E30 indicator lens fitting problem

[SteveOS3]

Got on a roll earlier by replacing the indicator arm to solve problems with the horn only working now and again. Then decided to fit the E30 lenses bought to replace one I cracked a few weeks ago.

All went well, bedded in using Sikaflex, lined up nicely with holes in bonnet then... old screws way too big to fit through the E30 lens holes. So, two choices; use a small diameter bolt through the lens and nut in the bonnet recess or drill out the lenses.

If anyone has any opinions or other suggestions I'd appreciate the advice.

Thanks,

Steve

[tvrgit]

another option might be to fill in the existing screw holes in the bonnet with fibreglass resin, maybe with a wee bit of glass mat behind, let it dry properly, then drill it out to take smaller screws that fit through the E30 lens. It'll all be covered up when the lens is in place.

[phillpot]

Could you use something like this . . . .



I've heard them refered to as "spire nuts" or "J clips", got to be better than screwing into fibreglass if you can ?


( Don't Google image J clip if the kids are in the room ! )

[v8s4me]

I'e used these clips and they work well.

[Barkychoc]

They won't work there isn't an edge to slip it onto as far as I can remember.
The existing indicators are just a self tapper into the fibreglass, it ain't a Lexus!

[GadgeS3C]

I've been contemplating glassing some stainless nuts in when I sort my shiney new bonnet hinges from Norman.

[SteveOS3]

Thanks guys, wont be able to try anything until the weekend but I've chosen a shiny head M4 bolt with a spring washer and wing nut inside the bonnet. Had to screw the bolt through the lens holes and gently tighten until it rotated freely.

I went for the wing nut to avoid having to fuss with a spanner or pliers in a restricted area.

If it works I'll let you know.........

Steve

[SteveOS3]

Finally got it done.
Ended up using a standard connector block and sticking it in place with Sikaflex sealant that I bedded the lenses in with. Then a 2" M4 self tapper and job done.

Just got to figure out how to tidy up the edges of the rubber bumper strips now.









Thanks for everyone's advice.

Steve

[phillpot]

Barkychoc said:

They won't work there isn't an edge to slip it onto as far as I can remember.

Glad its not just me loosing it!

[Jed-S]

SteveOS3 said:

Just got to figure out how to tidy up the edges of the rubber bumper strips now.

I made up some bumper inserts when I fitted the Kia indicators to my car.

Link here...

Jed

[Barkychoc]

phillpot said:

Barkychoc said:

They won't work there isn't an edge to slip it onto as far as I can remember.

Glad its not just me loosing it!

Pretty sure mine is different to that but its been a while since I fiddled with the indicators.
I have the round built in spots so maybe this area is diffent on later cars.

Agreed though if they are all like that those spire clips are a great solution.

[GreenV8S]

Jed-S said:

I made up some bumper inserts when I fitted the Kia indicators to my car.

Link here...

Jed

Now that does look good. I've never tried making rubber mouldings, but Frosts supply material for soft/medium/hard rubber mouldings. Given the prices of indicators, and the amount of grief it takes to do this sort of thing from scratch as a one-off, I think you could probably sell this for useful amounts of money if you fancied making up a kit of parts for an indicator conversion. It's a captive market and you potentially have it cornered if you are quick enough.

[barefootoo]

If you go to ebay and look up polymorph plastic moulding they have a low temprature plastic that you can mould into any shape and its only a couple of quid