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:




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.



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



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



This is an after picture once a hole was tapped.



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.





Done.

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