Roof rack Lada Kalina: types, selection and installation of the rack.

Today we will talk about the design - a roof rack that is installed on the roof of the car. This type of design is also applicable to the domestic small car Lada Kalina. They are freely available in specialized stores. Those owners who are inclined to save money can mount a homemade roof rack.

The important point here is the correct selection of design. Typically, a roof rack includes the following structural elements:

support posts;
crossbars;
set of fasteners.

In addition, the kit includes devices that allow you to securely secure your luggage for transportation. Before choosing the parts of the trunk, which will subsequently be installed on the roof of the 2nd generation Lada Kalina, you should consider the following points:

After installation, the overall dimensions of the car will change, that is, the height will increase.
At high speeds, outboard noise is guaranteed to occur.
There will be a risk of the trunk hitting objects hanging above the ground (tree branches, communications, etc.).

Note that the designs are not without merits. Among the main preferences is an increase in capacity for transporting items.

Rear luggage racks are popular among owners of the “cross” version of the Lada Kalina. These products are compact in size and create much less noise at high speeds. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that these products can make the rear of the car heavier, lengthen the overhang and “block” the rear optics.

Types of luggage racks

Since three bodies of the Lada Kalina have standard holes for attaching luggage accessories, this means that we can safely distinguish two designs:

Railings with add-on crossbars and accessories;
Cross members to factory installation locations.

Well, of course, there are also drivers who only have a universal trunk with a door arch mount. But they haven’t heard about the other models. This is a phenomenon of the owner of Lada Kalina. This means that a universal trunk for them exists and is called third on the list. But they need to keep in mind that the collapsible version of the universal luggage rack is equipped with a trapezoidal platform equidistant from the center of the support. Over-tightening the support bracket will result in strong pressure from the platform on the body. Since the Lada Kalina has a weak corner profile, a dent is possible. Trying to understand the issue is a bit like intimidation. But that's not true.

To date, AvtoVAZ has produced three different bodies:

Sedan.
Hatchback.
Station wagon.

The station wagon has an elongated flat roof, while the sedan and hatchback have a different length and radius. If we correlate the information with the roof rails, then the body type assumes a specific model of the arch. It won’t fit from a station wagon to a sedan, just like from a hatchback to a station wagon. The issue of crossbars is more acute. After all, there are three ways at once:

A simple stand in standard places. This is a tire made of one three-millimeter steel sheet with two holes for bolts, bent to fit the corner of the roof. At the end there is supposed to be a square hole for a square cross member, and it is known to have poor aerodynamics and whistle at speed.
Universal non-removable mount. Most have a short catch angle and a thrust pad standing almost next to the center of pressure. Everything would be fine, but then why would there be “original” mounting holes?
The third option is when the car is equipped with roof rails. All that remains is to find the cross members with transitional fasteners for the roof rails.

Station wagon Lada Kalina with roof rails

It’s worth resorting to statistics:

On average, a sedan is equipped with cross members on standard or universal racks. Car enthusiasts are not afraid of noise at speed and dented roofs.
The hatchback design has better roof rails. If a factory option is not declared, then car enthusiasts search and find a model. Then cross members with adapters are made. By the way, aerodynamic wing-shaped cross members will reduce air resistance from the double structure (rails plus cross members).
That's why the station wagon is named that way. It is equipped with rails, standard and universal accessories.

Cross members on the roof of a Lada Kalina station wagon

The owners, in their desire to help the AvtoVAZ concern, are groping for the right path, and the manufacturer reciprocates. We are talking about an optimal trunk with pre-installation of roof rails in their standard places. It is not for nothing that a set of longitudinal bars, if necessary, is ordered immediately from the factory. Some lucky motorists guess, buy roof rails, and then equip them with crossbars and accessories. They look more beautiful. But there are common excuses for those who do not agree with this state of affairs:

The car is getting taller.
The noise is louder.
Aerodynamics suffer.
The roof with roof rails is difficult to clean.
The paintwork is destroyed.
Expensive.

Roof rack with crossbars and mounts for transporting skis on the roof of Lada Kalina

Therefore, reasonable arguments are given:

One and a half meters plus 15 centimeters is 165 cm. The average height of a person is 175-180 cm. This is not high.
Wing-shaped cross members reduce noise.
Any equipment for railings can be quickly removed. Cross members too. Aerodynamics will return to their original values. And the roof rails themselves are already being developed to be aerodynamic.
The roof with roof rails can be washed easily both in a car wash and by hand.
The armored film will protect the paintwork.
Rails allow you to change luggage racks depending on the purpose. Adjusting the distance between the crossbars allows the driver to correctly position the load.

Luggage compartment size comparison

DIY trunk: how to make an expedition model. instructions for building a roof rack (110 photos + video)

You can make a comparative description of the size of the luggage compartment of all Lada Kalina models:

Lada Kalina hatchback is one of the most popular VAZ models, however, the size of the luggage compartment of this model is relatively small, only 240 liters

When calculating this parameter, the space upstream of the luggage rack is taken into account. However, if desired, hatchback owners can dismantle the shelf themselves, and with the seats folded, the trunk size increases to 550 liters

The ground clearance of the model with an automatic transmission is 145 mm, and with a manual transmission it is 165 mm. The VAZ station wagon is equipped with a more spacious luggage compartment, the size of which is 335 liters. If you need to increase the size of the trunk to 670 liters, then the rear seats simply fold down, and the transformation is carried out without any effort. An empty car of this model has a ground clearance of 145 mm.

If car owners put their “four-wheeled iron friend” on wheels of the required size, the ground clearance will certainly change. According to experienced drivers, it is best to install wheels of 14 or 15 inches in size on the Lada Kalina.

The Lada Kalina Cross has the same luggage compartment dimensions as the station wagon, that is, the luggage compartment size is 335 liters. With the rear seats folded down, the trunk volume reaches 670 liters. However, this model has increased ground clearance to 208 mm, which is very good for a compact car, the length of which is just over 4 meters.
The Lada Kalina sedan has almost the same technical characteristics as the other models that we analyzed above. The main difference between this model is a different body style, called a “sedan”. The luggage compartment volume is slightly larger than that of the hatchback - 400 liters, and this size is quite enough for transporting small loads or bags of food. That is, this model is simply ideal for moving around the city, because thanks to its low weight and excellent maneuverability, the Kalina sedan performs well on busy city streets and takes off easily. And if necessary, sedan owners can easily fold down the rear seats to further increase the size of the luggage compartment.

To summarize, we can say that hatchback models are equipped with an insufficient luggage compartment size, which many car owners would like to see.

But the Kalina station wagon and Lada Cross have a much larger luggage compartment, which has a several times increased service life. But if a hatchback is more preferable for car owners, then you should not deny yourself the desire to buy this particular model. After all, if the reason for the failure is the insufficient size of the trunk, then this problem can be solved, as previously said, quite simply - by folding the rear seats of the car, which will help increase the volume of the luggage compartment to 50 liters.

However, it is worth noting that if the driver plans to transport bulky things in a new car, for example, to a country house, then it is better to opt for a station wagon or cross-country vehicle. After all, a maneuverable and compact hatchback is simply not able to cope with such tasks at the proper level due to its technical characteristics.

How to choose the right car rack

All that remains is to choose the right trunk. To do this, you need to clarify the body type of the Lada Kalina and purchase the appropriate roof rails. Equipping with crossbars is a simple process:

If you need it cheaper, then a square section.
If it’s quieter, it’s wing-shaped.
Temporary trunk - removable crossbars with a locking mechanism.
Reinforced fastening - a cargo basket will do.
Protection from moisture and dust of personal belongings - plastic box.

Thule car box on the roof of Lada Kalina

Carefully studying the instructions for load capacity and further following them will prevent deformation of the trunk and roof.

Rules for the carriage of goods

In order to correctly calculate the acceptable dimensions of luggage structures, you should know the maximum carrying capacity of the vehicle. Under no circumstances should you overload the trunk, because it also has its limit. Each model has its own dimensions, which are superimposed on the dimensions of the cargo being transported.

This point is very important, since, according to traffic rules, luggage can be wider than the structure by a maximum of 2.5 m, and longer - up to 2 m. In the case of transporting cargo that is more than 1 m in width and more than 0.5 m in width length overlaps the side lights, it should be remembered that special identification marks will be needed. There is a list of items prohibited for transportation.

Do not carry luggage that may obstruct your view or interfere with normal vehicle control. In addition, the sedan must have open license plates and lights. For flammable materials, such as gas cylinders or fuel cans, you will need to have a special permit to transport them.

Alas, modern drivers do not burden themselves with such trifles, which is why accidents have occurred on the roads more than once. Each load can be secured in a way that is convenient for the owner, the main thing is to remember the traffic rules. When transporting luggage, the driver needs to be vigilant and control it.

If the load falls and an accident occurs on the road, the driver himself will be held responsible. But you should know that if the accident occurred due to the fact that the latch on the trunk broke and the examination proved the dishonest quality of the product, then the manufacturer must bear all costs.

Installing a trunk on a car

A certified luggage device in an accessible configuration includes instructions with a detailed description of the manipulations.

Video on installing roof rails on Lada Kalina

But installing roof rails, like any equipment, requires care and consistency of actions:

It is necessary to release the standard mounting holes by bending the rubber inter-door seal from left to right.
If installing a fairing, mark the installation locations.
Use double-sided tape on the area subsequently occupied by the roof rails. The tape will serve as a spacer. Pre-degrease the working area using technical alcohol.
Installation of roof rails occurs by installing the rear bolts, and then the front ones.
It is necessary to return the seal to its place.
After installing the roof rails, a load test takes place. A good place to start is using force with your hands. This method must be used regularly during operation.

The history of the appearance of CV joints

Despite the fact that CV joints are used in the transmission mechanism of most modern cars, there is still no consensus on the history of its appearance. The main version of the creation of the grenade says that in 1927 the part was designed and then received a patent for it by Alfred Rzeppa, who worked at. That is why the CV joint is often called the “Retsep” hinge.

The detail received the greatest attention only 40 years after its creation. This is due to the fact that only at the end of the 1960s did automakers begin large-scale design and creation of front-wheel drive units. The CV joint was designed to neutralize the speed difference that occurs when turning the front driven wheels and entails a number of unpleasant problems (rapid wear of rubber, breakdown of other suspension components, etc.). On top of that, the use of grenades made it possible to provide the greatest level of comfort when driving a car to both the driver and passengers of the vehicle.

It would seem that the development of the automotive industry simply could not help but be reflected in the appearance of just such suspension units, but the creation of the CV joint was something more than the ordinary introduction of innovations into the mechanism of cars. It’s not for nothing that no one has yet come up with anything better than the Rzepp hinge.

Important! The simultaneously complex and simple mechanism of the grenade allows, at minimal cost and high efficiency, to transmit optimal torque between the front axle shafts

Car roof rack safety

Transporting logs in the roof rack of Lada Kalina

There are certain rules for roof rack users. Transportation of goods must be accompanied by road safety. Situations of overload or exceeding dimensions are strictly suppressed and punished with fines.

The carrying capacity of the Lada Kalina on the roof is 50 kg with a maximum load length of 1.64 m.

Securing long cargo must meet safety requirements. The main condition is reliable fixation by the crossbars.
The center of gravity is located as close to the roof as possible. This applies to small-sized cargo. Moreover, the load is distributed on the roof rails as the mass increases, rather than on the middle of the roof.
The speed limit limits maneuvers. This rule should not be neglected.

Despite the undisguised irony regarding the Lada Kalina car, VAZ products are leaders in the market. Equipping your car with a roof rack will provide opportunities. The main thing is to use them correctly and not pay attention to unreliable and unverified information.

Lada Kalina: dimensions of different car modifications

For the Lada Kalina car, the dimensions are designed well for Russian cities and courtyards. She doesn't look overly petite. There is some solidity in it, and at the same time, “Kalina” is able to find a place for itself in the tightest parking lot. What is not a competitive advantage in these difficult times? Especially when looking for some free spot to leave the car near the house.

Dimensions value

The Kalina family is small but friendly. Some are a little bigger, some are a little smaller, but together they can make it to the parade. The body of the Lada Kalina is made in several modern modifications: sedan, hatchback, station wagon, cross and sport. Their overall dimensions do not vary much.

Sedan	Hatchback	Station wagon	Cross	Sport
Length, mm	4040	3850	4040	4104	3943
Width, mm	1700	1700	1700	1700	1700
Height	1500	1500	1500	1560	1450
Weight	1098	1098	1128	1125	1150
Base	2476	2476	2476	2476	2476
Clearance	160	160	145-160	183	150

The width and wheelbase are the same for all, as it should be for related models. But the length, height and ground clearance are different. Accordingly, the volumes and masses are different. The history of Lada models has seen long stagnation and a period of failure. In 2004, the release of the first Kalina from the assembly line ushered in a new era. Since then, new items appear almost every season, and the ranks of owners of the most popular car in Russia are growing from year to year.

The geometric dimensions of the body are important, but no less interesting is the volume of the trunk. All Kalina models are designed to allow the rear seats to be folded forward and increase luggage compartment space. The most voluminous trunks are for the sedan, station wagon and cross: 355/670 liters. “Hatchback” and “sport” are more modest - 240/550 hp. It’s also not bad, as many city car owners will agree with.

In the ranks of Kalina there is another model - Lada Kalina City (Oka-3), made on the VAZ-1117 platform. It appeared in 2005 and for some time was considered a replacement for the Oka small car, but this assumption is incorrect. It has almost the same dimensions, height and width as other Kalinas, only the length is 3650 mm. The result was a version of the Kalina hatchback, shortened by 20 cm and correspondingly lighter in weight - 980 kg. Next to the miniature Oka it looks incomparably larger. "Kalina City" is not widely used, but it can still be found on Russian roads.

There is another dimensional indicator that is rarely interested in until they get stuck in a rut. At this point, some people discover the fact that the distance between the front wheels is different from the distance between the rear. This parameter is called: front and rear wheel track. For the “sedan” and “hatchback” with “station wagon” - 1430/1414 mm, for the “sport” - 1431/1432 mm and for the “cross” - 1430/1418 mm.

The difference in millimeters may not be noticeable to the eye, but it is easy to feel when a few millimeters are not enough to get out of an icy rut on a winter road. The track size turned out to be wrong.

A new generation is replacing

In 2013, Russian roads welcomed the new Lada-Kalina 2 model. It immediately caught the fancy of those who were passionate about VAZ products, and began to win new fans. In terms of body models, Kalina 2 is currently limited to hatchback and station wagon.

They repeat their predecessors in height 1500 mm, ground clearance 210 mm, wheelbase 2476 mm and track: rear 1414 mm / front 1431 mm.

Other dimensions are not the same. Body control dimensions show:

“hatchback” - length 3893 mm and width 1700 mm;
“station wagon” - 4084 mm and 1539 mm;
The trunk volume is the same - 260/361 liters.

Nothing in the world is perfect, there will always be critics and detractors. Nevertheless, even a cursory glance at what ordinary users write, sharing their impressions without the goal of advertising anyone, confirms: “Lada-Kalina 2” is a good city car. If we add to the above such important parameters as “price - quality” and “gasoline consumption in the city”, then it can be considered one of the leaders in its market segment.

The same opinion can be heard in any “garage fraternity”, where they express themselves artlessly, but with knowledge of the matter. Popular approval has been received, as has the expectation of new models.

1ladakalina.ru