Plastic rivets for 240z tail light panels

[jalexquijano]

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?

[240260280z]

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

[jfa.series1]

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

[TomoHawk]

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.

[ktm]

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

[TomoHawk]

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.

[grannyknot]

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.

[TomoHawk]

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.

[ktm]

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?

[TomoHawk]

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.