Car VAZ-2108 (cabriolet): description, technical characteristics and reviews

Many cars of the 80-90s produced by the AvtoVAZ concern are rightly called cult cars. The "eight" is one of them. Few people know that not only in the body of the hatchback was produced VAZ-2108. The cabriolet also existed. The fact is that in the 80 years in Western Europe, the G8 were popular. Economical, cute, well-managed cars were in demand, even despite the high competition from eminent local brands. However, everything in order.

A bit of history

Demand for the "eight" was, but dealers and importers decided to improve the car. So there were ateliers, the specialists of which finished the cars for customer requests. Some ordered sport body kits, light alloy wheels and imported rubber, others wanted to see in their car sports seats, improved steering wheel, hatch, modern audio system. But all this was insignificant, in comparison with the development on the basis of the "eight" exotic modification with a half-open body "lando". After that, the light went VAZ-2108 (cabriolet).

The first version with an open top was built by a Belgian little-known firm "Yuroskop" in 1988. The car was developed in a single copy for a local exhibition, but the idea was quickly picked up by representatives of the largest importer of Soviet cars, which was the company AS Scaldia-Volga.

They began to design a "driving" serial convertible. A significant revision of the hatchback design was taken up by specialists from Garage Meeus, the oldest Belgian body builder. The image was finalized by Vladimir Yartsev, a designer from Togliatti's AvtoVAZ. The work was painstaking, but already in 1990, a public display of the exotic novelty took place in Brussels.

Body

VAZ-2108 (cabriolet) received a more robust structure of the load-bearing body. To improve the design, we had to weld to the front part of the amplifier-channels. To them the door hinges were attached. Even larger and stronger channels were fastened near the thresholds, from the front wheel arches to the rear ones.

The most powerful amplifier was a high-strength steel truss, laid across the entire width of the body. Its thickness was 0.4 cm.

Salon has also been improved in terms of reliability with the help of these amplifiers. To make them look more neat, they were lined with plastic panels. Also, amplifiers were used to attach seat belts to them.

What's under the hood?

VAZ-2108 is a city-type cabriolet, it is not designed for high-speed subways. Under the hoods of these models was installed a 1.5-liter 70-strong carburetor engine. Coupled with him was a 5-speed "mechanics".

With such a motor under the hood, the convertible could develop a top speed of 156 km / h. A mark of 100 km / h the arrow of the speedometer reached 13 seconds after the start of the movement. And this is a good dynamic for a Russian car. Yes, the engine is small-displacement, but the car weighed hardly more than 900 kilograms, so it accelerated quickly.

Characteristics

It is also worth noting that the front-drive Lada 2108 (cabriolet) was equipped with an independent MacPherson suspension in the front, and a longitudinal lever construction was installed behind it. The brake system was disk-drum.

What about the expense? First of all I would like to note the unpretentiousness of this car to consumed fuel. The engine consumed both 95th and 92nd gasoline. And the expense was modest - for 100 "urban" kilometers it took from 8.5 to 10 liters, depending on the nature of the ride. When driving on the highway at a speed of 90 km / h the motor consumed slightly more than 5.5 liters. This was considered the most "economical" speed. If the needle of the speedometer rose above the mark of 120 km / h, then the consumption increased by more than two liters.

Lada Amadeo

Speaking about European cabriolets based on the VAZ-2108, we can not but note the model Lada Amadeo, which was developed by the company called "LPD-Auto." This car was introduced to the public in 1993.

VAZ-2108 "Amadeo" - a cabriolet made in bio-design, which in the early 90's enjoyed great popularity. Rounded shapes and smooth lines really made this car original and unique in its own way. The specialists of the company developed two versions at once. The first was a 2-seat with a hard top. The second could accommodate 4 people, and had a soft folding roof.

This cabriolet received such technical additions as power windows, a more modern instrument panel, an electric drive antenna, a sports steering wheel, and light-alloy 14-inch wheels. In addition, the body received a large plastic body kit around the perimeter.

However, this model did not become popular. Serial release was completed, and not having begun.

Canadian version

Another version was produced in the 90s by Lada of Canada. Canadian engineers did, perhaps, the best gig from the G8. Although the party was small.

What distinguished this model from all the previously mentioned? Using the trunk lid and rear fenders from the related model VAZ-21099. Thanks to this clever decision the car got a harmonious, finished look.

But engineers worked not only on aesthetics. Without the strengthening of the body was not done. They transformed the design of the doors, added a few stiffeners for the back of the rear row of seats. The work was carried out professionally - the specialists not only preserved all the dimensions of the cabin, but also significantly improved the comfort, which was achieved by installing new comfortable seats.

Other versions

In addition to these models, there are other convertibles based on VAZ-2108. There is even an Australian version. Import and sale of "Lada" was organized by the driver of the body championship of the country and his three-time winner Peter Brock. Initially, he sold the original versions in the body of the hatchback. But then Peter decided to diversify the model range and began to develop an open version. As a result, a car, similar to a small truck with awning, turned out. Soft top covered both the back and the front part of the roof. It looked not very elegant, but original.

The Czech version, which was called Bohemia, was more attractive. The center of the body of this elegant convertible was strengthened by a massive arc of safety. Also, the developers visually transformed the back. Interestingly, after a while the right to manufacture this car was bought by the Togliatti company CS Auto-Lada, as well as all the accompanying documentation. That's just before the organization of production, it never came. But in 1998 the updated Lada Bohemia with modern optics appeared in the light.

Individual approach

Many connoisseurs of the Soviet car industry, interested in the Western idea, decided to make a cabriolet from the VAZ-2108 with their own hands. But it was not so easy. Make a convertible from a hatchback - it's not easy to screw or cut the roof. This process involves a structural change in the body and its subsequent strengthening. And besides the machine, respectively, for this you need drawings, skills and a workshop. Or at least equipped with all necessary garage.

How to make a convertible from VAZ-2108? To begin with, you need to design a reinforced frame, which requires two powerful side members. They are paired to the bottom, parallel to each other. Then it is necessary to strengthen the windshield frame.

By the way, in the case of the "eight" process is greatly simplified, since it is not necessary to strengthen and brew the rear doors. They simply do not exist. After all, this hatchback was originally 2-door. For the same reason, you do not need to weld a rigid partition to separate the internal volume and luggage compartment. You just need to install a solid, envelope beam and strengthen the front doors with thresholds. However, these are just basic actions. The process presents more difficulties, so if there is a desire to construct a convertible from the G8, then without obtaining specialized skills and studying the relevant literature is indispensable.

Exploitation

Now it is worth paying attention to the reviews left by people who have a VAZ-2108 car in their garage. Convertible, of course, is on our roads a rarity, because the models in this body were produced in other countries. However, Soviet enterprising motorists, who picked up the idea and deprived the "eight" top independently, often share their impressions.

People say that this is a good car, but it requires constant attention to oneself. Especially the engine and the running gear. Owners joke that the body can and do not pay attention at all - it still rusts. But to establish a short-range wings it is desirable, otherwise it is difficult to include the third gear. And it is desirable to invest in expensive pads to improve the braking performance. To the merits of people include cheap parts, high maintainability and reliable motor.

disadvantages

They are almost every car. The VAZ-2108 (cabriolet) is not an exception. The price of this machine, however, focuses on a condescending attitude toward it. Models of the early-mid-90's cost about 50 thousand rubles.

One of the main disadvantages of hatchbacks was noise insulation. But we are talking about a cabriolet, in which in any case, there will never be an ideal silence.

A more significant disadvantage is the small torque of the engine. The motor is reliable, but on steep slopes, especially at the start, it is very "tense". Also, many do not like too sharp steering. To control the car at high speeds, the motorist has to literally cling to the steering wheel. Even this car does not have the best suspension. If you need to pass a bad road section, full of pits and irregularities, it is better to reduce the speed to the possible minimum. And many do not like the seats. They can not be called convenient. To accommodate the most optimal, the driver takes several minutes. Therefore, most motorists fork out for new, more comfortable ones.

What else is worth knowing?

"Eight" is an indestructible workhorse. Even if it is made in the body of a convertible. The Soviet design is really very strong, and the price of repair repair of the main units is minimal, if we compare it with the cost of the same work in the case of foreign cars.

But from the intensive exploitation the body suffers. Many people complain that the chipped enamel every year becomes more and more. Therefore, regular priming and tinting can not be avoided.

However, technically, this machine is not bad. It is quite possible to travel over long distances and be sure that in the middle of the road it will not break. If you follow it, of course, and do not delay with the elimination of noticed shortcomings.