Much to the regret of millions of motorists, all our "four-wheeled pets" are vulnerable. Each of them is exposed to all sorts of risks every day. One of these risks is "our" severe winters. High humidity paired with cold, temperature changes, adversely affect paintwork, and salt and dirt residues on the bottom, provoking the occurrence and development of the corrosion process. The first blow, as a rule, falls on automobile rapids.

In addition to the occurrence of rust, thresholds are also subjected to bending and torsional moments, as well as all kinds of vibration loads. There are also dents, which, as a rule, appear due to incorrect installation of the jack. Thresholds can be restored by straightening, straightening and drawing; in some cases it is necessary to cut out the damaged area, or replace the repair inserts, all work is aimed at maintaining the durability and performance of the car.

I propose to consider what the thresholds are ...

Thresholds can be divided into removable and non-removable. As the name implies, fixed thresholds are tightly welded to the body, forming together with the bottom, the lower part of the car. As for the removable thresholds, they are located in the interior of the car, and are attached to the base of the body with screws from the outer and side of the side members. They also perform the function of protection against ejection from under the wheels.

What tools will be needed for repair

The repair technology, as well as a set of tools for repairs of any complexity, has not changed since Soviet times, since there is no such need. To carry out a high-quality repair of thresholds, you need to have a base plate or a workbench, some tools from the leveler kit, as well as a welding machine and a grinder, if not, then a pneumatic chisel will do.

Easy repair

Of course, the repair of removable thresholds is significantly different from the repair of welded counterparts. They are usually attached to the base of the body using self-tapping screws. Therefore, if it is necessary to dismantle the damaged threshold, the fixing screws are unscrewed and the threshold is removed. Dressing the deformed surface, if the damage is minor, is done on a workbench using conventional tools for straightening and straightening. If the damage is medium or significant with through corrosion holes, it makes no sense to repair the threshold, it simply changes to a new one. Before installing the threshold, its inner surface is coated with an anti-corrosion compound.

Welded thresholds

With welded counterparts, the principle and complexity of the work also depends on the degree of damage.

The threshold, which has minor damage, as well as any pronounced folds, can be straightened with a hood from the outside. The extraction takes place sequentially, using an inertial puller or a spotter; special welded brackets are provided for this.

If the existing damage falls under the classification of moderate severity, then, first of all, you need to dismantle the repair area itself. It is necessary to remove the doors and take out the seats, as well as remove the floor covering. Repair itself can be done in several ways.

The first option is to cut a square-shaped window from the side of the threshold, which will allow you to use the extraction of the repaired area using anvils or a hydraulic device. Anvils will be needed to support the sheet while straightening the dent. The size and shape of the anvils can be very different, with their help you can restore a wide variety of areas, since they are made taking into account the most common surface curvature. If it was possible to restore the shape of the threshold section, the window remaining after straightening is welded using a metal sheet previously cut to size.

Another method is based on cutting the upper part of the threshold, and then separating the welds. A small anvil is inserted through the partially opened hole to carry out restoration work. After straightening the damaged part is done, the anvil is removed, and the hole is closed and welded.

If the damaged part is under the door, it must be cut in such a way that the remaining part is outside the damaged area. After that, a pattern of a new part should be made, then it must be adjusted and installed using a welding machine.

In the case when the damage to the threshold is serious, the defective area is removed with the help of a “grinder” or a pneumatic chisel. Cutouts should be made at one of the doors, or near the base of the B-pillar.

Thresholds on the car - this is a very important element, which is designed to make landing in the car more comfortable. In addition, the thresholds also have decorative functions - they are able to decorate any modern car. Of course, much depends on the correct manufacture of parts. If you carefully prepare and act according to the algorithm, you can create stylish and reliable elements that will help improve appearance and vehicle operation.

1

Every driver who loves his car strives in every possible way to improve it, add something new. Moreover, this applies to both the owners of "nines" and people who own prestigious Land Rover and Lexus. One of the most popular options for modernizing a car today is the purchase or manufacture of car thresholds. The first option is suitable for busy people who have at their disposal "extra" 5-6 thousand rubles. By spending this money to buy and install items on the car, you can save time and get functional and, at the same time, decorative details. Depending on the type of thresholds, their cost and prices for installation services may vary.

Threshold for cars

Most a budget option is the acquisition of universal removable elements. They are good because they are suitable for installation on almost any car. Such thresholds are made from more or less high-quality aluminum, covered with a special one. At correct operation universal elements can last about 2 years before they begin to deform. The price of thresholds of this type is fully consistent with the quality - from 2 to 5 thousand rubles. for a set of parts - this is quite an acceptable amount. We need to add about 2 thousand more for their installation. The only disadvantage of universal elements can be considered the absence of any decorative qualities. To make such thresholds more expressive, the driver will have to separately order services for their completion. Alternatively, you can.

The second option is independent production elements. This is a great way to work on a car, spending the minimum amount of money and about half a day of your time. Among the advantages of this method, one can single out the possibility of manufacturing more reliable thresholds, because steel, which is several times stronger than aluminum, can be used to create them. In addition, homemade parts can be much more effective than the same universal parts. In the case of self-manufacturing of elements, their cost will cost the car owner no more than 2 thousand rubles. This amount will be greatly affected by the material from which the thresholds will be made. Reinforced parts made of titanium alloy will be the most expensive, steel elements will be a little less expensive.

2

Since the elements for the car will be made of metal, you will need to have some welding skills to work. If you have never worked with a welding machine, but really want to add homemade parts to your car, then you can just practice on other unnecessary metal elements. Before doing this, do not forget to study the safety rules and wear a protective mask and gloves.

Threshold on a car from a metal pipe

In addition to the welding machine, for the manufacture and installation of spare parts, you need:

• 2 square pipes of the same length and diameter;
• 2 pieces of corrugated iron;
• bolts for fastening;
• file for metal;
• paint and acrylic varnish.

When preparing, pay special attention to pipes - this is the basis of future thresholds. They must be exactly the same. The diameter of the products directly depends on your needs. If you want to make large thresholds that stand out in your car, then use pipes with a diameter of 7–8 cm. If it is planned to manufacture small spare parts, then it will be quite acceptable to manufacture parts from pipes with a diameter of 4 cm. The best option is to install spare parts from pipes with a diameter of 50 mm. Having prepared everything you need, you can proceed with the installation. We take the first pipe and cut off 4 identical pieces from it. Next, corrugated iron must be welded to the piece that will be placed under the doors. Each of these pieces will need to be bolted under the car's stock running boards.

The second reliable option - without cutting the pipes, fix them to the footboard of the car as a whole. However, this method is mostly suitable for older cars with less flex in their bodies.

After manufacturing and subsequent installation of parts on a car, you need to take care of their decorative qualities. In principle, it will be enough that you paint the thresholds with some interesting paint. For example, you can make spare parts in matte black, or, conversely, paint them with bright metallic paint. Some car owners go further and, in addition to painting, glue all kinds of vinyl patterns on the thresholds. This bears fruit, but after a while the drawings are erased, and they need to be changed. No matter how you do it, and no matter how you make thresholds, in any case, you will receive universal reliable parts that will play not only a practical, but also a decorative role.

3

Regardless of whether you have homemade thresholds or bought them in a store, sooner or later they will require repair. Moreover, the maintenance of these parts directly depends on their type. For example, if your car has parts of a removable type, then it will be quite simple. First you need to completely remove the spare part from the car by unscrewing the mounting bolts. Next, using a small hammer, the surface of the threshold must be leveled and repainted. Installation of the part is carried out in the reverse order.

Threshold repair for cars

There are times when the thresholds need not only be leveled, but the resulting hole must be closed. To do this, a metal plate must be welded to a previously dismantled part, and then the element must be processed with a metal file. Once you have removed all the burrs and leveled the threshold, it will need to return to its former decorative properties - paint and apply a protective varnish. If your car has fixed thresholds, then repairing them will be a little more difficult. Firstly, all work will be carried out in close proximity to the car, so the car must be protected with thick paper or a piece of plastic. Secondly, you will need more tools: a thin and thick metal file, pliers, a small hammer.

First you need to determine the problem with a non-removable threshold. If this is a deformation, then the alignment of the part will be carried out using pliers and a hammer. We take pliers in one hand and hold the threshold with them, and with the other hand with a hammer we level it. If a dent has formed on the threshold, which is very difficult to level with a hammer, then for repair you need to use a special tool to level the dents. It is sold at any auto shop. The third, less common method is welding a steel bar in the dent area. After that, the rod must be grabbed with pliers and pulled towards you. Thus, it is possible to return the thresholds to their former shape. After repair, the rod must be cut and painted parts.

Thresholds for a car is a very important detail, despite its compactness. What are they needed for? Firstly, it makes it convenient to enter the car. It is enough to stand on the threshold, which allows you not to spin around the door. Secondly, it is stylish appearance. Thresholds will decorate any car, become a stylish detail that attracts attention. Thirdly, it is protection against various damages. Thresholds allow you to protect the body from small pebbles, during small collisions they take all the impact on themselves, which also protects the car from damage.

You can buy them in the store. Thresholds can be mounted by hand. They are usually made of pipes on which flat sections are made for maximum convenience. The flat areas are covered with anti-slip material. Thus, the entrance to the car interior will be convenient and safe. There are other types of thresholds: in the form of a footboard fixed to the pipe, with a tread for maximum comfort.

Additional thresholds (footboards) can be made with your own hands from pipes. This option is beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, the thresholds sold in stores may not suit a person, in which case it is easier to make them yourself. Secondly, such products may not be reliable enough, fastening parts often does not suit car owners with their weakness. Thirdly, the cost of store thresholds can be greatly inflated. Their quality may simply not match the price.

Why are additional thresholds needed? They make getting into the car even easier. This detail is especially relevant when elderly people and children often drive in cars, because it is often difficult for them to get into the car. In addition, the footrests make it easier to clean the shoes before entering the car, which allows you not to bring dirt into the cabin.

How to fulfill the thresholds

First of all, before making a pipe structure with your own hands, we recommend that you view the training material: photos, videos. This will help you get the job done faster and easier.

The construction will require 2 pipes. Their diameter is determined depending on the needs. The best option is 50 mm. They should be tried on and cut. The threshold is in the shape of the letter C, however, this varies depending on the model of the machine. Corrugated iron is required for the footboard.

Then you should proceed with the installation. From a square-shaped pipe measuring 70 mm, 4 parts should be cut. Each part is fixed on the bolts from the bottom of the footrests of the car. Thresholds are welded to these parts by welding. You can make the design more reliable with the help of scarves.

Pipes, for aesthetics, can be painted with black nitrate. The result is a strong and reliable design that can withstand heavy loads and has a long service life. How much time does it take to work? Everything depends on your skills. On average, it takes half a day to make a pipe structure. All sorts of fittings and measurements take a lot of time.

However, the comfort is worth all the effort. Moreover, the work will require the minimum of materials.

The threshold on the car is needed in order to make it more convenient to enter and exit it. Some models have thresholds originally provided in the design, some do not. In this case, motorists will be interested in learning how to make thresholds on a car with their own hands.

Manufacturing process

1. There are a number of benefits that can be gained from doing it yourself. These include:

• saving money.
• the possibility of individual design.
• secure fastening.
• quality materials

Elements of industrial (factory) production are often made of thin and unreliable materials that quickly fail.

2. The disadvantage of self-manufacturing can be a large amount of time that it will take, but the time spent will fully pay off with the quality of work.

3. First you need to choose the material from which the thresholds will be made. The most common are:

• metal pipes of rectangular or round shape.
• foam styrene.

4. Styrofoam threshold, however, will only serve as a decorative and protective element for the body. It won't take a big load. If you plan to make your own, then this nuance should be remembered.

5. Pipe diameter may vary, the best option there will be a 5 cm pipe.

6. In addition to the material for manufacturing, you will need to purchase additional parts such as:

• brackets.
• suspension.
• washers.
• nuts.
• corrugated iron (if you plan to cover the footboard on top).

7. The threshold can be held on the body with the help of fasteners on the bottom of the body. There are special holes for this.

8. The element itself can be made by welding pipes.

9. Since the shape of the pipe can be different, both types can be used to make posts from a square pipe, on which a round pipe is welded. The result is a very stylish element.

10. If you are wondering how to make a threshold in a car without welding, then you should choose a pipe of a larger diameter or use foam styrene. You can also bend a suitable sheet of metal. But both styrene foam and metal do not have sufficient strength to perform all the functions of a threshold.

11. During the manufacturing process, it is necessary to regularly try on the workpiece to the car in order to eliminate all defects and adjust it to the appropriate size.

12. The finished part must be cleaned, sanded and painted.

13. Paint must be High Quality, because she will have to withstand the mechanical impact of flying gravel.

It is best to apply a preliminary coat of primer, and after it a coat of paint.

14. For reliability, you can make an edging with rubber and a layer of stainless metal.

15. If rust or some damage appears during operation, then instead of the task of how to make the thresholds on the car yourself, the task will be how to repair them.

16. First you need to dismantle the old parts and clean the entire surface.

17. After alignment, they are attached to the car.

18. You can paint after fixing.

19. It is possible to protect the surface from corrosion with the help of special means. It is not recommended to make anti-corrosion protection with mounting foam, since at home there is no way to put it in high quality.

Knowing whether it is possible to make a threshold for a car, each car owner can choose between working with his own hands and contacting the service. Making any parts for a car on your own is often more pleasant for motorists than entrusting your vehicle to strangers.

In vain someone is skeptical about such an additional device for vehicle, like thresholds, believing that you can safely do without it because of a very dubious use. In fact, this device is of great benefit for the simple reason that with its help it is much easier to get into a car, especially when it comes to models with high ground clearance (SUVs, minibuses, etc.), especially since simple in execution and quite budgetary ways of how to make thresholds on a car with your own hands, there are quite a few. Of course, if desired, their manufacture and installation can be ordered at any car dealership or, at worst, purchased ready-made in a car shop and fixed on your own, but usually this idea costs a tidy sum, and often unreasonably high.

So, high-quality European-made parts are very expensive, and the more budgetary Chinese auto industry, unfortunately, cannot boast of such characteristics as reliability, high wear resistance and durability. You should not be afraid of not coping with the task, because in order to weld thresholds for your car with my own hands, it is not at all necessary to have special talents and many years of experience. Among other things, it should be noted that the materials for the manufacture of thresholds cost mere pennies, which helps to save quite an impressive amount. But before proceeding with its purchase, and even more so with the workflow, you should decide on the most optimal diameter, the choice of which directly depends on the model of the car and the dimensions of its owner.

Usually, two thick metal pipes with a cross-sectional diameter of at least five centimeters are used for design. To begin with, they are trimmed sideways with a grinder, making sure that in the end the workpiece is placed end-to-end between wheel arches. After that, they start cutting out the steps (two on each pipe), performing all measurements in advance with the highest accuracy. So, its depth should not exceed the radius of the cross section of the pipe, and the angle of internal lateral slopes should not exceed 45 degrees. The length of the substrate usually varies depending on factors such as the length of the car body along the axles of the wheels. Naturally, such a substrate should not remain hollow, otherwise there is no point in designing it. In order to block it, thereby forming an auxiliary step, a material such as iron with a corrugated textured surface is best suited.

This feature of processing a horizontal surface will help to avoid various incidents in the winter season, when everything is covered with ice and snow. Typically, such substrates are cut from a metal profile with a square section, and ideally, use a material of the same size (in this case, the width of the profile should correspond to five centimeters). After these parts in the amount of four pieces are cut out and carefully turned with a file or a grinding nozzle on the sides, they begin to attach them to the thresholds. Moreover, to ensure the highest level of reliability, it is best to fix by a combined method, which involves not only welding, but also through fastening with metal bolts. So, for starters, the middle of the substrate is bolted to the base in the pipe, after which they begin to weld along all side seams.

In order to avoid any difficulties during fastening, the edges of the substrate should be bent in advance, exactly duplicating the angles of inclination of the threshold itself. After that, two racks of attachment to the car body are welded to the structure, interconnected by an auxiliary beam. After finishing the rough work, you can finally proceed to the final stage, which involves sanding, degreasing, priming and painting (black nitrate can be used to achieve maximum aesthetic effect).