How do I fix Bubba's handiwork?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

May 31, 2008 | 04:14 PM

Wilross3

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 799

Likes: 21

From: Rock Hill SC

How do I fix Bubba's handiwork?

Hello all... finally got down to trying to tighten up this piece of loose trim, does this look like Bubba's work or is this kosher?

Looks to me like the trim screws stripped out the holes, and someone used some sort of epoxy to fill in the space and glue the trim screws in. Passenger door trim is loose also, but I haven't taken it apart yet. I suspect the same though as the screws just spin.

Any good way to repair this other than ordering an entire new inside plastic piece and the proper screws?

Bill

May 31, 2008 | 04:25 PM

moosie982

Safety Car

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 3,547

Likes: 12

From: Carbondale Pa.

Looks to me like the intentions were good but the prep work and the waiting were hurried. I really dont see any other way to repair this other then for you to not be bubba and take your time and give the epoxy or what ever YOU choose to fasten those inserts in the panel time to cure completely. Good

luck,,, you can of course get new trim pieces and go from there. Peace,,,Moosie

May 31, 2008 | 05:03 PM

7T1vette

Team Owner

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 37,637

Likes: 3,118

From: Crossville TN

It looks like the backing plate with the threaded members has rusted out or been damaged and the PO tried to make repairs without replacing it. It might be possible to repair the old backing plate...it would probably have to have to new threaded members brazed/welded/silver soldered to it....if it is not rusted out. If it were me, I'd be checking the CF parts section, eBay, or some used Corvette parts places for a replacement.

May 31, 2008 | 05:15 PM

Wilross3

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 799

Likes: 21

From: Rock Hill SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7T1vette

That's what I'm thinkin'... looked through my restoration catalog to no avail... any idea of a part name or number for the black plastic piece?

Bill

May 31, 2008 | 05:32 PM

70Yellowbird

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,042

Likes: 19

From: Oswego New York

I repaired the same thing last winter with no problems. It was an easy fix ... but takes time. I soaked the end of the metal piece with the screw and threaded insert in white vinegar (microwave to boiling in a heavy plastic cup) for 2 days ... all the rust was gone and it came apart easily. Clean out all the old glue/epoxy from the plastic trim piece ... remove all loose material and wipe with acetone. Then re-epoxy the insert (leave the screw in the insert). Wait a day before removing screw ... the insert should hold now so go ahead with reassembly.

Good luck.

May 31, 2008 | 07:09 PM

Alan 71

Team Owner

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 31,315

Likes: 4,420

From: Westminster Maryland

Bill,
Dr Rebuild does show the 'rear quarter panel trim panels', the 'steel retainer set', and the fastener kit on page 202, if you need some replacement parts. From the pictures and advice it does look like something you can fix yourself.
Regards'
Alan

May 31, 2008 | 07:25 PM

Paul L

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 30,995

Likes: 99

From: Ontario

That epoxy should be hard enough. Can you not just start a new hole with a small drill bit and tap it for #10 machine screws? Or drill and use self-tapping screws.

May 31, 2008 | 07:27 PM

'75

Le Mans Master

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 6,422

Likes: 591

From: McHenry Illinois

http://www.zip-products.com/Zip/prod...6EA4D4A2336CA2

I used this kit, worked well for me. The inserts in the kit are brass, so hopefully the screws won't seize again.