Make thresholds yourself - detailed instructions

Hello dear friends, this video offers a number of practical tips on how to replace the threshold and install a car. The auto mechanic shares his practical experience, which has been accumulated over the years, and now you can use those techniques and techniques that he considers necessary to replace the threshold.

Using the example of a car for threshold repair, you can see that the threshold is completely rotten. Where to begin. You can buy a new one on the market, but there are usually very thin thresholds on sale there. But this part of the car should still be strong, taking into account, for example, bumps in the countryside. Therefore, the master advises ordering its production from thicker metal, for example 1.2 mm, at the factory or in any workshop where there is a specialist. If the car is running, you can go to a specialist, he will take measurements.

If the car is not running, we will consider how to take measurements and submit this measurement to the factory. Let's start in order. First you need to look at how the threshold has rotted. In this case, we see that only the lower part has rotted. We look carefully at where the paint has bulged. If this is the only problem, you need to change the above swollen paint. In this case, the openings are kept intact, so you should not spoil the car with unnecessary alterations. This threshold in this case, as one of the options, can be replaced from the bottom to the level of the collar. But in this case you will have to putty, and it will all be in a visible place. The master’s advice is to replace the threshold in the corner that he indicates. When it fits well and is welded neatly, all that remains is to putty, coat, and clean.

Browse products for inventors. Link to the store.

How to take measurements? To take measurements, take any wire and bend it around the top. When you go around, you can rest assured that the size will not go away. The end will be the same. We bend it tightly, you need to have good pliers. We copy all the protrusions and zigzags. We bend the corners and repeat all the radii. A good specialist at the factory will repeat these radii and zigzags. You need to add 3mm air for tightening. If you do not do this, it may turn out that the threshold will not fit and will cling. If the thresholds are slanting, we take two measurements. One at the beginning, the second at the end. If curved, then additionally in the middle.

More about the most useful tool for car repairs here.

Nowadays, thresholds on cars are an element of the body structure. Their location on the car body is not entirely advantageous, since they are constantly susceptible to the influence of water, various solutions that are used to pour on the road, and very often dents form on them due to stones flying from under the wheels of the car. Long-term observations and experiments have shown that car thresholds can be restored. In addition, they can be repaired without contacting special companies, but with your own hands.

DIY electronics in a Chinese store.

What are car thresholds made of?

This part gives rigidity to the body; it is provided by the amplifier, connector, and internal part of the structure. The panels are soldered together by welding and receive the main part of the loads. Protective accessories decorate the car.

An example of a car threshold design:

• internal and external parts;
• connector;
• steel amplifier.

The entire structure strengthens the underbody. The advantages of protective accessories include their appearance. An ordinary city car with side skirts will look more interesting than a model without them.

Types of connection

When repairing parts related to cutting, three types of connection of automobile thresholds are used:

1. Butt joint using an additional insert. An internal lining made of processed metal will strengthen the connection of the new part of the part with the base. Using an insert allows you to quickly level the surface, the danger of burning through the metal disappears, and thermal deformation of the bottom is minimized.
2. Overlapping. The most common type of connection, used for minor repairs when welding metal patches. The advantages of the connection include the minimal risk of burning through the metal during welding. To get a smooth surface, it is necessary to apply a thick layer of primer and anti-gravel.
3. Butt. The welding method is used by specialized specialists. New parts are welded to the base without gaps. The seam must be thoroughly sanded and primed.

What are they intended for?

Thresholds are special parts of the car body, made from different materials. They guarantee an aesthetic appearance of the vehicle and protect the body from corrosion and other damage. Each design of protective accessories is specific to a specific car model.

When choosing spare parts for the car body, look at such circumstances as the characteristics of the coatings, the distance between joints, the difference in height, and the level of cross-country ability.

Protective car accessories repel water well and are resistant to any climate. They are simply attached to the surface of the machine and are resistant to mechanical influences.

Methods of protection

There are several ways to protect the threshold on a car:

Each method has advantages and disadvantages. The only specificity of protective equipment is to protect the metal from wear, rust, and dents.

Using aerosol anti-gravel is a reliable method of protection. The product is applied to the treated surface, forming a thin layer of elastic coating. It ensures reliable preservation of corrosion sites and prevents its spread. The price of a cylinder starts from 300 rubles.

Moldings are decorative and provide mechanical protection. To ensure a complete corrosion block, before installing the linings, the internal surface is treated with an anti-corrosive agent.

If the threshold is new, it is recommended to pour oil or paraffin anticorrosive into the inner part before installing the linings; for this, use the technical holes in the body.

Anti-gravel or armor film is applied not only to the lower part of the body, but to all paintwork, mirror housings, etc. Provides complete protection of the metal from rust and impacts from gravel. Disadvantages of the coating: rapid wear.

Treatment with mastic in 90% of cases is carried out independently. Thresholds must be carefully checked before application. Bitumen-based mastic is considered the best protection for wheel arches and underbody.

Choosing material

Many people are interested in how to make thresholds on a car. For this purpose, suitable material is selected. They are often made from pipes with flat sections, and then covered with an anti-slip compound. Entry into the car will be completely safe.

Stainless steel

These protective details look beautiful. They are durable and also protect the machine from mechanical stress. After installation, a strong frame structure emerges; it provides protection against impacts and early wear of body parts. Stainless steel elements do not corrode. Dirt accumulates on the thresholds, but dirt can be removed more easily from the elements in question.

Features of repair and replacement

There are different procedures for removable and non-removable thresholds. To repair and replace removable parts you need:

It is impractical to repair plastic thresholds; it is cheaper to replace the part with a similar one.

Cars produced more than 10 years ago, VAZ, Moskvich and other models have permanent sills, the repair of which requires special tools and skills. Depending on the defect, the procedure for repair or replacement is selected. For all cases, the preparation remains the same:

If the part has a lot of corrosive wear, then a piece of metal is cut out and the seal is checked. When it is necessary to level out a dent, metal extraction is used.

With minimal corrosive wear, repairs using a cold method without welding are allowed.

It is necessary to change removable elements if the part is worn by more than 60%. In this case, the use of anti-corrosion, linings and anti-gravel coatings will not prevent metal rotting. Replacement is carried out at a service station; for self-repair, the following is required:

If the old threshold is completely replaced with a new one, not factory-made, then be sure to leave drainage holes in the threshold.

Manufacturing process

Thresholds are implemented in stages:

1. Selecting suitable materials.
2. Production, fitting of bracket hangers.
3. Formation of the holders themselves and connections with them.
4. Making a profile of the desired shape and size.
5. Edge processing. This is done to give the threshold an aesthetic appearance.
6. Welding spare parts to the machine body or making holes for fastening. A machine is used for drilling.
7. Applying a special anti-wear coating will also extend the life of the threshold.

An anti-slip and decorative coating is applied to the surface of the finished accessory. To customize parts, you can simply paint them or stick special stickers on them.

To make brackets for car sills, take a metal corner, apply two trimmings to the jack and fix them with a clamp. Everything is drilled through, the corners are bolted together, secured with plates, and then welded.

Cuts are made from below and raised to the required height. The cuts are processed by welding. After bending at the bottom, a strip along the entire length is welded between the corners; it will rest the bracket against the jack, then all the holes are closed.

When accessories are made from pipes, 4 parts are cut from them. Each spare part is bolted to the bottom of the machine's footrests. The necessary spare parts are welded to them using welding.

Creating a design

Along the outer perimeter of the bottom of the car there is a more powerful part of the body. As a rule, there is stronger metal and there is an opportunity to fix defects. We use this option when we simply make holes for fasteners, which are attached to a bracket with bolts and nuts, which in turn is welded to the threshold itself and rests against the perimeter of the car.

Note. For processing, it is advisable to use anti-corrosion mixtures that will help increase the service life of your product.

This kind of stop lever does not allow the thresholds to play and creates a fairly strong structure if the components are welded tightly and are of sufficient quality.

The design is made of one or two pipes. Let's say you just take a metal profile with a rectangular cross-section and weld it at several points. Next, all that remains is to clean the surface and perform cosmetic treatment.

Note. 3-4 brackets are installed along the entire length, above which, if required, an additional stiffener is used.

Also, brackets need to be welded to the thresholds, which are short jumpers that extend to the bottom where the holes are located.

You should use planks under the bottom itself:

This one-piece structure will only need to be secured to the car itself. Having also cleaned and processed it beforehand. Before making final installation, you need to check the strength.

Source

How to bend car sills yourself

To make thresholds for a VAZ with your own hands using improvised means or another car model, the body is measured. To do this, we crimp the canvas, bend the corners, and repeat all the measurements. Then we bend the parts according to shape using a special machine.

A reserve of 3 mm is made for tightening. Otherwise, the protective element of the body will not fit and will also cling. On oblique parts, two measurements are taken - one at the beginning, the second at the very end. For curved parts, the measurement is also taken in the middle.

To replace the sills, the car is raised and leveled. When completely replacing the threshold, it is better to remove the doors. This will protect them from damage. The front fender will have to be disassembled. The carpet simply rolls up.

Upgrading the trunk of a car

Quite often, car owners are interested in trunk tuning issues. Someone strives to make it more functional, tries to increase the space, or makes paneling, attaches special shelves, clamps for more convenient transportation of cargo.

Others prefer to install chrome trim, spoilers and ladders. This trunk tuning allows you to give the car a more sporty and aggressive look and decorate the car. However, most often this is of interest to owners of large cars.

Still others focus on improving acoustic parameters or are trying to make opening and closing trunks more convenient. For example, they make an additional handle for the fifth door or an electrically conductive lock.

Defects in body sills

Humidity and temperature changes have a bad effect on the car's coating. And the bottom is corroded. During operation, body parts receive the following defects:

• the protective coating partially peels off from them;
• dents appear from impacts;
• the shape of the iron changes due to collision with obstacles;
• rust appears.

It is necessary to correctly assess the degree of defects. If damaged, protective accessories are replaced or body parts are restored. Carbon sill guards are used. You can simply straighten out the dents or seal the through holes. The inserts being repaired are replaced and damaged areas are cut out.

Car thresholds are divided into non-removable and removable. The method of replacement depends on this. The first ones are connected to the structure by auto welding. The latter are located in the vehicle interior and are secured with screws.

It is easier to repair a removable threshold. He gets out of it and then corrects himself. In case of major damage, this spare part will have to be replaced. Before fastening on the other side, it is treated with an anti-corrosion compound.

Replacing car thresholds is easy to do yourself. Thresholds are made according to the size of the body. If not the entire threshold is damaged or rusts, you can replace only part of it. But this is done only when the original parts of the car are very strong. If corrosion has eaten up most of it, then it is better to install a new structure.

Rating of high-quality car thresholds and trims for 2021

Our list is compiled based on real reviews, it takes into account the opinions of customers familiar with the product and its functions. Here you will find photos and tables of characteristics.

Inexpensive

Renault Arkana, (stainless steel, 4 pcs.)

Protectors from the TCC brand are ideal for protecting your car's paintwork from chips, scratches and abrasion. Unfortunately, such breakdowns inevitably arise as a result of the operation of any vehicle; it is easy to damage the body, and this happens very often. They appear during boarding of passengers who stand with their feet on the thresholds.

manufactures some of the most popular tuning elements among car owners. With their help, you can complement the appearance of your car without major investments, giving it completeness and individuality. During production, sample models are used to customize accessories for each specific vehicle model. Thanks to this, they accurately follow the contours of the body and do not cause much noise at high speeds.

Renault Arkana, (stainless steel, 4 pcs.)

Technical indicators:

Advantages:

• attractive design;
• The protector is made of stainless steel.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Linings for Lada Vesta 2015

Rear door interior protectors are functional accessories that automotive experts recommend purchasing and installing immediately after purchasing a car. This is due to its high protective functions. During the operation of the vehicle, especially when boarding passengers, various damage may appear in the paint in the form of scratches, abrasions, chips and even dents.

As a result, corrosion and weakening of the metal may occur. This leads to the appearance of through holes in the original sills and the subsequent repair of rotten body parts, which are cut out and replaced with new ones. Buying a protector will help eliminate costly repairs.

Linings for Lada Vesta 2015

Technical indicators:

Advantages:

• the products perfectly match the configuration with the original parts;
• resistance to the negative influences of environmental factors and mechanical damage makes their installation practical and durable;
• the minimum thickness of the elements eliminates the possibility that they will interfere with the free opening and closing of the door;
• high quality of tuning elements achieved through the use of modern materials;
• Due to the accuracy of the dimensions, assembly will take no more than 15-20 minutes.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Datsun on-DO, mi-DO (stainless steel, 4 pcs.)

Any part produced by , which you buy will be ideal for your car. These skid plates have the added benefit of an embossed design that has a semi-gloss finish. This will ensure that it stays off brand, which will greatly improve its appearance and functionality. The protector also boasts ultra-durable material using a thick protective film. This increases the strength of the product and provides good value for money.

Datsun on-DO, mi-DO (stainless steel, 4 pcs.)

Technical indicators:

Advantages:

• protective film;
• non-marking surface.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Average

Toyota RAV4 CA30 Rival NP.5713.1

The popularity of the models is growing every year; in their range you can easily find protective plates for various brands of vehicles. This brand is one of the most popular. The non-slip film gives the product optimal functionality and is easy to install. The protector will never cause you discomfort during use. Rival overlays form a personal interior of the car and protect the paintwork from mechanical damage.

Toyota RAV4 CA30 Rival NP.5713.1

Technical indicators:

Advantages:

• use of high-quality stainless steel from Italy “AISI 304”;
• strong fixation on the vehicle using “branded” adhesive tape “3M”;
• The pattern, resistant to mechanical damage, is applied using abrasive polishing;
• perfectly reproduces the contours of the car's sills.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Cheryexeed TXL 2020

Regardless of whether you wear sneakers or heels, using the Cheryexeed TXL 2020 protector you can easily use your car with confidence that you will not damage the body or paint. The Cheryexeed protective pad has a textured coating, which means that you can confidently use it even in the rain without fear of slipping. Thanks to its design, the protection works optimally on the front or rear door of the car. This means that you do not need to worry and purchase protectors for each threshold separately; this kit is equipped with all car openings.

Cheryexeed TXL 2020

Technical indicators:

Advantages:

• reliably protect cars that are more often exposed to mechanical stress;
• the use of an accessory allows you to effectively complement the car’s exterior;
• eliminates damage to paintwork, saves money on expensive repairs;
• installation is carried out using high-quality 3M adhesive tape, without further modifications;
• products are manufactured taking into account the body features of a specific car brand.

Flaws:

• not detected.

RusStal Renault Arkana I 2019-2021. Article RAR19-02

During the production of products, specialists use stainless steel, the surface of which can be mirror (glossy) or matte. In addition, the plates may contain a logo and the name of the machine model. Engraving is performed using laser cutting. This method of applying information is considered the most reliable - even with intensive use, the inscription remains clear and legible for a long time.

Models from “RusStal” not only give the car a special luxury, but also protect the visible part of the body from various types of damage. The products do not deform during operation, have mechanical strength and last as long as possible. The manufacturer also offers products with curves that cover the largest area of ​​the threshold.

RusStal Renault Arkana I 2019-2021. Article RAR19-02

Technical indicators:

Advantages:

• reliable, practical product;
• easy to attach;
• laser engraving.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Expensive

AMG illuminated chrome Mercedes G-class W463 (Mercedes Gelendvagen)

We bring to your attention protectors with “AMG” illumination for Mercedes G-class W463 cars. The door sill kit is designed for installation on Gelendvagen cars from 1990 to 2021. The trim is installed on the internal thresholds clearly in the standard places without modification, the products are chrome-plated.

To properly install the AMG product, you need wiring, which is included in the kit. The kit includes: 4 protective plates, cable for fastening. Installing the AMG model allows you to complement the interior of the Mercedes G-class W463, making it more sporty and attractive.

AMG illuminated chrome Mercedes G-class W463 (Mercedes Gelendvagen)

Technical indicators:

Advantages:

• beautiful lighting;
• The kit includes wiring.

Flaws:

• high price.

Door sills for Rover Vogue

External skid plates are designed to fit Range Rover Vogue from 2012 to 2021. The protectors are easy to attach and fit neatly into place without any problems. In addition to the thresholds, the kit includes all fasteners and wires necessary for proper installation of the product. The model has a silver tint and the “Range Rover” inscription is engraved on it.

Door sills for Rover Vogue

Technical indicators:

Advantages:

• bright backlight;
• attractive design.

Flaws:

• high price.

Honda protector (silver) C-RV 2017

The main function of Rival products in this category is protection. The door sills and rear bumper are made of high quality stainless steel. Their main purpose is to protect the body from dents and scratches. Models are developed by designers individually for each car brand, observing all parameters and symmetry. The best engineers were involved in their production, so they have a unique appearance and style. This accessory can not only protect, but also give expressiveness and sporty chic to the vehicle.

Honda protector (silver) C-RV 2017

Technical indicators:

Advantages:

• silver color;
• reliable design.

Flaws:

• not detected.

Recommendations

Comments 52

It turned out beautifully, about ten years ago I wanted to do something similar, but abandoned this idea because... it will wear out (scratch) very quickly and the appearance will be lost.

enough for a couple of years!

Idk, I doubt it, everything will depend on the “raised” legs, of course the varnish was applied well, but the composite itself is scratched by wiping with a soft, clean rag, the effect of a “spider web” is obtained.

I know that it scratches “great”, that’s why the varnish was applied in three layers, maybe a 300 micron armor film!

as an option, but I think something more durable, for example D16AT, one of these days they will bring this material (duralumin + aluminum), I’ll try to engrave and see how it will look, if not very good, I can fill it with paint or make it light))

“duralumin + aluminum” - actually, such a thing does not exist in nature)))

“duralumin + aluminum” - actually, such a thing does not exist in nature)))

I may not have expressed myself correctly, but I think it’s clear, the common people call duralumin, it’s the same thing as, for example, a composite, they call it dibond, but if you want to get to the bottom of it, then of course it’s wrong :-))

don’t worry), I’m like that, by the way, otherwise you’ll come across a competent girl - you’ll screw up)))

I’m not worried, but someone was offended)) he better learn to cook borscht, otherwise he’ll go astray and no one will marry him :-))

Ha-Ha-Ha! Well, well... It’s obviously more interesting and more fun to be smart!

By the way, the D16T is pretty cool for this job, linings. ordinary aluminum with embossing - for the eyes.

why is it cool? There will be more “fuss” with a tin than there’s any point in doing this anyway, but there are enough trinkets that won’t last long))

Yes, because it’s “duralumin”! As you say))) Tough, fragile. It’s difficult to give shape - you’ll get tired of letting go. Nobody remembers about China, 3 is embossed behind the eyes. Yes, even 2 is enough: you’ll scrap the car, and they’ll all bury us, but the pad will remain)

How to make power thresholds with your own hands: detailed instructions

Probably nothing interests an avid car enthusiast more than the spectacular and not very expensive tuning of his “iron horse” and the greatest demand in this regard is power thresholds, which are much easier to do with your own hands than it seems at first glance.

• Metal pipes with different cross-sectional configurations
• Welding installation
• Bulgarian
• Corrugated metal sheets

Of course, the easiest way is to take your car to any service station, where, for a fee and a few days, they will install thresholds of any shape and complexity, but it is difficult to discern the flight of creative thought in this, and why overpay for something that you can do yourself, and do it much better than in a car repair shop. So, making power thresholds with your own hands is not at all difficult, and it is not expensive in terms of materials, because most of them can be found among the so-called “unnecessary items” stored year after year in a garage, shed or workshop, if one is available. The thresholds themselves are best made from thick-walled metal pipes, and ideally select products with a round cross-section, since the finished result using them looks much more stylish and aesthetically pleasing. At the same time, you should be prepared for the fact that with round pipes, unlike square or rectangular ones, you will have to tinker a little.

This is due to the fact that such a shape is inconvenient to lean on and step on, and in order to improve each power threshold, it is necessary to provide two recessed steps with a flat surface, located exactly under the car doors. But, you should not get ahead of events and before proceeding to a detailed description of this most important stage, you should start with the design of the threshold frame itself. Carrying out this element will not be particularly difficult, because it is enough to simply cut two identical pipe fragments (one for each side of the car) and weld their side holes. The dimensions (length) of the base of future thresholds directly depend on the car model and the size of the wheelbase in the longitudinal section. As for the width, the optimal size is considered to be a cross section with a diameter of five centimeters.

This width will allow you to make recesses-steps in the thresholds without reducing their strength. As for making the recesses themselves, it is best to cut them using a grinder in the form of an inverted trapezoid at angles to the base of 45 degrees. The resulting cavities must be covered with corrugated thick-walled iron, and this stage is rightfully considered the most difficult in the entire process of manufacturing power thresholds, although any errors can be easily eliminated by fitting. The seams can be connected to each other using a welding machine or by hard soldering. If desired, an additional layer of rubber with characteristic notches can be applied on top of the corrugated iron, which will increase slip resistance in the cold season. In order to attach the finished power threshold to the car body, it is necessary to weld reliable racks to it.