Elephant ear mounting question

[dbo_texas]

I want to mount my elephant ear splash panels to the F-panels using rivet nuts + screws instead of regular rivets, as many builders have done. My question is: can I position them and drill the holes before putting the body on? I'm not ready to put the body on, but would like to go ahead and knock out this small task. I'm assuming if I do this before putting the body on, I may need to trim the ears after checking body fit?

For those that have mounted them w/ screws, what order did you go in? Does it matter?

[Jeff Kleiner]

The bottom of the splash panel and bottom of the “F” should align. The inside edge of the splash panel nests into the crease at the rear of the “F”. Yes, you may need to do some trimming once the body is on. PLEASE…if you’re going to use rivnuts do yourself, your body guy or whoever will have to tear the car down later a favor and use 1/4”, not little #6, 8 or 10! Also be sure that you’re getting the inserts fully seated and expanded so that they don’t spin in the aluminum. Finally if you’re using stainless bolts don’t forget the anti-seize. I can’t tell you how many I’ve had to cut out because the owners didn’t do all three of these things :mad: Drilling out rivets is easy ;)

Jeff

[dbo_texas]

Will do thanks Jeff!

[steno]

What Mr Kleiner said!!

[AC Bill]

I want to mount my elephant ear splash panels to the F-panels using rivet nuts + screws instead of regular rivets, as many builders have done. My question is: can I position them and drill the holes before putting the body on? I'm not ready to put the body on, but would like to go ahead and knock out this small task.

Why? As you say it's a small task, just do it after the body goes on. You will make any adjustments needed at that point anyway. The seals can be put in
place, etc. You don't want to have to re-drill and reinstall riv-nuts like you might if the fit is off.
For whatever reason you are really anxious about trying them on now, just use cleco's.

[PG_Cobra]

I did it after the body was on. I used DZUS fasteners.