Car thresholds are one of the parts of the car body that are most susceptible to aggressive environmental influences. Temperature changes, high humidity, aggressive chemicals that are sprinkled on roads in winter - all this has an extremely negative effect on the paintwork of the body.
Thresholds on cars, why thresholds, the bottom of doors and arches very quickly become unusable
Sooner or later, the corrosion process starts on the surface of vulnerable parts of the body. First of all, the thresholds, the bottom of the doors, and the arches of the car “suffer”. In addition to rust, the above body elements are regularly subject to the influence of torsional and bending moments, as well as strong vibrations. Very often, dents appear on the surface of the thresholds due to the fault of the car owner himself, as a result of improper use of the jack. However, in this case, the threshold repair can be done on your own. Sometimes you need to replace inserts, apply a patch, or do other repair work, which will be discussed below.
Metal corrosion, the cause of rapid corrosion
The corrosion process very quickly turns metal into rusty dust. For example, of all the “ferrous” metal produced in the world, 10% is killed by rust in the first year. The two main causes of metal corrosion are electrochemical and chemical.
chemical corrosion
Chemical corrosion does not spare either ferrous or non-ferrous metals.
This process takes place in an environment that does not conduct electric current (dry gas mixtures, alcohols, various types of petroleum products, etc.). The intensity of the process can increase in parallel with an increase in ambient temperature. As a result, a characteristic oxide film appears on the metal surface.
electrochemical corrosion
For this process to proceed fully, a thin electrolytic film on its surface is sufficient, which can also be formed by ordinary water. However, the most common cause of electrochemical corrosion is the total use of industrial and household salts, which are sodium and potassium chlorides, and are used to remove ice and snow on roads in winter. Chlorides affect not only cars, but also underground communications. For example, in the USA alone, annual losses from the use of salt amount to more than 2 billion dollars.
Thresholds on cars, what types of thresholds are there?
Based on the material used, thresholds are divided into plastic and metal. The plastic option is the cheapest, but also the most short-lived. Plastic thresholds almost always come as standard equipment on cars and very quickly become unusable.
Metal thresholds are much more durable and reliable. The choice of metal thresholds is quite varied - the manufacturing material can be aluminum profile, stainless steel, alloys containing chromium, etc.
Especially for fans of car tuning, manufacturers make special backlit trims to order, which are connected to the wiring, and the lamps light up when the doors are opened. At the same time, the thresholds are illuminated with a pleasant light, which not only gives the car an original look, but also helps you comfortably get in or out of the car in the dark.
Removable thresholds, welded thresholds, what is the difference
According to the method of connection to the body, car sills can be removable or, as they are also called, movable, or welded to the car body.
Removable car sills are made of plastic or metal and are attached to the body using self-tapping screws. If the need for repairs arises, such thresholds are very easy to remove, perform the necessary work and reattach.
Special tools for repairing thresholds
To repair removable thresholds you will need:
Crafting table.
Anvils.
Mallet, other tools for straightening metal.
To repair fixed thresholds you need:
Crafting table.
Spotter or welding machine.
Manual extraction for smooth and gentle removal of dents.
Hammers for support and straightening.
Anvils.
Bulgarian.
Other locksmith tools.
Removable thresholds, when can removable thresholds be restored, and in what cases is it better to install new ones
In case of minor damage, you can repair removable thresholds yourself. Such work is mainly carried out without the use of a welding machine - just straightening or drawing is enough. If you work carefully, you can even do without painting the part, because although the threshold is removable, such work is considered body repair.
Dents are pulled out carefully, trying not to damage the paintwork. If traces of corrosion are found on the threshold, you need to assess the extent of the damage. If it is minor, you can get by with a small patch. If the threshold is damaged by corrosion on a larger scale, there is no particular point in repairing it - the part is easier and faster to replace.
As mentioned above, quite often the sills are damaged not only from stones and curbs, but also from an incorrectly installed jack when changing a wheel. Before you begin removing dents and other repair work, you need to assess the severity of the damage, and then select the necessary tools and materials.
For minor to moderate damage, you can repair the welded thresholds yourself. To remove dents or small distortions without damaging the paint, use an extractor and a plotter.
If the dents are deep and it is not possible to pull them out, then a rectangular hole is made in the side of the threshold into which an anvil is inserted. After this, the dent is carefully leveled using a straightening hammer.
The main methods of repairing car thresholds using welding are replacing welded thresholds and installing patches on damaged areas.
If the damage is serious enough, metal cuts are made in several places. After finishing the straightening work, the cuts are covered with patches. If the threshold is damaged by corrosion, the damaged areas are cut out with a grinder, a pattern is made, from which a patch is then cut. The patch is welded to the damaged area.
Today there are technologies with which you can independently repair welded thresholds without using a welding machine. For this, fiberglass and epoxy glue are used.
What to do if the sills and pillar are damaged
If the rack is damaged at the same time as the threshold, they must be replaced at the same time. In this case, the algorithm of actions is quite simple. First of all, the B-pillar spar is cut out. Before you start straightening the side member, you need to make sure that the car body is free of damage. After this, the installation site is thoroughly cleaned, all excess metal particles are removed.
Next, the surface of the spar is leveled and adjusted, after which installation, fastening and welding work are carried out - all that remains is to install the doors in place and adjust all the gaps.
How can metal be treated to protect against corrosion?
autochemical protection
Compositions intended to protect the car body (anti-corrosion) are divided into several categories: compositions intended for treating hidden cavities, and compositions for application to the surface of the body.
Products for hidden cavities, in turn, are divided into two categories: the first includes oil-based preparations with a liquid consistency. This allows them to penetrate into the most inaccessible places and fill microcracks in the paintwork. Protection against corrosion is provided by the corrosion inhibitors included in the preparation - substances that slow down the corrosion process, as well as a greasy oil film that protects the metal surface from contact with moisture. The only significant drawback of these drugs is their low mechanical strength and inability to adhere to vertical surfaces.
The second type of anticorrosive agents for treating hidden cavities are paraffin-based preparations. The corrosion inhibitors included in the composition work only when the drug is in a liquid state (that is, for some time after application). When the solvent evaporates from the drug, the inhibitors almost completely cease their effect. After drying, the drug forms a waxy film that completely blocks the access of oxygen to the metal. Paraffin-based compounds are not very durable, so they are used exclusively for treating hidden cavities of the car body.
For application to the external surface, bitumen-based compounds are used. Bitumen mastics are produced on the basis of synthetic and bituminous resins. They simultaneously perform several tasks: protect the bottom, arches and sills from aggressive environmental influences, and protect against mechanical damage.
Sometimes the manufacturer includes corrosion inhibitors in mastics, but rather for preventive purposes. The drug will not be able to protect bare metal from corrosion. Much more important are its protective, “covering” properties - the mastic must adhere firmly to the metal surface, even after hitting stones, curbs and other obstacles.
Mastics are applied to the surface in a thick layer, making them a good sound insulator. Some preparations harden after application and resist mechanical stress well, but may crack; others do not dry completely, maintaining excellent elasticity, but do not withstand mechanical stress well.
polishes
They are substances in the form of a paste or emulsion. Are divided into:
Restorative.
Protective.
Combined.
Wax polishes.
In the process of restorative surface treatment with polish, abrasions, matte (oxidized) areas of paint, as well as small scratches are partially removed. Polishing is performed using special polishing machines. In this case, abrasive pastes and compositions of different grain sizes are used.
Soft polishing is performed if the paintwork of the body is slightly worn, and it is only necessary to restore the shine of the surface. Unlike restorative polishing, in this case only finishing polishing compounds are used.
anti-gravel film
Another way to protect the most vulnerable parts of the body, including sills. Each manufacturer of anti-gravel film intensively advertises its product, claiming that its film has all the necessary qualities. In fact, such advertising is intended only to justify the high price of the product.
The film is cut using a computer and special electronic patterns, cutting is carried out using a plotter. Any service that deals with glass tinting applies the film. It is not difficult to remove the film - all the glue remains on its surface, and not on the surface of the thresholds.
Electrochemical protection
It is an absolutely harmless way for the owner and his car to protect thresholds and other hard-to-reach areas of the car body.
The principle of operation is very simple, and is based on the principle of interaction of a galvanic pair (car body and electrodes). In this case, the body plays the role of a cathode, and steel plates serve as the anode. They are attached to the most problematic areas of the body, where corrosion most often forms. As a result of the difference in electrical potential, the metal of the anodes oxidizes and gives up free electrons to the metal of the body, thus restoring it.
For electrochemical protection to work as efficiently as possible, it is necessary to install from two to three dozen anodes on the car, the shelf life of which is up to eight years.
Plastic door sill, advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages of plastic linings, it is necessary to note the low cost and effectiveness of this method of protecting thresholds. Plastic protects the thresholds well from dirt and mechanical damage.
If we talk about the disadvantages, then the plastic lining cannot protect the metal from moisture, which “gets” under it, contributing to the occurrence of corrosion. Therefore, it is recommended to install plastic door sill covers only after anti-corrosion treatment.
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I'm running out of time - I'm fighting with apartment renovations. But I snatched a couple of hours of free time with my beloved Pshenichny...
Step
This device is certainly an extremely useful invention for all fans of all kinds of enduro and just country rides! In general, the KTM XCF has a running board as standard, and even the Pshenichny has a running board, albeit separately from the motorcycle.I don’t know what they did with it and whether it was even an original footrest, but no matter how I tried to adapt it to the motorcycle, nothing worked. In theory, there should be 2 mounting points, but on my motorcycle there is only one special eye and there is only one bolt on the stand. I twisted and turned it this way and that, but it didn’t hold the motorcycle.
Okay, our guys don't just give up. Fortunately, I have a grinder, a welding machine and a couple of 2 mm metal plates at hand. The prototype was based on the idea of Pro Moto Billet and their wonderful Kick It Kickstand. The main idea is that in one place the footrest clings to the standard mount, and in the other at the subframe attachment point.
In about 40 minutes, the corresponding blank was cut out, welded to the step, and all this stuff was screwed into its rightful place. The collective farm, of course, turned out to be terrible, but at the moment a spendthrift with at least some kind of step is better than without any step at all.
Based on the results of two subsequent rides, I came to the conclusion that this decision has no right to life in my execution :)
Well, that is. On the next trip, the weld was torn off, so I thoroughly digested it, then when parking on the step, the metal plate began to bend and the weld was torn off again.
In general, if you weld normally and take thicker metal that will not bend, then you can make a completely workable option. I decided not to bother and went the route of purchasing a high-quality Aftermarket running board, which I’ll tell you about in the next post.
Coolant
As part of replacing all the motorcycle's fluids with new ones, I decided to update the coolant.There are no special nuances: I drained the old coolant (the pump usually has a special bolt for draining), washed the radiators with distilled water, and filled in a 50% solution of Motul Inugel Expert Ultra.
Actually, perhaps this is the only nuance: there are ready-made solutions that are simply poured into radiators. There are also concentrates that need to be diluted with distilled water.
I used a 1.25 liter water bottle for mixing. Almost the entire volume fit into radiators.
Suspension adjustment:
To be honest, I didn’t want to touch the suspension at all. After the Chinese I continue to enjoy it, because... the difference is noticeable to the naked eye. I spun it solely to see if I could feel the difference.So, initially I had it set to “Sport” mode. For the experiment, I decided to return the setting to “Standard”.
There is nothing complicated, everything is described in detail with pictures in the service manual.
Shock absorber settings:
Slow compression (screw on top): 15 clicks counterclockwise
Fast compression (: 2 turns counterclockwise
Rebound (screw at bottom): 15 clicks counterclockwise
Fork settings:
Compression (twist from top): 12 clicks counterclockwise
Release (screw at the bottom under the rubber plug): 12 clicks counterclockwise
That's all for today. All the best and good mood!
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.
Thresholds for vehicles are divided into several types. The difference between them is how they are attached to the vehicle and what exactly they are intended for.
Let us examine in detail what types of thresholds for cars there are.
- Fixed. Such thresholds are attached by welding and form an integral body structure. She looks tougher.
- Removable. Unlike non-removable ones, these thresholds are attached to the lower parts of the vehicle body using self-tapping screws or special bolts. They can be either protective or as an additional step.
- Power thresholds are installed on frame SUVs. They are attached to the frame by welding or using special powerful bolts and nuts. This power structure will be much larger than the thresholds on cars that have a monocoque body.
Removable thresholds, which were made in factories or special companies, are in most cases located in vehicle interiors. They are called the top of the thresholds.
It is this part that gets most contaminated when passengers get into or out of the car.
If something impacts the body, then the upper part of the sills is susceptible to mechanical damage.
The lower parts of the vehicle sills are also removable; they are located outside the car.
Removable thresholds for protection are installed by car owners so that they can protect the main structures from various damages: dirt, chemicals, and cracks.
On the Internet you will find many videos on the topic of how to make thresholds for a car with your own hands.
The manufacture of thresholds for cars, as well as their repair, can be done independently, without turning to specialists for help and without spending extra savings. The threshold structure is quite easy to remove. To do this job, there is no need to use welding. It will be enough to prepare straightening or hood. If all the work on repairing the thresholds is done very carefully, then you will not need to paint the structure. The protective sills are removable parts, but still, this is considered a body repair.
To repair car thresholds, you need to prepare:
- Workbench;
- anvils;
- mallet, as well as everything for straightening.
If there is a dent on the threshold, it must be removed without much effort, as it can damage the structure of the metal and also damage the paintwork. It happens that corrosion begins to corrode the metal of the threshold. In this case, it is necessary to correctly assess the extent of the damage.
If the damage is minor, then you can simply cut out the part with the flaw and weld another one.
But it happens that corrosion has damaged most of it, then it is better to install a new structure.
Fixed thresholds can also be damaged. This could be a dent or corrosion if the car was used in poor conditions. If a vehicle is constantly in contact with water, dirt or chemicals found on our roads, then naturally the sills will be corroded. When the car is also poorly painted, problems with the wear of the thresholds may arise much earlier than we would like. In most cases, this applies to domestic cars.
Sometimes a dent can be made with your own hands, without any stones. This is elementary; it will be enough to install the jack incorrectly to change the wheel.
To start repairing body sills yourself, you first need to assess how damaged they are. This will make it possible to choose the right tools for future work.
Each car owner can handle minor damage to the body himself.
If you confidently decide to do the repairs yourself, you will need:
- Workbench;
- welding;
- hood;
- several anvils;
- Bulgarian;
- tools for a locksmith.
In order to remove dents or other minor misalignments without damaging the paint on the parts, you will need to make surface repairs using an extractor or plotter. If the dent still remains, you should try to repair it by welding. A rectangular hole is cut out from the side of the threshold. They insert an anvil into it and try to carefully straighten out the dent. When your car has more serious damage, metal will have to be cut out in several places. Then the holes are hidden using patches.
If the thresholds are damaged by corrosion, the damaged area is cut out with a grinder, a pattern is made, a patch is cut out from it, which is then welded.
Damage to the car body occurs in every car owner. There is nothing complicated in their repair, but if you are not confident in your abilities and knowledge, you can turn to the production of custom-made thresholds for cars.
Do-it-yourself door sill covers are a topic that interests many car owners. This is explained by various reasons:
- Firstly, homemade tuning looks better, because it is unique and completes the image of the car. The main thing is that it is done with high quality and with love.
- Secondly, homemade pads will cost less than the original ones. Products presented by manufacturers often exceed all possible expectations in cost. Even if you choose plastic, for an inexpensive foreign car it will cost an unreasonable amount.
Anyone can make such a tuning element, the main thing is to choose the right dimensions, take into account the installation technology and other points.
There are many articles on this topic on the Internet. At the same time, we can roughly imagine two ways to create overlays - from cheaper models created by domestic manufacturers, or from scrap materials on our own. Whatever method is chosen, each has its own advantages and is used quite often.
Wall panel overlays
A minimum of skills and tools are required to create this element from wall panels. And the question of how to make door sills with your own hands will disappear, because the process reveals so many nuances of the work.
Once all the elements for the procedure have been selected, you should proceed with it:
- Self-tapping screws are needed for fixation, so holes are made in the threshold for them. They need to be treated with anti-corrosion material, because in reality the bottom is constantly exposed to chemicals and moisture, which negatively affects its condition.
- Using self-tapping screws to attach the guides, you can get a visually lower car.
- The panel itself is fixed to the installed guides; the same screws are used for fixation.
- To make the lining more reliable, it should be wrapped in fiberglass soaked in glue.
- To visually eliminate the resulting transitions and cracks, it is worth using putty and primer, which are then sanded to obtain a smooth surface.
- We select the required color for painting, taking into account the color of the body, and apply the paint coating.
These overlays look beautiful, but they won’t last as long as the next option.
Door sills from ready-made models
Such door sill covers are created with your own hands from models of domestic manufacturers. Before purchasing the required part, it is necessary to take measurements, because this is the only way to choose the best option.
Online spare parts stores offer a wide range of necessary components. But it is not always possible to select linings taking into account all the characteristics, then you have to modify them with your own hands. In this case, the installation will look like this:
- We apply the trim to the threshold, using a marker we mark the excess. Using a grinder, we cut off the excess; all work should be done without haste. After all the procedures, it’s worth trying it on and evaluating what happened. If all the work is done correctly, the part should fall into place.
- To secure the overlay, you should use one of the proposed options - fiberglass or epoxy glue.
- The threshold and overlays are subject to subsequent puttying, priming and painting. The overlay will look like the original one.
It is worth noting that this method of creating an overlay with your own hands is considered a very labor-intensive process that requires effort and time. But you will have to work even more if you have a welding machine and metal.
Iron parts
If you decide to make the door sills yourself, the video presents the necessary elements to carry out this procedure. The first step is to select a stainless steel sheet that will be amenable to basic manipulation - it will bend:
- Having measured the threshold, it is necessary to cut the required piece of stainless steel according to the obtained dimensions.
- We bend the workpiece to measure and, if necessary, correct its shape, as was done in the previous method.
- The final stage will be puttying, priming and painting the resulting element.
Although the procedure allows you to save money, more time will be spent than in the previous case, and skills in working with a welding machine will be required.
The simplest option is polystyrene foam
This option won’t cost much, and you don’t mind it, you can make such overlays all the time. The only difficulty is cutting out the correct shape. You will have to do this slowly and carefully if you want the overlay to look beautiful. Otherwise, all roughness will be noticeable.
The resulting workpiece is processed with fiberglass several times. Again, epoxy glue is used for fixation. To fix the resulting cracks, putty, primer and painting are used. This is the only way to achieve a beautiful transition. In a similar way, some car owners apply polyurethane foam. Such a decorative element can then be easily dismantled, but the element with self-tapping screws is stronger, but when you get tired of it, it will be more difficult to remove it.
Interested in motorcycle tuning? Useful tips. What tuning accessories may be needed? Read in this article.
Such popularity of overlays is explained by the fact that everyone tries to improve their car; this type of tuning is one of the simplest and most affordable. Moreover, everyone can carry out all the procedures independently.
