On Using Screws, Instead of Rivets

 On Using Screws, Instead of Rivets

Some owners ask us about using sheet metal screws, rather than the rivets. To avoid rust (the scourge of car guys), be sure to buy Stainless Steel screws. Also, select Phillips-Head, Pan-Head Screws, as they look better. You can use ½” length or ⅜”(better). The No. 6 diameter fit right through the pre-drilled holes (a clearance fit) in our Hood Louvers. No. 8 diameter have a bigger head and look better (we think!). However, with the larger No. 8’s, you will need to enlarge the pre-drilled holes in the Hood Louvers (use an 11/64” bit).

As you install these screws, be careful; the tips are sharp! When you finish, use a cut-off wheel to remove the sharp tips that stick out under the hood to avoid wounds! Before you cut them off (!), put some towels on a sheet across your engine room – or you might find screw tips in bad places, like in the spark plug wells; then, when you pull your plugs, the screw tips fall into the upper cylinders; then, you need to 1) get your wife’s o.k. to buy a new set of pistons – and more; and 2) listen to her tell you, “Well I could have told you that was going to happen!” It ain’t worth it!

Run cool!
Bob