Despite its 40-year-old age, Niva is still very popular with jeepers. Often they buy it for off-equipment, as this car is very easy to tune. Moreover, there are many ready-made off-road kits on sale. One of these is the front power bumper. About reinforced bumpers and their features - further in our article.
Why do we need such bumpers?
First of all, find out why this is necessary. As you know, the main function of bumpers is the absorption of impact energy in a collision.
However, the power structure does not have this function. But why then do the owners want to strengthen the bumper on the Niva? There are several prerequisites for this:
- Improving the appearance. A prepared SUV with an elevated suspension and mud tires is unlikely to look good with a regular bumper. Moreover, if it is a thin piece of iron, as on a standard Niva. Tuning allows you to complement the look of the car and make the look more finished.
- Possibility to install a winch. This is one of the common reasons why owners want to strengthen the bumper on the Niva. After all, it is not possible to install a winch on a regular bumper. And if you manage to somehow mount it, then it looks very ridiculous. Thus, the appearance of the machine becomes more aggressive. Plus, such a “Niva” will be much more prepared. After all, a winch allows you to tow a car without involving towing cables and the help of other jeepers.
- Structural strength. Strengthen the bumper on the "Niva" want those who do not want to align or change the element at the slightest impact. After all, on off-road cars often encounter insurmountable obstacles. During their passage, the bumper may become deformed. The reinforced element is not exposed to such effects.
Bumper and cross
Unlike the regular one, the reinforced bumper has a more solid construction. This allows you to significantly increase the angle of elevation of the car. On rough terrain, drivers often encounter steep descents and inclines, and when in contact with the ground, the factory bumper instantly bends. The power element withstands the entire curb weight of the car. This is a big plus for cross.
But not so simple. The fact is that the power bumper (front) of the Niva weighs several times more than the regular one. When choosing, it is important not to overdo it with the thickness of the metal. With a large mass, the car will be pulled “beak” down. And this affects the characteristics of the cross. But practice shows that ready-made sets of bumpers are reasonably different in weight from regular ones.
Material
What is this construction made of? The basis is sheet metal. Its thickness starts from two millimeters. Sheets are cut into several parts, and then welded, acquiring the desired shape.
The design inside has special pipes (a kind of power frame). Then the surface is painted with powder paint. The most popular color is matt black. On such bumpers, scratches and other deformations are practically not noticeable. And in which case they can be tinted from a regular spray can.
Other benefits
Why else do you need such a bumper for the Niva SUV? Tuning allows you to maintain the integrity of the car body. After all, when you hit a stump, driftwood and other elements, as a rule, the blow is transmitted to other parts - the radiator grill, “TV”, etc. The power structure does not allow such situations. Due to its strength, it eliminates all damage. In addition, the design allows you to install a jack type "hijack." But if the car is stuck to the rapids or deeper, the only visible design is only the bumper. It is impossible to hang the body on a standard element - it will simply be pulled out of the grooves.
Additionally, the power bumper on the Niva can be equipped with a kenguryatnik. In this case, you completely protect the radiator grill, the edge of the hood and headlights from shock.
Is it possible to strengthen the bumper on the Niva, if it is rear?
Many are limited to installing the front element. However, those who care about the look bother with buying the rear power bumper. But if you think that in addition to the aesthetic one, it does not carry any functions, you are mistaken.
Often platforms for towing hooks, as well as for stairs or mounting a spare wheel, are welded onto such bumpers. If the budget allows, you can install a second winch. In this case, "Niva" will be the most prepared machine on offroad.
Front and rear bumper cost
One of the most popular manufacturers of these structures in Russia is RIF. The price of the front power bumper is from 15 to 20 thousand rubles, depending on the configuration (with or without kenguryatnik). The winch is installed separately in the hole. The rear bumper with hooks and towbar costs from 15 to 17 thousand rubles.
Conclusion
So, we found out why the Niva power bumper is needed, and what are its advantages. As you can see, this is a very useful revision for an SUV. Especially if the latter is being prepared for offroad.