T-top fastener rivets needed
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 69
Likes: 7
From: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
T-top fastener rivets needed
Hey ya'll,
So I bought a T-top fastener kit Link. However, it doesn't come with hardware. The original hardware is similar to a rivet that has been pressed into the interior panel. Then panel has deteriorated and allowed these rivets to come undone resulting in sagging interior t-top panels, which is why I'm trying to replace them.
I have experimented with both machine screws, wood screws, and sheet metal screws and while I can get the wood screws and sheet metal screws to bite into the panel they don't become flush with the "velcro" which prevents the opposing side from joining.
I've done a bit of google on this issue before bringing it to ya'll, but I didn't find any old articles on this topic. Additionally, I didn't find any replacement hardware for sale at any of my favorite vendors; Willcox, Corvette America.
Help is much appreciated!!
So I bought a T-top fastener kit Link. However, it doesn't come with hardware. The original hardware is similar to a rivet that has been pressed into the interior panel. Then panel has deteriorated and allowed these rivets to come undone resulting in sagging interior t-top panels, which is why I'm trying to replace them.
I have experimented with both machine screws, wood screws, and sheet metal screws and while I can get the wood screws and sheet metal screws to bite into the panel they don't become flush with the "velcro" which prevents the opposing side from joining.
I've done a bit of google on this issue before bringing it to ya'll, but I didn't find any old articles on this topic. Additionally, I didn't find any replacement hardware for sale at any of my favorite vendors; Willcox, Corvette America.
Help is much appreciated!!
Last edited by Masonwader; Nov 4, 2016 at 10:13 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,225
Likes: 4,312
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Mason,
If you're having success with the wood screws have you tried using a flat head counter sunk screw and drilling a shallow countersunk area in the velcro disc so the head of the screw is even with the surface of the disc when in place?
Home stores have very small brass countersunk flat head screws.
I think I'd also use some epoxy when installing the screws to help prevent the screw heads from pulling through the discs when you remove the trim panels the next time.
Regards,
Alan
I used 1/8" rivets to replace a couple od discs but on the fiberglass side of the roof panels. I filed the heads to make them as flat as possible.
If you're having success with the wood screws have you tried using a flat head counter sunk screw and drilling a shallow countersunk area in the velcro disc so the head of the screw is even with the surface of the disc when in place?
Home stores have very small brass countersunk flat head screws.
I think I'd also use some epoxy when installing the screws to help prevent the screw heads from pulling through the discs when you remove the trim panels the next time.
Regards,
Alan
I used 1/8" rivets to replace a couple od discs but on the fiberglass side of the roof panels. I filed the heads to make them as flat as possible.
Last edited by Alan 71; Nov 5, 2016 at 08:38 AM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 69
Likes: 7
From: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Hi Mason,
If you're having success with the wood screws have you tried using a flat head counter sunk screw and drilling a shallow countersunk area in the velcro disc so the head of the screw is even with the surface of the disc when in place?
Home stores have very small brass countersunk flat head screws.
I think I'd also use some epoxy when installing the screws to help prevent the screw heads from pulling through the discs when you remove the trim panels the next time.
Regards,
Alan
I used 1/8" rivets to replace a couple od discs but on the fiberglass side of the roof panels. I filed the heads to make them as flat as possible.
If you're having success with the wood screws have you tried using a flat head counter sunk screw and drilling a shallow countersunk area in the velcro disc so the head of the screw is even with the surface of the disc when in place?
Home stores have very small brass countersunk flat head screws.
I think I'd also use some epoxy when installing the screws to help prevent the screw heads from pulling through the discs when you remove the trim panels the next time.
Regards,
Alan
I used 1/8" rivets to replace a couple od discs but on the fiberglass side of the roof panels. I filed the heads to make them as flat as possible.
This morning I took out the screws and tried some epoxy to glue on the fastener. Well it didn't hold when I put the two velcro pieces back together about 12 hours later.
My t-top pads have some warping which require a bit of elbow grease to push them down onto the fasteners. I'm thinking the t-top pad might be beyond salvaging now. I think that the force I must put to press down the pad would rip out any screw or glue that I attempt to use.
Again, I'm going to try one last time with some modified screws and after cutting some space to sink the heads on the fastener, but I don't know how well it will hold up.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,225
Likes: 4,312
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Mason,
If the car was 'damp' the roof panel trims can get pretty warped!
Tough to remedy!!
As a LAST measure you might try damping the fiberboard with warm water and then try to flatten it into a more usable shape.
NOT for the faint of heart!
Regards,
Alan
If the car was 'damp' the roof panel trims can get pretty warped!
Tough to remedy!!
As a LAST measure you might try damping the fiberboard with warm water and then try to flatten it into a more usable shape.
NOT for the faint of heart!
Regards,
Alan
