Any tips to fixing stripped drip rail and wheel arch moulding holes - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

hrc200x · 03-29-2012, 07:56 AM

As I'm piecing together my truck I've found 3 drip rail and 6 wheel arch holes that are stripped. Any tips to fixing these?

I ordered the wheel arch trim from LMC so all the screws match and it would be nice to leave it that way, otherwise I could go to a bigger size.

Of course truck is already painted so welding closed and redrilling isn't an option.

Also any tricks to installing the drip rail trim? Seems there isn't enough room between the trim and bolt head to get it started easily, fitting a socket on it is impossible and I don't have a wrench small enough. They must have changed head sizes from 83/84ish to 85?

Thanks.

Dalaigh · 03-29-2012, 08:30 AM

All I got is welding up the holes, so I'd be interested in hear some other options if there are any.

I believe the chrome trim on the drip rail comes off. Underneath, the drip rail has grooves cut out to allow sockets to be used. It's shows it on this page from LMC

**old Rusty C10** · 03-29-2012, 08:36 AM

IMHO anything else that was put in the holes to give you a little more room would help retain moisture and then assist in that evil rust.. you could see if you could cut up one of those plastic nylon mollys used in sheetrock and see if you could make up some room with that but IMHO it would provide a place for small amouns of road salt and dirt to hide

100%Chevy · 03-29-2012, 09:03 AM

Try putting a strand of copper wire in the hole with the screw.
And,put some body putty in the holes too.
Mike.

/

Eyegore · 03-29-2012, 10:06 AM

Just use some silicone sealer that dries up, then you will make sure of no leaks and rust.

Tom

hrc200x · 07-04-2013, 09:14 AM

For future reference I ended up using flashing I had laying around, its the stuff you use on houses that come in widths and lengths such as 12"x10' rolls. I cut very small pieces maybe 3/16" wide and inch or so long, put that in the hole and threaded the bolt in and it seemed to tighten up. I only did the drip rails, havn't tried yet on the wheel arch but don't see why it wouldn't work.

andrewmp6 · 07-05-2013, 01:50 AM

Use a rivnut its like a rivet but has threads in the hole so you can use a screw in it.

franken · 07-05-2013, 02:23 AM

The next size up screw?

Remon. · 07-05-2013, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franken

The next size up screw?

X2. This is the best way to go

03-29-2012, 07:56 AM	#1
hrc200x Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Minnesota Posts: 203	Any tips to fixing stripped drip rail and wheel arch moulding holes As I'm piecing together my truck I've found 3 drip rail and 6 wheel arch holes that are stripped. Any tips to fixing these? I ordered the wheel arch trim from LMC so all the screws match and it would be nice to leave it that way, otherwise I could go to a bigger size. Of course truck is already painted so welding closed and redrilling isn't an option. Also any tricks to installing the drip rail trim? Seems there isn't enough room between the trim and bolt head to get it started easily, fitting a socket on it is impossible and I don't have a wrench small enough. They must have changed head sizes from 83/84ish to 85? Thanks. __________________ '75 Chevy 3/4 4x4, 6" suspension lift, 3" body lift, 3" lifted gas tanks, '83 cab, '88 clip, 35" cooper tires, American Racing Baja rims, 350, 700r4, 208.

03-29-2012, 08:30 AM	#2
Dalaigh Canadian Trucker Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Sarnia, ont canada Posts: 648	Re: Any tips to fixing stripped drip rail and wheel arch moulding holes All I got is welding up the holes, so I'd be interested in hear some other options if there are any. I believe the chrome trim on the drip rail comes off. Underneath, the drip rail has grooves cut out to allow sockets to be used. It's shows it on this page from LMC __________________ 2020 Silverado Trail Boss - 6.2/10spd

03-29-2012, 08:36 AM	#3
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,345	Re: Any tips to fixing stripped drip rail and wheel arch moulding holes IMHO anything else that was put in the holes to give you a little more room would help retain moisture and then assist in that evil rust.. you could see if you could cut up one of those plastic nylon mollys used in sheetrock and see if you could make up some room with that but IMHO it would provide a place for small amouns of road salt and dirt to hide __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

03-29-2012, 09:03 AM	#4
100%Chevy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Moss Point,Ms. Posts: 1,439	Re: Any tips to fixing stripped drip rail and wheel arch moulding holes Try putting a strand of copper wire in the hole with the screw. And,put some body putty in the holes too. Mike./

03-29-2012, 10:06 AM	#5
Eyegore What Hump? Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New River AZ Posts: 2,009	Re: Any tips to fixing stripped drip rail and wheel arch moulding holes Just use some silicone sealer that dries up, then you will make sure of no leaks and rust. Tom __________________ Lil red 86 c-10 99 Sub 78 Camper Special w/ 454

07-04-2013, 09:14 AM	#6
hrc200x Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Minnesota Posts: 203	Re: Any tips to fixing stripped drip rail and wheel arch moulding holes For future reference I ended up using flashing I had laying around, its the stuff you use on houses that come in widths and lengths such as 12"x10' rolls. I cut very small pieces maybe 3/16" wide and inch or so long, put that in the hole and threaded the bolt in and it seemed to tighten up. I only did the drip rails, havn't tried yet on the wheel arch but don't see why it wouldn't work. __________________ '75 Chevy 3/4 4x4, 6" suspension lift, 3" body lift, 3" lifted gas tanks, '83 cab, '88 clip, 35" cooper tires, American Racing Baja rims, 350, 700r4, 208.

07-05-2013, 01:50 AM	#7
andrewmp6 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Louisville,Ky Posts: 5,811	Re: Any tips to fixing stripped drip rail and wheel arch moulding holes Use a rivnut its like a rivet but has threads in the hole so you can use a screw in it.

07-05-2013, 02:23 AM	#8
franken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somewhere Posts: 3,148	Re: Any tips to fixing stripped drip rail and wheel arch moulding holes The next size up screw?



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