Upgrading a car's interior is intended primarily to improve functionality, create a unique style and increase comfort. The Gazelle is the most popular commercial vehicle in Russia, and each owner tries to decorate or improve the interior of their car in their own way.

1 When is interior tuning necessary?

Tuning is a rather broad concept, since even small changes, such as new floor mats or seat covers, can change the interior decoration and are considered elements of interior tuning. The convenience of such changes is that they can be easily carried out with your own hands, without the help of specialists or any equipment. But if we are talking about a complete and serious tuning of the Gazelle’s interior, it will require investments of certain financial resources and time.

In any case, tuning is always interesting and exciting, and if you combine it with competent changes in the “appearance” of this truck, you can achieve excellent results and significantly distinguish your vehicle from other road users. DIY, includes many changes, but it’s worth talking about the most popular and useful!

2 Popular directions for tuning Gazelle

The most popular changes among owners are such changes as reupholstering various elements in the car interior. This means changing the instrument panel, seats, reupholstering the headliner and side door trim with leather, suede or other fabric. As a rule, it is quite difficult to reupholster the interior yourself; to do this, it is better to contact special tuning centers, where all the necessary changes will be made efficiently and correctly.

No less popular in the process of modernizing the interior of a Gazelle is the complete replacement of standard elements, most often this means installing a sportier and more comfortable steering wheel and sports seats.

Some owners prefer to install additional functions in the cabin, such as a heated steering wheel or connecting seat ventilation, which is not included even in the most expensive equipment of the Gazelle model. Installing special lighting equipment, as well as improved acoustics and additional video monitors, can give the interior of this car a truly stylish, attractive and modern look.

3 Additional changes – additional comfort

This vehicle is classified as commercial, which means that it is used every day in various weather and climatic conditions. An important detail in modernizing and tuning the interior in this case is the additional interior heater. Due to the design flaws of the standard heater, an additional heater with an electric pump is installed in the “stove”, which allows you to feel completely comfortable in the cold season.

A huge drawback in the Gazelle is its rather poor sound insulation, which is often noticed by many drivers. To change this, we begin high-quality interior tuning by installing additional sound insulation. Experts use materials such as vibroplast or modelin; with their help, they can significantly improve the sound insulation of the Gazelle’s interior and thereby increase overall comfort. If we are talking about older truck models, then it would not be a bad idea to replace the standard multimedia system with a modern on-board computer, which is also an important element of internal tuning.

It is worth saying a few words about installing additional lighting in the interior. Most often, additional lighting is installed in the car doors, in the glove box or directly on the instrument panel, and you can install lights of various colors, which, along with various small accessories, such as pedal pads, an armrest, an updated gear shift knob or new rugs will allow you to create your own style and unique design.

The Gazelle in all body versions is a car that is perfectly adapted to the conditions of domestic roads and is distinguished by its reliability and ease of operation. However, much in the design of this car does not meet modern comfort standards, so gazellists very often resort to tuning.

1 External tuning of the Gazelle - the desire for exclusivity

First of all, Gazelle owners make an alternative body kit. To do this, you need to install a new front bumper. As a rule, this is a bumper made of plastic with slots for fog lights. In specialized stores you can find a bumper that fits old fasteners, and installing it yourself will not be difficult. You need to unscrew the fasteners on both sides with a screwdriver, remove the old bumper and install the new one, as in the video presented. The color of the bumper can be matched to the color of the body. It will also be easy for the car owner to install plastic linings on the body, as well as plastic decorative thresholds.

To give the Gazelle 4x4 a brutal appearance and improve the vehicle’s off-road capabilities, you can install protective metal bars or a guardrail. Some Gazelle owners limit themselves to installing metal arches on the sides of the bumper. Installing a guardrail on a Gazelle 4x4 is a simple procedure, but you must have certain skills. You can see how to install a kenguryatnik yourself in the presented video.

Very often, owners tune the front and rear optics of the Gazelle, for which LEDs are used or additional fog lights are installed.

To install LED lights directly into the headlight unit, you need to dismantle it and completely disassemble it. To do this, disconnect the contacts, remove the clamps, and pull out the headlight. Then carefully separate the headlight block from the glass. Using glue, we attach a pre-purchased LED strip either around the entire perimeter or in certain areas. In this case, you can change the color of the headlight reflector, for which you can use regular foil or paint.

To improve the aerodynamic properties of the Gazelle, it is necessary to install a body kit, as well as plastic deflectors for the side windows, deflectors on the hood of the car and a special fairing that is mounted on the roof of the car. These accessories are made of lightweight material and have special fastenings - it will not be difficult to install them yourself. This will not only give exclusivity to the appearance of the car, but will also increase efficiency and improve the acoustic effect at cruising speeds.

To give the car more individuality, Gazelle owners use the following accessories and elements:

• side mirrors with turn signal repeaters and a heating system and electric drive,
• alternative radiator grilles and plastic front bumper body kit,
• original rims and improved foreign-made tires,
• towbars, roof rack, ladder and other additional body structural elements.

You can install all the presented tuning accessories yourself if you have a standard set of tools and the necessary parts. You can purchase them in tuning salons or specialized stores. When tuning the external part of a Gazelle 4x4, the main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise the car will not only lose its individuality, but also become like a spacecraft. The choice is yours, and the scope for tuning the external part of the gazelle is huge!

2 Tuning the interior and cabin of the Gazelle

As a rule, when tuning a Gazelle’s interior, the first thing to do is change the old-style steering wheel and gear shift lever. For different versions of the Gazelle, you can find new steering wheels in the “Elegance” style with wooden inserts. This option is especially relevant for the Gazelle Business version, since the steering wheel fully fits the standard mounts. You can see how to remove and install the steering wheel in the video. To improve the Gazelle's cabin, the following tuning parts are most often used:

• additional interior heater and electrical package (window lifters, mirror adjustment, etc.),
• new seats and new side door trim,
• under-ceiling console for storing various things and a table on the front panel,
• new dashboard and instrument panel lighting to LED,
• improved sound system and on-board computer.

To install power windows yourself, you need to have a set of tools (keys, screwdrivers, etc.). The mechanical part of the changes is simple, but it is better to use the help of a specialist to connect the wiring. To replace the mechanism itself, using a regular screwdriver you need to unscrew the fastenings of the window handle and everything that holds the door trim. Next, you need to carefully remove the casing - this will give access to the standard lifting mechanism. After this, the two bolts that secure the carriage to the door glass are unscrewed. Next, you should fix the glass in the upper position and, using a 10mm wrench, unscrew the lower and upper nuts securing the lift mechanism to the door. Next, unscrew the three bolts securing the cable mechanism, which is removed from the door. An electronic mechanism is installed in its place, and assembly occurs in the reverse order.

3 Technical modernization of the Gazelle

Tuning the technical part begins with strengthening the rear leaf spring suspension. To do this, it is necessary to install additional sheets of metal. This will enhance the load-carrying capacity and increase rigidity. In the front part of the suspension, it is recommended to replace the standard shock absorbers with gas ones with a longer service life. By installing spacers in the springs, you can achieve a slight increase in ground clearance. Spacers are rounded polyurethane washers that are inserted into the holes between the springs. Some owners of Gazelle 4x4 resort to installing an air suspension, but this is an expensive procedure that cannot be done with your own hands, and this option is not always justified.

Engine tuning is done in several ways. The simplest and most common one is presented in the video - this is chip tuning. It allows you to improve the power, torque and efficiency of the engine without mechanical changes. In the case of older versions of Gazelles, it is important to replace the standard ZMZ 403 carburetor engine with a more modern analogue with direct injection, or to boost the existing unit. To do this, you can increase the diameter of the pistons, regrind the cylinder head, and replace the exhaust system with a more modernized one. It is better to make all these changes in the service, as they require complex technical equipment.

One of the best collections of photos and videos on the Internet is presented to your attention. And this is a selection of Gazelle tuning. This car is widely used in the Russian Federation and the countries of the former Soviet Union. Gazelle is a business workhorse for farmers; Gazelle is also widely used for transporting passengers and is often used as a minibus. Without any problems, the Gazelle ousted our beloved UAZs and Rafiks from the niche of passenger transportation. Not many drivers use gazelle business tuning, because they consider this car to be a workhorse and it does not need beauty.

But there are car enthusiasts who want their car to become a real work of art, or at least stand out from the general stream of Gazelles. Tuning the Gazelle can be seen in the photos in the article, after viewing which, do not forget to leave your review. And so, what is being tuned in the appearance of the Gazelle body? The body itself is tuned with fashionable body kits, spoilers and modernized bumpers. The radiator grille, headlights and overhead optics are also modified. Airbrushing is also often used on the cab and van of a gazelle.

The owner of this gazelle really loves the movie, stupid and even dumber. After purchasing a Gazelle, the business decided to turn its car into a stuffed dog on wheels. The idea is certainly interesting, but how often does he erase it?

In the photo is Kerzhak, an analogue of the Gazelle with increased cross-country ability. The body remained standard, but the chassis and suspension were heavily tuned and adapted for off-road driving and swampy areas.

Video

In the Gazelle tuning video you can see various works of masters from all over Russia. After watching, you can subscribe to our channel or leave your review.

Like the modernization of any car, tuning the Gazelle Farmer affects the body part, the interior with the engine and other components of the vehicle. Let's look at the most popular ways to improve this small-sized truck.

Spoiler

Installing a fairing on the roof of a car is one of the most popular elements of tuning the Gazelle Farmer. In addition to the fact that the spoiler serves as an external decoration, it serves to improve the technical parameters of the car, more precisely, it saves up to 10 percent of fuel and reduces wind resistance. This is especially true for high modifications and vans. It is easy to choose a suitable configuration both in shape and color.

Exterior

Owners often start upgrading by installing an alternative body kit. For this purpose, an updated front bumper is used. It is usually made of special plastic. The element is equipped with slots for anti-fog elements. In special retail outlets you can find an analogue adapted for old type fasteners, which makes it easier to install it yourself. The color is selected depending on the overall color scheme of the car. In addition, lovers of innovations install plastic linings on the body, as well as decorative sills.

Tuning the Gazelle Farmer interior

To make steering easier, many owners replace the standard steering wheel with a sports version, which is more comfortable and smaller. In addition, the appearance of this steering wheel is pleasing. Another addition is the installation of beautiful, practical covers that prevent the skin from deformation and contamination. The seats are not completely changed often. As an option, you can install a driver's seat from a foreign car.

Tuning of the Gazelle Farmer interior (photo below) is also carried out in the rear row of seats. This could be the installation of an additional table. Other innovations in the interior include: installation of a modern music system with high-quality speakers, wood-look panel trim, LED lighting, and variations in replacing the steering wheel braid. To enhance sound insulation, the interior is dismantled and new elements are installed to provide better protection from extraneous noise and vibrations.

Hatch installation

When tuning the Gazelle Farmer, pay attention to equipping the car’s roof with a hatch. It can be of a mechanical type or equipped with an electric drive. This detail will not hurt even if the car has air conditioning. The element is mounted on the roof, as well as in the upper part of the all-metal body. Its main drawback is that the hatch can leak.

However, there are many more advantages, namely:

• Makes the interior brighter.
• In hot weather, the inside of the car is cooled, while the wind does not blow from the road.
• Minimal noise level, unlike lowered side windows.
• Inside, the space visually becomes more spacious.

The basic rule when choosing a hatch is to accurately select its dimensions and compare them with the cutout on the roof. If everything is done carefully and correctly, the element will please the owner and will not leak.

Powertrain and gearbox

Engine modernization is a special relevant part of tuning the Gazelle Farmer, which makes it possible to obtain a more dynamic and powerful engine. The most basic modification of this unit is the installation of a filter element with zero resistance. This will add about five horsepower to the power of the unit. Other elements of engine modernization include updating the exhaust system (installation of a resonator and a direct-flow type muffler), as well as the use of a sports-type exhaust pipe on the engine. The installation of gas equipment can also be considered a vehicle modernization.

Gas consumption does not decrease, but savings are observed due to the difference in prices in favor of gas. The effect of HBO is noted by all owners of the cars in question; its payback is no more than a year, depending on the operating load on the car. Some motorists seek to replace the standard engine with a more modern domestic or foreign analogue. They try to install imported diesel engines in commercial cars, which are characterized by good power and efficiency. The most popular models: TD27 from Nissan, volume 2.7 l, as well as the Japanese 1KZ (Toyota, volume - 3 l). Among gasoline analogues, the following modifications are most often used: 1KZ (3.4), 1UZ (4.0). When replacing an internal combustion engine, it would not be superfluous to install a new gearbox.

Do-it-yourself Gazelle Farmer tuning

All the operations described above to improve the performance of a car can be carried out independently, having the appropriate tools and minimal skills in arranging a vehicle. Among other manipulations to improve the car with one’s own hands is the installation of body kits, bumpers, and guardrails. In addition, energy-efficient LED lamps are installed in the lighting elements. The car is also painted in original colors, ranging from standard metallic to airbrushing of any configuration.

Tuning “Gazelle Farmer Next” may involve dramatic changes. For example, at one of the exhibitions an original convertible was presented. The vehicle was converted from a Gazelle by cutting off the all-metal body and installing seats for passengers in the body. This modification is quite suitable for resort regions with warm climates.

In addition, hearses, mobile laboratories, and cash-in-transit vehicles were made from domestic cars. Refinishing is carried out both by private individuals and specialized workshops.

In conclusion

A photo of the Gazelle Farmer tuning is presented above. Owners make many decisions based not only on the features of the updated appearance, but also on practicality. For example, equipping the car with a security alarm with automatic start would be a useful addition. This is especially true for commercial vehicles, which must start without problems in any weather. It is worth noting that most of the not very complex but effective alterations can be done independently.

The Gazelle in all body versions is a car that is perfectly adapted to the conditions of domestic roads and is distinguished by its reliability and ease of operation. However, much in the design of this car does not meet modern comfort standards, so gazellists very often resort to tuning.

1 External tuning of the Gazelle - the desire for exclusivity

First of all, Gazelle owners make an alternative body kit. To do this, you need to install a new front bumper. As a rule, this is a bumper made of plastic with slots for fog lights. In specialized stores you can find a bumper that fits old fasteners, and installing it yourself will not be difficult. You need to unscrew the fasteners on both sides with a screwdriver, remove the old bumper and install the new one, as in the video presented. The color of the bumper can be matched to the color of the body. It will also be easy for the car owner to install plastic linings on the body, as well as plastic decorative thresholds.

To give the Gazelle 4x4 a brutal appearance and improve the vehicle’s off-road capabilities, you can install protective metal bars or a guardrail. Some Gazelle owners limit themselves to installing metal arches on the sides of the bumper. Installing a guardrail on a Gazelle 4x4 is a simple procedure, but you must have certain skills. You can see how to install a kenguryatnik yourself in the presented video.

Very often, owners tune the front and rear optics of the Gazelle, for which LEDs are used or additional fog lights are installed.

To install LED lights directly into the headlight unit, you need to dismantle it and completely disassemble it. To do this, disconnect the contacts, remove the clamps, and pull out the headlight. Then carefully separate the headlight block from the glass. Using glue, we attach a pre-purchased LED strip either around the entire perimeter or in certain areas. In this case, you can change the color of the headlight reflector, for which you can use regular foil or paint.

To improve the aerodynamic properties of the Gazelle, it is necessary to install a body kit, as well as plastic deflectors for the side windows, deflectors on the hood of the car and a special fairing that is mounted on the roof of the car. These accessories are made of lightweight material and have special fastenings - it will not be difficult to install them yourself. This will not only give exclusivity to the appearance of the car, but will also increase efficiency and improve the acoustic effect at cruising speeds.

To give the car more individuality, Gazelle owners use the following accessories and elements:

• side mirrors with turn signal repeaters and a heating system and electric drive,
• alternative radiator grilles and plastic front bumper body kit,
• original rims and improved foreign-made tires,
• towbars, roof rack, ladder and other additional body structural elements.

You can install all the presented tuning accessories yourself if you have a standard set of tools and the necessary parts. You can purchase them in tuning salons or specialized stores. When tuning the external part of a Gazelle 4x4, the main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise the car will not only lose its individuality, but also become like a spacecraft. The choice is yours, and the scope for tuning the external part of the gazelle is huge!

2 Tuning the interior and cabin of the Gazelle

As a rule, when tuning a Gazelle’s interior, the first thing to do is change the old-style steering wheel and gear shift lever. For different versions of the Gazelle, you can find new steering wheels in the “Elegance” style with wooden inserts. This option is especially relevant for the Gazelle Business version, since the steering wheel fully fits the standard mounts. You can see how to remove and install the steering wheel in the video. To improve the Gazelle's cabin, the following tuning parts are most often used:

• additional interior heater and electrical package (window lifters, mirror adjustment, etc.),
• new seats and new side door trim,
• under-ceiling console for storing various things and a table on the front panel,
• new dashboard and instrument panel lighting to LED,
• improved sound system and on-board computer.

To install power windows yourself, you need to have a set of tools (keys, screwdrivers, etc.). The mechanical part of the changes is simple, but it is better to use the help of a specialist to connect the wiring. To replace the mechanism itself, using a regular screwdriver you need to unscrew the fastenings of the window handle and everything that holds the door trim. Next, you need to carefully remove the casing - this will give access to the standard lifting mechanism. After this, the two bolts that secure the carriage to the door glass are unscrewed. Next, you should fix the glass in the upper position and, using a 10mm wrench, unscrew the lower and upper nuts securing the lift mechanism to the door. Next, unscrew the three bolts securing the cable mechanism, which is removed from the door. An electronic mechanism is installed in its place, and assembly occurs in the reverse order.

3 Technical modernization of the Gazelle

Tuning the technical part begins with strengthening the rear leaf spring suspension. To do this, it is necessary to install additional sheets of metal. This will enhance the load-carrying capacity and increase rigidity. In the front part of the suspension, it is recommended to replace the standard shock absorbers with gas ones with a longer service life. By installing spacers in the springs, you can achieve a slight increase in ground clearance. Spacers are rounded polyurethane washers that are inserted into the holes between the springs. Some owners of Gazelle 4x4 resort to installing an air suspension, but this is an expensive procedure that cannot be done with your own hands, and this option is not always justified.

Engine tuning is done in several ways. The simplest and most common one is presented in the video - this is chip tuning. It allows you to improve the power, torque and efficiency of the engine without mechanical changes. In the case of older versions of Gazelles, it is important to replace the standard ZMZ 403 carburetor engine with a more modern analogue with direct injection, or to boost the existing unit. To do this, you can increase the diameter of the pistons, regrind the cylinder head, and replace the exhaust system with a more modernized one. It is better to make all these changes in the service, as they require complex technical equipment.