If you carefully examine the VAZ 2106, the first copies of which rolled off the assembly line more than forty years ago, you will see that the interior does not contain high-tech elements. Not many parts of the Six's interior can be modernized, but among them there are those that clearly need improvement: the instrument panel, weak lighting, and a rather primitive torpedo. Tuning these elements will not take much of your time, but you will have to put in some effort.
Backlight
There are not many parts in the interior of the Six that can be modernized. The interior decoration is extremely modest, without any frills. If you drive in a car at night, you will notice a clear disadvantage regarding the insufficient lighting of the VAZ-2106 dashboard. You can do tuning in this direction yourself.
To perform manipulations to change the color and brightness of the backlight, you will need the following materials:
- white instrument dials;
- three LEDs for large devices and one element each for small devices;
- cartridges for light elements;
- special self-adhesive film;
- wires.
Beard tuning
The center of the car interior is the console, which is called the beard. It acts as a continuation of the torpedo and attracts the attention of all passengers.
When tuning, you can place in your beard:
- watch;
- radio;
- pocket for small items;
- armrest;
- USB sockets;
- switches;
- backlight
Typically, the beard for “classics” is made from plywood, fiberglass, or from spare parts from foreign cars.
Beard drawings can be found on the Internet or taken measurements from an old console. For the pattern, thick cardboard is used, which holds its shape well. The template is transferred to plywood and, after carefully checking the dimensions, cut out along the contour. Next, the parts are connected with self-tapping screws. The finished frame is covered with leatherette or other material in the color of the upholstery. The material is secured with a furniture stapler and glue.
Stages of work
At the initial stage of improving the illumination of VAZ-2106 instruments, it is necessary to dismantle the panel panel, as a result of which access to the indicators becomes available. Next, remove all index arrows. Then unscrew a couple of small bolts and remove the scales. To remove the speedometer indicators, unscrew the screws and turn the scale to the left. At this stage, the gauge needle will drop slightly and begin to dangle. After it freezes, you need to mark the position with a marker. This is necessary for subsequent accurate operation of the speedometer.
After dismantling all the scales, they begin to paste them. New white elements are applied over the standard equipment. To prevent the background from blending in with the arrows, they are highlighted in a different color. To improve the backlight, you will need to remove the light filter, then you can begin installing the LEDs. For these purposes, metal bases are used, which are heated and mounted on the side parts of the panel. If there are VAZ-2106 devices in dark-colored cases, it is advisable to lighten them using white “self-adhesive”.
At the final stage, the LEDs are connected by connecting them to the main wiring of the vehicle through wires. As a result, you will be able to change the color of the scales and arrows, as well as improve the backlight, which is immediately noticeable when driving at night. Most representatives of the domestic “classics” will be improved in a similar way.
Modernization of the dashboard
In most foreign cars, this part is quite functional and looks quite presentable. Alas, the same cannot be said about the interior of the VAZ-2106. The “six” torpedo is made very “clumsily”, which forces the owners to modernize it.
The most popular option is to replace the standard element with a modern analogue. Installing an updated panel will not only change the external part of the car, but will also add functionality. The disadvantage of such manipulation is its high cost (from 5-6 thousand rubles, taking into account all materials and components).
Tuning the gear knob
A worn-out gear shift lever can be updated in three ways:
- replace the gearshift knob cover with a new cover;
- install the short-stroke lever;
- change the knob.
A new leather cover for the gearshift lever can be purchased at a car store. This is a ready-made product that needs to be put on a lever and secured in the floor or under the rug with a special ring.
Or you can sew the cover yourself using a pattern.
Most owners of “sixes” shorten the gearshift lever. To do this, unscrew the lever, clamp it in a vice and saw off about 6-7 cm with a hacksaw.
The simplest and most affordable way to tune the gearshift knob is to replace the knob. A new accessory is screwed onto the lever, which will decorate the interior of the car.
The main advantage of tuning is its uniqueness. For owners who are in love with their cars, the possibility of tuning brings trepidation to the soul. In addition, a tuned car reflects the character of the owner. An unprepossessing car turns into a dream car and attracts the admiring glances of passers-by. Tuning is beautiful, so go ahead and realize your ideas.
Economical way
If the budget for purchasing a new torpedo is not enough, you can go another way. Some owners simply change the color of the specified part. Liquid rubber is used as a painting material, which is used for processing automobile bodies in specialized workshops. This method of tuning the VAZ-2106 dashboard is very simple and does not require significant capital investments. The disadvantages include the fragility of the finish; after 5-6 months, repainting will be required.
Another method of improvement is reupholstering the surface with leatherette. This is a real option for improving the part, but not every driver can handle it on their own. In workshops, such services cost at least three thousand rubles.
Seats
Tuning VAZ 2106 seats can be done in two ways:
- change the upholstery;
- replace the seats by taking them from another car.
Seat reupholstery
To reupholster the upholstery yourself, follow the instructions:
- Remove the seats from the interior. To do this, move the chair back all the way and unscrew the bolts in the runners. Then slide it forward and also remove the bolts. Remove the seats from the interior.
Installing seats from another car
Updated seat upholstery will decorate the interior, but will not make them ergonomic or comfortable. To do this, seats from another car are placed in the “six”. Seats with a distance between the runners of approximately 490 mm are suitable here. Many car owners say that seats from Ford Scorpio, Hyundai Solaris, VAZ 2105, VAZ 2107 fit well into the cabin . But to get a good result, you cannot do without replacing the fasteners.
Replacing seat fastenings
The slides on which the seats in the “six” are located are not located at the same level, so the old fastening requires replacement. To do this you need:
- Move the seat back all the way and unscrew the front bolts. Then move it forward to the dashboard and remove two more screws from the runners.
Overlays for the dashboard of VAZ-2106
Tuning of this part of the vehicle is carried out by installing a special lining. This element not only acts as decoration, but also provides a protective option in the interior. The asking price is around two thousand rubles. To install the bright trim, you will need to remove the dashboard. This can be solved by unscrewing the fixing bolts. The dismantled part is thoroughly wiped from dust and degreased.
The removed torpedo is treated with sandpaper and coated with adhesive. After this, carefully install the overlay and wait for the glue to dry. To avoid squeaking of the new part, it is additionally fixed with self-tapping screws and another layer of glue. It must be remembered that prolonged exposure of the car to direct sunlight has a detrimental effect on the lining.
Steering wheel tuning
A comfortable and beautiful steering wheel contributes to comfortable driving. To achieve this, in the “six” you need to update the steering wheel in the following ways:
- install a steering wheel from another VAZ model;
- replace with sports one;
- retighten the steering wheel.
Installing a steering wheel from another VAZ model
The simplicity of the Zhiguli allows you to replace the steering wheel with a steering wheel from other VAZ models. Many car owners believe that it is not worth the work and effort that needs to be put in.
The steering shaft of the chisel is thinner than the classic one, and not by much, that is, it is not very easy to make an adapter for the hub. Plus the steering wheel is higher, normally it won’t engage the turn signal bump stop. In a word, you need to suffer a lot to install it properly. As for me, it’s not worth it, if you really want a normal steering wheel, then you need to go and buy it, the choice is very rich right now, but you need to look at them carefully, there are so many leftists that it’s just terrible.
Kot_01
https://autolada.ru/viewtopic.php?t=26289
Replacing with a sports steering wheel
A sports steering wheel will give the car a beautiful and aggressive look. You just need to know that the “six” is not intended for sudden maneuvers. The sports steering wheel has a smaller diameter and is more difficult to make turns with, so you need to get used to it.
Steering wheel reupholstery
In an auto store you can find braiding on the steering wheel for re-upholstering with your own hands. Such kits include the braid itself made of genuine leather, strong threads for sewing and a special needle.
Video: dismantling the steering wheel
Electronic speedometer for VAZ
Particular attention is paid to the speed indicator on the instrument panel. It is located next to the tachometer, which shows engine speed. Removing this element is somewhat more difficult than other devices. To remove the speedometer, you need to release the panel latches and move the structure toward you. Then unscrew the cable of the device located in its rear part. Then the fasteners are disconnected and the cable of the mileage mechanism is carefully removed.
Upgrading the device can be done using LEDs and replacing scales with arrows. As an alternative, the standard speedometer is replaced with an electronic version. In this case, the cable will be an unnecessary element; it is simply removed. To install a new device, you will need a pulse-type sensor with wiring and M-18 thread. Considering the connection diagram, additional soldering will be required. When installing the part, it is important to ensure that the pluses of the tachometer and speedometer are connected together to ensure synchronous readings.
In conclusion
Knowing how to tune the instrument panel on a Zhiguli car yourself, you can save a lot. In addition, any owner approaches the processing of his cars responsibly at every stage. The cost of similar services in specialized centers is much more expensive, and the quality is not always guaranteed. The simple manipulations and recommendations given above will allow you to radically change the “tidy”. In addition to improving the appearance, you will receive additional protection and some useful options that will be useful for the domestic “six”.
