|
Post by maddy on May 24, 2012 9:42:18 GMT 2
Questions of the day
Why do people want a Lada and then change it to something that is not a Lada? Isnt wanting to own a Lada mean just that or does a Lada only exist for it's body and not engine, TC, gearbox etc?
The number of people who have contacted me regarding Zombie is fantastic BUT then they have the audacity to compare Zombie's price to a modified one where the only existing Lada part is the body...even I can go to a scrap yard and buy a Chevy Lumina body, put in a toyota engine and cressida gearbox, then sell it as a Lumina for a ridiculous price.
Why buy a lada at all if you are going to modify it to something that it wasnt intended to be?
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on May 24, 2012 20:43:47 GMT 2
Hi Maddy
As far as I am concerned I agree with you. When major changes are made I do not consider it still to be a Niva.
Ronnie
|
|
|
Post by Charles on May 24, 2012 20:55:18 GMT 2
Maddy there is a thread when does a Niva cease being a Niva. Lots of fights there.
Charles
|
|
Ladaniva
Full Niva Petrol Head
A Lada Niva for a new lease of life
Posts: 240
Registered: Apr 1, 2011 21:33:06 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by Ladaniva on May 24, 2012 23:10:02 GMT 2
Hi Maddy,
I am a modifier of vehicles like you may probably never have seen, but I can not agree more with you; to modify a Niva so that it just resembles a Niva only to some extend is sacrilege. The reason why I modify vehicles is that I see it as a tool to be used to my maximum advantage. There is no connect between me and a vehicle. However, in the case of the Niva it is different; it is a case of this vehicle being more than the sum of the parts. This is a rare distinction for an assembly of parts and there are many like me. From there that the Niva is one of the vehicles with the most clubs associated with it. So, when I modify a Niva it is only to make it more of a Niva and also to make it safer (when I make my Niva more reliable it is with safety in mind, especially in this country with its bloodthirsty savages - that for example strangles a baby of a few months old this week).
Do not sell your Niva in a hurry, unless due to financial reasons of course, because they will become as scarce as hens teeth in this part of the world now that Russia finally stopped manufacturing them.
Regards,
Fanus
|
|
Roons
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 583
Registered: Mar 12, 2012 22:50:37 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by Roons on May 25, 2012 8:16:01 GMT 2
Maddy. No i do not agree with u. But thats just me. The niva is a cool cheap car ideal for mods and conversions if u have the means to do it. And if u do it post it on the forum so we can learn something new.
|
|
Ihar
Moderator
Lada Niva Driver
Honour thy forefathers and drink beer, they did
Posts: 1,520
Location: Gauteng
Town: Roodepoort
Registered: Mar 4, 2011 17:30:11 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by Ihar on May 25, 2012 8:28:16 GMT 2
Fanus, they have not yet stopped manufacturing them, they recently stopped manufacture of one of their other vehicles.
|
|
|
Post by marius on May 25, 2012 8:35:39 GMT 2
Hi Maddy and all
Charles has already mentioned that we had some "serious discussion" on these modifications and there are probably as many different views on this matter as there are members.
My personal view is that by preserving these cars as close to their original state should rather add value in the long run.
Marius
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on May 25, 2012 9:11:45 GMT 2
Hi Marius
I think you are correct, keep the Niva as standard as possible. I can understand trying to increase the performance of the motor as this has been done for generations. When I was young(er) we all tried twin carbs instead of one in an effort to go faster. There is also times when you can`t get some small spare part quickly and can use something from another car. This I think would be fine. Also central locking and power windows help to make the Niva more user friendly and can be reversed if you then want to do so.
Ronnie
|
|
|
Post by maddy on May 25, 2012 17:00:21 GMT 2
Hi again I personally bought a Niva for just that reason and one day I will own one again, but right now I need a bakkie for towing purposes and dont think the Niva will tow a horsebox that easily . I heard that there is a Niva in Kroonstad that is still in really good condition with all the original "perks" i.e. tyres etc....point being, they will always be around and I WILL own one again.
|
|
|
Post by marius on May 25, 2012 17:53:49 GMT 2
Hi Maddy I think it depends on how far you need to tow the horsebox. If you need to tow a single horse in and around the Jagersfontein area the Lada should be able to cope adequately. The Lada also has a low range which is extremely handy when towing over short distances of rough terrain or steep up and down hills. The kind of bakkie you are looking for could also be quite expensive Marius
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on May 25, 2012 20:06:21 GMT 2
Hi Maddy
Like Marius, I think the Niva will tow fine as long as most of the towing is local and you are happy to tow at a reasonable speed which I assume you would with a horse aboard ;D. You must also pay attention to the brakes when you have to tow a heavy weight. If you have a tow bar fitted I expect you have already done a test run ?
Ronnie
|
|
Roons
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 583
Registered: Mar 12, 2012 22:50:37 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by Roons on May 25, 2012 22:15:39 GMT 2
Hi maddy. I towed my sisters horse box with my niva. I suffers alot but it can manage 40km/h so if its local then it wil manage. What kind of box do u have? I wont tow 2 big horses though.
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on May 26, 2012 18:46:09 GMT 2
Hi Maddy
If you want to tow heavy loads for long distances you would not do better than a Defender.
Ronnie
|
|
spikes
Moderator
Posts: 3,689
Location: Mpumalanga
Town: Nelspruit
Registered: Apr 19, 2010 19:39:51 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by spikes on May 26, 2012 19:06:44 GMT 2
Do not sell your Niva in a hurry, unless due to financial reasons of course, because they will become as scarce as hens teeth in this part of the world now that Russia finally stopped manufacturing them.
Fanus, they have not yet stopped manufacturing them, they recently stopped manufacture of one of their other vehicles
I missed out somewhere. As far as I know Mr Putin stated that avtovaz will continue building NIVAs??
|
|
Ihar
Moderator
Lada Niva Driver
Honour thy forefathers and drink beer, they did
Posts: 1,520
Location: Gauteng
Town: Roodepoort
Registered: Mar 4, 2011 17:30:11 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by Ihar on May 26, 2012 20:09:41 GMT 2
Spikes, about 2 or 3 weeks they stopped production of anther model not the Niva. The Niva is set to continue production. The Niva is set to continue production.
Somewhere I have the link in my email, I will forward it to you.
|
|
oldschool
Full Niva Petrol Head
Slowly "sputnik" is being born
Posts: 152
Registered: Aug 16, 2012 21:05:55 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by oldschool on Aug 18, 2012 12:01:05 GMT 2
Niva is a tremendous 4x4 but it has drawbacks like any other vechile....I truelly respect originality for esthetic purposes or for the purist....
On the other hand its so cheap that one can expect modification by some people, due to the fact the change it to suit their purpose and does the same as a much more expensive vechile...
Its a known fact that the engine and gearbox are not the strongest made and will be severely under stress when towing or hauling trailers and lack of power to maintain highway speeds......
I am doing a conversion since I will be going hunting and fishing with it....and really dont want to be stranded somewhere next to a road with a packed up gearbox and a trailer full of game meat?
Remember that although the people modifying the lada and although you may not clasify it as a niva anymore, everyone can benefit from the experience gained....
Different strokes for different folks...I dont see a bastard lada cause it has a different engine in, I see a capable small suv, cruising highway speeds whilst towing a small trailer with no hassle at all....to everyone their own
|
|
|
Post by Charles on Aug 18, 2012 13:56:09 GMT 2
More power in a Niva would be great.
Charles
|
|
ricci
New Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 5
Registered: Feb 17, 2013 14:45:50 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by ricci on Mar 3, 2013 10:25:49 GMT 2
hi guys...i modified my Lada for a few reasons...very expensive parts for a very old design motor & gearbox...difficult to work on yourself if you are not very mechanically minded...plus we travel to Botswana a lot and the lack of parts or an able mechanic to do the work is a problem...with the 4y motor i can get a parts in any shebeen & do most repairs myself...it is now becoming a decent vehicle from the primitive one I started with.. still putting in the aircon, elec windows... it now has awesome sound & dvd player, next to go are the very uncomfortable front seats and miniture fuel tank... after all that I will never sell it for any amount....it is becoming an awesome vehicle...
|
|
hoodoo
Full Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 161
Registered: Sept 7, 2011 19:57:35 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by hoodoo on Mar 3, 2013 20:14:46 GMT 2
Sounds like it's coming on well. Keep it up! Regards. John
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Registered: Apr 26, 2024 1:59:33 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 3, 2013 20:27:54 GMT 2
Ricci post up some pics for us
|
|
oldschool
Full Niva Petrol Head
Slowly "sputnik" is being born
Posts: 152
Registered: Aug 16, 2012 21:05:55 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by oldschool on Mar 4, 2013 0:10:40 GMT 2
to every one complaining about modified nivas, modified in any way is modified and nor original anymore, so differnt carbs, improve dsafety gear whatsoever is modified niva, so dont claim it as an original niva then.
I converted my russian vehicle(since its not a niva anymore with a far ore reliable mazda japanese drivetrain and the only problem I see with having a reliable "russian vehicle" cruising by stranded "original nivas" with their broken down drivetrain or heat problems with nice A/C electric windows and doing 140koh whilst towing quad bike!
with that in mind i'll stick to my non pure or cross bred " russian vechile" and not have niva, and if its so easy to stick something else in a Niva, why so u struggle with mechanical issues on standard ones?
If u reckon its best to keep it standard then do so, but dont judge me for me changing mine! tjis is the quickest way to lose members and a following for the same vehicle is by pointing fingers at others...rather stay focused on keeping that unreliable thing selfpropelled and not towed behind a something else!
|
|
Riaan
Full Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 156
Registered: Jan 25, 2012 6:19:55 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by Riaan on Mar 4, 2013 9:21:32 GMT 2
I modified my Niva by putting in a 4y motor. But I still see it as a Niva. The more power etc is a great bonus. But my main reason was because of spare parts. My Niva is my only vehicle and I cant wait for weeks for a spare part to arive from overseas or afford the ridiculously high cost the local 'agents' ask for parts. Plus I plan to start going to Moz, Botswana etc a lot in the near future and want to be able to get spare parts easy should something happen.
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Mar 4, 2013 9:53:33 GMT 2
Hi Riaan and Oldschool,
I have no problem with small modifications like carbs but when things like motors etc are changed it may be fine for the original owner but can be a nightmare for subsequent owners, who will never know where the original and the new meet. However if you buy a vehicle it is up to you what you do with it. I must also say I have never had a reliability problem with my Niva and my first one is still running within the Forum. I also was continually in the Game reserves of Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe, and was clocking up 50000kms a year. I never had a problem with power even with the air con running.
Ronnie
|
|
oldschool
Full Niva Petrol Head
Slowly "sputnik" is being born
Posts: 152
Registered: Aug 16, 2012 21:05:55 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by oldschool on Mar 4, 2013 23:35:59 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie
As a legal practioner theres a rule in common law stating the following: NEMO IUDEX IN SUA CAUSA, meaning no one can be the judge in his own case.
That means the following that you have to appoint each meaning of the word to its original dictionary meaning, modified is modified. The slightest mod means a non original LADA NIVA, when changing carbs you have to tweek timing to ensure a more agresive timing for the adjusted fuel mixture. even then the future owners whom may not be mechanically orientated would struggle to solve or figure out why his niva is missing after replacing the weber carb with an original solex? this is a never ending argument.
I modified my niva for several reasons, and yes it may be so that other members such as yourself may have succesfully completed remote destination trips with standard nivas. IT IS AN UNDISPUTED FACT THAT A NIVA IS NOT THE MOST RELIABLE VEHICLE ON THE MARKET, for instance it cannot be mentioned in the same sentence as a landruiser, pajero or other leading brands. Yes it could be argued that its only a fraction of the price, which would be a valid argument.
However why not keep the nivas best aspects and improve on the not so good ones? Its ridiculous to even compare the niva "fiat copy" engine with for instance a 4y from toyota?
I would love to see a niva engine compete against a 4y anyday of the year! also would love to see a stock niva compare to my niva in towing capabilities, cruising capabilities and etc..
Yes it will be problem for future owners of the modified nivas...well for that argument they shouldnt buy one then?
|
|
|
Post by ronnie on Mar 5, 2013 10:21:14 GMT 2
Hi Oldschool
I think most modern vehicles are now very reliable compared with some of the older ones and sometimes when you really like something like a Niva you can be blinded to it`s little niggles. Unfortunately, the Niva was cheap to buy and they were very often treated cheaply when it came to servicing. As long as you enjoy your Niva that is all that matters at the end of the day. The only reason I stopped using mine in the bush was it could not carry the load I was carrying. I then bought my other favourite 4 x 4, a Defender.
Ronnie
|
|
ladanivabelgium
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
Posts: 962
Location: EU
Town: Kessel, Belgium
Registered: Nov 5, 2010 19:50:31 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by ladanivabelgium on Mar 8, 2013 8:37:19 GMT 2
let all of us just do our own thing. My Niva is'nt what you can call 'stock' but i'm pretty happy with it.
|
|
oldschool
Full Niva Petrol Head
Slowly "sputnik" is being born
Posts: 152
Registered: Aug 16, 2012 21:05:55 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by oldschool on Mar 8, 2013 13:40:29 GMT 2
I agree with nivabelgium, its just that the HEADING of the thread is very agrresive and rather unasked for....
It states REAL NIVAS and modified nivas? I think its rather unfair and not in the good spirit of this forum has and is absalutly not contributing to anything niva wise, but rather encouraging the same crowd of people having the same interest and love for the same car, take swings at each other.
It could mean that owners of modified nivas either leave or not join the forum as they feel unwelcome hence the fact that they dont have "real nivas"?
I will even go so far as to challenge any stock niva owner in any way or choice or event of his choice, to take on a 4y converted niva, he will not be able to step up to the 4y in any challenge whatsoever....
I think this thread is not called or asked for and has absalutely no value to the forum, except inflammatory remarks and comments which is completely useless...
|
|
spikes
Moderator
Posts: 3,689
Location: Mpumalanga
Town: Nelspruit
Registered: Apr 19, 2010 19:39:51 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by spikes on Mar 8, 2013 13:48:04 GMT 2
I agree with nivabelgium, its just that the HEADING of the thread is very agrresive and rather unasked for.... It states REAL NIVAS and modified nivas? I think its rather unfair and not in the good spirit of this forum has and is absalutly not contributing to anything niva wise, but rather encouraging the same crowd of people having the same interest and love for the same car, take swings at each other. It could mean that owners of modified nivas either leave or not join the forum as they feel unwelcome hence the fact that they dont have "real nivas"? I will even go so far as to challenge any stock niva owner in any way or choice or event of his choice, to take on a 4y converted niva, he will not be able to step up to the 4y in any challenge whatsoever.... I think this thread is not called or asked for and has absalutely no value to the forum, except inflammatory remarks and comments which is completely useless...I agree and suggested to Marius that we lock this one down Spikes
|
|
spikes
Moderator
Posts: 3,689
Location: Mpumalanga
Town: Nelspruit
Registered: Apr 19, 2010 19:39:51 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
|
Post by spikes on Mar 8, 2013 14:37:32 GMT 2
After discussion, it was decided to lock this topic
Spikes
|
|
|
Post by marius on Mar 8, 2013 14:42:00 GMT 2
Hi all I think this particular thread should have read something like "Vanilla Nivas vs Modified One's" but knowing from past experience that in itself would most likely lead to a major ego clash. You paid for you car so feel free to do with it as you please This thread is now locked. Marius
|
|