Tuning GAZ 66 (photo): improving the appearance, interior and engine

Car tuning has long reached unprecedented heights in its development. Sometimes the creations that come out of the hands of auto craftsmen simply amaze with their uniqueness, and often outright unreality. Modern tuning of the GAZ 66 implies not only the modernization of the interior and exterior of the car, but also a complete, individual modification of the car for the owner, taking into account his tastes, wishes, preferences, driving style, needs and operating conditions of the vehicle.

Today, for all fans of extreme off-road racing, we’ll look at how you can transform and improve the most powerful domestically produced SUV GAZ 66. The famous “Shishiga” is an all-terrain SUV that can easily overcome deep snow, sticky wetlands, climb the steepest climbs and descents on unimaginable slopes thanks to increased ground clearance (315 mm) and the ability to automatically lock differentials.

Unremarkable from the outside, and completely clumsy at first glance, this car is a real monster in terms of cross-country ability. This all-terrain vehicle has an impressive army of fans who know a lot about off-road driving. This SUV gives off-road enthusiasts an unrealistic opportunity to drive where this is not possible in principle. This monster has already been remade several times: superficially, often thoroughly, often unsightly, and sometimes quite professionally. By approaching the matter responsibly and with soul, you can create an exclusive all-terrain vehicle that will become a reliable friend for extreme sports enthusiasts.

Reasons for high vehicle cross-country ability

The vehicle's high cross-country ability is primarily associated with the following features of the GAZ 66 Kung:

• Large sizes of installed wheels, which have a rather unusual design.
• The famous self-locking differential also determines that the car has increased cross-country ability.

However, it has a lot of shortcomings. Among them are an unreliable engine, the power of which is not quite enough for such a large car, the lack of proper comfort and special devices that will increase cross-country ability. This is why many people decide to modify the car in question.

The car was produced from the factory with an eight-cylinder 3M3 6606 engine, the displacement of which is 4.5 liters, the maximum power of which is 120 horsepower. Paired with the original engine, a 4-speed gearbox is installed; the transfer part can redistribute torque to the front or both axles. An important point is that the car left the factory with powerful pre-heating of the engine - this moment allows you to start the engine even in the most severe conditions.

4 How to choose a ready-made model - advice from extreme drivers

If you don’t want to waste time, you can buy a ready-made kung. To choose a product of sufficient quality, we advise you to study the advice of drivers who know a lot about extreme driving

Experts say to pay attention to the material from which the structure is made. SJS brand fiberglass products perform best

Such designs are made in Germany and cost a lot of money. However, their service life is estimated at tens of years.

If you don’t want to spend money on such expensive guns, you can choose a good option from domestic products. For example, aluminum structures would be an excellent budget choice.

When purchasing, also pay attention to the method of attachment to the body. Fixation without drilling a hole in the body will be optimal.

These kungs are produced with metal clamps. In addition to them, the design can be equipped with special hinges.

Body restoration

Today it is almost impossible to find a GAZ 66 in good condition, since production of the model was completed back in 1990. Therefore, tuning quite often involves restoration of the body. The work is presented as follows:

1. First, you should remove rust around the perimeter of the body. It should be remembered that every year corrosion will increasingly damage the body until it completely rots.

2. Rotten holes should also be sealed and worn parts replaced.

3. Some elements of the body structure will have to be cut out and then welded in for replacement. Therefore, you need to be prepared for welding work.

4. After the body has been cleaned and restored, you can apply a primer. It is worth remembering that the primer layer protects the metal from environmental influences.

6. In order to significantly simplify movement in the dark, an additional light source should be installed. We are talking about fog lights, spotlights that are located on the roof.

If the car will be used to drive on impassable terrain, then a special body kit should be installed. An example is special bumpers, as well as windshield protection. It is recommended to install hydraulic versions of the winch, which can be connected to the power steering system. Note that the weight of the car is quite high, and in many cases it will be almost impossible to do without a winch. There are arches on the cabin; a ladder can be installed on the side so that you can get to the roof. In general, we can say that there are quite a few different methods for improving a car body.

Improving the interior of the car in question

Interior comfort of the GAZ 66 is at the lowest level, which is not surprising, since the model was originally intended for harsh operating conditions. In this case, the matter is not only in the materials used for finishing, but also in the quality of sound insulation. Tuning the interior of the car in question is carried out as follows:

• First you need to dismantle all the panels and remove the old finishing material. This job does not cause many problems since there is little finishing on the car. Complete dismantling down to the body should be carried out in order to carry out sound insulation.
• When driving, it is not comfortable in the car, as it is very noisy: the whistle of the wind, the roar of the engine, the noise from the wheels - everything mixes into a hum, which over time is difficult to bear. To carry out thermal insulation work, you will have to purchase a vizomat or vibroplast, as well as rubber seals. Sound insulation involves covering the entire surface of the body with special materials, but it is worth remembering that all air ducts must remain open. Much attention is paid to the insulation of the panel that separates the body of the car from the engine compartment.
• The next stage of changing the car interior involves reupholstering it. To do this, you can use a variety of materials, but it is worth remembering that you need to choose a practical finish that will serve for many years despite the operating conditions.
• The original seats are very simple and not comfortable; driving over a long distance can cause a lot of problems. It is recommended to install new seats that are factory installed on other vehicles. An example is the seats of the Toyota Land Cruiser 100, which fit the GAZ quite well. Therefore, you can carry out the installation work yourself.
• The central torpedo also requires significant improvement. At the same time, we note that it is possible to modify already installed controls and instruments, or to completely replace the front panel. For example, you can significantly increase the readability of information from the installed dashboard by installing additional lighting, represented by diodes. In addition, you can install the entire front panel by taking it from a foreign car. However, if the entire panel is replaced, many problems will arise in selecting it and changing it to fit the interior of the GAZ 66.
• Some interior elements can be made with your own hands using sheets of plywood, the thickness of which is 10-18 mm. In addition, when making your own armrests, various shelves and other interior elements, you can use plasterboard, glue, self-tapping screws with washers, foam rubber, carpet for finishing and many other materials. To create a frame, for example, a metal profile with different profile thicknesses can be used.

In addition, quite often an additional cabin filter and cabin heater are installed. In most cases, there is a car that has a solid body. Many people strive to make the GAZ 66 suitable for long-term living, for which they can make windows, equip convertible sleeping areas, install good lighting and a heating generator. Many modifications can be made from scrap materials, others will lead to significant financial costs.

The engine is the heart of the car

The engine is the most important thing in a car, and it needs to be treated with care and responsibility.

In order for our supercar not to fail off-road, we need to pay enough attention to the condition of the engine and, if necessary, replace it. The most popular and affordable engine for Shishiga on today's market is a diesel engine produced at the Minsk Plant.

For example, a worthy option is the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine D-245. These motors have demonstrated themselves well in Nicaragua, where they are often installed on sixty-sixth GAZ models. To re-equip a GAZ 66 with a new engine, you can contact the manufacturer or, if you have the appropriate experience, do it yourself.

Another option for upgrading the engine could be installing a more economical four-liter engine from Isuzu

Plus, this engine is noticeably quieter, which is important for those who want to create not just an aggressive all-terrain vehicle, but also achieve some comfort while driving. It will not be possible to install this motor at the factory, so you will have to rely on your own strength or resort to professionals in this field

This is interesting: Design features and technical characteristics of the Next City Lawn (Next City)

Improvement of the technical part of the car

Despite the fairly large engine capacity, it clearly lacks power. Large ground clearance and a unique transfer case allow you to drive on serious off-road conditions, but you can often encounter a situation where the car simply does not have enough power to overcome holes and other difficult areas.

Important! Remaking an original engine is a complex procedure, the result of which will not live up to expectations. Therefore, many experts recommend installing a new power unit from another car, which will solve the problem with insufficient power.

The question is what kind of engine can be installed on the GAZ 66, taking into account efficiency and increased power? Quite often the following engines are installed on the GAZ 66:

• Minsk MTZ D245 is found quite often in converted GAZ 66, but note that this engine in terms of power and efficiency is not significantly superior to the original power unit.
• It is believed that the most suitable engine for installation is the XBF 495 from ISUZU. Its volume is 4.5 liters and its power is 235 horsepower. If necessary, you can install an automatic transmission. In comparison with the original engine, this unit is capable of producing power that will be sufficient for comfortable driving of the car in question.
• Some modifications of Toyota Hilux engines have a power of 235 horsepower; their design features are also suitable for installation on GAZ.

Work on replacing the engine can be carried out in specialized workshops, since installing a new engine is accompanied by a large number of problems. As for the transmission, with Japanese engines, as a rule, automatic boxes are installed; a manual one is suitable from the ZIL-130. The transfer case can be taken from a KRAZ or URAL 156. Do not forget about improving the braking system, which can be borrowed from a Nissan FTX or the same Toyota 4x4.

Purpose and principle of operation of the power take-off

GAZ power take-offs are used in cars of the Gorky Automobile Plant to transfer working force from the engine to the actuators. The choice of the optimal option depends on the type of additional devices and technical characteristics of the vehicle.

The PTO (transfer case) must be consistent with the engine and gearbox. Clutch-dependent models are used only when the engine is idling. They usually weigh little and have a simple installation system. The clutch-dependent power take-off can be actuated via a pneumatic system when the engine is idling. The advantage of this option is that its use does not lead to excessive engine consumption. In addition, it has a simple design and is easy to maintain.

The device for the GAZ 3309 dump truck is designed to take power from a gearbox driven by a pump.

The GAZ 3307 take-off box is mounted on a KO-503V vacuum machine to transmit torque to the vacuum pump.

Power take-offs for GAZ 66 are designed on a principle similar to those for GAZ 3307 and 3309. They are actively used to operate additional equipment that is installed on special equipment: manipulators, dump trucks, tow trucks, truck cranes and other similar mechanisms.

The function of the device is to partially transfer engine power to the connected equipment.

There are three types of devices according to the control method:

• mechanical – used on GAZ and UAZ vehicles;
• vacuum – used on machines with vacuum equipment;
• pneumatic – used on trucks with MAZ, URAL, KAMAZ compressors.

Before you buy a selection box for GAZ 53, GAZ 52, GAZ 51, you need to familiarize yourself with the mandatory requirements that it must meet. So, it should be small-sized, light weight and have good wear resistance of parts. In addition, it must be easy to operate and maintain the transmission ratio and transmitted power.

The power take-off on the ZIL 131 performs the function of a winch drive and is mounted on the hatch flange. The operating time of the device depends on actual performance and is preliminarily verified by testing.

The power take-offs on the ZIL 130 are attached to the mating surface of the gearbox on the right. The device is activated by pressing the latch upward.

The price depends on many factors, such as ease of use, quality of materials, and the principle of inclusion. In addition, the price is also affected by the fact whether you are purchasing a new device or a used one.

Experts' opinion

Egor.

I decided to buy a GAZ 66 just to travel through the forest. Fishing and hunting are two of my hobbies for which this car is ideal. In order to significantly increase comfort during travel, I carried out a complete tuning of the interior, as a result, you can live in this car.

Dmitriy.

It was necessary to increase the engine power, otherwise there is very little of it for this large car. I considered a lot of options and decided to install a new engine. I didn’t undertake to do the work myself, as I needed to be a good mechanic. The result met expectations.

Auto center GAZ TSS Kuban

If you are interested in purchasing GAZ cars, then you definitely need to contact the dealership. The company represents GAZ products in Krasnodar (Gazelle Next, Sobol GAZ, Gezel Farmer, etc.), as well as Chinese manufacturers - Lifan and Chery. Explore the entire range of cars on the official website or at an authorized center!

provides the following services:

• sale and maintenance of GAZ cars (service);
• credit programs, leasing, exchange of old cars for new ones, recycling;
• carrying out repair work at our own service stations.

Why GAZ-66

Here it is quite possible to recall the history of the emergence of SUVs as a car class. The first off-road vehicles were trucks. It is enough to mention the Marmon Herrington company, which produced all-terrain vehicles based on serial trucks. As for off-road properties, the Soviet military vehicle GAZ-66 had simply excellent cross-country ability and was not whimsical (we will not say anything about comfort).

This is probably why remaking the GAZ-66 is one of the most interesting and affordable options for creating your own all-terrain vehicle. The legendary car, nicknamed shishiga (goblin) for its ability to drive where it is often difficult to pass, provides off-road enthusiasts with excellent opportunities for driving without roads.

GAZ-66 Button

We cannot ignore the factor that every extreme sports enthusiast has his own understanding of what his all-terrain vehicle should be like. And someone can realize their vision in metal, creating a unique, almost unique, but their own car. That’s why a jeep based on the GAZ-66 looks like an attractive option for such craftsmen.

Of course, our craftsmen did not forget about the exterior. We should not forget about the existing brands among SUVs. These include the Hummer H1, a truly iconic car for many. Its price is often simply prohibitive, but making your own Hummer from a GAZ-66 is a completely doable task. Moreover, this can be a completely successful commercial project. There will be people who want to drive a car “a la Hummer” for $10,000, similar to the prototype and not inferior to it in cross-country ability.

How it's done

There are several such completed projects. One of them is GAZ-66 Partizan. At the same time, the resulting car really looks very much like a Hummer. The Partizan is based on the GAZ-66 chassis, which allows it to withstand significant loads in severe off-road conditions. The original gas-powered units - engine, suspension, gearbox and transfer case - are mounted on this chassis.

Gas-66 Partizan

To ensure a low hood line, the engine is moved back deep into the frame. In fact, the interior consists of two shishiga cabins, the hood and trunk are made of fiberglass. Standard glass is used for cabin glazing. Unlike the shishiga, the driver's seat is comfortable, all controls are located in the usual places.

Shifting the engine back made it possible to improve the vehicle's weight distribution and lower the center of gravity, increasing its stability and controllability. The cabin comfortably accommodates four people. In the middle, like on the Hammer, there is a transmission tunnel. The instrument panel is homemade, with simple indicators.

The purpose of the car is purely utilitarian, and no one specifically intended to create comfort. The appearance of the resulting all-terrain vehicle is similar to a Hummer. However, in addition to the usual copying, craftsmen also make their own changes. Thus, there are examples of cars in which all wheels are steerable, i.e. The rear ones turn the same way as the front ones. This provides additional benefits when off-road.

SUV "mega cruiser russia"

One of the most interesting cars was created by Vyacheslav Zolotukhin from Krasnokamensk. His car not only looks beautiful, it is elegant and comfortable. The changes are so significant that it’s hard to believe that at the heart of such a miracle is the same GAZ-66, converted into a jeep. How did the owner of the car end up living like this? It is no coincidence that the author chose the GAZ-66 as the prototype for his SUV.

The positive qualities of the car were taken into account, the main ones being a durable frame and axles with self-locking differentials. The cabin, body, engine, and gearbox were removed from the car.

After disassembly, only the frame with bridges remained, and then assembly began. The engine is from a Japanese Hino truck, diesel, in-line, with 6 cylinders and a volume of 7.5 liters, supplemented by an air purification system from KamAZ.

The transfer case remained, but the bearings were replaced with imported ones, which led to a reduction in noise. And the 6-speed gearbox is also taken from Hino. To install the engine and power units, the transverse elements of the frame had to be redone. The heavy diesel is positioned low and shifted towards the rear to place the center of gravity closer to the middle of the base. But he didn’t get into the cabin; the layout of the main units turned out to be successful.

There are now two exhaust pipes: instead of one large muffler, two smaller ones are installed. A 180-liter fuel tank is located in front of the rear axle. The interior is made from a double cab from an Isuzu Elf truck, and the trunk is from a Noah minivan. To dock with the body, the rear part had to be widened and the original glass inserted.

And also interesting: Do-It-Yourself 4x4 ATV with Oka Engine 11113

The radiator grille is assembled from two from Prado, the headlights are from Delica, the hood is original, and the front fenders are taken from

and remade. The front doors, which had cutouts for the wheel arches, were changed and became solid. The welds are completely invisible, it looks like the doors were like that. The bumpers are homemade, metal. The body is attached to the frame at 12 points, each with three rubber pads.

The wheel rims have been changed, with the new ones the track has widened by 20 cm, the car has become more stable. The tires are from the Tiger, they are somewhat smaller. The front hubs are detachable, their design is very reliable, similar to the closed threaded clutch of the GAZ-69, it is now possible to disable the wheels.

The interior is also well thought out. Two passengers can sit in the front row, the seat back folds down and turns into a table, and the driver is seated in a separate chair. In the back row there is space for three people, but four can also fit. Large windows provide excellent visibility.

After test drives, the identified deficiencies were eliminated. The rear axles have main pairs with a lower gear ratio. Instead of “original” shock absorbers, those taken from KamAZ (with minor modifications) were used. The stiffest leaf springs have been removed to eliminate excessive stiffness.

What happens in the end

The resulting all-terrain vehicle, for all its excellent off-road characteristics, remains a truck. The driver has to remember the double-squeeze technique when changing gears; the gears are engaged with a “crunch,” and control is not easy or sensitive.

The suspension cannot be called soft either; the shaking is very noticeable. And Gazelle shock absorbers in the form of vibration-damping elements do not help here. But what cannot be denied is that any road will be passable for such a car. The maximum speed on asphalt is 120 km/h, ground clearance is 260 mm, range, self-locking differentials - everything is there, and with such equipment you can drive wherever you want.

We bring the cabin and body into proper condition

In order to properly tune the GAZ 66, you need to start with the restoration of the cabin and body. To do this, you need to carry out rust removal procedures. Next, you should seal the through holes and putty. The next step is to apply layers of paintwork, which gives the car owner full scope for creativity. So, some car enthusiasts choose a military theme for tuning, while others prefer modern styling. At this stage, it is important to take into account that the car painting style that you choose does not differ from other tuning elements and does not violate the chosen unified theme.

Adding decorative tuning elements

As additional tuning elements for the GAZ-66, optics in the form of fog lights, which are mounted directly under the windshield, are suitable. The number of such headlights can range from 4 to 6. In addition, fog lights can be installed on the roof of the cab.

In this case, the operation of additional optics must be carried out separately and independently of the operation of the main optics of the car.

It is also possible to give the GAZ 66 the appearance of a racing car by attaching arcs, which are a welded frame for the cabin and body. In addition, small arcs can be installed on the side mirrors, which look very impressive. You can add tuning using folding metal ladders, and you can add vintage style by installing stylish horns on the roof of the cab or next to the side mirrors - special devices for giving sound signals.

If your goal is to give the car a military theme, be sure to install a special winch, which is usually attached to the rear of the car. And the use of wide wheels from an armored personnel carrier, Ural or KrAZ will allow you to give the car a more aggressive style and ensure high cross-country ability. Photos of the car will allow you to clearly evaluate this tuning of the GAZ 66.

Some masters do not stop at cosmetic transformations of the external design of the GAZ-66 and use more radical tuning options.

An example of such tuning is work to bring the appearance of the GAZ-66 closer to the image of Hummer cars. The interior is made by combining two cabins, and the hood and trunk are made of fiberglass. And by moving the engine back, the hood line drops lower. Well, painting the body in military tones would be more relevant for such tuning.

Easy tuning of the standard version of the SUV

GAZ 66 is popularly called “shishiga”, the appearance of this car deserves attention; to make a beautiful tuning you need to do the following things:

First, you need to bring the cabin and body of the car to normal condition - remove rust, fill various holes with putty, and you can also apply paint to the updated body. You can choose absolutely any paint color, if you wish, you can even paint your car pink, though it won’t look serious, but it will look glamorous.

Best of all, military colors, especially camouflage, are suitable for this car. The main thing is to think in advance so that the new tuning elements are combined with the paint.

Next, you can proceed to installing new light optics, because the standard ones do not glow very well, so you can install new main optics, and you can also install additional lights, for example, fog lights, and place them under the glass.

This SUV looks ideal when it has 6 of these headlights. You can also install headlights on the roof of the cab. The fog lights must be configured so that they turn on separately from the main headlights.

Next, you can make the car look like a super rally car that conquers the Dakar, for this you need to install arches. They can be made in the form of a frame for the cabin. The small arcs on the side mirrors also look great; the guard will also look very original

It is very important to install a winch, which is considered an important element of every military vehicle, it should be installed at the rear of the SUV

In order to make the car more elegant, you need to install modern horns; they will look very stylish on the roof or near the side mirrors.

Tuning the interior of the GAZ-66

Work to eliminate noise and seal the interior

When carrying out work to improve the cabin interior, you need to take into account that this is still not a modern car, so it is worth paying attention to sound insulation and sealing in order to try to eliminate noise in the cabin when driving, as well as to avoid dust getting into the cabin. For these purposes, it is necessary to purchase rubber seals and modern insulating materials.

Changing the interior of the cabin

As for changing the interior design of the cabin itself, as elements for tuning, you can use special seat covers, reupholstering the seats, or even replace the seats with more modern and comfortable ones.

You can also change the trim on the doors, floors and ceilings. In addition, it is possible to install a modern acoustic system in the GAZ-66. Car mats of various colors will also help to give the interior an individual and unique design.

Dashboard decoration

The instrument panel can be radically changed by attaching LED backlighting. In addition to the fact that with the help of such lighting the interior of the GAZ-66 will turn out stylish and unique, the readability of the dashboard will also improve, which is very convenient. To give bright lighting, diodes with white lamps are used, but if you want to add some originality, colored LEDs are suitable.

If you plan to carry out tuning yourself, then the option for you is to install LED analogues in place of conventional incandescent light bulbs. In this case, there is no need to learn the principles of wiring and correct polarity. But if you use an LED strip with additional electrical appliances, we recommend that you seek the help of a specialist, since it is important to know the electrical circuit of the machine and have some knowledge of physics.

Engine replacement

A more serious tuning option for the GAZ-66 is to replace its engine. You really can’t do without such work, because the car is quite old and today the original GAZ engines are, as a rule, in poor working condition. After all, if your GAZ-66 has difficulty moving, which is the main function of any car, tuning the exterior and interior of such a car loses its meaning.

As a rule, GAZ is equipped with a diesel unit from the Minsk Motor Plant. The most suitable power units of the D-245 series with turbocharging are considered. Equipment for such tuning is ordered directly from the manufacturer.

More powerful tuning can be achieved by installing an engine from ISUZU, the volume of which is about 4.5 liters. This engine is not only quieter, but also more economical, allowing for lower fuel consumption.

However, in this case, the installation of the unit will need to be done on your own.

Replacing the gearbox

Replacing an engine usually entails work to improve the transmission. For example, the standard gearbox can be replaced with a similar device from the ZIL-130. At the same time, the five-speed system of such a gearbox and absolute synchronization contribute to improving dynamics, including on the highway. Also, the GAZ-66 can be equipped with a more powerful transmission model from KrAZ or Ural.

Thus, tuning the GAZ-66 is a space for the creativity of its owner, who himself chooses how to change his car. So, some car enthusiasts try to preserve the originality of this legendary military vehicle, others try to give it uniqueness and individuality, bring it closer to a modern style, or even use sports themes for tuning.

GAZ-66 is one of the legends of the Soviet automobile industry. He took part in the war in Afghanistan, where he saved the lives of our soldiers more than once. The “shishiga” is still loved today for its reliability and high cross-country ability. And to give an old truck a new life, motorists resort to tuning.

GAZ-66 tuning is practiced mainly by self-taught craftsmen who are not afraid to experiment and fantasize. Depending on the vision of the future car, as well as the financial capabilities of the owner, you can make superficial tuning or radically remodel the entire truck.

01.jpg

1. Surely many are interested in the question of how to paint a GAZ 66 with your own hands beautifully and efficiently? It’s hard to imagine, but there is nothing complicated in this procedure. First, you will need to obtain permission from the traffic police, and then you can proceed directly to the process. For convenience, it is better to use a warm garage in the winter or, if it’s warm outside, you can just do it in the fresh air. You need to purchase several spray cans of the selected color from the auto store. The following combinations of three colors are popular: green (as the main one) - 5-6 pieces, black and dirty yellow - four pieces. You will need 0 sandpaper and three cans of primer. Let's get to work: we clean off the “suspicious” and rusty areas with sandpaper, you can start with a larger one than zero, then you should apply a zero. Next you need to use “soil”. Next, all this should be dried, degreased with acetone and allowed to dry. Then we start painting. First you need to use green paint completely, in several layers. Next black and yellow. You choose the drawing at your discretion. It all depends on your imagination (of course, you won’t be able to create 3D tuning the first time, but patience and determination help you achieve a lot).
2. As an option for upgrading a GAZ 66 car, you can use an interesting contraption - a speedometer knob. With this device you can independently increase the mileage of your car. It must be connected via the vehicle's diagnostic connector via the CAN bus. This is the most modern device for increasing mileage.

Advantages of this device:

• speed readings are recorded in all service units - an increase in mileage cannot be determined during maintenance;
• quick connection using a standard connector for vehicle diagnostics;
• winding speed is up to 5000 km/h. You can also quickly increase your mileage;
• the connection process does not require intervention in the electrical wiring;
• The connection is made inside the car.

Change your appearance

There are two main options for tuning the cabin and body:

• refinement and design of the factory version,
• complete reconstruction beyond recognition.

Factory design tuning

As an example, the following “shishigi” tuning scheme should be given.

1. The appearance of the cabin and body is first brought into proper condition. To do this, rust is removed, through holes are sealed, putty is performed, and layers of paint and varnish are applied. The color scheme of the future exhibit depends only on the owner’s imagination. Some motorists prefer military colors, while others want to give the car modern features. It is important that the chosen painting option is harmoniously combined with other tuning elements.
2. Additional optics in the form of fog lights are installed directly under the windshield. The number of lights ranges from 4 to 6. The second option for installing “fog lights” will be the roof of the cabin. The activation of additional optics must be carried out separately from the operation of standard headlights.
3. The arches will help give the truck the look of a rally car about to conquer the Dakar. They are made in the form of a welded frame for the cabin and body. The “mini-arcs” on the side mirrors look very impressive. In addition to arches, “kung” can be supplemented with folding metal stairs and other lathing.
4. A prerequisite for the military version of tuning is the presence of a winch. Some car enthusiasts install an additional winch at the rear of the car.
5. External stylish horns allow you to add elegance to your appearance. They can be installed on the cab roof or in the area of ​​the side mirrors.

Complete appearance transformation

Some craftsmen do not stop at updating the classic appearance of the “shishigi”. They boldly go for a radical change in the image of the car. A striking example of unusual tuning of the GAZ-66 is the project called “Partizan”.

• All that remains of the truck is the chassis and power units.
• The appearance of the Partizan resembles an aggressive SUV, somewhat similar to the foreign Hummer. However, the “breath” of the legendary “shishiga” is felt in everything.
• The interior is made of two cabins, and the hood and trunk are made of fiberglass. When glazing the cabin, “original” gas glass was used. The hood line is low thanks to the rear-mounted engine.
• It is quite natural that such tuning requires painting the body in military colors.

Cabin tuning

The GAZ 66 cabin is subject to a wide variety of tuning. Thanks to deep modernization, the Sixty-sixth can be used to create a homemade vehicle that looks like a Hummer, but certainly not a Soviet-made all-terrain vehicle. This vehicle is called the Partizan all-terrain vehicle and is obtained through a global modification of the body.

To obtain a Russian Hummer, you need two original 66 cabs, but you have to make the rest of the body parts yourself. The front part of one cabin is cut off, the back part of the other. Cabin parts are welded together. The result is a spacious interior with four doors.

Option for tuning the gas 66 cabin
However, the floor has to be made homemade. The interior also has to be significantly modified, and the car is already becoming difficult to recognize - it turns out to be some kind of technical miracle.

Engine replacement

To this day, few original engines have survived in “combat” condition. And when a tuned GAZ-66 can barely move on the road, it is impossible to do without replacing the power unit.

The most affordable option is to equip the shishiga with diesel engines from the Minsk Motor Plant. Power units of the D-245 series with turbocharging are best suited. By the way, such engines are used today for the conversion of GAZ-66 in Nicaragua. Conversions can be ordered directly from the manufacturer.

You can carry out a more substantial tuning by installing an economical and quiet engine from Isuzu with a volume of about 4 liters. In this case, you will have to carry out the conversion yourself.

Original parameters

Before we begin tuning, let's consider the most significant technical components of the GAZ 66.

• The car is equipped with an eight-cylinder ZMZ-66-06 engine with a volume of about 4.3 liters and a power of 120 hp. Average fuel consumption is about 20 liters per 100 km. The gearbox is a 4-speed transfer case with a reduction gear and has the ability to drive both axles or only the rear axle. For harsh operating conditions, an important point is the presence of engine heating before starting.
• The car is capable of regulating tire pressure thanks to the special design of the rims. Inflating the tires themselves is quite easy thanks to the presence of a compressor driven by the engine of the car itself.
• The hydraulic brake system has a booster.
• The behavior of the car in conditions accompanied by rolls and distortions has been thought out, i.e. the center of gravity is located exactly in the center between the axles.
• The car has two axles with the ability to independently lock the differential, which makes it easy to overcome any unstable ground surface.
• In addition, the truck has a fairly high ground clearance - over 300 mm, and according to its technical characteristics, it allows fording up to 800 mm.

Despite these seemingly good technical parameters for a car of its time, today the GAZ-66 does not meet the requirements of modern car enthusiasts and car tuning is inevitable in any case.

Transmission modification

Replacing the power unit is usually accompanied by a modification of the transmission.

1. So, instead of the standard gearbox, you can install a model from ZIL-130. Five forward gears and full synchronization will greatly improve the dynamics of the “shishiga” on the track.
2. To prevent the transfer case from becoming a weak link in the updated car, a more powerful version from KRAZ or Ural is installed.
3. The use of wide wheels from an armored personnel carrier, Ural or KRAZ will provide increased maneuverability and a menacing appearance.

Salon

When modifying the cabin interior, special attention is paid to eliminating noise and preventing dust from entering. To do this, you need to stock up on various rubber seals, as well as modern insulating materials such as

• vibroplast Silver,
• vizomat PB-2,
• SFP herband.

Changing the interior of the cabin will allow you to reupholster the seats, replace the door trim, floor and ceiling. Installing a good sound system will create coziness and comfort for the driver and passengers.

Installing LEDs in the instrument panel

The dashboard can be easily transformed beyond recognition by installing LED backlighting. A bright glow is provided by diodes with a white glow, and if you want to create some mystery, colored LEDs are suitable. This backlight will improve the readability of the dashboard.

The easiest way is to install LED analogues in place of conventional incandescent light bulbs. Then you won’t have to worry about wiring and correct polarity. But when an LED strip with additional electrical devices is used, then you need to know the electrical circuit of the car and have a little understanding of physics. But the reward for diligence will be the delightful exclamations of passengers when driving in the dark.

Tuning the GAZ-66 is a figment of the imagination of its owner. This car can be transformed in different ways. Some people want to preserve its classic identity, while others like to give the car individuality and originality. It is important that such tuning pleases the owner of the “shishiga”, who has invested a piece of his soul into his iron friend.