3.8 FHC hatch stay receiving bracket

[rswaffie]

Hi,
I am hoping someone can help me with an answer to this question.
The rear hatch lid stay locates in a bracket, which seems to be fixed using setscrews and domed nuts as in a pic I found on the forum:



I’m assuming that there should be a couple of holes in the gutter to allow it to be fitted? My panel was replaced and there were none pre-drilled. Is that correct?

[abowie]

I'll be interested to see the answer as I seem to have the same problem.

[Simonpfhc]

Hi Richard,

Yes, you are correct; there should be two holes in the lower gutter. Despite having taken a gizzilion photos, this is the only picture I can find where you can clearly see them:




Let me know if you need a measurement of where they should be.

Cheers.

[Jeremy]

Richard, this probably isn't much help, but the later (hinged) design has the bracket fixed with self tappers that plunge into the blind cavity below the gutter. (Mine had all that section replaced so I had to drill new pilot holes). Can't see how you'd have access to do much else. Unless captive bolts or nuts were welded to the body during production?

[Jeremy]

Simon beat me to it. Ignore my post!

[abowie]

So what goes thru the holes?

[rswaffie]

Gents,
Many thanks for the replies.
It’s confirmed what I suspected- I need to drill some holes in the gutter.
Like Simon, I also struggled to find anything in my huge collection of strip-down pics - this was the best I could come up with which was from the bodyshop - you have to zoom in to see the holes! I’ve had the fittings rechromed since theses were taken!

[rswaffie]

Andrew, there are two slotted setscrews with domed nuts, although sng only list plain nuts from memory. I’ll need to check in the factory fit/parts section to confirm what is correct. Mine deffo had domed when I took it off.

[edriver]

Richard,

I have used a (metric ) M5 stainless dome nut (DIN917) and I would do it again! The sharp edges of a protruding setscrew could damage the luggage. The 3.8 parts handbook calls for your E for 2 standard nuts UFN.119/L
UFN. Fine Thread Nut, non-locking
1 Standard Hex Nut
19/ 3/16", 32TPI, screw size #10
L steel

The set screw is BD.13713/1 and the shakeproof washer is C.723/A and can be obtained from SNG.

Since I was going non-original already, I used a slotted M5x12 set screw with a very flat head (called Becherschraube or Tellerschraube in Germany). Its head fits neatly under the hatch door seal. I have even added a plain washer under the shakeproof washer to match the screw length to the height of the domed nut.

Please forgive me, fellow forum users

[rswaffie]

Thanks chaps,
I’ve now found where the holes were in the gutter (welded over) and got it installed. The lower trim panel helped line it all up.