Better solution for the headlight panel in the wheel arch?

[bsdnazz]

Has anyone found a better solution for fixing the headlight access panel in the wheel arch than a self-tapper into this fibreglass?

There must be a nice captive nut solution somewhere.

[sapper]

I remember someone once cut the top off a protein Tub and fixed it in place so access was made easy but unscrewing the top

[chimp427]

How about using some rivnuts?

[bsdnazz]

chimp427 said:

How about using some rivnuts?

I'm not sure how they'd attach to the wing inner over time. The rivnuts I've seen don't seem to have much of a flange and I wonder if they'd pull out.

Something like this http://www.jetpress.com/Products.aspx/objfxopz16/F... with an open base glued to the inside of the wing perhaps?

[bsdnazz]

Or these spring clip jobbies on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-OF-FAIRING-PANELS-STA...

[phillpot]

How about Rawlnuts... 50 might be a bit of over kill!

[Buggy]

I fitted these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-plastic-round-wate...

[ChimpOnGas]

Buggy said:

I fitted these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-plastic-round-wate...

That looks like the perfect solution Buggy



What size did you fit?

[FoxTVR430]

They look realy good. Did you screw them in and use bonding glue?

[Buggy]

I went for 6" and bonded and screwed in.

[bsdnazz]

Buggy said:

I went for 6" and bonded and screwed in.

Interesting! How secure do the centres feel?

I might try these - http://www.speedyfasteners.com/Black_Plastic_Screw... - being all plastic they won't rust and a 24p a pop won't break the bank.

[Steve_D]

Those access hatches in 6" are out of stock but I found and bought these even cheaper at £6.83 each.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171107746330

Steve

[Steve_D]

It gets better.
Ordered them Sat. man walked into the workshop this morning and delivered them by hand.
Result

Steve

[Sardonicus]

Rivnuts with the top flange will work perfectly one of the most worthwhile tools with a fibre glass car IMO make sure you use the serrated edge style

[phillpot]

Sardonicus said:

Rivnuts................

Still think these are better into fibreglass............


no special tool required, low pressure and flexible so no cracking or crazing.

[AREA]

What luxurious options! They forgot to put the access hatch in mine. It's a contortionist act through the front grill, scratched forearms, incredible amounts of patience and good humor followed by a trip to the chiropractor when I've had to change a bulb.

Is the lack of hatch a common issue ?

[Bassfiend229hp]

AREA said:

What luxurious options! They forgot to put the access hatch in mine. It's a contortionist act through the front grill, scratched forearms, incredible amounts of patience and good humor followed by a trip to the chiropractor when I've had to change a bulb.

Is the lack of hatch a common issue ?

On the early ones I believe so ... my '94 has no access hatches.

Phil

[jojackson4]

My 96 hasn't
But it soon will as they will be here on Thursday

[bobfather]

phillpot said:

Sardonicus said:

Rivnuts................

Still think these are better into fibreglass............


no special tool required, low pressure and flexible so no cracking or crazing.

These options both have flanges to prevent the nut pushing through. Those flanges will hold the cover away from the inner wing. You'd need to add a gasket ring with cut-outs for the fasteners

[Sardonicus]

bobfather said:

These options both have flanges to prevent the nut pushing through. Those flanges will hold the cover away from the inner wing. You'd need to add a gasket ring with cut-outs for the fasteners

Quick smear of silicone how often do you replace bulbs anyway ?