inspection lid clips

[cbudvet]

Well my brother finally sent me a picture of the inspection lid clips he had made for me. The black ones are made from delrin (sp?) and the others are made from aluminum. They were waterjetted from solid material not injection molded. I have no idea if they will work or not until he actually sends them to me. Unfortunately, these are all he can have made for me as his work frowns upon this and he likes having a job. I will post more when I actually get them.

carl

[Mikez73]

No more rust. Cool.

[cbudvet]

Mikez73,

These are for the 69-70 240z's where the clip holding the inspection lid was originally made from nylon. Due to these breaking, the lids were altered and a metal clip was used in later models. Since the clips are no longer made, I am trying to figure something out for my car and others.

carl

[Mikez73]

Thanks for the info. I'm not sure I've seen a 69-70 model in person. I don't like the steel on steel idea much so that might be a good idea for later models too. I've considered putting liquid plastic on the part that the clips grab on to.

[Carl Beck]

Hi Carl:

Can't you use the aluminum one's as plugs with which molds can be made? I'd think that is what they are for - I doubt that they would last very long when used as a clip - aluminum doesn't flex very well...

Check with a plastics molding company in your area - with the aluminum models, it should be pretty inexpensive to have them recreated in something like nylon..

FWIW,

Carl B.

[cbudvet]

Thanks Carl,

Thats a great idea. I never even thought about that. The guy in the model shop suggested the aluminum idea and made them for me on his own accord. I don't know flexible they would be either or would they bend open and not keep the lid clipped in place.

carl

[Mike B]

Here is an interesting add on clip that I found on a 1/70 production car. Only one inspection lid had it. The other side had remnants of a plastic clip. This looks like it was made for this purpose, so I don't think it was some type of generic replacement. It fits loose enough to be able to slide up or down, like the plastic clips do, in order to adjust to variations in the fender attachment point. I had to pry one side back with a screw driver to get it off.

I wonder if it was used as a replacement by Nissan at some point after the switch was made to the attached metal clips on the lids?

-Mike

[conedodger]

After your brother sends them to you, send one to me... I can probably have a few hundred made for very little... And, the best thing is nobody loses their job!!!

[26th-Z]

Wow, Mike.

[cbudvet]

That's really interesting. I have never seen anything like that. It would make sense if enough of the nylon ones were breaking. Cool piece of history.

carl

[d240zx2]

I have need for a pair, maybe two pair. Both of my nylon clips broke years ago. I'd certainly be a customer!

[JohnnyO]

Mike, you never cease to amaze me with the parts you stash away.

John