SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1969-1970 Shelby GT350/500 => Topic started by: 69 GT350 Vert on September 09, 2019, 12:00:16 PM

Title: Tail Lamp Screws
Post by: 69 GT350 Vert on September 09, 2019, 12:00:16 PM
So a prior owner drilled out the stripped inserts for the stock screws in my tail light panel on my 69 Shelby.  They also used longer machine screws and a nut on the back side.  I don't feel like removing the tail light panel to fix this the right way.  Does anyone know if a screw exists that looks correct on the visible side, but will accept a nut on the back side where nobody can see it?  If so, could you tell me the size specs on this screw and nut so I can buy some?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Tail Lamp Screws
Post by: Shelbypat on September 09, 2019, 07:05:39 PM
Just curious, why dont you install new rivnut ?

Patrick
Title: Re: Tail Lamp Screws
Post by: 69 GT350 Vert on September 09, 2019, 08:30:57 PM
Is that possible without removing tail light panel? I didn't think they were serviceable.  Are they?
Title: Re: Tail Lamp Screws
Post by: Bob Gaines on September 09, 2019, 08:51:05 PM
Quote from: 69 GT350 Vert on September 09, 2019, 08:30:57 PM
Is that possible without removing tail light panel? I didn't think they were serviceable.  Are they?
Yes ,you can find threaded brass inserts in the yellow servalite boxes that many hardware stores keep on hand.
Title: Re: Tail Lamp Screws
Post by: Jimbc123 on September 10, 2019, 12:04:36 AM
If your hardware store does not have the inserts, they are readily available online. I used a kit from Time-Sert for 8-32. The kit is available on Amazon but it is a little pricey at about $75. The kit includes the appropriate drill, tap, installation tool and the inserts. Simple instructions and easy to do.

Jim
Title: Re: Tail Lamp Screws
Post by: J_Speegle on September 10, 2019, 12:54:52 AM
Quote from: 69 GT350 Vert on September 09, 2019, 08:30:57 PM
Is that possible without removing tail light panel? I didn't think they were serviceable.  Are they?

You can repair these with the panel on the car.

Here is an excerpt from an article I did on restoring 68-69 taillight panels 10 years ago.  Forgive me for some poor wording at the time  ::)

These inserts would IMHO be better than some of the other choices out there since the panel is made of fairly (in comparison) soft material more like wood than metal and the large deep exterior threads see to work great

(http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/gallery/12/6-100919005138.jpeg)


Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Tail Lamp Screws
Post by: 69 GT350 Vert on September 10, 2019, 10:27:00 AM
Thanks everyone for the detailed responses.  I will check into the brass inserts.  They look like a better option.