Expanders of arches on "Niva": tuning or protection?

Expanders arches (fenders) are not only an element of tuning, visually increasing the silhouette of the car, but also an excellent protective device for the lower part of the body. In addition, in off-road conditions, they are designed to minimize the ingress of dirt, water and stones onto the glass and body of the machine. More often, expanders are installed on SUVs participating in rallies or used for hunting and travel. For driving on dirt or sand tires with a wide profile are required, but if you put such a rubber under the regular arches, it will support the dimensions of the car. This will lead to the fact that everything under the wheels will fly to the body, contaminating the glass and paintwork. Some motorists, not being racing drivers or hunters, equip their cars with such elements in order to improve the appearance, adding some form of aggressiveness and power to the appearance of the vehicle.

Types of arched expanders

There are three main types of expanders:

• Plastic;
• Fiberglass plastic;
• Rubber universal.

Plastic and fiberglass expanders are made for a certain model of the car and are sold complete with fasteners, so do not try to install the fenders from UAZ to the "Niva".

Features of design and installation

These security elements can be round or square, and also have a different width for removal. Round expanders are more practical and are used directly for protection, while square expanders are more of a decorative function. In addition, they additionally require mudguards. Install plastic expanders on the entire plane of the arch and attach to the body with a threaded connection. Sometimes, when installing them, it becomes necessary to prune the arches themselves, increasing their radius. This is done in order to be able to install more wheels. Fiberglass fenders are most often used in sports cars, as they are much stronger than plastic ones. All plastic expanders are beautifully painted, which makes it possible to give them a body color or, on the contrary, to create a contrast with it.

Rubber expanders, given their variety in shape and width, can be used on any model. They are made in the form of a continuous tape of strong frost-resistant rubber and are sold complete with fasteners. Such fenders are much cheaper than plastic ones, and their installation does not require any additional work. It is enough to select the required profile, measure the desired length and fix it with the help of screws.

Application of arches expanders on domestic cars

Most often, the Fenders are installed on SUVs, although sometimes these elements can also be found on tuned cars. Of the representatives of the Russian car industry, the most common car that is being subjected to this kind of refinement is VAZ-2121 Niva, and VAZ-2123 Niva and Niva-Chevrolet. Having unique patency and reliability, these models have gained wide popularity among fans of hunting, fishing and just travelers. In addition, these cars are easily amenable to any kind of tuning. They are equipped with a variety of kits, kangaroo makers, winches, extra lights , etc.

Do not become an exception and expander arches. "Niva-Chevrolet", for example, looks much nicer with plastic fenders, painted to the color of the body. Aesthetic and non-aggressive look will not give such a car among others in the city, and plastic protection will protect the arches from the harmful impact of road reagents in the winter. Large wheels with studded rubber in combination with rubber extensions, contrasting with the color of the body, on the contrary, will add to the SUV aggression and brutality.

How to choose arches expanders for "Niva"

Plastic and fiberglass fenders, given their cost and complexity of installation, it is best to install in special services. There experts will pre-treat the arch with an anticorrosive compound, and only then they will proceed to the installation itself.

Universal expanders of arches on "Niva" can be installed independently, without the help of specialists. Their installation is not difficult, and the tools will only need a screwdriver. Buying rubber expanders arches on "Niva", it is necessary to take into account the car model in order to find the necessary width, which varies from 1.5 to 4 inches. For "Niva-Chevrolet" the best solution will be expanders with a width of no more than 2 inches, but the expanders of arches "Niva" (2121 and 2123) should have a width of about 3 inches.

Installation of universal expanders on the "Niva"

Rubber expander arches on the "Niva" are a set of profiled rubber tape, designed for the length of the circumference of 4 arches, aluminum plates with holes and screws. To fix the rubber profile, you must first measure out its required length, determine the width of the outreach by the body, and then press it against the surface of the arch with screws and fix it with screws. Such an uncomplicated operation will allow any "Niva" to get a finished look, and in addition, protect the body from dirt and stones.