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I got tire of looking at the crappy hardware on my car so I ordered the stainless stuff off the forum. It was on sale for about 20 bucks for all three kits, hood, trunk and doors.
Shipping was quick so yesterday I started installing the stuff. The littles dishes that sit under the screws were cutting into the body plastic on the front fender when I tightened the screws. Now, believe me when I say there was no way to put the screws anywhere reasonably tight without cutting the body plastic.
So, having a Fastenall store nearby i set off to see what I could do. At the store I found these stainless steel washers, 100 for 8 bucks and the guy sold them to me for 6 bucks.
This is what they look like under the screw and dished washer. Overall, I pretty happy with the result.
The washers will not fit on the door hardware but the door plastic is much harder than the hatch or fender plastic. The dished washers do not cut into the doors.
This may sound funny but it is one of the best appearance mods I have done. The hood and trunk look 1000% better when they are open. The door hardware is not quite as noticeable but when that hood is up it looks soooo much nicer.
I suppose it wouldn't be such a big deal to anyone off the street but I was so sick of that ****ty GM hardware that looked like poop.
Good idea and great save! However, I'm a little disappointed that vendors that sell these SS dress up screw kits didn't already have a fix in place that prevents their mod from damaging the car it is intended to dress up.
I am considering some chrome screws as well so I wonder if those will have the same problem.
Good idea! I know what you mean about the pan washers cutting into the paint.
I have a buffing wheel here at the shop. A few years ago I got bored and took one screw out at a time and hit the screw with the buffer and then put it back. They polished up real easy and still look like chrome to this day.
Just think how much you would of saved if you bought it all at Fastenall....
I agree. I checked their site and they also sell chrome plated fasterners. Anyone know the size of the OEM screws under the hood, trunk and doors? I think the hood and trunk/hatch screws are a different size than those on the door jams.
I got tire of looking at the crappy hardware on my car so I ordered the stainless stuff off the forum. It was on sale for about 20 bucks for all three kits, hood, trunk and doors.
Shipping was quick so yesterday I started installing the stuff. The littles dishes that sit under the screws were cutting into the body plastic on the front fender when I tightened the screws. Now, believe me when I say there was no way to put the screws anywhere reasonably tight without cutting the body plastic.
So, having a Fastenall store nearby i set off to see what I could do. At the store I found these stainless steel washers, 100 for 8 bucks and the guy sold them to me for 6 bucks.
This is what they look like under the screw and dished washer. Overall, I pretty happy with the result.
The washers will not fit on the door hardware but the door plastic is much harder than the hatch or fender plastic. The dished washers do not cut into the doors.
Thanks for the info...now here is a shot of the rest of your Vette...fantastic!