Replacing Plastic Push Pin Clips With Rivnuts in Car

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential replacement of plastic push pin clips used in a passenger sedan with rivnuts and bolts. Participants explore the practicality, advantages, and disadvantages of this modification, considering factors such as ease of use, durability, and corrosion resistance. The conversation touches on various types of fasteners and their suitability for automotive applications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with plastic push pin fasteners, suggesting rivnuts as a more convenient alternative for easier access to components.
  • Another participant warns that rivnuts may rust and suggests considering nylon screws as an alternative, emphasizing the importance of screw head design.
  • A different participant questions the initial description of the fasteners and suggests that an assortment of plastic fasteners could be a more cost-effective solution.
  • Concerns are raised about the reliability of aviation rivnuts, with one participant sharing negative experiences and recommending clip style nutplates or Tinnermann nuts instead.
  • Stainless rivnuts are mentioned as a potentially rust-resistant option.
  • One participant inquires about the thickness of the sheet metal used in previous applications, indicating a context of aviation use.
  • Suggestions are made for using Dzus fasteners, which may be more suitable for applications requiring multiple uses.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best fastener solution. While some support the idea of using rivnuts, others express skepticism about their practicality and suggest alternative fasteners. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal choice for replacing the plastic clips.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various types of fasteners, their properties, and potential issues such as rust and ease of use. The discussion highlights the importance of specific applications and the conditions under which different fasteners may perform better.

YoshiMoshi
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TL;DR
Should I replace plastic push pin clips with rivnuts in my car?
I have a typical passenger sedan, and I see these little black plastic push pin fasteners holding my trunk liner to the trunk, splash apron underneath the car the subframe, the wheel well liners etc.. They are a pain to remove. I always have to pry on them really hard, and sometimes they brake or am worried that I'm going to ruin something in the process while trying to remove them. They are a pain to remove.

I get why these where used. You don't have access to the other side, so a typical bolt and nut will not work for fastening the two materials together. The sheet metal is to thin, so can't put threads in it. These plastic fasteners are very cheap. The two pieces cannot be fastened with a semi-permanent fastening mechanism.

But I was thinking of just replacing them rivnuts and bolts so I can avoid the frustration in the future? i don't see any bad side effects of doing this? I have steel rivnuts, did a magnet test on them, so don't have to be worried about galvanic corrosion, steel on steel. I know it will stick out like a sore thumb, but it will allow me to quickly unfasten the liners. It's a lot easier to work in the engine bay from below when you can remove the fender liners! But not when you have to fight with the silly plastic clips. But if I could just simply unbolt it, from the car, would do it every time for a wider viewing angle and greater access!

I've also learned of wellnuts, but I think they wont' last as long as rivnuts, and rivnuts are a better option?
 
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Rivnuts would work, except that they may rust.
Consider using nylon screws, and having spares.
The head should have a big diameter and low profile, with PH2.
The available head may decide the screw thread selected.
 
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YoshiMoshi said:
these little black plastic push pin fasteners
You'll get better advice if you tell us what kind of fastener you are talking about. Maybe a picture or a link to replacements?

YoshiMoshi said:
These plastic fasteners are very cheap.
So then you can buy an assortment from amazon and replace them if they are mangled after removal. Plus maybe a removal tool. All of this kit is cheaper than the rivnut equivalent.

YoshiMoshi said:
But not when you have to fight with the silly plastic clips.
Wait... I could swear I thought you said they were push pin fasteners.

YoshiMoshi said:
I was thinking of just replacing them rivnuts and bolts so I can avoid the frustration in the future?
Sure, go for it. But note that no real auto mechanic would do that. They would learn how to work with the original design, which may require some learning and tools. My experience has probably been similar to yours; very frustrated doing it the wrong way, then I watched some YouTube videos and bought some cheap tools.

As @Baluncore said, rust is an issue underneath cars, but maybe you live in Tucson where that never happens.

Do you mean these?
 
I think the plastic pins/clips are used because they’re cheap and deter the less determined person.

As far as rivnuts go… I have used aviation rivnuts and they suck. They’re temperamental, easily damaged, and a pain to replace. I would not recommend them in the slightest. If you can get to the edge, I’d argue for clip style nutplates or Tinnermann nuts, tbh.
 
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Baluncore said:
Rivnuts would work, except that they may rust.
Stainless rivnuts are available and cheap.
Flyboy said:
I have used aviation rivnuts and they suck.
That's interesting. What thickness of sheet were you using?
 
sophiecentaur said:
That's interesting. What thickness of sheet were you using?
Generally .060 or less. Mostly for fairings on Cessna 172s
 

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