RE: stripped threads on doors

[Hirsch <Catenary@domain.elided>]

Christopher Keen wrote:
 =

>> DPO stripped the threads of various screw-holes that hold the
screws for the door panels, floor mats, etc. Is there a way to
still hold on the door panels without using larger size screws
(which intuition tells me would just look out of place)? <<

I HATE sheet metal screws. They're unprofessional looking, they
don't hold well (and strip easily), and they destroy the
surrounding paint making rust formation more facile. On Alfas,
sheet metal screws are ubiquotous--they're used to attach
carpeting, trim pieces, accessories, and panels to the body
of the car. But sometimes, using a sheet metal screw is about
the only way to attach a panel/carpet/accessory to a car if
you can't get behind the fastener to put on a nut. This is true,
unless you have rivet nut gun, in which case you have another,
often better option.

A rivet nut gun allows you to use bolts and machine screws
where you never could before. It looks and works much like
a pop rivet gun, but instead of setting rivets, it sets
threaded inserts. You simply drill a hole in the base panel
and insert a threaded insert nut using the rivet nut gun. The
insert nuts have a flange on the top and the tool causes the
insert to expand and grip the sheet metal.

The threaded inserts can be used to install mirrors on doors,
all sorts of brackets, trim pieces normally mounted with
one-time fasteners, carpeting, and more.

I wouldn't, however, use a rivet nut to install anything under
much stress such as such as anti-roll bar brackets. (Of course
I wouldn't use sheet metal screws for this either!)

One place rivet nuts can't replace sheet metal screws is where
an object is to be attached at an angle.

The rivet nut gun is available from the Eastwood Co. (item
#1761, ph. (800)-820-9042) for $75 and comes ready to use
with an assortment of steel rivet nuts. I think JCWhiteney
also sells it.

Good luck,
 =

Rich Hirsch
'87 Milano
'78 Spider
'67 Duetto
'66 Sprint GTV <- Cat Daddy--dash looks great
Editor, i Saluti, St Louis AROC
Website: http://www.catenary.com/victor/isaluti

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