How to soundproof a VAZ 2114

The dashboard of a modern passenger car is an independent part of the car’s interior. Moreover, one of the most important components, which must meet two requirements and solve two important problems. Provide the highest functionality and create a feeling of aesthetic satisfaction, combined with an awareness of the comfort provided by a particular panel, through conveniently located storage drawers, cup holders, instruments and control buttons, as well as pleasant, non-straining lighting.

Dashboard VAZ 2114

Cars of the Samara 2 family are equipped with a modern VAZ 2114 instrument panel, which is also called the “European panel”. The designers worked on it so that it allows for good forward visibility, a pleasant appearance, combines information content and ergonomics, and at the same time helps the driver cope with ordinary everyday needs. And they mostly succeeded. A block of instruments and sensors installed in front of the driver’s eyes, behind the steering wheel, provides him with the maximum possible amount of information:

In the central part there are two dial instruments, on the left there is an engine speed indicator, by which the driver determines what load the power plant is working with at a particular moment and, if necessary, corrects this process by switching speeds; in the window under the arrow there is a digital clock. On the right is a speedometer or an indicator of the current speed of the car, in the window under the arrow there are digital readings of the kilometers traveled for the entire period of operation of the car and for the last trip;
In the upper part, between the dial instruments, there is a turn signal indicator lamp with green arrows pointing left and right;
In the lower central part there is a red “stop signal” triangle, and below it CHECK ENGINE is a red signal for engine emergency conditions according to information from the electronic on-board unit;
In the left middle part of the instrument block there is a dial gauge for the engine temperature, or as it is called in the literature, a coolant temperature sensor, above it there is an icon that lights up when the engine overheats. Below it are icons for the throttle, oil pressure, handbrake and battery;
In the right middle part there is a dial indicator for the presence of fuel in the fuel tank, above it is an icon for a fully filled tank, below it is an icon for the minimum amount of fuel in the tank, as well as icons for low beam, low brake fluid level and high beam.

Ergonomics is ensured by the convenient arrangement of instruments and information icons for visual perception of information, as well as keys, buttons and levers for manipulating them. A standard on-board computer is installed in the central part of the panel, usually a Gamma, Multitronics, Prestige or State computer. The location for its installation was chosen very well and with its help the driver receives expanded information about the state of the operating engine systems and vehicle components.

This information is reflected not only on the BC display, but is also transmitted through other control or information lamps and signs located on the instrument cluster and in other places on the dashboard. In addition, the on-board computer display displays other information, for example about the timing of the next inspection or maintenance.

The glove box, which can be closed, is conveniently located and has a backlight and a fairly large niche underneath it. The central beard also has a niche for storing something and an ashtray. The air duct outlets are quite well made, allowing for efficient glass blowing and preventing fogging.

During the operation of a car, problems constantly arise with malfunctions or failures in various systems. In order to get to some of them, it is necessary to remove the VAZ 2114 panel. Even to remove the instrument panel, you need to figure out how to remove the dashboard on the VAZ 2114 (instrument panel).

In addition, on the VAZ 2114 the panel must be removed completely if there is a need to repair air ducts and the stove, or the car owner wants to completely glue and seal the joints of the panel structure so that it does not creak.

Selecting material for reupholstering the front panel of the machine

The torpedo is constantly in sight, which means its appearance and quality will be striking both to you and to other passengers. The selection of material for reupholstering the front panel should be approached responsibly. Most often, the following materials are used in the interior design of a car:

leather (artificial and natural);
Alcantara (another name is artificial suede);
vinyl.

You should not select material via the Internet. Pictures and descriptions will not give you a complete picture of the product. Before making a purchase, stop by a specialized store and feel each of the materials offered. It is also worth writing down the manufacturer and name of the shade. After this, you can order goods from the online store with peace of mind.

Genuine Leather

Genuine leather is a good choice for upholstering the front panel. This is a durable material that is not afraid of temperature changes, getting wet and fire. In addition, its surface is resistant to mechanical damage. Of course, you shouldn’t deliberately scratch the skin with a nail, but white stripes won’t appear on it by themselves either. The leather can be easily cleaned of dirt by regularly wiping it with a damp cloth. You don’t have to worry about the panel fading in the sun—it’s not afraid of ultraviolet radiation. And there’s no point in talking about the appearance of genuine leather: it will fit perfectly into the interior of even the most expensive and pretentious car.

Genuine leather gives the car interior a sophisticated look

Eco leather

If you can’t afford genuine leather, use its modern substitute - eco-leather. This type of material is called environmental because it does not emit harmful substances during operation. It doesn't look at all like the cheap leatherette of the late 90s. This is a durable, moisture-resistant and vapor-proof material that can maintain its appearance for a long time. Do not be afraid that the eco-leather coating will crack in a short time. In terms of its performance qualities, the material is not inferior to genuine leather. In addition, eco-leather is suitable for drivers with allergies.

eco-leather has good performance characteristics, but is much cheaper than natural leather

Alcantara

Recently, Alcantara has become one of the most popular materials for interior upholstery, including the dashboard. This is a non-woven synthetic material that feels like suede. It combines a velvety soft surface with easy care and high wear resistance. Just like skin, it does not fade in the sun. High humidity and temperature changes also do not affect it negatively. Many drivers prefer to cover the entire interior with Alcantara to create an atmosphere of home comfort. Others use it to design individual elements to dilute the severity of the leather. In any case, Alcantara is perfect for covering a dashboard.

Alcantara is a synthetic fabric similar to suede

Vinyl

If you want to create an unusual interior design, consider using vinyl films. There is a rich variety of textures and colors on the market today. You can choose a calm black or gray color, or you can find an imitation python fabric in an acid green color. Chrome-plated films, as well as films with a carbon or metallic effect, are very popular. They are even easier to care for than leather. Vinyl films have, perhaps, only one drawback: they are easy to accidentally scratch. But the low price allows you to re-tighten the panel as often as you want.

Using vinyl film you can imitate various materials, including carbon fiber

In order to save money, some motorists do not purchase special automotive material, but a similar one intended for reupholstering furniture. At first glance, it seems that there is no difference between them. However, this is not true: furniture leather and other materials are designed for use at constant and comfortable indoor temperatures. The car heats up in the bright sun and cools down in the cold. Furniture materials will quickly crack under such conditions.

How to disassemble the instrument panel on a VAZ 2114

Before embarking on this complex process, the driver must carefully familiarize himself with the design and arrangement of the instrument panel on his car. When disassembled down to the cogs, it looks like this:

The device of the VAZ 2114 dashboard

Instrument panel and its accessories:

1 - VAZ 2114 torpedo, or - instrument panel, that is, the main part of the entire structure to which the instrument unit, on-board computer, stove control levers, key blocks and other linings and latches are attached;

Tuning options

You can perform tuning in several ways:

cover the panel with leather;
paint;
install overlays;
combine materials.

Before tuning the dashboard yourself, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules and the car’s passport. You cannot use fur or ordinary fabric to cover the panels; the paint must be automotive grade. This is due to the operation of the stove, since as a result of high temperatures, ordinary paint and the described materials will begin to disintegrate and release harmful substances.

You also need to take the choice of colors seriously. The color of the covers and interior trim are taken into account. If black and white are combined in any way, then when selecting other shades you need to use special tables of color combinations.

Panel painting

One of the simplest and most affordable options for tuning the VAZ 21114 dashboard is painting it. Here you can do everything yourself.

The surface is thoroughly cleaned from dust and dirt. To do this, use a soft sponge and a regular soap solution.
Sanded with fine sandpaper (P240, P280, P320, P360), this will help improve paint adhesion. The panel is also degreased using a special product for plastic; if this is not available, you can use compositions based on white spirit, dishwashing detergent or wet hand wipes.
The sealant is applied. This is done at the points where the panel comes into contact with other body elements.
Painting in progress.

The paint can be applied with a brush, roller or spray. In any case, if the panel is not removed from the car, it is necessary to completely cover all areas that will not be painted. To do this, use masking tape. To properly paint the dashboard, it is recommended to remove it from the car. Although this is an easy way to remodel a dashboard, the work must be done carefully, and if you doubt your abilities, it is better to leave it to the professionals.

Panel cover

Another option for tuning the dashboard is covering it with artificial or natural leather or carbon fiber.

The dashboard is being dismantled.
The pattern is being prepared. To create a pattern for a specific panel element, remove it and cut out the required piece of material in accordance with the shape that will be pasted over, doing this with a small allowance.

Video: covering the panel with rubber material

Installation of overlays

You can transform the dashboard of a VAZ 2114 using special overlays. They are sold in almost all auto stores. This tuning option allows you to change the color of the backlight. This occurs through the use of transparent elements and light filters of different colors. Such overlays must be installed correctly so that there is no distortion or displacement, otherwise the illumination of the devices will be uneven. It should also be taken into account that if light filters are too dark, the power of the factory light bulbs will not be enough, and they will not be able to properly illuminate the devices through such overlays.

In addition, you can install soft pads on the instrument panel. Unlike a rigid standard panel, they have better sound absorption, are more scratch resistant and have a shelf for small items. The cost of the instrument panel overlay is 1200–1500 rubles.

Europanel installation

Relatively recently, European-style dashboards began to be installed on the VAZ 2114. They have a more modern design and are made of high-quality materials, so they have become very popular among owners of the old-style VAZ 2114.

Installing the Europanel is not difficult, since it is designed specifically for the VAZ 2114 and is simply mounted in place of the old panel. The presence of several drawers for small items makes this solution more convenient. Among the disadvantages of the Europanel, owners note that the movement of the heater control levers is rather tight.

Video: installation of europanel

Improved backlight

To achieve a unique visual effect, one of the options for tuning the dashboard is to change the instrument lighting.

Removing the instrument panel.
Removing protective glass.
Removing the arrows.
Removing the standard cover.
Replacement of standard light bulbs. Green backlighting is installed at the factory. It can be changed so that the illuminated dashboard is in harmony with the rest of the dashboard and interior of the car. Typically, multi-colored LEDs in a plastic socket, a DSM LED or LED strips are used for this. It must be taken into account that the car's electrical voltage is 12 V, and the LEDs operate on a power supply of 2–3.5 V (this depends on the color) and have polarity. If you mix it up, the LEDs will immediately burn out. You can purchase ready-made clusters designed for 12 V, or make such a cluster yourself. To do this, several diodes are connected in series to achieve the required voltage. If you take 3 diodes of 3.5 V, then you also need to additionally set the resistance to 100–150 Ohms.

Video: Changing the dashboard backlight

Tuning instrument needles

It is quite simple to implement this type of dashboard tuning, such as improving the instrument needles. In the standard design, the lighting of the heating equipment is yellow, the buttons are green, and the indicators are orange. Many people don’t like it because it resembles a parrot and makes it difficult to feel comfortable while driving at night.

To improve the instrument arrows, you need to disassemble the instrument panel and install a red, blue or other color LED under each arrow. To prevent light from scattering, a piece of heat-shrinkable tubing is placed over the diode. The wires from the diode are connected to the heater backlight. As a result of such changes, the instrument needles glow with a rich color.

General information about the process

The initial one is provided by the manufacturer at the stage of assembling the machine. But gradually, due to temperature changes, any material loses its beneficial properties.

Before you start carrying out the “Shumka” on your own, it is recommended to dismantle the seats, door trims, mats and free the car from the old standard insulation.

Note. Only by carrying out a complete and thorough soundproofing procedure can one hope for a significant reduction in noise from the outside. Only in this case will the cabin be perfectly quiet and comfortable.

Soundproofing panel VAZ 2114

It is especially important to treat doors, as they often become the main installation location for speakers. It is clear that this place should be well protected not only from noise penetration, but also from plastic vibrations and other negative phenomena.

Acoustic speakers in the doors

Along with sound insulation, the interior will also receive high-quality insulation. In Russian conditions this is extremely important. To achieve this effect, you need to combine vibration and sound insulation.

Soundproofing for VAZ 2114

“Shumka” carried out on a VAZ 2114 is often called tuning. This is true, because a real modernization of the car is being carried out. Operational parameters are increased and comfortable conditions are created when the vehicle is moving.

The driver is no longer oppressed by engine noise, his nervous system is not irritated by the strumming and vibration of plastic elements. All this cannot but have a positive impact on overall driving safety.

As mentioned above, the standard “Shumka” will not be of good quality; relying on it is the last thing. The process of carrying out “Shumka” on cars with high mileage is especially relevant. In general, such cars are very difficult to drive, since the noise penetrates everywhere, interferes with the normal operation of the acoustics, creates complete discomfort, and the trip turns into a very tedious task.

On sale today you can find a sufficient amount of high-quality materials for carrying out “Shumka”. There are a lot of them and making the right choice can sometimes be extremely difficult. One of the main indicators of a good material is not only the ability to absorb sounds, but also to be light in weight (details about materials in the table below).

Note. If the material itself is heavy, making noise will be difficult. As a rule, good and proper insulation involves laying several layers of material, a kind of sandwich consisting of layers of vibration and noise absorbers. Heavy materials will create excess weight that is dangerous for the car and its body, which will inevitably affect fuel consumption and the overall dynamics of the car.

Splen with foil

Among other things, you also need to lay out materials skillfully. The fact is that if you don’t pay attention to this, the materials will simply turn into a time bomb for the metal component of the car.

Poorly laid material creates gaps through which air, moisture, etc. will penetrate. And all this will inevitably lead to the appearance of the most terrible enemy of the body - corrosion.

Correct installation of the material always means following the instructions in a step-by-step sequence, using the right tools, using a hair dryer and much more.

In some cases, especially when carrying out the noise yourself, partial sound insulation is also appropriate. In this case, the target is the most noise-producing parts of the machine. Definitely the doors, then the trunk, the rear parcel shelf, and so on.

Required tools and materials

To achieve good sound insulation, you need to prepare a whole set of tools and materials in advance:

Stroyizol SD 90 grade.
Splen marked 3004.
Accent 15 LM KS.
Be sure to buy vibroplast type Gold.
Adgilin.
Vizomat MP.
Stock up on a metal ruler.
A construction tape measure won't hurt.
Square.
Hairdryer, preferably a household one.
Montage.
Screwdrivers with different tips.
Awl.
Keys.
Sharp scissors.

Algorithm for carrying out an operation to “shumka” a VAZ 2114 car

To isolate the interior from excess noise, you need to carry out soundproofing by following these step-by-step instructions:

First, disassemble the car, removing those parts that make noise when driving. These could be mudguards, arches, fenders, etc. It is advisable to cover them from the inside with some kind of vibration-damping material;
The seats will also need to be removed if the interior is fully soundproofed;

VAZ 2114 sound insulation of the panel and the interior as a whole

Cover the floor of the car with a vibration damper and roll it in with a special tool.

Advice. To ensure that materials adhere better to metal or plastic, it is recommended to carry out work in a dry and warm room. In a damp room, it is better to preheat the foil with a special hair dryer, and only then roll it onto the surfaces of the body.

Soundproofing torpedo VAZ 2114

The next material, as a rule, is Spleen. It has a sticky base, lays on surfaces easily, and perfectly cuts out excess noise penetrating from the outside;
To install materials in the trunk, the lid is removed in advance, all screws and bolts are unscrewed.

Soundproofing the trunk of a VAZ 2114

Note. In general, disassembling the luggage compartment involves a separate operation. Here you will need to prepare everything thoroughly, disassemble the compartment down to the bare metal surface, pull out all the wires going into this area. As for laying materials, only clean and dry surfaces should be processed. After the material has been laid, you will need to put the wiring back in and close all the extra holes.

VAZ 2114 trunk sound insulation

Door treatment (see Soundproofing VAZ 2114 doors can be easily done independently) is practically the most important procedure in terms of increasing the so-called “acoustic” properties of the interior. It is recommended to insulate these parts of the car with a good polyurethane-based material. The front doors of the VAZ model, which are entrusted with the role of a stand for acoustic speakers, are recommended to be rolled in two layers.

Note. In fact, the “noise” of the door also involves the initial disassembly of the upholstery, gluing both sides and the card. Door technological openings are closed only on one of the edges.

The roof of the VAZ 2114 is also treated. In order to fully carry out the “noise” of the car ceiling, you will need to remove everything, from the mirrors to the upholstery;

Soundproofing the roof of a VAZ 2114

No less valuable in terms of protection from the penetration of external noise and sounds of the internal combustion engine is the hood. You also need to be able to properly process it (see Soundproofing the hood of a VAZ 2114: is it necessary or not).

Sound insulation of the VAZ 2114 engine compartment and hood

The cost of reupholstering the front panel of a car yourself

The amount you spend on reupholstering a torpedo directly depends on the cost of the material. The average price for high-quality natural perforated leather is about 3 thousand rubles per linear meter. A standard size panel will take no more than two meters.

Eco-leather is already much cheaper: it can be found for around 700 rubles, although there are more expensive options. The price of vinyl film ranges from 300–600 rubles, depending on the type and quality. As for Alcantara, its cost is comparable to genuine leather, so you won’t be able to save on artificial suede.

High-quality high-temperature glue will cost you 1.5 thousand rubles per jar. We do not recommend using cheap superglue or Moment glue: you will be bothered by an intrusive smell, and the coating itself will deteriorate if the car heats up too much. Threads for leather products are sold at a price of 400 rubles per spool. Let's assume that you already have a hair dryer and a sewing machine at home, which means there will be no additional expenses for equipment.

Thus, we receive from 1.5 to 7 thousand rubles for the material, plus 2 thousand for consumables. As you can see, even when choosing expensive leather, you can spend 10 thousand rubles. In the salon, the price tag for this procedure starts from 50 thousand rubles.

Useful tips

Today, many owners of the VAZ 2114 install new acoustics in the car, more powerful and productive. They buy an expensive subwoofer (see 1000-watt subwoofer and a review of the best models), a powerful amplifier (see The best amplifier for a subwoofer and how to choose it) and a lot of other useful things that significantly increase the level and quality of sound. But imagine their disappointment when all the money spent turns out to be thrown down the drain, since the sound still leaves much to be desired.

It turns out that the whole point is insufficient insulation of the car body panels, through which noise penetrates from the outside. It’s no longer possible to enjoy clear sound: rattles, vibrations, knocks - all this degrades the quality.

As mentioned above, car doors are very important in this regard.

Here's what you need to focus on:

They must be insulated on both sides, although excessive zeal should not be shown either. Heavy doors mean they may sag over time;

Sound insulation for VAZ 2114

In addition, we must take into account the fact that the doors of the VAZ 2114 are often covered with cellophane. The latter makes unpleasant sounds and creaks in the cold season in the frost;
It is advisable to lay materials on the door in large pieces (as much as possible). The materials used should not be visible beyond the edges of the sheathing.

It’s not difficult to learn how to carry out “Shumka” with your own hands. Step-by-step instructions, photos, materials, and videos will help in this matter. The factory standard insulation must be completely stripped off so that new materials can be installed efficiently.

How to tighten the front panel (dashboard) of a car with your own hands

If you are planning to change the interior design of your car, then you cannot do without reupholstering the front panel, or, as they call it in everyday life, the dashboard. You can choose a new color scheme and texture for it. Or you can use materials similar to the previous ones and only slightly refresh the scratched and worn-out coating. Many motorists do not risk re-tightening the panel with their own hands for fear of ruining the appearance of the interior. However, the biggest difficulty in this process is deciding to start work. In addition, if you already have experience in reupholstering other interior elements, this task will not cause you any difficulties either.

Possible options for processing the interior of the VAZ 2109

Careful treatment with aerosol polishing, used for furniture care, of all accessible joints of interior trim parts. The resulting aerosol lubricant eliminates most of the gaps, softening them and making them more elastic. Also, a standard silicone one, which comes in a container convenient for use, is quite suitable for this purpose. It is thicker and, when used correctly, serves as a sound insulator for much longer.

Spray polishing treatment

We work with polyurethane foam.

There are probably many more different ways to reduce the noise level in the interior of a VAZ 2109 car. Tuning this and related models gives their devoted owners real pleasure. Improving and improving the factory characteristics of a truly people's car, apparently, is the calling of the majority of the current owners of the legendary “nines”.