Inner arch sheilds - how to redo the fixings

With all the action my belts side of the car has received lately the self-tapers that hold the fibreglass arch in place are too big. Any suggestions for a remedy apart from drilling new holes in different places. I know about the little spring clips that push onto panel edges that are made for self-tapers but I don't know that they are called to search for them.

thanks

Lee - back from vacation, straight into the garage

'77 GT4

 

Hi Lee,

You could use the spring clips as you mentioned. Any car audio fitting shop would have a stock of them for fitting speakers to door trims and parcel shelves.

Cheers

George

 

Ahh, this is what I was thinking, any other suggestions.

http://www.bresco.com/acatalog/Spire_Nuts-__U__type.html

btw, the holes are pretty big now, like 5/6mm so I wasn't thinking just put a larger screw in...

Lee

 

The spire nuts are used on the wheel liners/fenders of my '84 Mondial. I don't know if this was factory for my car or aftermarket, but the nuts work well. Buy lots of extras as they do like to fall out and get lost when servicing the car.

 

My '89 328 has those speed clips from factory on the rear inner wheel covers and timing belt back covers. Another thing you can try to fill up or patch the the holes with resin/fiberclass again but I like the clips better.

 

The spring nuts you refer to are Tinnorman nuts. There are many on my airplane.

You can order them from Aircraft Spruce.

Good luck

Rob

 

I don't know what the screws look like, but reminds me of when wood screws strip out, I put a toothpick in the hole and run the screw in along it. When flush break off remining wood. More like something I'd do on the side of the road in a pinch, maybe just comic relief. I do like the above fixes better as a proper solution.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, yes these Tinnerman U-nuts are the ones. Nice to know they are good enough for aircraft use too. I've ordered some standard length ones to get me going - lots on ebay too, now I know what they are called.

Question though, since these will be in a potentially rust prone area under the arche - has anyone ever seen stainless steel ones ? I guess I'll just cover them in Waxoyl when installing otherwise as they can be a PITA to remove if they do rust up.

Lee

'77 GT4

 

These are commonly known as speednuts, and are available from any half-decent parts store, and most dealers will have them as well. They come in different sizes, so if the holes are worn badly you just use a bigger size.

 

Use a #12 SS metal screw, then put fender washers under the head which will cover the enlarged hole. These screw plates are self locking when tightened and the SS screw will not grab the nut when it rusts.

Rob

 

MsMaster-Carr

http://www.mcmaster.com/#stainless-steel-speed-nuts/=3adghh

 

Car door panel platsic clips is what i used. Having metal screws near the tire that come off can cause flats and be a problem when on track. They are also lighter than the screws, for those truly retentitive about lowering the car's weight. Buy a box of 50 and be done with it.

http://www.autobodysupplies.com/Interior%20Door%20Panel%20Clips%20Page%201%20.htm