Wheel Well Panels

[tyoneonit]

So. After serving the worst roads in America in the almost bankrupt state of Illinois we escaped with only a couple of issues. R we engine access door managed to shake loose and open necessitating a stop on the freeway to close. And while filling up with diesel, I noticed the wheel well cover pane was loose at the bottom rear portion. The bolt to secure it to the frame had fallen out. Was able to zip tie it together until I ca find the right size bolt.
Anybody happen to know the size and length of those bolts? Didn’t want to tempt fate and take off the passenger side as it appears nice and snug.

[LJowdy]

If you don't get an answer, that's why they make "loctite" LOL

["007"]

You can look at other bolts for size and use stainless so no rust or paint with the rubber paint so no rust in future.
DS Don MOD's QT's in # 3 has a fix for the engine door.

[Algoma]

It's just a self-tapping screw, 1-3/4 long with a 3/8 hex head.

[WoodyS]

Originally Posted by "007"

You can look at other bolts for size and use stainless so no rust or paint with the rubber paint so no rust in future.

Yeah, this is what I plan on doing. I've got several screws that have fallen out of various places (in particular strut retaining screws for baggage doors). I'll pull a "good one" and then buy a bunch of SS replacements. And I'll thread-lock them.

But to be honest, I don't think thread-lock does much good on the self-drilling Sheetmetal screws because there's so little thread contact. But it's better than nothing.

On the other hand, if I can feel the back side where the screw comes through the hole, I'll probably replace the Sheetmetal screw with a through-bolt. And I know thread-lock works on them.

I've also got some missing screws that go into fiberglass. (for example the back-up camera's cowling). For those I'll replace with SS screws and bed them with a marine bedding compound. The bedding compound not only makes them water-proof, but acts like thread-lock also.

[Buly]

Using star washers would help.

[tyoneonit]

Originally Posted by 007";4256837]You can look at other bolts for size and use stainless so no rust or paint with the rubber paint so no rust in future.
DS Don MOD's QT's in [B][URL="http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/newmar-quick-tips-and-easy-mods-3-a-113631.html

# 3 [/URL][/B]has a fix for the engine door.

Thanks! Flew open a second time on a rough section of road. Will look at the mod.

[Stealth01]

Originally Posted by tyoneonit

Thanks! Flew open a second time on a rough section of road. Will look at the mod.

Get rid of the self tapping screws and replace with stainless "self locking nuts" and screws!! Other than "CHEAP", I'll never understand why Newmar Engineers would specify self tapping screws in high vibrations areas!! Just helped a new Mountain Aire owner, coach was three weeks old and he was experiencing the same issue!! I gave him a "self-tap" from a collection I carry!! BTW, if possible, install the new screw from the top down, should the nut come off the screw will stay in place and hold the fender in position... HEY NEWMAR ARE YOU LISTENING???

[reubenray]

I had that same issue and I was lucky enough to have a bolt/nut in my tool box that worked. But it was a bear to get it installed laying in the grass with ants everywhere.

This reminds me that I need to check them again.

[WoodyS]

Originally Posted by Buly

Using star washers would help.

Oh yeah! Thanks for reminding me.

[Bobschle]

Originally Posted by Stealth01

Get rid of the self tapping screws and replace with stainless "self locking nuts" and screws!! Other than "CHEAP", I'll never understand why Newmar Engineers would specify self tapping screws in high vibrations areas!! Just helped a new Mountain Aire owner, coach was three weeks old and he was experiencing the same issue!! I gave him a "self-tap" from a collection I carry!! BTW, if possible, install the new screw from the top down, should the nut come off the screw will stay in place and hold the fender in position... HEY NEWMAR ARE YOU LISTENING???

That was me you helped in Cheyenne. Thanks again for your assistance. The screw you put in is holding nicely.

Bob

[Stealth01]

Originally Posted by Bobschle

That was me you helped in Cheyenne. Thanks again for your assistance. The screw you put in is holding nicely.

Bob

Glad it's working Bob! Safe Travels!!