COMPANIES AND MARKETS
/ Fake
CHAPTER ON THE CHAIN
HANDICRAFT PRODUCTS COVER
LOGO OF DAUGAVPILSK FACTORY
TEXT / MAXIM NET
The drive chain plant (DZPTs OJSC) has been supplying parts to the VAZ conveyor for more than 30 years, and also supplies spare parts to the owners of the Volga (ZMZ-406 engine), Muscovites and some foreign cars.
You can distinguish a fake by the packaging. The modern original (photo 1b) and its copy (photo 1a) are very similar, but if you look closely, there are discrepancies. Judging by the inscription on the box, the "left" chain is made according to other specifications (TU). The white plate, which indicates the belonging of a particular model, is printed on only one side. In addition, an attentive buyer will find at least two differences in the design of a non-native packaging.
Another version of the artisanal box is more similar to the original in the picture (photos 2a and 2b show the reverse side - there are inscriptions in Latvian). But the wrong TU number and white plate give out a fake. By the way, on the factory packaging there should be a special badge against the index of the corresponding model. On the "leftist" it is replaced by a jackdaw or hook, set with a ballpoint pen. Sometimes not even them. On our box in the “white list”, an addition was made in blue ink: GAZ-70 … Do not look for such a model in the directories - artisans obviously indicated the number of links.
Original chains are lubricated and wrapped in plastic wrap before packaging. The left-wing masters usually save on something here.
Proper packaging is not yet a full guarantee, so it’s best to check the contents. You can find out the origin of the chain by processing the rollers that connect the links. Two methods of fastening are used at the factory: rolling (the edges of the rollers are rounded off - photo 3a) and riveting (two cuts remain at the end - photo 3b).
Handicraftsmen prefer riveting - it can be done without special equipment, however, the quality of “manual” work is usually noticeably lower (photo 4). On one fake, the ends of the rollers are more or less even, but the edges, in comparison with the factory processing, are sloppy. Another fake is made even worse, besides the material is soft - the end of the roller is easy to scratch even with the ignition key.
The plates of the original chain undergo additional hardening - this is evidenced by the color of the tarnish (photo 4). The fake material is usually plain - dark brown or dark blue.
At least one trademark of the manufacturer is necessarily on the "native" chain. On many fakes, hiding behind the Latvian name, the mark is absent. Some try to copy it and sometimes even not bad.
A copper plate is a connection of a circuit into a closed loop (photo 5). On factory parts, it is installed only on one side. The ends of the rollers in this place, even at riveted chains, are necessarily folded. Many fakes adopted the color of the plate from the originals, but not the method of fastening.
Often in stores and markets there are “left” chains for the Volga (lengths of 70 and 90 links) made from factory components. The only difference is in the castle. For fakes, the connection is riveted, on the original details - a detachable spring lock.
A fake chain is not as life-threatening as artisanal parts of the brake system, steering, suspension. However, by installing one on the engine, you become an involuntary participant in the lottery, where the loss is significant, but there are no prizes …