I searched and could not find any threads on how some are securing your panels to your cowl & grille. I could really use some detail shots. Anyone using dzus fasteners? Photos would be great, outside and inside shots would help with my decision on how I mount mine. Thanks, Jared
I am a big fan of Dzus and other fasteners for holding panels on my roadster. I use the Dzus ****ons that do not have the self retaining plate so when I remove anything that I use these on I end up with a pocket full of fasteners but I like the look better. I also use some aircraft surplus panel fasteners that I got at the old Rockwell International surplus facility. (They tell me that these are the fasteners that they use on the B1 bomber to hold panels on) anyway they are stainless steel and have a multi lead internal thread and a special reciever that you install just like a Dzus spring. They require an Allen wrench to install and remove but have a good reach so you can use them for a both thick and thin panels. I have attached some pics of both the Dzus and the aerospace panel fasteners. One tool that you should have is the panel "dimpling" tool for the Dzus fasteners, if you are going to use just the Dzus ****ons this tool is an absolute must, as it makes the perfect counter sink for the ****on to fit in. I got mine from the Ch***is Shop in Detroit. Also note the small drilled plates and Cleco with the Dzus parts, these are my drill guides for the different Dzus springs and also the Dzus fasteners that have a retaining plate. Once I get the panels exactly in line I drill the center hole, 1/8 inch dia, and then on the panel that will have the spring I Cleco the drill plate to the panel and drill the rivet holes for the spring, which makes everything line up perfectly. I then drill the hole in the spring panel to 3/8 inch and then hit it with the dimpling tool. I use 1/8 counter sink Avex rivets to hold the spring to the panel, you can also get these at the Ch***is Shop. Next I drill the pilot hole in the panel that is going to be retained by the Dzus, again to 3/8 inch and smack it with the dimpling tool. Done deal, perfect alignment and fit. For my side panels I have two 3/8 dia pins that are threaded into the frame rails and they fit into holes that are on the bottom flange of my side panels. I made the pins from some 3/8 dia shoulder bolts that have a 1/4-20 thread on the bottom. I removed the bolt head by putting the bolt in a drill and using my universal Mexican milling machine and lathe (that's a 12 inch stationary disc grinder) I ground off the heads, drilled and taped the frame rails and installed with some loc***e. I have attached some pics of my side panels and how they attach also. Rex
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