Fasteners for glasfibre body? (Windows)

[Daniel Lorenz]

I want to ask for tips how to make strong bonds in "blind" areas of the body?
Need to screw the side and rear windows, but since the frame for it is unreachable from the backside i can't use my regular technique where i bond in a holed metal plate with a nut in it.
So, how to make decent strong bonds for windows in the body?

 

[Clayton]

I used inserts like these but in S/S, self threading.
Worked a treat.

BN 902 - Ensat® S 302 | Bossard Australia

Ensat® S 302. Buy high quality products at Bossard Australia – a world leading supplier of fastening technology.

www.bossard.com

Clayton

 

[Ian Anderson]

Rivnuts worked for me
Drill hole
Squirt in some twin mix glue
Insert rivnut and pull it gently

Ian

 

[JP Verweij]

My side & rear is just fixed with small screws. No inserts or what so ever, just plain in the fibreglass.
These windows don't need much torque to hold them in place.

 

[Randy V]

Rivnuts worked for me
Drill hole
Squirt in some twin mix glie
Insert rivnut and pull it gently

Ian

I did same….

 

[Daniel Lorenz]

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Found this supplier with low freighcosts and good prices.
Both types available (slotted and holes cutting holes) and in steel, stainless and brass.
Think i'll go for the steel ones.
So a solid tip there Clayton

 

[JP Verweij]

You have to glue them also. Otherwise when you undo the bolts in the future the inserts will come out to. I used the brass ones with stainles bolts to hold my Gurney flap.

Steel will rust inside the fibreglas and when the rust forms it expands damadging the surrounding fibreglass creating bigger gaps to more moisture to get in.

 

[Jean-Marc]

JP do you use a special tool to put the sloted rivet in place and wich type dio you recommand ?

 

[Douglas]

Potted inserts are also a good option. Little more work and cost is also higher, is a negative aspect but they hold very well.

 

[Fred/Belgium]

any idea on the sizes you use for the side windows ?
I can get 8,6 external diameter size here in Belgium.

Tx
Grtz
Fred

 

[Ed McClements]

Have a search for "knurled brass inserts for plastic panels". They won't rust and, unlike Rivnuts, have a knurled outer designed to be bonded into ABS plastic or GRP.

I haven't fitted my side windows yet, but my plan is to use these bonded inserts and, since the windows are very lightweight, some M6 black nylon csk screws. Flush fitting, no rust.

 

[Mark Boyers]

You’re gonna love that job, Eddie

 

[Clayton]

You’re welcome Daniel
Had the front light covers off multiple times for cleaning and the inserts have been rock solid.

I used the M4 x 0.75mm inserts and bolt and nut to install as per below.

Clayton

 

[Daniel Lorenz]

You’re welcome Daniel
Had the front light covers off multiple times for cleaning and the inserts have been rock solid.

I used the M4 x 0.75mm inserts and bolt and nut to install as per below.

Clayton

View attachment 145180View attachment 145181

Exactly as i have planned right now.
I couldn't find a table for glasfibre body drill diameter though. Metals etc. are listed, but not plastics.
What diameter did you drill for? I was thinking of going about 5,5mm to get a tight grip for the outer threads, but might be to tight and end up cracking the body instead.

 

[Clayton]

Exactly as i have planned right now.
I couldn't find a table for glasfibre body drill diameter though. Metals etc. are listed, but not plastics.
What diameter did you drill for? I was thinking of going about 5,5mm to get a tight grip for the outer threads, but might be to tight and end up cracking the body instead.

Don’t remember the actual size I used, but found this online. 6.0 - 6.1mm
Try 5.5 & 6mm in a scrap piece of fibreglass and see how it feels.

Clayton

 

[Bob Putnam]

Hint: If you are using Plexiglass, make the holes oversize and use nylon washers. Otherwise, thermal expansion and flex will eventually make cracks at some holes.