Owners of a Lada Granta in a liftback body (FL) are often faced with the desire to modify the appearance of their car. The factory grille on base trim levels such as Standard or Normal often has a matte black or plastic look that many find too plain. It is these plastic elements in the grid cells that are popularly called “velvets”. Replacing them with chrome-plated or painted analogues is one of the most affordable ways to refresh the “face” of a car.
The process of dismantling these elements does not require complex engineering education, but it does require accuracy and understanding of the design of the front bumper. Wrong effort When removed, it may break the plastic latches or damage the grille itself. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of the procedure, the necessary tools and alternative methods for installing tuning elements.
It is worth noting that removing the “velvet” is often only the first stage of a deeper tuning. Many drivers immediately install decorative trims in their place or completely change the radiator grille to a sports one. Lada Granta in this regard, a very rewarding car for experimentation, since the market offers a huge number of accessories. The main thing is to approach the matter wisely so as not to damage the paintwork or fragile plastic.
⚠️ Attention: All work on dismantling body elements is recommended to be carried out at an air temperature of at least +10°C. Cold plastic becomes brittle and brittle, and the risk of damaging fasteners in cold weather increases significantly.
Necessary tools and workplace preparation
Before taking active steps, you need to prepare a minimum set of tools. Although the operation is considered simple, using inappropriate items may result in scratches on the bumper. You will need a standard Phillips-head screwdriver, which is found in every motorist's garage. It would also be a good idea to prepare a plastic spatula or flat-head screwdriver wrapped in a cloth so as not to leave marks on glossy surfaces.
Organization of your workspace plays a key role. It is best to carry out work on a level area with good lighting. If you plan to remove the entire bumper, then having a soft covering (such as an old blanket or cardboard) under where you put the removed parts will be an excellent scratch preventative. Clean hands and tools is also important so as not to stain the interior or the inside of the bumper if access from the back is required.
- 🛠️ Phillips screwdriver (PH2) for unscrewing screws.
- 🧤 Working gloves to protect hands from dirt and sharp edges.
- 🧼 Rags and degreaser to prepare the surface before installing new elements.
- 🔦 Flashlight for illuminating hard-to-reach places under the bumper.
In some cases, if the “velvets” fit very tightly or were previously glued, a hairdryer may be required. However, for routine dismantling of factory plugs, heating is usually not required. It is important to decide in advance whether you will remove the entire bumper or try to do without this time-consuming procedure. Experienced craftsmen still recommend removing the bumper in order to have full access and not risk the integrity of the grille fasteners.
Use a magnetic cup or container to store the screws you've removed so you don't lose them in the grass or garage floor.
Do I need to remove the front bumper?
This is the most important question that newbies have. The answer depends on the type of plugs installed and the design of the particular grille. On Lada Granta FL The radiator grille is attached directly to the bumper at several points. If you plan to simply remove the black plastic inserts without changing the grille frame itself, then in some cases you can do without completely dismantling the bumper.
However, if your goal is a high-quality installation of chrome trims, which often have their own fasteners or require access to the back of the grille for fixation, then removing the bumper becomes a necessity. An attempt to work “by touch” through the cracks in the grille often ends with your finger slipping and the plastic cracking. Removing the bumper does not take as much time as it seems, but provides a guarantee of safety for all elements.
Let's look at the arguments for removing the bumper. Firstly, you get complete visual control over the process. Secondly, this is an excellent opportunity to check the condition of the radiator, pipes and inspect the fasteners. Thirdly, the risk of damaging the paintwork around the grille when using a tool is minimized when the part is in your hands and not on the car.
If you decide to remove it, remember that there are side fastenings and lower screws. Ignoring even one bolt can lead to breakage of the “ears” of the bumper mounting when trying to tighten it. Plastic Grants It is quite elastic, but it also has a tensile strength. Accuracy and consistency of actions are the key to successful completion of the preparation stage.
Step-by-step instructions for removing the bumper
The process of removing the front bumper on a Grant liftback differs from a sedan in the presence of additional fasteners in the area of the arches and under the headlights. You should start by opening the hood and unscrewing the screws located on the “beak” of the bumper, right under the hood. There are usually three or four of them, they hold the upper part.
Next we move on to the wheel arches. In the niches of the arches, on the side of the bumper, there are screws that secure its sides to the fender liner or body. To access them, you may need to turn the wheels to the side. After this, you need to unscrew the screws from the bottom of the bumper that look at the ground. It often helps at this stage jack, if the car's ground clearance is low, but usually you can just look from below.
Unscrewing order:1. Upper screws under the hood (3-4 pcs.)
2. Side screws in the arches (2 pieces on each side)
3. Bottom screws around the perimeter (4-6 pcs.)
4. Self-tapping screws for attaching to the wing (2 pcs. on each side)
The most crucial moment is unsnapping the side clamps. They are located in the headlight area and can be quite tight. With a sharp but controlled movement you need to pull the bumper towards you, starting from the corners. Don't be afraid to apply force, but be careful not to scratch the wings. Once the sidewalls are disengaged, the bumper can be easily removed down and forward.
☑️ Checklist for bumper removal
Technology for removing standard plugs
After the bumper is removed and placed on a soft surface, or if you decide to act directly on the car, you can begin to remove the “velvet covers”. The standard black plugs are held in place by plastic clasps. They are located along the perimeter of each lattice cell. To dismantle them, you don’t need to make titanic efforts; the main thing is to find the right angle of impact.
It is not recommended to use a metal screwdriver directly, as there is a high risk of it slipping and breaking through the honeycomb of the grille or scratching the visible part of the bumper. It is best to pry the plug from the inside of the bumper, if there is access, or carefully from the outside, using a flat object with a wide working surface. Pressure should be distributed evenly.
If the plugs are very tight, you can try warming them up a little with a hairdryer. Warm plastic becomes more flexible and comes out easier. However, do not overdo it with temperature, so as not to deform the grate itself. The movements should be progressive: first we shake the element from side to side, then we pull it towards ourselves.
⚠️ Attention: When dismantling the plugs, ensure the integrity of the antennae on the grill itself. If they break, the new plug or trim will not hold securely and will require the use of glue or sealant.
In some modifications, velvet gratings can be part of a single plastic mesh. In this case, the entire element is removed. This can be determined by carefully examining the joints between the cells. If there are no visible gaps or bridges between the black squares, then it is probably a monolithic structure.
Installation of alternative grilles and trims
After successfully removing the standard elements, the owner is faced with the question of installing new ones. The market offers chrome trims that are glued on top of the standard cells, or full-fledged grille replacements. Surface preparation is critical for installing overlays. The plastic must be thoroughly degreased using antisilicone or alcohol, otherwise the adhesive layer will not provide reliable fixation.
If you are installing a full aftermarket grille, make sure all mounting holes line up. Sometimes the geometry of non-original parts may differ by a fraction of a millimeter, which will require easy adjustment. 3M double sided tape often used as an additional means of fixation for decorative elements. It holds the load well and is not afraid of moisture.
- 🧹 Thoroughly clean and degrease the installation surface.
- 🌡️ Warm up the adhesive base with a hairdryer for better adhesion (if these are stickers).
- 🖐️ Press the element evenly over the entire area for 30-60 seconds.
- ⏳ Let the glue gain strength for 24 hours before washing the car.
When installing chrome elements, it is important to maintain symmetry. Even a slight misalignment will be noticeable, since chrome strongly reflects light and attracts attention. Ideal installation is achieved only with the bumper removed, when all edges and joints are visible. After installation, it is recommended to wipe the new elements with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints.
How to care for chrome grille?
Chrome elements require regular washing and wiping with a soft cloth. Do not use abrasive sponges or aggressive chemicals, as the chrome may become cloudy or develop a network of cracks. For protection, you can use a special chrome polish.
Common errors and problem table
During the tuning process, beginners often make common mistakes that can spoil the impression of the result. The most common of these is the use of excessive force where precision is needed. It doesn't take long to break the plastic on Grant, but it can be difficult to repair. Surface preparation is also often ignored, which leads to new elements peeling off after a couple of weeks.
Below is a table systematizing possible problems and ways to solve them. This will help you quickly navigate if things don't go according to plan.
| Problem | Probable Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| The plug cannot be removed | Frozen plastic or tight latches | Heat with a hairdryer, use a plastic spatula |
| The fastener has broken | The fragility of plastic in the cold | Use plastic glue or double-sided tape |
| The new cover comes off | Poor defatting | Remove, clean, degrease and re-glue |
| Gaps between grille and bumper | The latches are not fully latched | Check all fastening points and press until you hear a click. |
Another mistake is to ignore the state of the grid itself. If there are cracks or chips on it, installing new “velvet” or chrome will not correct the situation, but will only highlight the defects. In this case, it is more rational to replace the entire radiator grille. Workmanship tuning directly affects the perception of the entire car.
The main secret of success is to take your time and work with plastic only in a warm place. Cold repairs always lead to additional costs for new parts.
Final recommendations and conclusions
Replacing the velvet guards on a Grant FL is a simple but effective way to make your car stand out in the crowd. The procedure can be performed in a garage and does not require special tools. The main thing is to follow the dismantling and installation technology so as not to turn easy tuning into body repair.
Do not forget that the appearance of the car is the calling card of the owner. Carefully done work will add individuality to the car. If you doubt your abilities or are afraid of damaging expensive elements, you can always turn to professionals, but, as practice shows, most owners cope with this task on their own.
After completing the work, be sure to check the reliability of all fastenings while moving. Vibrations when driving on bad roads can reveal poorly secured elements. If everything is done correctly, the updated grille will be pleasing to the eye and serve for a long time, protecting the radiator from large debris.
⚠️ Attention: After installing new elements on the first day, it is recommended to avoid washing the car with high pressure. Give adhesives and sealants time to fully cure.
Save the removed standard “velvet covers” in the box. When selling a car, many buyers prefer the factory look, and the presence of original parts will increase the marketability of the car.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Is it possible to remove the velvet covers without removing the bumper?
This is theoretically possible if you have long and thin fingers and a flat instrument. However, the risk of damaging the grille or scratching the bumper in this case is very high. Removing the bumper takes about 15-20 minutes, which guarantees the safety of all elements.
What is the best way to glue chrome trim?
The best option is specialized glue for plastic or high-quality double-sided automotive tape (for example, 3M). Regular superglue is not recommended, as it can react with the plastic, causing it to become cloudy ("white cast"), or become too brittle in the cold.
Why do the latches break when removed?
The main reason is low temperature. In the cold, plastic loses its elasticity and becomes glassy. Any effort leads to chipping. The second reason is the incorrect angle of application of force. You need to pull strictly perpendicular to the plane of the grating, and not to the bend.
Will velvet boots from Granta sedan fit on a liftback?
No, the radiator grilles of the Granta sedan and liftback (FL) have different geometry and cell sizes. Items are not interchangeable. When purchasing new parts, always check the body modification.
Do new caps need to be painted?
Standard black plugs often have a shagreen texture that does not require painting. If you buy smooth plastic for painting, then priming and painting are required to protect it from fading and destruction by ultraviolet radiation. Chrome elements do not need painting.