My datsun 1972 240z did not brought the Tail light Panels that go under the tail lights. I already got the center panel and will purchase the left and right soon, however in order to install them i need to fasten them with some plastic rivets.

I read that the parts number are the following:

RIVET-PLASTIC 79909-E4100

2 questions:

-Where can i purchase these plastic rivets?

-How many will i need?

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/interior-s30/40953-exterior-taillight-trim-piece-plastic-rivits.html

They are available thru Courtesy Nissan Parts for $1.81 each. Plug your part # into the search box.

Nissan Parts, NISMO and Nissan Accessories - Courtesyparts.com

If you really want the original style rivets, you can pay the extra money, but at a place like mcmaster.com, you can get more for a LOT less. For the same amount of money, you can get 100 of a very similar style, You just need to measure the hole and depth required. They come in bags of 50 or 100.

OTOH, I was able to get some very similar rivets from the local autoparts. they were black plastic and had a threaded center pin that you turned with a small Torx driver.

I went with sheet metal screws. Unless the car is a Concours restoration, the screws are a much better option

I avoid using screws to fasten things unless there already is a threaded hole. Screws chew up or scratch the paint, and that invites rust.

I went with sheet metal screws. Unless the car is a Concours restoration, the screws are a much better option

I have used sheet medal screws before many times, they are quick and easy. But you are driving a piece of history.

I try to modify with the next owner in mind, a little dab of sealant on a new screw/hole goes a long way.

Good idea. Drill the hole, then put a blob of sealant over/through the hole, let it set up slightly, then drivethe screw through the wet sealant.

I avoid using screws to fasten things unless there already is a threaded hole. Screws chew up or scratch the paint, and that invites rust.

It's a sheet metal screw. The is no threaded hole as the screw uses the diameter of the hole to thread itself.

I found a sheet metal screw that fit the diameter of the existing hole for the exterior tail light trim panel. It is not tearing anything up, I am not drilling a new hole nor am I threading anything. Maybe I am misunderstanding the part in question. Are they the four pieces on the rear deck under the hatch that secure the exterior tail light panels?

IMO, anything with threads on it will chew up a hole, even if it fits well.

I've seen an S30 with some pan-head screws used to fasten the taillight finishers. It was not unsightly, just different from what I'm use to seeing.