Dzus Fasteners
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2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2014
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Dzus Fasteners
Has anyone ever used Dzus Fasteners for a hood on a C5? I purchased a lift off hood for my rebuild after an accident to save a couple pennies but it's goingntoend up costing me more I believe. Just looking for some insight on mounting locations for the rails. Thanks all!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Oak Ridhe MIssouri
Having used many dzus fasteners I personally wouldn't use them as my only means of holding a hood. They are really wimpy strength wise. After all they're aluminum and clip into a small wire spring.
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From: Boca Raton FL
Use Aerocatch latches instead, but they will definitely increase costs...
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Having worked in aviation for several years, particularly in composite and sheet metal repair (plus a bit of stock car racing on the side), Dzus fastener effectiveness is designed around panel weight. "Panel weight" is represented by two factors; the actual weight of the panel itself, and the weight of the panel with aerodynamic forces acting upon it. Dzus fastener engineering data will determine which fastener, and how many of them, will be required for an application.
Generally, both these factors are calculated by the engineers, with validation coming from wind tunnel or dynamic testing. There are also general "rules of thumb" that can be used to determine their application as well. Of course, after careful consideration, you might realize that you'll require an extraordinary amount of fasteners, making the whole proposition unfeasible in some cases. In other words, using 30 Dzus fasteners to secure a hood might be OK for a dedicated track car, but not really reasonable for a daily driver.
Generally, both these factors are calculated by the engineers, with validation coming from wind tunnel or dynamic testing. There are also general "rules of thumb" that can be used to determine their application as well. Of course, after careful consideration, you might realize that you'll require an extraordinary amount of fasteners, making the whole proposition unfeasible in some cases. In other words, using 30 Dzus fasteners to secure a hood might be OK for a dedicated track car, but not really reasonable for a daily driver.
Last edited by digi2t; May 22, 2018 at 09:57 PM.
