Missing trim studs

[David H.]

One of my chrome strips for the top of the front fenders on my '62 is missing two of the studs that stick down thru the fender and have speed nuts attached.
Is there a fix for replacing these studs?
thanks!

[Bruce B.]

Re: Missing trim studs

Remove the strip and spot weld the studs back on the steel liner in the trim.

[David H.]

Re: Missing trim studs

I have no studs to spot weld back on.
What can I use for the studs?
Also afraid of burning or damaging the ss.
Too much heat?

[Bruce B.]

Re: Missing trim studs

David,
I'll measure the diameter and length of the studs in the morning.
Then you need tofind a screw that the correct size speed nut will fit.
Cut the heads off the screws and have a EXPERIENCED welder weld them to the steel liner.
Sometimes the steel liner can be removed from the SS.
If you are concerned about screws not being correct just spray some undercoating on them after installation.

[David H.]

Re: Missing trim studs

Ok, 1/8" (8-32) screw will work for this.
What about silver solder? Will this hold these?

[Bruce B.]

Re: Missing trim studs

MVC-029S.JPGDavid,
The studs measure 0.115" on the shank and about 0.725" long.
Silver solder should work as long as you don't tighten excessively.
See attached picture

[David H.]

Re: Missing trim studs

I am still struggling with this issue.
I was given two more of these moldings.
One was NOS new. Two of the studs fell off when I put just the slightest pressure to the nut.
There must be others that have run into this issue and have some sort of genuine fix for it.
I have tried JB Steel. That doesnt work because there is not enough material to hold to on the stud.
Silver solder I dont dare use because of the heat needed to melt the solder. Afraid it will distort the stainless.
Cant take the backing plate off for fear of ruining the stainless.
I have discovered, however too late, that the trick is to have the piece on the bench and hold the base of the stud with needle nose vice grips while threading the nut onto the stud as far as the vice grips. Then remove the nut and vice grips, thread the nut back on far enough to regrip the stud on the top end with the vice grips, and continue threading the nut to the bottom of the stud. Then you can put it on the car and gently tighten the nuts to pull it into place.
Someone out there must have a workable way to reattach the studs to these. I cant be the only one that has run into this problem. I want to use the NOS molding but with two studs missing I cant.
What do you say people? Any good ideas?
Thanks

[Pat M.]

Re: Missing trim studs

Richard Fortier (Driveline) repairs 70 front grilles with missing similar studs by drilling a hole, inserting and welding in a similar screw, grinding the screw head down until it's level, and then rechromes the whole thing. Sturdy and virtually undetectable, but I don't know if this would work on your trim.

[John F.]

Re: Missing trim studs

Use a two part epoxy. I have used the epoxy I assemble golf clubs with on many repairs. Again, don't overtighten!

[Dennis C.]

Re: Missing trim studs

David,

If you want a permanent fix, you will need to remove the backing plate from the stainless. If you don't think you can do this without damaging the stainless then you could try taking it to a trim guy. Someone who straightens and polishes stainless. They should be able to loosen the edges enough for the plate to slide off the stainless.

Dennis

[Bruce B.]

Re: Missing trim studs

Silver solder and the correct flux and a soldering iron will fix the problem.
The stainless will not be discolored.
Lay the SS on a wet towel if you are overly concerned about hurting it.