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Where can I buy new clips to mount my running boards on my 1977? The ones on the car had the screws rusted in and screw heads rusted off completely. Any links are greatly appreciated
If you can carefully drill out the rusted screws and run a tap in the "nut" you're way ahead of the game. Paragon sells a kit with the screws, replacement t-nuts, and speed nuts (for the end). Try a search for "rocker panel screw kit". On my car, I was able to drill and tap, so didn't use the t-nuts - I don't know how the originals are attached to the body, so the likewise don't know the difficulty of getting the old ones out.
Big City Corvettes on eBay also sells the nuts and screws separately. ('77 has 3 of these on each side)
The t-nuts were installed before the body was put onto the frame.
I believe some sort of adhesive held them in place.
The inner body where the t-nuts are placed is contoured so t-nut skirt is flush with the inner body when installed.
I had one spin on my 77 when removing the rocker molding(s).
Cleaned it and the inner body contour area where it fits, applied a small dab of black RTV sealant to the skirt and installed with a fender washer and screw to pull and keep in place until the RTV cured 12-24 hours.
Keep in mind when reinstalling the molding finish screws 10-15 inch pounds maximum or you permanently get depressions in the molding where you over tightened the finish screws.
I’m pretty sure the T-nuts are welded into the birdcage.
Some of mine on my 69 needed some work. Some were too damaged to retap and needed to be replaced. I drilled them out and used JB weld to put the new ones in.
Corvette running board clips
