Back right wing on Skoda Rapid This is not just a design element, but a critical detail that protects the body from corrosion and ensures the aerodynamics of the car. In case of accident or severe mechanical damage, owners often face the need to urgently replace this part, since restoring geometry may not be economically feasible.
The process of selecting a new part requires care, since there are many variations on the market: from the original elements of the plant. ล koda Auto budgetary analogues from China or Turkey. The wrong choice can lead to difficulties with painting, gaps that spoil the appearance, and even problems with the passage of the inspection due to the inconsistency of the body.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how to distinguish between quality and quality. original from counterfeiting, what are the alternative brands and how to independently make the installation without losing the warranty on the body elements. We will also look at the nuances of painting and surface preparation to make the result look like the car just came off the assembly line.
Design features and differences between versions
Before you go to the spare parts store, you need to clearly understand what version of your car is. Skoda Rapid It was produced in several bodies: liftback and station wagon Spaceback. The rear wings of these modifications have fundamental differences in shape, length and attachment points. The liftback wing will not physically fit Spaceback Due to the different design of the rear door and side profile.
It is also worth considering the year of release. During the production process, the manufacturer could make micro-changes to the body design, which affects the location of the fastening holes. For example, the models after the 2017 facelift may have minor differences in the geometry of docking with the bumper and rear door compared to the earlier versions.
The material from which the part is made directly affects its cost and complexity of installation. Standard steel wings are susceptible to corrosion when chipped paint, while some alternatives may be offered from aluminum or plastic, which requires a special approach to primer.
- ๐ Make sure the wing is specifically for the right side (RHS), as the left part is mirror-like.
- ๐ง Check for all necessary openings for the reversing headlight and moldings.
- ๐ Compare the curvature of the roof line and threshold with the original drawing of your body.
Original versus analogues: what to choose?
The main question when buying is whether to overpay for original item under the catalog number from the manufacturer. The original guarantees perfect hit in size, factory anti-corrosion coating and the absence of stamping defects. However, the price of such a part can be 2-3 times higher than that of high-quality analogues, which is not always justified for a used car.
There are proven duplicate manufacturers on the market, such as Araco, Max Auto or StartV. These brands often produce parts in the same factories as the original, but sell them under their own label. The quality of the metal can be slightly thinner, and geometry โ require minimal refinement, but with proper painting, the difference will be invisible even to professionals.
Budget Chinese copies often suffer from rough joints, uneven surfaces and lack of anti-gravel layer. Buying such a part, you risk spending more time and money on preparation than on the purchase itself. If you are not ready for the difficult work with loosening and spatting, it is better to choose the middle price segment.
โ ๏ธ Warning: When buying a non-original wing, always check it for cracks in the stamping area before payment. Return of large parts after installation is impossible.
Compare the main characteristics of popular options in the market:
| Part type | Material | Geometry quality | Presence of anticores | Average price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original (VAG) | High strength steel | Perfect | Factory zinc | High |
| Premium analogue (Araco) | Steel | good | Basic | Average |
| Economy analog | Thin steel | Needs editing. | Missing | Low |
- Original at any cost
- High-quality analogue
- Budget option with refinement
- Restoration of the old wing
Step-by-step instructions for dismantling the old element
Removing the rear wing is a time-consuming process, since this part is integrated into the power structure of the body and is connected to many other components. You will need access to the inner cavities of the arches, as well as the removal of a number of accompanying elements. Do not try to pull the part by force - this will lead to deformation of adjacent panels and bumper.
The first step must be dismantled. rear bumper. To do this, unscrew the screws under the wheel arches, disconnect the mounts from the bottom and gently snap the latches around the perimeter. Then take it off. fender liner (locator), which covers the inside of the arch and is attached to the wing screws or clips.
Next, disconnect the electric connectors if additional lighting or parking sensors are installed in the wing (depending on the configuration). Unscrew the screws of the mount to the back door and threshold. Pay special attention to the bolts connecting the wing to the arch - often they are hidden under plastic plugs or seals.
โ๏ธ Preparation for dismantling
After unscrewing all the fasteners, the wing can be kept on sealant or spot welding. Use a mounting spatula or thin squirt to neatly cut through the sealant. Try not to damage the paint on the neighboring parts. door and threshold It's very easy to scratch the tool.
- ๐ ๏ธ Use a set of end heads and a rattle with an extension to access deep niches.
- ๐งค Wear gloves as the edges of the metal often have sharp burrs after a crash.
- ๐ก Prepare a bolt storage tank and clips so you donโt lose them in the process.
Surface preparation and painting
Installation of a new wing requires careful surface preparation. Even if the part is new, it may have factory soil that needs to be treated. The key to durability is proper anti-corrosion treatment of the inner cavity of the wing before installation. Primer It should be applied in several layers with intermediate drying.
If you are using original detail, it often comes with epoxy soil, which requires only light grinding to create adhesion. For analogues, the process can be more complicated: it is necessary to remove the transport lubricant, degrease the surface and apply a rust converter if there are traces of oxidation from storage on the metal.
Coloring is better to trust professionals in the camera, as the selection of color Skoda Rapid It requires the burning of the paint of the old body. However, if you do it yourself, use a quality base and varnish, applying them in thin layers. Applying paint to wet metal or without degreasing is guaranteed to detach the coating after six months.
Any gaps need to be filled with a car sealant, which also serves as a sound insulator. After drying the sealant, the joint places are grinded and painted together with the main part to create a single surface.
โ ๏ธ Note: Do not use conventional construction sealants for bodywork - they can not withstand temperature changes and quickly collapse under the influence of moisture.
How long does it take to paint a wing?
The standard painting process includes preparation, application of soil, base and varnish. When using fast-drying materials and infrared drying, the entire cycle will take about 12-15 hours. Under normal conditions, taking into account the time for interlayer drying, the work can take 2-3 days.
Installation and final assembly
After drying the paint, you can start installation. Start by fitting the wing without tightening the bolts to check for the match of all lines and gaps. The line of the junction with the door should be uniform along the entire length, and the gap with the bumper should meet factory standards (usually 3-5 mm).
Tighten the fastener should be consistently, starting from the center and moving to the edges to avoid distortions. Use a dynamometer key if possible to avoid breaking the thread in aluminum or plastic body inserts. Do not forget to lay sealing rubber bands at the joints so that moisture does not get inside.
Install back the wings, bumper and all electrical connectors. Check the operation of all functions: turn signals, reversing lights and sensors. Open and close the rear door several times to make sure the new wing does not interfere with its running and does not create vibrations when riding.
Before the final tightening of all bolts, apply a medium-strength fixture to the thread so that vibrations on the road do not weaken the wing fastenings over time.
The final stage is polishing the joints and removing traces from the fingers or tool. Examine the car from different lighting angles to make sure the paint hue matches and there are no visible steps at the joints. A properly installed and painted wing should be an integral part of the body.
- ๐ฉ Check the torque of all mount bolts after the first 50 km run.
- ๐ง๏ธ After washing the car, carefully examine the joints for leaks.
- ๐จ Use waxed polish to protect the freshly painted surface from UV rays.
The high-quality installation of the wing depends not only on the coincidence of sizes, but also on careful anti-corrosion treatment of internal cavities before assembly.
Common replacement mistakes and how to avoid them
Many owners make the mistake of trying to save on preparation materials. Cheap soil or varnish can lead to the fact that after a year on the wing will appear bubbles and rust. Always use the same brand of materials to avoid chemical incompatibility of the layers.
Another common problem is ignoring the state of the internal arch opening. If the arch itself was damaged in an accident, simply screwing a new wing will not fix the geometry. It is necessary to restore the shape of the arch first, otherwise the new wing will look crooked and stretched.
Incorrect installation of the backpack can also cause problems. If you leave cracks or poorly fix clips, water and dirt will get into the arch, which will begin to destroy the paint from the inside. Make sure all drainage holes in the underwing are clean and not clogged with sealant.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Do not seal the drainage holes on the bottom of the wing - this will lead to accumulation of water and rapid corrosion from the inside, even with perfect external paint.
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a specialized service for body repair. Professionals have stands for editing geometry and a camera for painting, which guarantees a result that is not inferior to factory quality. Savings on self-employment can result in additional costs of correcting errors.
Can only a part of the wing be replaced?
It is technically possible to cut out the damaged part and weld the patch, but it requires the highest skill. In most cases, replacing a whole wing is cheaper and more reliable, as welding breaks the integrity of the metal and creates foci of corrosion.
FAQ: Questions and answers
How much does the rear right wing cost on the Skoda Rapid in the original?
The price of the original wing varies depending on the year of production and the dealer. Usually the cost is in the range of 15 000 to 25 000 rubles, excluding painting. Analogs are 2-3 times cheaper.
Will the wing from the Skoda Rapid fit the Spaceback version?
No, the wings from the liftback and the station wagon Spaceback have different dimensions and geometry. They are not interchangeable due to the structural differences of the rear part of the body.
Do I need to remove the bumper to replace the fender?
Yes, the removal of the rear bumper is a mandatory step, as it covers the wing fastening bolts in the rear corner area and prevents its dismantling.
How long does the wing dry after painting?
With standard materials and natural drying, it takes about 24 hours to dry completely. When using IR drying, the process can be accelerated to 2-3 hours.
Is it possible to install a wing without painting?
Technically possible, but the color of the part will differ from the color of the body. To hide the joints will require a lining or molding, which does not always look aesthetically pleasing. It is better to paint the part in the color of the car.