I'm sure I'm not the only person who has done this, but I wanted to post a picture I just made

I've noticed that a vast majority of the rear headliner trim panels (the one with 4 screw holes that connect the left side of the car with the right) are busted up.

I was a guy's house today, and he had several ofthem that he has pulled off parts cars, and every single one of the had problems. I found one he sold me that had all the eyelets intact, but even two of those had minor cracks in them

So before I put it on the car, I wanted to help ensure that it might last a little longer. I went to home depot and bought 16MM washers, and some liquid nails

By bonding the washers to the plastic, it should help make the panel last for years more.



I don't think there is any way the washer will interfear with the fit of the panel, but tomorrow I'll put it into place and find out

 

looks like a good idea but too bad mine are already broke

 

yeah, it's more of a preventive medicine kind of thing... Hindsight does you no good

I wonder why that piece gets all busted? Its not like you're STEPPING on it or anything...

 

Hey monster, that's a great idea and for srew holes that pulled thru (or maybe to take your reinforcement to the next level ) get some more washers that have a small enough hole that the trim screw won't pull thru and glue that washer to the washer you already have glued in there. Now you've rebuilt the hole as long as the bond is good.
I'm sure there are some washers out ther that are thin enough that it won't affect the look of the trim piece once it's back in place.

 

Since about 1997 I've been fixing the broken screw holes. It's easy. When the screws break through, they usually take the entire countersunk bump in the back side of the plastic with them. If not, grind down the bump until it's smooth. Then get yourself a piece of scrap plastic and cut out about a 1" square. Bond the new piece over the hole in the panel, epoxy does a decent job and it's FAST. When the adhesive has cured, drill a new hole through the patch and install. If the screw doesn't sit flush, you can countersink the patch a bit, but usually it's not required.

 

great tip for those that have lost the bumps!

I put the panel in place, and you can't tell the washers are there. It fits just like it should, but should last longer

 

I simply used a washer head screw of the appropriate size and color:

http://www.clipsandfasteners.com/4_2...w_p/a12060.htm

Any auto parts store should carry a supply of some sort.

JamesC

 

That is a great site for fastners ! I had to save it to my IE favorites so I can pay more attention to it later.