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Can anyone point me in the direction of where in the CSM or the body manual of how to correctly install the inner fender flaps on my 72 Supreme? I've looked in both as well as here on CO, but came up empty handed.
BTW Dave, if you want to see how I did my air dam, it has the same kind of masticated rubber, same plastic, and same staples. Here's a link to my thread.
No problem, when you go to mash down the staples use a small metal dolly on the back side to stabilize the staple when you tap it back to a flat position.
i did mine on the car as well and used a tiny drill bit to predrilll the holes for the staples .then used my body hammer and dolly to bend them flat.it helps if you have a partner to firmly back the staple with the dolly.
Nice job. When I did mine I had the inner liners off the car as I was doing the front end and they really got in the way. Same concept as you for the process but much easier for me. I can't remember exactly but I think I used a 1/32" drill for the staples. Yours turned out very nicely.
My beef with alignment shops is they would always move the flaps to access the shims, and then never put them back the way they should be. It's amazing how well the masticated rubber on these products lasts, but up to a point it's time to replace them. I got mine from ILT and am quite happy with them.
i did mine on the car as well and used a tiny drill bit to predrilll the holes for the staples .then used my body hammer and dolly to bend them flat.it helps if you have a partner to firmly back the staple with the dolly.
I made a tool to start the bend in the staples after I got them in position, it really helped. plus the kit I got from Fusicks didn't have enough staples so I made up some using standard slip joint pliers(they're the perfect width for the staples) I used large paper clips for the wire. They worked fine.
Further inspection revealed that ALL of the staples are still in on the pass side...seems like a PO must have just pulled the flap and left the staples. That means I would have to pull them to use the new staples. With the way they bend on the backside, it seems like this would be a tedious task. If I leave them in, then I'll be playing "hunt and peck" with the new staples trying to avoid hitting the old ones...
...so, what if I saved myself time and heartache and used these?
If it were me ( and it was a while back) I would just sit down pull all the old staples and reinstall the new flap w as many of the old staples as possible.
no sense doing it if your not going to do it right.
If it were me ( and it was a while back) I would just sit down pull all the old staples and reinstall the new flap w as many of the old staples as possible.
no sense doing it if your not going to do it right.
Dave, if the old staples are still there, just straighten them. Don't bother pulling them. They will punch right through the new masticated rubber. Then just flatten them as previously described.
I had both original staples and new staples that came with my replacement flaps. I tried and gave up trying to use those staples using the tools available to me. Instead I fashioned some new staples out of 16 guage galvanized wire. I cut them so that the legs were twice as long as original staples, then cut to size after installation. Much easier to install for me. Good enough on my ride for something nobody will ever see.
Dave, if the old staples are still there, just straighten them. Don't bother pulling them. They will punch right through the new masticated rubber. Then just flatten them as previously described.
I'm cornfused...How will I get them through the flaps if I don't remove them?🤔🤔🤔...hmmm🤔...do the flaps go on the side towards the tire?
The old staples are in there pretty tight. Put a dolly against the back of the staple and simply press hard on the rubber. The staple will go through it. Works better when it's hot out though.
The old staples are in there pretty tight. Put a dolly against the back of the staple and simply press hard on the rubber. The staple will go through it. Works better when it's hot out though.
Do the flaps go on the outside of the inner fender or the inside?
The old staples are in there pretty tight. Put a dolly against the back of the staple and simply press hard on the rubber. The staple will go through it. Works better when it's hot out though.
I plan on doing it Wed morning in 80+ degree heat...is that hot enough?
Hey, your choice to live in VA. But yes, that will do the trick. I see you're interested in that 'W30' hood. Just an FYI, it's actually a W25 hood, but that one is not a real W25 hood. If you buy it, you will likely also need to buy some light weight springs, plus the hood tie down equipment. Have you looked at Glastek? Glastek W25 hood or VFN Scroll Down for the bolt on hood IMHO the VFN hood is more accurate, and both are about the same price. I've seen the VFN hood on a friends car and it looks amazing.
So after 2 1/2 hours of getting nowhere, I called it a day (have to get ready for work). I tried everything I could think of to make the staples work, but it wasn't happening. So I buttoned everything back up and was putting my tools away when it hit me...instead of struggling with the staples, I am going to use small zip ties😀. I know they're not "factory correct", but it will certainly be a lot easier and will still look good.
I only wish I had thought of this sooner (like before I put my tire back on and set the car back down), cuz that's time I could have saved tomorrow. Oh well, that's how we learn😀
I'll be back it bright and early tomorrow morning, and will post pics upon completion.
Dave, zip ties won't last; especially in your climate and the engine temperature they'll be exposed to. They get brittle very fast. You'd be better off threading some stiff wire and then twisting it. I know why you're having so much trouble - you need 2 people to do this when the flaps are still on the car. I had my liners out and it was really quite easy to do the staples that way.
Hey Allan thanks for the advice on the wire, and I really like the idea, but I've got zip ties in other places under my hood and so far so good. So I'll try the zip ties on my flaps and if I have any issues, I'll switch to the wire...but I'll use stainless so it doesn't rust.
Hahahaha, can you imagine if your wheels were held on by zip ties?? I know they have their uses but I'm just skeptical about how well they'll last in an underhood environment and humid hot weather. As Dave said though, this will be until it isn't. Hope it lasts longer than I think it will.
Hahahaha, can you imagine if your wheels were held on by zip ties?? I know they have their uses but I'm just skeptical about how well they'll last in an underhood environment and humid hot weather. As Dave said though, this will be until it isn't. Hope it lasts longer than I think it will.
When I bought my car I found a zip tie holding the fan clutch together. That was rather suspect.
