Brat side panel/taillight speed-nuts

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Has anyone found a reasonable replacement for the bushings/speed-nuts that fasten the sheet metal screws used on the side panels and taillights? (that's a mouthful!)

 

I popped a couple of them into place for the taillights, and "pop" is probably an optimistic term. Even after putting a little grease on them, they just didn't want to get in there. If they didn't crack, the damn metal started bending instead!

 

I don't know if they've expanded a bit with age or what, but I'd love to find a better solution if someone has found one.

[backwoodsboy]

I may have a couple of "extras" if you need them.

 

Then there is always the trick of filling the square hole with fiberglass-reinforced bondo... and drilling a new screw hole in the center. ..... it works.

[DPDISXR4Ti]

I may have a couple of "extras" if you need them.

 

Then there is always the trick of filling the square hole with fiberglass-reinforced bondo... and drilling a new screw hole in the center. ..... it works.

 

I know I've grabbed some spares from the junkyard, so I think I have enough - depends how many I break, I suppose.

 

I thought about using some Terocore structural foam in the same way you talk about using the Bondo, but I hate doing things that way. I'm just wondering if new speed-nuts might be more compliant.

[TomRhere]

Soaking them in some really hot water will soften them some, may help in getting them in. You don't want boiling water, but just as hot as you can stand to reach into to grab one or two.

 

Check the HELP displays at various parts stores, I've found some there. You may need to go to a few different stores to get what you need.

[DPDISXR4Ti]

Soaking them in some really hot water will soften them some, may help in getting them in.

 

Thanks Tom, appreciate the idea.