Staples

[Bob Babcock]

Here goes a dumb question. On my 66 big block roadster, the rubber shields on the inside of the fenders that cover the A-arms (lower control arms)are to be stapled in place. It serves as a dust shield, but I am not sure of its proper name.

Also, on my 1960 Corvette, the fuzzy pieces on each side of the window that provide a seal and keep the window from rattling appear to also be stapled. I think they are called inner and outer felts.

How do I staple these parts in place?

[Wayne W.]

Re: Staples

You can buy the staples. Use a small drill and make the holes, insert the staple and bend over the legs.

[John F.]

Re: Staples

Bob, I just replaced the dustshields over the A-arms on my 67. Pull the wheels off the front and from under the fender straighten the 11 staples holding each of the old dust shields in place. They will be slightly covered with undercoat and paint. From under the hood,carefully remove the old staples. Most will be rusted to the point where they should be replaced.

On a flat surface, carefully place the old dust shield over the new one and drill or punch new holes in the exact locations as the old ones. Start the new staples into the holes on the new dust shields and then line them up on the staple holes on the inner fenders. Press the staples through, and as someone presses a body dolly or large hammer head against the head of the new staples, a second person under the fenderwell carefully presses the staple legs flat.

The new staples are generally stainless steel and do not bend easily. It took my 14 year old son and I only about one hour to do both sides. A new coat of black out on both sides and they look great. Long Island Corvette has the right stuff, another vendor shipped me the wrong dust shields which he had re-labled for my 67 which is slightly different that the 65-66.

John Foster NCRS#30976

[Kenneth S.]

Re: Staples

The reproduction staples are stainless steel, and I have seen judges take off for that. I used safety wire, which you can get at any hardware store. It's steel, same diameter and it bends easily. Turn the ends with neddle-nose pliers and they look exactly like the originals.