The amplifier of the front bumper, and even more so the rear, today differs significantly from the first samples of the last century. Whether a car needs such a device, and which part of the body is better protected, will be discussed in this article.

Let's plunge into history

A car bumper is a detail that has probably appeared since the self-propelled cart began to acquire the features of a full-fledged vehicle. The need for it arose for one simple reason: the still imperfect and fragile machines had not reached their perfection, and therefore often came across various obstacles in the form of pedestals, pillars and fences.

To somehow mitigate the damage from the collision, the designers of the company Ford decided to weld a U-shaped metal beam in front, which protects the engine and wheels from impacts. They embodied their idea in 1930, releasing a car with the index ModelA... In subsequent years, the company added its contribution to the development of bumpers Packardby installing an ellipsoidal bumper with shock-absorbing properties on the vehicle. After that, the triumphal procession of this metal part began around the world.

In the process of evolution, the bumper has been modified and has now turned from a safety item to a decorative piece. Meanwhile, the roads have not become safer and the obstacles have not diminished. In order not to spoil the appearance of cars with a “prehistoric” metal channel, and also not to offend the creative feelings of designers, the designers invented an additional beam, which became the successor to the main part.

The bumper reinforcement is a metal piece that is rigidly attached to the bottom of the bonnet under the main bumper. Under the hood in this case we mean the front part of the body with a motor. The amplifier gives additional strength to the structure itself. In addition to this function, on some car models, this part also serves as protection against mechanical damage to lighting fixtures.

Despite the fact that some motorists do not like to spend money on various improvements and consider this part superfluous, there are many “craftsmen” who made it themselves for their cars. Be that as it may, some car manufacturers believe that such a device is necessary, and therefore make amplifiers for both the front bumper and the rear one. But are there any differences between them, let's try to figure it out.

Front and rear bumper reinforcement - compare

When we mentioned some manufacturers, we did not indicate that, unfortunately (or fortunately), they are a minority. It is not known what the engineers were guided by, but many (and especially beginners) motorists, after several mini-accidents, understand the need to strengthen the fragile decorative panel. A few minor bumps are enough for the bumper itself to crack and crave, and expensive optics require replacement. If an amplifier is not provided in the design of the car, but you think that it will not bother you, contact the service, where they will help you choose a part that fits your bumper.

The rear amplifier has a slightly different role: providing protection for the "rear" of the car. That is, the creation of a kind of buffer zone from impact. Not only from the impact of another vehicle, but also from collisions with obstacles when reversing, to protect against damage to the body, luggage compartment and, of course, things that are there. If we compare both amplifiers, then the functions for which they were created will be exactly the same: to protect the body and units from impacts, to strengthen the bumper, to create a springy effect during collisions. The only difference is probably in the shape of the part itself, but in the holes for the fasteners.

The debate about whether a bumper amplifier is needed or not began from the period of its appearance. After all, in addition to the pros, there are also significant disadvantages. Probably the most unpleasant moment that makes car owners be careful and decide on the installation of an additional part is the behavior of the amplifier during a head-on collision. The fact is that in handicraft production, the metal structure is welded to the car body, and therefore does not soften, but enhances the negative impact during an impact... As a result, the damage becomes truly catastrophic. To prevent this from happening, do not rush to introduce innovations if the characteristics of the vehicle do not provide for such an upgrade.

Industrial designs

It is rather difficult to give unequivocal advice on whether a car needs amplifiers for the rear bumper or the front one. This is a personal matter and depends on what the motorist considers to be safety. Probably, this option is just another requirement of the automotive fashion. Nevertheless, large automakers still make serial beams to increase the rigidity of a part that is only nominally called a bumper. For example, cars of factories are equipped with amplifiers. Toyota, Renault, Ford, Nissan.

Naturally, the fastening to the body is also calculated by the designers. In the event of an accident, the bumper, due to the amplifier, either "dampens" the impact, or is deformed, allowing minimal impact on the body and internal components.

Some car manufacturers install front and rear bumper reinforcements through shock absorbers to enhance the protective effect. If someone has the idea to, for example, build something similar on their Zhiguli 30 years ago, consider that simply copying, despite the best intentions, can be harmful. Any, even the smallest detail on the car is the fruit of the work of a large team of designers who performed calculations and tests, and its presence in the complete set is a justified necessity, and not a whim of one or another owner.

Is it possible to repair this part? If the rear or front bumper reinforcement is not damaged too much (dent, slight deformation), then it is possible to fix it on the slipway. For more severe exposure, complete replacement is recommended. The fact is that strength in places of metal deformation is no longer expected: molecular bonds are broken, microcracks appear. The benefits of such an amplifier are minimal, virtually zero.

In Moscow and Moscow region - by our own transport

Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm Sunday - no delivery.

Delivery rates within the Moscow Ring Road

1. Price for standard orders (total volume does not exceed 1m 3) - 500 rubles.
2. The price for heavy and large-sized orders, including engines, gearboxes, one-piece body parts (total volume exceeds 1m 3) - 1,000 rubles.

Delivery rates outside the Moscow Ring Road

1. Price for standard orders (total volume does not exceed 1m 3):
   • from 0 to 5 km - 700 rubles
   • from 5 to 15 km - 1500 rubles.
   • over 15 km - 1000 rubles + 35 rubles. for each subsequent kilometer.
2. Price for heavy and large orders, including engines, gearboxes, one-piece body parts (total volume exceeds 1m 3):
   • from 0 to 5 km - 1,300 rubles.
   • from 5 to 15 km - 1600 rubles
   • over 15 km - 1600 rubles. + 35 rubles. for each subsequent kilometer.

To the regions of Russia - by a transport company

What affects the structural strength of a rigid bumper? The bumper reinforcement is the answer. This part is a cross member made of plastic or metal. If the support is deformed, repairs should be made. When restoration is not possible, the spare part must be replaced. Choosing an original or a duplicate part is a matter of preference. What characteristics do these or those components have, read the review.

Kinds

To give rigidity to the structure of the front or rear of the car, a special cross member is used - a bumper reinforcement. With the help of this part, during the impact, adjacent nodes are not destroyed or slightly deformed.

One of the most damaged body parts of a vehicle is the bumper. A bumper reinforcement is needed to reduce mechanical stress on other parts of the car. Two types of front and rear supports are installed by car manufacturers:

• plastic;
• metal.

Polymer cross members do not stiffen the structure, so a car with a metal part is more reliable.

Appointment

The front bumper reinforcement is used to provide rigidity and additional fixation to the lining, in addition to the absorber and brackets. With this design, only the pad and attachments are damaged in a collision. Adjacent nodes remain intact or slightly deformed.

The rear bumper reinforcement has a protective function. The metal cross member increases the resistance to physical impact. When a part is made of plastic, during a collision, the lining and support are destroyed, other body elements are deformed.

Installation

Before installing the bumper, the bumper reinforcement is attached to ensure that the structure is reliable and resistant to damage. The support is fixed with bolts in the place intended for installation. Then an absorber (if this part is provided by the manufacturer) and a lining are installed. With the help of such body elements, structural rigidity is provided.

To install the front bumper reinforcement, fix the cross member with the fasteners. It is recommended to treat the joints with anti-corrosion compounds to extend the life of the parts.

The rear bumper reinforcement is mounted to the rear panel. If the cross member has been removed and installed, the attachment points should be treated with a special anti-rust agent. One of such formulations is the Movil auto preservative.

How to choose and buy?

If the bumper is broken, the bumper amplifier cannot be repaired, then there are two solutions: buy, install original parts or give preference to third-party brand parts. The consumer will be able to choose the option that suits the budget.

Genuine Parts are parts produced by an OEM manufacturer. Such body parts are characterized by several features:

• high price;
• full compatibility with vehicle components;
• high-quality performance;
• branded packaging.

To choose the right bumper amplifier, you should use the spare parts catalog by entering the vehicle data: VIN, make, model, year of manufacture.

When you need to save money without compromising on the quality of the parts, buying a third-party bumper reinforcement is a good option. Non-original spare parts attract consumers due to three properties:

• affordable cost;
• minimal difference from OEM products;
• fast deliveries.

Duplicate manufacturers produce all sorts of parts for different brands of cars, including bumper booster Renault, Nissan, Toyota, so buyers have long appreciated the possibility of saving without compromising quality. Non-original parts are selected according to the characteristics of the vehicle: model, year of manufacture, body type. In most cases, analogs are used during the post-warranty period.

The bumper reinforcement is an important structural part of the vehicle. If the support deforms after impact, the cross member should be repaired or replaced. When there is no desire to experiment, purchase original parts. If you need to save money, the best option is to order a duplicate spare part.

"Niva Chevrolet" is a practical domestic SUV for those who like "outings" into nature. But those who like to ride in swampy terrain and difficult to pass places often complain that the front bumper of the Chevy does not withstand all the loads. After that, it must be repaired or replaced. That is why lovers of such a holiday are trying to install a power bumper, which can be purchased and installed in the cabin or made by hand. For this we need free time, skillful hands and a lot of patience.

Power bumper for car

When installing a power bumper, it is advisable to provide mounts for additional equipment, which will not be superfluous:

• winches;
• hi-jack;
• lighting.

A new body kit for Sheva Niva can be bought or made by hand.

Why do you need a power kit

Power bumper - this is one of the options for protecting the car from various damages, chips and various kinds of blows to the front of the car. Therefore, for the manufacture of this type of protection, you have to resort to a variety of tricks. To date, there are not so many manufacturers of power bumpers on the Chevrolet Niva. Many do them on their own, at home. This will require the following tools and materials:

• metal for the manufacture of body kit;
• hammer, tape measure;
• grinder (impeller) and cutting wheels;
• welding machine and electrodes;
• fasteners: bolts, washers, nuts.

Do-it-yourself power kit on a car

When doing these works with your own hands, you need the skills of a specialist, since nothing will come of it without good welding. You also need to draw a sketch of the power kit with all the dimensions you expect. Such sketches should be performed in three planes, with marked metal cut points and bending points. After that, you can start preparatory work.

When doing all the work with your own hands, the main thing is to follow the safety rules, because you have to work with an open fire.

During the manufacture of a power bumper, we recommend using special graphic editors, in which you can easily calculate the dimensions of your new body kit, bevel angles, mark the attachment points, and also determine the amount of material required.

Solutions to the problem in the manufacture of a bumper

For the manufacture of a power body kit on the Chevrolet Niva, it is necessary to provide for the following points, which are likely to arise during the manufacture of a bumper:

• Drawing. The new power bumper on the Chevrolet Niva can be of any shape and type, but the main thing is not to violate the rules of maintenance and traffic rules;

The drawing shows a sketch of a power bumper for a Chevrolet Niva car

• Material. It is necessary to decide what shape and from what metal your new, reinforced bumper will be. It is recommended to use metal with a thickness of 3-4 mm. For this, a square pipe, a channel, as well as the 40th corner and pipes with a thickness of 2 mm or more are suitable for us;
• The weight of the new design. Since the new bumper will be made of a more durable metal, it is recommended to approximately calculate its weight so that you do not have to change the front springs and shock absorbers;
• Optics. It is necessary to provide for mounting points for additional lighting, which will never be superfluous;

An additional light can be installed on the power bumper.

• Hi-jack and and Chevy. A reinforced bumper implies the installation and further use of these two devices, therefore, we recommend that you foresee their installation locations and fasteners in advance.

The power bumper on a Niva car can be of any shape; no permissions are required for it.

The main thing to remember is that it is not prohibited by law to install a power bumper. Lack of permission for installation and documents confirming the certification of this device - this will already be considered a violation of the rules and requirements of maintenance.

For example, you can take a power bumper, which is called "RIF", from the manufacturing company "Aventuri". It has an integrated winch platform, making it more functional. It is also reinforced with stiffeners. This makes it possible to use hi-jack. By the way, there are special fixation points for it. Power bumper "Rif" is equipped with special towing clamps, which can be easily removed and installed.

The RIF power bumper can be additionally equipped with a winch mount.

Some craftsmen make bumpers from aluminum, which also makes them durable and fairly light. As a rule, such protection is made of several bent power arcs made of metal.

The process of making a new body kit

Below we describe the process of making the base for the winch on the Chevrolet Niva:

1. It is necessary to disassemble the front of the car and remove everything that may interfere with the manufacture of a new body kit, but the main thing is not to overdo it.

   Step one: dismantled the "face" of the car

2. Next, it is necessary to strengthen the front side members, on which the new bumper will be mounted. For this, special inserts are made that repeat the shape of the lodge.

   Now you need to reinforce the front side members.

3. The next step is to manufacture the side plates for the Chevrolet Niva side members, which are attached from the outside. It is necessary to mark and drill the mounting holes in them.

   Further, the manufacture of side plates is required

4. After preparing all the elements, you can carry out the initial assembly by installing amplifiers and linings on the side members.

   Install the inserts and screw on the outer pads.

5. Next, a cross member is made between the pads, which is attached by welding.

   We make a cross member and weld it.

6. After that, it is necessary to think over the installation locations of the winch on the Chevrolet Niva. For this, it is recommended to have a traction mechanism available, from the base of which it will be necessary to remove the template.

   We weld an additional mount for the winch.

7. After taking the dimensions, you need to weld the site. To install and attach the winch to the finished base, holes must be drilled in it for fixing with M12 bolts.

We attach a new body kit to the car and install the winch in the provided place.

The base on which the winch will be installed is now complete. All welded seams are bounced off the slag, and the entire structure is covered with anticorrosive and primer. When the painted surface has dried, it is necessary to collect everything for the further manufacture of the Niva Chevrolet bumper itself:

1. First, you need to think about the attachment of the power body kit to the car frame. A square channel can be used, which will be attached to prefabricated reinforcements, taking into account the bumper bending angle.
2. A pre-cut square pipe is welded to the ready-made fasteners. It is necessary to observe all the symmetry of this process, because if the size of the central and curved parts, as well as the bending angles, are different, the bumper will turn out to be chamfered.
3. Next, the same square tube will be used to shape the new Chevrolet Niva bumper. All seams must be carefully welded, beaten off from the slag and cleaned with a grinder.
4. The guide jaws for the winch are installed, the places for the hi-jack are cut, and the place for the towing clamps is provided.

After the power bumper has been manufactured and installed, it is recommended to test it, as it may be necessary to reinforce the entire structure.

Further work consists in covering the entire structure with anticorrosive, primer and its subsequent painting. For this, it is recommended to use high quality powder paint, which, in turn, also protects the metal from corrosion.

Disadvantages of Chevrolet Niva

Installing a new bumper on a Chevrolet Niva car is solely your decision, just like making it yourself or buying it at a car shop. The main thing in this business is to determine your capabilities, namely, the ability to work with metal and welding. This is the main part of the work you do.

Higher education: Chita State University, Institute of Technological and Transport Systems, specialty - cars and automotive industry. Repair of passenger cars of domestic and foreign origin. Chassis repair, ...

7 comments

Leonidas says:

Something I did not understand, how the bumper is attached? For some reason, I got a bend on the frame.

Power bumper, or "kenguryatnik" as it is popularly called, is an important attribute for almost all SUVs. Car owners know that its main purpose is to protect motor vehicles from numerous obstacles that may be encountered while driving.

However, in addition to this, the power bumper adds a lot of convenience to the operation of the machine, due to the presence of a special design designed for easy installation of a car winch.

Also, the bumper of this design provides for the presence of a device for lifting the machine called "rack jack", which makes it much easier to carry out the necessary manipulations and, most importantly, safer for the driver. Using the winch in this design is much easier than in the standard version, since the power bumper is equipped with special holes for secure fixation. This type of construction is good for everyone, but many are interested in one question: is it possible to make a legal installation at the present time, and is there a penalty for using a "kenguryatnik" for the car?

How the power bumper appeared

Even judging from the name ("kenguryatnik"), it can be understood that the power bumper was invented in the places where kangaroos live, and these animals, as you know, live on the Australian continent. The first design was to protect the car from wild animals that ran out from everywhere and the frightened ones could get under the wheels of motor vehicles.

Initially, the bumper was made of metal grilles and supplemented with a reinforced frame. After the positive characteristics of the protective element were assessed, the power bumper began to be used on other continents, and the installation was carried out on any car - both a sedan and a freight mode of transport.

What positive effect the bumper can achieve: what are its disadvantages

"Kenguryatnik" cannot be considered some kind of luxury, and even more so to install a structure in order to show off or update the design. That is, if the car owner of the car really wants to protect his car from being hit in an accident, then the power bumper must have the following characteristics:

1. It is based on durable metal, reliable grilles.
2. The frame must be reinforced.
3. The connecting elements securely fix the structure to the vehicle.

Unfortunately, few protective elements are able to please with such a performance. Modern models most often provide for the following performance:

• base in the form of a chrome-plated pipe;
• lack of durable metal gratings;
• fasteners are provided only in the lower part of the "kenguryatnik".

Of course, such a design cannot be called reliable, therefore, in the event of a strong collision with a car or other obstacle, the so-called protection will simply turn out of the mount, severely damaging the hood and the car radiator grill. As a result, it is the modern power bumper that can cause more damage to the car than the collision itself.

Well, the most important point regarding the installation of the "kenguryatnik" is safety for pedestrians. That is, having a power bumper in the car, the driver is able to inflict severe injuries on pedestrians, who can be knocked down in an emergency on the road. Indeed, in any case, damage to the car fade into the background if a person is injured during the accident.

It was these moments that became important for the prohibition of the installation of the "kenguryatnik" on the car. But how things really are regarding this issue and whether the driver is fined for the presence of a protective bumper, it is worth learning in more detail.

Is it possible to install a power bumper on a car

According to the new regulation, modern drivers are prohibited from installing a power bumper on a car. If such a design is noticed by the traffic police, a fine will be imposed on the owner of the car. However, this prohibition does not apply to all models of "kenguryatniks". The following constructions are prohibited:

• the dimensions are much larger than the parameters of a car bumper;
• elements that are fixed in front of the bumper;
• protection made fragile and unreliable, that is, independently.

Based on the above, it should be said that if the car bumper does not exceed the permissible dimensions and is even equipped with a protective arc, then the installation of such an element can be done. In this case, no penalty is imposed. You can also install other protective elements, on which a fine will not be issued either, if their parameters do not protrude beyond the bumper.

What is the installation of the structure

If the owner of a motor vehicle decides to install a permitted power bumper, which is not subject to a fine, he must understand that by his actions he changes the original appearance of the car. And for such manipulations there must be a special permit signed by the traffic police. After the permission has been received, it is necessary that the PTS be written about the permission to make changes to road transport. Only with such documents can you safely move along the road without fear that you will be fined for having additional protection.

What categories are power bumpers divided into

All power bumpers that can be purchased in specialized stores or markets are divided into the following categories:

• certified;
• regular;
• made by yourself or by a private master.

Certified bumper

This type of protection element can be installed on a car if the manufacturing companies have a certificate in their hands that fully complies with the technical production regulations. That is, the operation of the structure must be absolutely safe for both pedestrians and drivers, and its parameters must correspond to the permitted dimensions. Only in this case, the fine will not be imposed, it is legal to use such a power bumper.

Standard design

If the car has a regular "kenguryatnik", that is, the car was equipped with this element at the factory, then it is allowed to drive with protection, and a fine is not imposed.

Self-made models

By installing a bumper made by yourself, you can be punished with a fine. The fact is that such an option for the execution of automotive protection does not have a certificate and does not belong to the standard form. That is, the design is not considered safe, since it has not passed the test and has not been manufactured in accordance with technical requirements.

What fine will need to be paid for the presence of a power bumper in 2018-2019

Before answering the main question: what amount will have to be paid for the presence of a prohibited power bumper, the following should be clarified. Currently, there is no article for the use of an unauthorized "kenguryatnik", however, inspectors will still be able to issue a fine to the driver, but argue this process in a different way. That is, a fine will be imposed in the event that inspectors find modifications in the car that are not included in the vehicle. In this case, the driver is obliged to pay a minimum fine of five hundred rubles. However, they can make a verbal remark if he assures that he will correct the violations in a short time. For example, it will remove an unauthorized "kenguryatnik" or make a corresponding entry in the vehicle.

If we consider this issue in fact, then we can safely say that few of the inspectors stop the car precisely because of the presence of a "kenguryatnik" and at the same time require the submission of documentation on the vehicle's technical inspection along with a power bumper. To avoid unpleasant situations on the road and continue to drive a car with a protective bumper, you can simply remove the protective element when inspecting the car. And after passing the technical inspection, reinstall the structure in its original place and calmly continue driving, of course, if the bumper meets the technical parameters.