Armrest screws 79 coupe
 

I bought new door panels and armrests. The screws are the right size but the holes they screw into are worn. Is there a clip I can purchase in order to use these screws or should I buy larger screws?

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...29cb3429ce.jpg

If it's like my 72 or the 79 Trans AM I had the screw screws into the door shell.

I had problems on the T/A with the armrest/door pull coming loose. I took off the door panel and saw the metal surrounding the hole was pulled outward but it was still there. I think I just used a hammer and a screw driver the flatten the metal out and thus make the hole smaller.

Larger screw also an option as long as (obviously) the head fits into the armrest.

There are clips which slip over a screw hole. These bite into the thin metal and hold tight. The screw threads into the clip. There are already of number of these on our C3's. I don't know the name for them, but I was able to find them at my local Ace hardware. They were with the screws, bolts, nuts, washers section.

U-clips. Like these. You can buy at ACE, take the screw with you to get the correct size.
https://www.mcmaster.com/u-clips

Found some at Lowes. Thanks.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...0b164b4715.jpg

Photo of inside the door? I'm having this exact issue as well.

Here's the 3 mounting points.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...d68c3b34a0.jpg

I found some new brackets for the middle screw, but the ones on each end are still frustrating me.

The speed clips were too short.

https://www.corvettepacifica.com/pro...st-left-78-82/

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...7d07af56d5.gif
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...68f42c8fb8.gif

Take a look at this. I'm really close to guaranteeing it will allow your original screws to tighten.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-hole-tip.html

I think I had the same problem on my 79'. The one in my picture in a previous post. I THINK I used these speed nuts (memory isn't what it used to be!) Measure the distance from the edge of your brackets to the center of the hole. The ones I have are 5/8" and take a #10 screw. If you think they will work, PM me your address and I'll send you a couple.
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b9cb571f11.jpg

I started out with this.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...325d9a03ec.jpg

Cut it out with tin snips and drilled a 3/16 hole.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...ea9c6a46c1.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b3b9cc6292.jpg
Super Bubba lite.

And look at this. It's secure. The front screw is now a #14 and both the other screws are #12's.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...f998622be3.jpg

Thanks for an excellent thread. Im having the same problem with my 81c3. I used the speed nuts on the center mount but the four outer mounts (2 on each side) were really fubar. So I got the next size up and ground the heads down just a bit to fit into the holes on the new armrests. They work perfect. And without the armrest in place all the screws go in and tighten nice.
However, when I try testing the armrest in place, the center mount, no matter how I wiggle or move the new armrests, just wont line up. And thats without the upholstery panel in place yet! I can only imagine the armrest shrunk ??
I suspect Im gonna have to take off that center bracket and grind oval bolt holes in it so I can adjust it to fit ?

update: i found if I mount the armrest part first (both screws) THEN mount the pull handle part, it allows me to stretch it to fit!

Your finished panel looks great and gives me the inspiration to keep at it. Thanks again

I got the door panel and armrest installed on the drivers door. Big problem is the door lock rod is binding on the armrest. I really should have farmed this project out to an expert. I am tired of struggling with every thing I do to this money pit. But I have too much invested, time and money, to quit now.

Wish I would have used all the money I have invested in this car and bought a nicer C3.

I got the restoration blues...🎵🎶🎺

Don’t give up!
 

Ironic that I have the exact same issue with the drivers armrest/ lock button. At first it looked like too much rubber slag in the hole but I am wondering if the armrest itself is too tight up against the frame. I might try shimming it out with a washer or two first. If not maybe chasing the hole with a rat tailed file. I am still fitting the armrests etc. before the upholstered panels arrive and get mounted.
But I gotta say I understand your frustration, I guess it’s like buyers remorse. But I have passed that stage and look on this project as a challenge and each part I finished is a reward. After all, what else would you do with your time and money? Spend it on booze, strip clubs, guns, fishing, taking sexy girls to the beach or Vegas ? .......... hmmm, ok forget that part.