Replacing the Fascia Panel Retainers with Body Bolts - GEN II

[LifeIsGood]

Replacing the Fascia Panel Retainers with Body Bolts

Dealing with the fascia panel retainers is a big PITA. Dave6666 suggested that I replace the retainers with body bolts so that future removals would be sooooooooo much easier.

Here is what I did to replace the fascia panel retainers (tree fasteners) during the installation of my front fascia…

Parts:


9 5/16”-18 x 3/4” hex flanged cap screws (body bolts) – Dorman 960-107 grade 8 (http://www.dormanproducts.com/mobile/p-6186-960-107.aspx)

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-HexFlangedCapScrews.png

9 5/16" Plain Finish USS Flat Washers (http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/detail.ex?sku=33005&ucst=t)

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-USSFlatWashers-Black.png



Tools:


Drill bit and tap tool for 5/16”-18


Drill and tap the 4 fascia panel retainer locations on the bottom of the reinforcement bar.

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-TapBottom.png

Drill and tap the middle 5 fascia panel retainer locations on the top of the reinforcement bar.

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-TapTop.png

This is a before picture of a fascia panel retainer hole.

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-TapBefore.png

This is an after picture once a hole was tapped.

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-TapAfter.png

I put new fascia panel retainers upside down in the two outermost holes on the top of the reinforcement bar. I use them to initially position the fascia panel during installation. Remember, I have that unusual shim on the driver side that also needs to be kept in place.

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-ReinforcementBar-OutermostPassengerSideRetainer.png

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-ReinforcementBar-OutermostDriverSideRetainer.png

Done.

Here are some pictures for those who have never seen the inside of the front fascia area.

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-PassengerWiring.png

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-ReinforcementBar.png

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-InsideFascia-DriverSide.png

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-InsideFascia.png

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-InsideFascia-PassengerSide.png

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-PassengerFasciaOff.png

http://i563.photobucket.com/albums/ss78/kenandkristine/Viper/Viper%20Club%20DIY/Fascia%20Panel%20Retainer%20Replacement/FrontFasciaRemoval-DriverFasciaOff.png