At 12:56 PM 2/7/2004 -0500, you wrote:
>For later: Exactly how do those pins work, and what is the sure-fire way of
>getting the molding on without bends or later problems?
>Bob Nersesian
The threaded retainers for the accessible ends of the molding that
Steve described are easily made from 4-40 round head brass screws. The
4-40 screw heads are the correct size but they need to be modified to
prevent rotation in the molding. Using a hack saw and a small rat tail
file, you open the screwdriver slot to accept a short length of 1/16 steel
welding rod. The slot needs to allow the rod to drop down far enough to
clear the interior of the molding. Then simply solder or better yet,
silver solder to the head. Holding the screw in Vise-Grips, a quick finish
on the sanding belt yields a good fitting retainer that can't rotate and
will hold the molding on the body quite nicely. Be very careful when
tightening these screws as it's very easy to over tighten them and damage
fresh paint. A flat washer and shake washer on the inside under the nut
will also spread the load and prevent the minor distortion of the body
panels in the area of these bolts. Simply dot the screw shank with RTV
after final adjustment and this will keep them from vibrating loose.
These screws can also be used in areas with body filler where the
OEM rivets and plastic clips are less than effective.
Tom
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