Correct Fasteners

[Randy C.]

I'm currently in the process of putting my interior back together again. Although I've owned my '71 base engine auto coupe for nearly 32 years, I've never had the interior completely apart and, when I took it apart, it was readily apparent that whoever owned the car in its first 7.5 years really messed things up with the use of completely wrong or incorrect screws to put it back together (plus all of the panels were painted gloss black, the glove box compartment was missing, and so on). I've just about got everything to where it is supposed to go except for a couple of areas:

Windshield garnish moldings - top piece (page 31 70-72 TIM&JG) - part number 3922299 in the assembly manual UPC 1 ASM sheet F7 item #6 - what is the finish on this screw and is it supposed to have a washer (captured or non-captured)? There is one screw that goes in horizontally on each side, just inboard of where the outer screw for the sun visor attaches on each side. I don't see a washer shown in the assembly manual but my top piece appears as if a washer was installed on each side. If someone has the exact size of this screw (and washer, if appropriate), that would be great!

Rear quarter trim panels - top and bottom visible screws (page 26 70-72 TIM&JG) - assembly manual UPC 1 ASM sheet F18 - the TIM&JG talks about some coupe panels being drilled for a bottom screw and mine is one of them. Is the bottom screw supposed to have the P/N 140270 washer as well? I don't see it shown in the assembly manual for the bottom part of the panel but my panels appear as if there was a washer installed at one time.

Back window trim (panel below removable rear window, mentioned on page 30 of the 70-72 TIM&JG) - the two attaching screws - assembly manual UPC 1 ASM sheet F18 item #4 - part number 3922299 - I don't have any idea on the dimensions of this screw or its finish. If someone could help me out on this, that would be great!

Except for a few diehard car buddies of mine, most people around think I'm crazy to go to such lengths in trying to make the interior the way it is supposed to be. But, it's in my blood and I cannot let it go. Besides, I don't think my wife or either of my two sons are going to do it, so it's up to me!

Thanks to everyone.

Best Regards,
Randy Corrigan
Olympia WA

[Warren F.]

Re: Correct Fasteners

Randal,

On both of my '71 coupes, the bottom quarter panel has a chrome screw with the built in washer that is barely larger than the screw head.

On the trim panel piece beneath the rear coupe window, the screws are chrome with with a removable chrome washer.

[Edward J.]

Re: Correct Fasteners

Randell, I think I would purchase a interior screw kit, it cames with the packages marked for there location, the quality is not quite as good as factory, but if your missing the correct ones, thats the way to go. theres about 45-50 screws attaching the interior panels. and theres just a few finishes on the screws, black phosphate or chrome.

[Randy C.]

Re: Correct Fasteners

I have purchased the interior screw kits from Corvette America, but the screws I mentioned above don't don't seem to be in any of their kits. Plus, on several kits, I get screws that are somewhat right, but obviously wrong when you look at them (example - their quarter panel retaining screw kit with 8 pieces - you get phillips flathead screws, but the real deal is supposed to be oval head screws with a phillips drive). I've found that I can come a lot closer to the real deal by going to companies like AMK, which carries fasteners of all kinds. The AMK catalog even has a cross reference to GM part numbers and some fasteners for late 60s and early 70 models are still available. So, that's why I'm asking for any detail on fasteners that people know are original to their car, so I can get as close to original appearance, if not original, as possible. I know I'm deep in the weeds here, but I do seem to have some sort of morbid enjoyment of this kind of research! I appreciate the responses so far and any more are certainly most welcome!
Best Regards To All,
Randy C.

[Guenter J.]

Re: Correct Fasteners

Are the rear quarter panel screws for a 74 coupe painted or left natural silver color? I agree with Randal that Corvette America has flathead screws but should be oval head. Thanks, Guenter

[Reba W.]

Re: Correct Fasteners

Many "complete" screw kits are advertised for 1968-82 inclusively. There were many many changes in interior screws throughout this 15-year span. When we had our parts business, we made our own packages for 1968-72 years.

All quarter panel screws I have seen are shiny (don't know if they are chrome or some other finish).