Posted April 13, 201113 yr comment_352696 I want to take my taillight panel off to paint it. Looks like when you open the hatch you have to drill out all those rivets. What does everyone use for hardware after that to reinstall? Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/39220-removing-and-reinstalling-tallight-panel/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
April 14, 201113 yr comment_352712 I thought they were plastic, and just pushed through. It's been a while though. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/39220-removing-and-reinstalling-tallight-panel/#findComment-352712 Share on other sites More sharing options...
April 14, 201113 yr comment_352716 Identifying the year of your car will go a long way towards getting a meaninful answer. Put your Year info in your signature block via your User Panel.Thankfully, for the majority of the Z's, they're plastic rivets with a pin spreader. Push the pin through the rivet (and retrieve it if possible), and then carefully pull the rivet up and out. Take care on the bottom edge of the finisher as it's held to the body with a sheet metal grip that's unobtainium. You should be able to just pull it out of it's teeth, don't use anything to spread it's jaws.FWIWE Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/39220-removing-and-reinstalling-tallight-panel/#findComment-352716 Share on other sites More sharing options...
April 14, 201113 yr comment_352784 Ben,Here is a link to the thread I used when I refurbished mine:http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?13593-Color-for-grill-rear-tail-light-panel&p=90742&viewfull=1#post90742.Your company sells fasteners that are almost exact replacements. Just follow EScanlon's instructions for removal.I repaired cracks and such with JB Weld and sanded prior to painting. I have spares if needed. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/39220-removing-and-reinstalling-tallight-panel/#findComment-352784 Share on other sites More sharing options...
April 26, 201113 yr comment_354138 Don't drill them out! Just push out the small round pin in the center with a small punch. Save the pins and you can reuse the rivets. Done it millions of times. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/39220-removing-and-reinstalling-tallight-panel/#findComment-354138 Share on other sites More sharing options...
April 26, 201113 yr comment_354141 You can also press the center pin out with an appropriate diameter drill bit. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/39220-removing-and-reinstalling-tallight-panel/#findComment-354141 Share on other sites More sharing options...
April 27, 201113 yr comment_354153 Over the years, some have been pop riveted. If so, just drill them out. When going back together, order the plastic rivets from MSA and reinstall with those. Link to comment https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/39220-removing-and-reinstalling-tallight-panel/#findComment-354153 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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