7 replies to this topic

[campaj1]

Ok guys, am totally fed up!

Basically one of the standard 'Special' Wheelarches on my 97 MPI has detached itself. I have tried to reattach it several times with the factory rivets, but to no avail. It seems the holes have stretched slightly on this one corner. The only OEM solution would be to totally redo the panel, which seems crazy. It's driving me potty having the arch  fall off at random intervals, and it could be dangerous were it to happen at high speed! 

 

Anyway, my question to you guys is whether anyone knows of an alternative fixing? I want to avoid self-tappers for the sake of rust, and the rivets are utterly, utterly hopeless. Most modern manufacturers use rubber or plastic fixings of some sort to connect their wheelarches. Has anyone used these? Here are some potential candidates that I found online...

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...r-/390446866028

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item33745e0dd8

 

 

Thanks

 

 

[Kieranlee999]

not used them but the UNIVERSAL PLASTIC SCREW FASTENER RIVET CLIPS x10 sound like they would do the job and for 2.99 theres not loss if they do they will be good for something else. 

[creakyjaws5533]

Just use slightly larger rivets?

[corrado vr6]

Or use a washer with the correct size hole on the back of the panel, put the rivet through both holes and crimp up as normal, job done!

[campaj1]

Or use a washer with the correct size hole on the back of the panel, put the rivet through both holes and crimp up as normal, job done!

ah, y'see there's no access to the back of the panel... would work well if feasible though!

 

 

not used them but the UNIVERSAL PLASTIC SCREW FASTENER RIVET CLIPS x10 sound like they would do the job and for 2.99 theres not loss if they do they will be good for something else. 

yeah, worth a punt i reckon!

 

Just use slightly larger rivets?

issue with that is the groove provided on special arches is really narrow, so the head on one side has to be smaller... surprised Rover used the old fashioned rivets even in 1997 anyway as plastic or rubber equivalents would surely have been cheaper and more durable? ah who knows!?

[ANON]

banana rivets...problem solved.

[campaj1]

ah, looking at measurements for universal plastic screw fastener clip thingies, the issue is that the head is potentially too wide at 16mm...

on another note how hard do you all think it would be to colour code the arches while I'm at it? Have plastic primer and flame red cans available, so kinda might as well! 

[campaj1]

banana rivets...problem solved.

good idea, didn't know that they were even a thing!