Screw caps

[Ninjakris]

This is my first "how to" so here we go....

This is a very inexpensive mod you can do to many parts of your car that help the appearance of exterior/interior screws. My car is a 06' coupe, but the same thing can be done to any generation. I purchased the screws and caps from Lowes, but with the information provided below, you can pick this stuff up at any hardware store. I have about $20 in the whole thing.

Tools needed:
8, 10 socket/wrench
Philips screwdriver
razor blade/exacto knife

Parts needed:
Paint of your choice
Engine bay uses M5-.80 x 30 screws
Door jam uses M6-1.00 x 35 screws and 10 x 3/4 for the smaller sizes
Screw caps used: 1/4 white and #8 & #10 white.
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps0c9b67ac.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps0c9b67ac.jpg.html)
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsc378a984.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsc378a984.jpg.html)

I choose to use the razor blade and cut off the plastic connector between the base and cap. It gives it a cleaner look. It also gives a slot to put in a flat blade screwdriver to pop the cap later if needed.
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps55d8c446.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps55d8c446.jpg.html)

Next, I used some painters tape with the sticky side up and place all bases and cap on it.
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2c612917.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2c612917.jpg.html)

I didn't show the painting process, but its just a couple coats of color and a couple coats of clear.

Next, remove old screws and install the new base with the new screws. Reason for new screws are the OEM washers are too big to get around the base.
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps708ef0f4.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps708ef0f4.jpg.html)
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps360a1886.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps360a1886.jpg.html)

then simply install the cap. Please ignore how dirty the car is.
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps6ad1bc52.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps6ad1bc52.jpg.html)

Here's a couple pictures of the engine bay before/after
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps88bffafb.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps88bffafb.jpg.html)
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps31921467.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps31921467.jpg.html)
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpse84823aa.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpse84823aa.jpg.html)
http://i1315.photobucket.com/albums/t589/Kristian_Ray/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps76221937.jpg (http://s1315.photobucket.com/user/Kristian_Ray/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps76221937.jpg.html)

That's about it. Pretty simple, but really cleans up the engine bay and door jams.

[C.J]

Pretty cool and looks great.

[Mad Max]

There is a reason the oem washers are that big.

[Ninjakris]

The base of the cap is taking the place of the washer. I know what your saying, but after looking at it, it seems they use big washers to help spread out the pressure of the screw that is going into composite materials. When I removed the screws on the fenders, about half were already digging through the paint. They should have used a nylon or rubber washer from the beginning. Thankfully the caps base is slightly larger than the washer and covered it.

[St.Char]

Nicely done! Thanks for sharing and for your time too.

[A2008]

If only Hillman would make the caps big enough to cover the existing screw/washers, you wouldn't need to buy the screws!

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

Another newbee ASSet !

Thanks

[Vprbite]

Cool idea for a mod. Thanks. I wonder if they would look good in black on a red car. I know they are black niw but they are exposed black, as opposed to the button. Or perhaps wrap the cap in CF? I will have to play around and see. Thanks for the tip!

[Mr. Bill]

Pretty slick. Makes for a more finished look.