57 trunk inner fiberglass panel fasteners

[TLSmith]

While all of the assembly manuals, restorer encyclopedias and various how literature does a great job in most cases, one apparently over looked area at least in this case is that of fasteners. If anyone can help me determine the proper fasteners, of which there are apparrantly two different types, those for the front or leading edge connecting the panel to the trunk floor and those rear most connecting the panel to the rear body panel.

Any and all information regarding this matter greatly appreciated.

[John H.]

Re: 57 trunk inner fiberglass panel fasteners

TL -

The fasteners you want are shown in the A.I.M. in Section A, Sheet 4.00; they're available in a kit (17 pieces) from Corvette Central, their #341230. Zinc-plated pan head phillips tapping screws.

[TLSmith]

Re: 57 trunk inner fiberglass panel fasteners

John: Thank you for your rersponse. yes the AIM does show the screws but does not show the retainers that the screws mount into. I assume they self tap into the trunk floor, but the lip on the rear body panel is such that some type of receiver would be neccessary.

[John H.]

Re: 57 trunk inner fiberglass panel fasteners

TL -

Yes, they're tapping screws - if the holes in the mating part are wallowed out, you can use "U"-nuts or tape flat "speed nuts" on the back side of the receiving panel - ask me how I know this

[TLSmith]

Re: 57 trunk inner fiberglass panel fasteners

John:

Thank you again for your response and input. I can understand the self taping screws into the trunk floor as there is ample fiberglass in which grab hold. But to use the same in attaching the inner panel to the rear body panel there is less than a 16th of an inch of fiberglass, hardley enough for a self tapping screw to gain hold. The U nut sounds appropriate, however if this was not originally the way it was done, I would rather fill the holes with glass or epoxy and redrill. I wonder what the judging manual has to say about this. I understand that what was originally deemed satisfactoty in original production in 1957 did not also mean that was the best or enduring method even at that time. However I shudder to think that even the engineersin 1957 would think self tapping screws into 1/16th fiberglass would be suffecient even to survive the at that time limited waranty period. I did find a few unuts attached to the panel when I removed it most were of a standard body shop variety, but a couple were different in that the leading edges on what would be the upper side (side without the nut) were round instead of squared off. Also the length of the U seemed to be exact for the application. Admittedly I don't know everything, but I have been around cars a lot longer than I care to admit, certainly prior to 1957 and I don't ever remember seeing U nuts of this type. For the time being I will probrably use after market Unuts until I can determine the authenticity of these unuts or the fact that I need to fill the holes and redrill. Correctness being a major factor over time.

[Dave Christensen]

Re: 57 trunk inner fiberglass panel fasteners

Are these screws painted?

thanks
Dave Christensen

[TLSmith]

Re: 57 trunk inner fiberglass panel fasteners

Dave:

Thanks for your reply. No they are zinc coated. Actually it is the unut retainers that mount on the inner pannel that I am interested in.

The unuts slide on the rim of the inner panel where it meets the rear body panel. The screws pass through the rear body panel, through the non-nut side of the unut, through the inner panel into the nut side of the unut. when the screw is tightened it tightens against the unut thus drawing the inner panel and rear body panel snugly together. On the other (front) side of the inner panel the screws (#10 x 3/4 zinc plated) appearantly self tap into the floor of the trunk.

As I mentioned above it is the unusal shape of the unuts that I am looking to replicate.

[Scott S.]

Re: 57 trunk inner fiberglass panel fasteners

TL,
Good morning. The subject that you are looking for is covered on page 22 of the current Judging Manual. Lets give this a try. The trunk division panel is attached on the sides by four plated clutch head self tapping screws with finishing washers. Your car should have two verticle sheet metal brackets on the inside of each rear wheel housing to install the panel and screws into.The lower edge is attached into the fiberglass with phillips head self tapping screws with finishing washers, all items are plated. The top goes under the fiberglass lip and requires no attachments (clips). I always encourage our members that are restoring cars to attend some type of NCRS judging event and photograph particular areas of interest for future refrence. Obviously cars with Top Flight or Duntov awards are the best examples.
good luck in your restoration
Scott Sinclair
#2379
56/7 team leader

[Scott S.]

Re: 57 trunk inner fiberglass panel fasteners

TL,
Good morning. The subject that you are looking for is covered on page 22 of the current Judging Manual. Lets give this a try. The trunk division panel is attached on the sides by four plated clutch head self tapping screws with finishing washers. Your car should have two verticle sheet metal brackets on the inside of each rear wheel housing to install the panel and screws into.The lower edge is attached into the fiberglass with phillips head self tapping screws with finishing washers, all items are plated. The top goes under the fiberglass lip and requires no attachments (clips). I always encourage our members that are restoring cars to attend some type of NCRS judging event and photograph particular areas of interest for future refrence. Obviously cars with Top Flight or Duntov awards are the best examples.
good luck in your restoration
Scott Sinclair
#2379
56/7 team leader

[TLSmith]

Re: 57 trunk inner fiberglass panel fasteners

Scott:

Thank you once again for your time and response. I realize that you as most at NCRS are volunteers and try to your best effort to help as you can. Believe me no one appreciates the efforts put forth by volunteers more than I. It can be a thankless job and I sincerly want to express my thanks for your time and efforts, however you still seem to be missing the point. Yoy are giving instructions for the cardboard panel call a seperator that hides hinges ect. at the front of the trunk.

The panel I am refering to is the fiberglass panel which is actually an extension of the trunk floor, connecting the floor to the rear body panel thereby strengthening the rear body panel and closing the gap.

Sorry if I have not been clearer on this matter before.

[TLSmith]

Re: 57 trunk inner fiberglass panel fasteners

Scott:

Thank you once again for your time and response. I realize that you as most at NCRS are volunteers and try to your best effort to help as you can. Believe me no one appreciates the efforts put forth by volunteers more than I. It can be a thankless job and I sincerly want to express my thanks for your time and efforts, however you still seem to be missing the point. Yoy are giving instructions for the cardboard panel call a seperator that hides hinges ect. at the front of the trunk.

The panel I am refering to is the fiberglass panel which is actually an extension of the trunk floor, connecting the floor to the rear body panel thereby strengthening the rear body panel and closing the gap.

Sorry if I have not been clearer on this matter before.