Ideas for hidden fasteners to mount instrument cluster

[Papa]

I'm planning on upholstering my dash in Alcantara and have wrapped the instrument panel with carbon fiber vinyl. I'm looking for ideas on how to mount the instrument panel without running screws through the Alcantara fabric. If anyone has any recommendations, please share your ideas.

Thanks,
Dave

[Power Surge]

Definitely look into pemstuds.

[Skuzzy]

You could use fiber board and mount hidden clips in it then cover the fiber board with Alcantara. There are a number of clips available to do this. Here is just a taste of the clips available.
https://www.classicindustries.com/shop/all-years/ford/mustang/parts/interior-soft-goods/door-panels-components/clips-hardware/

[Papa]

I'm liking the PEM stud option. I'm going to order some to try.

[PNWTim]

These are also viable options if there is room available to bond with HSRF:

https://www.chemical-concepts.com/product/chem-seta-no-drill-bonding-fasteners-m1-40/?utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=cse&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22361744351&gbraid=0AAAAADq5NG2Inr58NkcORoVRanbPl0Nkg&gclid=Cj0KCQiAsNPKBhCqARIsACm01fRfffqm2jI-t2bsKUHo9I5hqqr7LHq4D8EweQhk6I9tZV7jFPhamUQaAtAHEA Lw_wcB

I also bonded 10-32 screws to my dash which are countersunk and ground smooth on the front side. These hold my headlight switch in place. Pictures are at post #252 in my thread.

[Papa]

Tim,

I was looking at those as well as the nut versions, but given the proximity to the edge of the dash I would need to cut some of the mounting base. Not a big deal, but maybe not as clean as the PEM stud solution. I'm ordering a pack of #8-32×1/4 studs, nuts, and a 20 gauge drill bit from McMaster-Carr. They are supposed to work in material as thin at 0.040, so we'll see what they are like to use. I'm also thinking I can use them for attaching the dash ends as well.

[PNWTim]

Tim,

I was looking at those as well as the nut versions, but given the proximity to the edge of the dash I would need to cut some of the mounting base. Not a big deal, but maybe not as clean as the PEM stud solution. I'm ordering a pack of #8-32×1/4 studs, nuts, and a 20 gauge drill bit from McMaster-Carr. They are supposed to work in material as thin at 0.040, so we'll see what they are like to use. I'm also thinking I can use them for attaching the dash ends as well.

I will be interested to see how these work. I always like finding out about a solution I never knew existed. Do you have an arbor press or are you going to secure them with the nut? I looked at the installation instructions and it seems like they are supposed to be pressed in? Maybe I was looking at a different version and that's not necessary. Either way, I too will be looking to use them on the dash ends instead of the buck rivets I have. Space is somewhat at a premium in that area.

[Papa]

I ordered a 1-ton arbor press. I'll definitely let you know how they work. I'll make a few practice runs in some scrap aluminum before I tackle the dash.

[burchfieldb]

Dave,
I have used these a lot over the years. You will want to make sure that your distance from the edge of the part to the center of the hole is at least 0.281 inches per their design guide. This is their bulletin for the studs and pins that has all of the design information.

https://www.pemnet.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/fhdata.pdf?_gl=1*ta0ek7*_gcl_au*Mzk1MTE0ODgwLjE3Nj cyNzA5NzM.

They have these for each type of fastener. The different sizes and types all have different requirements for thickness, material type, and hole centerline spacing. You will want to drill a hole the same size as the installation hole in a piece of metal to support the piece that you are pressing the stud into. These work by deforming the metal, from the hole, into the serrated geometry around the neck of the stud. The hole size is critical, you will want to make sure you drill it straight. They can be finicky and twist out after installing. Definitely do several test runs to get the amount of force set, you can over press them.

[Papa]

Thanks, Brent. I ordered a few different sizes from McMaster-Carr and have the data sheets for each.

[rthomas98]

Have you looked into beauclips at all?

https://www.amazon.com/Moxweyeni-Beauclip-Fasteners-Panelsand-Upholstery/dp/B0DN6Q1NZ3/ref=sr_1_3?adgrpid=185095199926&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vAI9BBKBzqL4pdkD3Py8i8Nko0HShKRV7-ONvqGww9V7Xxgjm2nOoolpXjbtquf4vu67klLjmIMdN77xukGn iECCvFDbEHYPqk7DcwmLl7F-L7asUg99jbDuxO5ngyfrqKzK_QksitBMRb1vAveQok7yP1lEM1 nstMOmaJgSyXqFwst9Q7IMCzFng_FXU781nqXOFFJ_f3Dp9qur tfkdE5asNLUDuGcsamxuKV98bN0.OnEL1atiq95DPGxR5ErEtn x0K4u2yCyDVZQxYmeRlUI&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779548533792&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9016914&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=7149459912464784908--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7149459912464784908&hvtargid=kwd-1268507897224&hydadcr=10479_13663837_2425197&keywords=beauclip%2Bfastener&mcid=16b499202e1d3430bf5f20a93eaa0e7d&qid=1767300329&sr=8-3&th=1

[Papa]

Have you looked into beauclips at all?

https://www.amazon.com/Moxweyeni-Beauclip-Fasteners-Panelsand-Upholstery/dp/B0DN6Q1NZ3/ref=sr_1_3?adgrpid=185095199926&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vAI9BBKBzqL4pdkD3Py8i8Nko0HShKRV7-ONvqGww9V7Xxgjm2nOoolpXjbtquf4vu67klLjmIMdN77xukGn iECCvFDbEHYPqk7DcwmLl7F-L7asUg99jbDuxO5ngyfrqKzK_QksitBMRb1vAveQok7yP1lEM1 nstMOmaJgSyXqFwst9Q7IMCzFng_FXU781nqXOFFJ_f3Dp9qur tfkdE5asNLUDuGcsamxuKV98bN0.OnEL1atiq95DPGxR5ErEtn x0K4u2yCyDVZQxYmeRlUI&dib_tag=se&hvadid=779548533792&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9016914&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=7149459912464784908--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=7149459912464784908&hvtargid=kwd-1268507897224&hydadcr=10479_13663837_2425197&keywords=beauclip%2Bfastener&mcid=16b499202e1d3430bf5f20a93eaa0e7d&qid=1767300329&sr=8-3&th=1

Interesting, but I don't think they would work for my use case.

[turbodon]

Have you thought about Neodymium magnets?

[turbodon]

You can also search Amazon for Hiceeden 240 Pcs Auto Car Dashboard Trim Clips, 12 Sizes Universal Metal Automotive Panels U-Clip Kit, Trim Retainer Fixing Rivets Moulding Fastener, Compatible with Most Cars.

[FFinisher]

Velcro. Sounds Hokie, but it works great< get the good stuff.

[Papa]

Velcro. Sounds Hokie, but it works great< get the good stuff.

I used 3M Dual Lock to attach my transmission tunnel cover on my MK4, and it works really well if you can tolerate its material thickness. I may use it to secure the dash to the chassis, but it would not work well for the dash ends or glove box where I want a tight fit.

[PMD24]

Dave, I'm curious if you've settled in a solution. I'm not keen on the screws either.

Pat

[Papa]

Dave, I'm curious if you've settled in a solution. I'm not keen on the screws either.

Pat

Pat,

I'll be using PEM studs for the dash ends and glove box. I'm still undecided on the dash-to-chassis attachment, but might go with the 3M Dual Lick I mentioned above. For the instrument cluster I'm considering using foue anodized counter bore washers with red anodized screws for the look:

https://a.co/d/8xNMO3S
https://a.co/d/goyyfdX

Dave

[CW_MI]

I'm liking the PEM stud option. I'm going to order some to try.

Let us know how they work out. I plan on doing a similar thing with Alcantara on the top of my transmission tunnel.