Engine undertray uhhh

[Rickshaw]

Recommissioning one of my 75’s is going well and today , after a new condenser , new inter cooler and repolished headlights it was time to refit the bumper and engine undertray. This last item is not in the best of ways eg rear most grip positions badly worn away , another has the hole too large for a fastener to grip. Fitting grips to the good locations was hard enough but the worn ones proved almost impossible – a real pig. I fashioned some metal plates to act as washers etc – which seemed to work - but for two ‘un-washered ‘ locations the fasteners simply were not long enough to engage with the clips fitted under the engine. I used new fasteners from Rimmers – identical to the badly rusted ones I had removed. The problem seemed to be the larger thickness of the undertray in the failing locations – stopping the screws reach in far enough. In the end I threaded some very thick plastic covered wire through each hole , worked it round a strut and twisted the wire ends together. Not very elegant and not sure what will happen on the MOT ?

So a few questions :-

• Has anyone else experienced this and how overcome it ?
• Can one buy longer reach fasteners ?
• Would a very large / long self tapper work ?

I have found that DMGRS do a kit that seems to use ordinary type screws so I have placed an order to give me another option.

Given the state of the undertray in some parts I have considered buying a new one but they are rather expansive. There are some cheap new ones on EBay but I see no evidence they have the standard heat shielding fitted.

I could undertake some serious reworking on the existing undertray if it comes to it.

Any observations most welcome.

[suzublu]

I fitted some land rover larger self tappers with nuts.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/194007457...mis&media=COPY

Sent from my SM-A326B using Tapatalk

[BigRuss]

Personally I would replace the undertray clips with the type with an m6 threaded insert. You can find them on Ebay along with some m6 bolts and large washers as long as you copper slip them there's no problem with them seizing or the undertray coming loose.

Russ

[daveo138]

I was thinking of using something like these M6 chimney nuts.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324659637550

[macafee2]

A couple of links to ebay
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/131478709964

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121586134716

macafee2

[Rickshaw]

Thanks to all for good advice so far - will chase up some of the ideas / purchases. Really helpful
All the best

[Ed3]

I am doing the same with my CDTi and find the new versions of the original screws and clips hopeless. Some old screws work. As a temporary measure I drill holes just inside the left and right sides of the sub frame and use many cable ties all along. The previous owner put strips of metal with screw holes bolted on with very short bolts. I used car body filler on top of strips of plastic (curtain rail) to get some of the shape/width back so to better protect the car from the weather. And car body filler where the mid sections and the rear screw holes were starting to have early signs of cracks

I spent much time using engine degreaser trying to get the build up of oil out of the foam. (From oil drips and leaks over the years) as I felt there was so much oily sludge hidden in the foam to be a potential fire risk

[BigRuss]

Originally Posted by daveo138

I was thinking of using something like these M6 chimney nuts.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324659637550

That's the clips I was on about, those large headed bolts look ideal too.

Russ

[Andy_with_a_screwdriver]

Originally Posted by daveo138

I was thinking of using something like these M6 chimney nuts.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324659637550

I bought these in stainless a few years back, came with Allan key pan head bolts and have had no issues. I also use a stainless penny washer to get a better grip of the undertray.

[Arctic]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by Andy_with_a_screwdriver

I bought these in stainless a few years back, came with Allan key pan head bolts and have had no issues. I also use a stainless penny washer to get a better grip of the undertray.[/QUOTE

]

Hi Have had them on my cars since 2011 and added a rubber washer along with stainless steel washer, the rubber grips to the under tray better, and stop them from vibrating loose

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