on the surface.

Both the front and rear bumpers can be modified in this way. The result is a massive, durable bumper that will not bend or break in minor collisions.

Such alterations are not enough to radically change the appearance. To achieve an original design, you can make a new VAZ 2107 bumper yourself.

Front bumper

On this model, the front bumper (as well as the rear) is supported by only four brackets. On the sides they are connected to the car body (with wings) using side mounts. Replacing the front bumper requires caution, since the side elements of the bumper can scratch the fenders.

Compared to previous models, the design of the 2107 (injection version) was slightly modified. The modified body kit is now a solid plastic element with a small metal insert on top.

Removal process

To remove the front protection, you need to follow simple step-by-step instructions:

1. We securely fix the car so that it does not roll anywhere during the repair process. If it is inconvenient, you can jack up the car.
2. Using a 13mm wrench, unscrew the nut of the decorative bolt and remove it.
3. If you have not removed the wheels, then turn them in such a way that they do not interfere with your access to the nuts of the side fastening of the bumper to the bracket.
4. In the wheel well, use a 22mm chrome socket to disconnect the nut that is held on the brackets securing the bumper to the body. If the bolt turns inside, you need to hold it with the same key on the other side. We take out the bolt.
5. We carry out similar work on the other side.
6. To prevent the brackets from rubbing less during the process, you can pre-lubricate them with a soap solution.
7. We carefully remove it.
8. If at first it was not possible to completely unscrew the decorative bolt, then we do it now.
9. We take out the bolt and dismantle the bracket.
10. Using a size 8 wrench, remove the chrome trim.

Body kits for VAZ 2107: installation instructions

The VAZ Seven is very popular in our country due to its reliable design and accessibility. Body kits molded from polymers and painted in the body color of the VAZ 2107 allow you to change the appearance of the car, sometimes beyond recognition. Such tuning does not require significant costs; the work of installing parts can be done by yourself. The plastic body kit is attached to the body in different ways, ensuring sufficient reliability of the connections.

On the roads of post-Soviet countries, “Sevens” modified in this way are a fairly common occurrence. Body kits for cars of the VAZ 2107 model are presented in a wide range in spare parts and accessories stores. Among them there are products from well-known manufacturers and outright handicrafts. Some car enthusiasts prefer to make an exclusive body kit for their own car with their own hands.

Rear bumper

The main feature of the rear bumper is that the fasteners are covered with rubber seals. In order to remove it you will have to open the trunk and remove the door locks.

Step-by-step dismantling instructions

Removing the rear bumper is as follows:

1. The trunk needs to be opened. Using a screwdriver, dismantle the clamps of the rubber floor and take it out.
2. Now remove all the plastic trunk trim using a Phillips screwdriver. We unscrew all the threaded connections secured with self-tapping screws, remove the cover, and take out the spare tire.
3. Now you can freely get up and unscrew the left bracket.
4. Remove the fuel tank trim, loosen the clamps a little and move it a little to the side so that you can reach the bracket.
5. Unscrew the fastenings
6. Now we just remove the central brackets.
7. Carefully remove the buffer. You need to gently pull it towards you until the pipes finally come out.

How to put the bumper back

Similarly with the front buffer, to put everything in place the process is performed in reverse order. Before installation, you need to carefully check the condition of the rubber seals. If everything is bad, then it is advisable to replace them.

Features of bumpers of various series

On other VAZ models (for example, VAZ 2105, VAZ 2104 and others), the protective elements resemble those installed on the 2107. The difference lies in the number of fasteners. There are only two of them. They are secured with special tubular reinforcements and brackets. The ends are removable. The elements themselves are made of synthetic materials.

Sources used:

• https://21074.ru/kuzov-i-oborudovanie/bampera-legko-sniat/
• https://provaz07.ru/salon-i-kuzov/perednij-bamper-na-vaz-2107.html
• https://provaz07.ru/salon-i-kuzov/pro-zadnij-bamper-vaz-2107.html
• https://dorpex.ru/kuzov/kak-snyat-peredniy-bamper-na-vaz-2107

Do-it-yourself bumper reinforcement

The reason for tuning the VAZ 2107 bumper may not only be the desire to transform the appearance of the car. The fact is that this part is made of plastic. Naturally, any contact with an obstacle can cause it to crack. All work can be done in the garage. Reinforcing the bumper does not require any skills. You can carry out all operations in your garage. By the way, you don't have to shell out money. The only thing you need are spanners, a hammer, a pry bar and a screwdriver, as well as an L-shaped metal profile.

The buffer mounting holes can be used as a template for drilling holes in the profile. Then, you need to insert the profile into the bumper. Afterwards, the entire structure is installed on the body. Once you do this, you need to tighten the nuts. You can also paint the bumper yourself. The most important thing is to choose paint that matches the body color. Using a special spray can, you can spray paint evenly over the entire surface.

Bumper Upgrade Options

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

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

Perforation is the simplest way to change the appearance of the mounted elements of the VAZ 2107. There is no need to dismantle the buffers. Modernization is carried out in the following order:

1. Buy 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 - there should be 4 holes on each side.
3. Place the drill bit in a regular drill and make 8 holes. Tuning is complete.

Perforated bumpers for the VAZ 2105-07 car can be purchased ready-made. The products look better than their homemade “brothers”.

Refinement by strengthening method

Since the standard elements of the “Seven” began to protect the body only from minor damage, but did not acquire much beauty, many car enthusiasts will improve the bumpers by reinforcing them with a metal insert. This is a steel profile - 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 spanners and open-end wrenches;
• pliers;
• hammer;
• aerosol lubricant such as WD-40.

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

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

The amplifier is installed as follows:

1. Attaching the 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. Secure the corner by inserting standard bolts through the prepared holes. Repeat the operation on the second bracket.
3. Drill 2 pairs of holes close to the outer shelf, using the removed body kit as a template.
4. Screw the profile to both brackets using standard fasteners.
5. Secure the bumper to the corner with the prepared bolts and nuts. Since the buffer has moved forward, there is no need to install side mounts - just screw the standard bolts into the holes and tighten.

Installation of tuning elements

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

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 expensive and time-consuming option is to install a “lip” from the bottom of the standard bumper - a plastic apron that protrudes slightly forward. The element covers the “beard” of the body, usually damaged by pebbles and corrosion, and also creates the appearance of a continuation of the body kit. Installation of the part is extremely simple - the apron is screwed to the car body with self-tapping screws.

Is it possible to install homemade parts?

Current legislation interprets the installation of homemade bumpers unambiguously as unacceptable interference in the design of the car. True, patrol officers pay attention mainly to SUVs equipped with power bumpers - “knuckle bumpers”.

If the owner has installed a homemade body kit without proper permitting documentation, employees have the right to issue a fine or detain the car at the impound area. The last resort is to deregister the car.

To avoid encountering the problems described after replacing bumpers, consider a number of recommendations:

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

Some garage craftsmen practice making body kits from fiberglass. 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 for installation, you must undergo a special examination, which is much more expensive than any factory bumper.

Restoring appearance by painting

To paint, remove the body kits from the car, wash and dry thoroughly. It is better to dismantle the chrome trim and replace it, 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 impossible to get close and grab it with a wrench;
• The chrome plating is in good condition; there is no need to remove the trim.

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 No. 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 adhesion of the coloring composition, experts say - “to put it at risk.”
3. Thoroughly treat the part with a degreaser and dry for 5-10 minutes.
4. Apply a layer of canned primer and let it dry.
5. Apply spray paint in 2 coats, leaving a break of 15-20 minutes between coats. (exact time is indicated on the packaging).

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 cans). If you need to update the trim, cover the painted plastic with tape and apply a compound of a different color.

Video: how to paint an old body kit

Installation of parts

It is advisable to carry out the operation of installing elements with your own hands in a garage or closed box. A high-quality body kit for the front or rear bumper is usually made with a standard mount and to install it you just need to remove the old part and attach a new one in its place. Threshold covers can be fixed using special latches and adhesive-sealants.

At the next stage, self-installed plastic body kits are painted together with the body or separately. The selection of materials for paint and varnish coating is carried out using special equipment and spectral analysis. Updated with such elements, the VAZ 2107 acquires new features, standing out against the general background of the VAZ classics.

Purpose and dimensions of the "seven" body kits

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

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

Unlike previous “classic” models, the VAZ 2107 body kits are made of plastic and equipped with decorative chrome inserts. The side plastic trims retained their similarity with similar parts of the “six”, but increased in height.

Practice shows: the nice bumpers of the “Seven” have lost their protective function for the following reasons:

• The buffer material can withstand really light impacts;
• from an average impact 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 radiator grille is also destroyed - the VAZ emblem attached to it is flush with the bumper.

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

The factory rear bumper measures 1600 x 200 x 150 mm (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 remaining dimensions are identical.