Threaded inserts

[Rleog]

Looking for specific information about the correct type and size of threaded insert suitable for attaching aluminum panels to my 65 Daytona Coupe space frame. I see a variety of sizes, flanges and suppliers. Is there a specific type and size that works best?
I’d appreciate your guidance.

Bob G.

[edwardb]

I assume you're only talking about access panels that need to be removeable. Not the majority of panels that are permanently attached with adhesive and rivets. My go-to is McMaster-Carr. They have a huge variety and in my experience all their stuff is high quality. Not the cheapest though. For panel access, I generally use 10-32 button head screws with these inserts: https://www.mcmaster.com/98560A562/. Another possibility with the Coupe is many of the frame rails are relatively thick and you can tap acceptable threads into them for access panels. I've done that too and also usually 10-32. This is a subject with lots of opinions. These are mine.

[David Williamson]

I did the same as Paul except my threaded insert tool came with 10-24 fittings and they will also work well. I just drilled and tapped the frame for the upper foot box cover because the inserts lift the cover slightly off the frame and i wanted it to be flush so it would be air tight.
David W

[Alan_C]

On my MK4, I used a lot of rivnuts to attach panels that I thought I may want to remove for maintenance access. Everything I bought came from McMaster Carr. I always used the anodized steel rivnuts. I used #8s a lot and larger ones where needed. I bought a rivnut tool set from Jegs which has done well over the years. Note that the rivnuts come in various lengths too, so you need to consider what thickness material you are installing them into. Generally I only used them in the thin wall square tubing. I threaded the holes for small screws that went into the thicker frame pieces. My Jegs rivnut tool set came with aluminum rivnuts which I threw away. Nothing close to the quality I received from McMaster Carr. Its a PITA to drill out and replace them, so use good quality inserts and never worry about them.

[Dgc333]

FWIW, FFR supplied aluminum rivnuts with my 33 Speedstar kit anything that fastened to fiberglass.
To be consistent I purchased aluminum rivnuts from McMaster Carr for all the other places I didn't want to use rivets. There are 6-32, 10-32 and 1/4-20 rivnuts in various locations on the car. I also used heavy wall 10-32 keyserts in the cast aluminum grill shell for attaching the side panels.

[Rleog]

Thanks very much for the replies; just what I was looking for.

Bob G.