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The holes on the front switch panel on my 97 gambler are stripped out. I bought it used two years ago and it has a few diff size wood screws to hold the switch panel on. Most of them have vibrated out and are rusty. I think I need to put some kind of filler in the holes and redrill them and buy some stainless wood screws to put in there. Any recommendations on how to fill the holes to redrill? thanks
Marine -Tex will work great for this fix.
2 ways to do it. For both, make sure the holes are prepped right, drill them out slightly oversized to give the MT clean glass to adhere to, clean the holes out well of any loose fibers, debris, etc.
You can just fill the holes with MT and re drill.
or
Fill the holes almost full with MT, take the screws You will be using and spray them with some silicone spray, or light oil, make sure the complete threads are coated. Then coat the screw threads completely with MT, making sure you get all the grooves coated with MT.
Gently thread the screws into the holes with the MT. Let it setup and the screws should be able to be backed out ( because of the silicone ) leaving a perfect mold of the threads. Before assembling, clean the oil/silicone off the threads and the screws should hold tight for a long time.
How about try a plastic drywall anchor. Find the size that fits the holes best or drill them all to the same size, and install anchors. If they wear out you can just pop a new anchor in the hole.
the guys on the board told me about marine tex, NOTHING BETTER. I have had to use it filling holes in boat deck and lids. I would imagine it is a great solution; however, a few years ago I purchased a threaded pop rivet set that actually puts a threaded rivet in your existing hole. From then on all you do is screw in a machine screw. Then you can remove it as you please
That pop rivet idea sounds good too!! wonder if they make them in stainless?
Yes, it is all stainless. A friend of mine introduced them to me. He is an airplane mechanic, all they do is stainless. I can send you the info when I check the brand I have.
Are you sure its stainless or is it aluminum
Please send the info! thanks. Sounds alot easier and better than using the wood screws and patching/redrilling.
I apologize, I was mistaken. They are zinc plated steel and aluminum. I was confused because I have used stainless steel screws in them. I used mine for the front switch plate of my Ranger. Anytime I would hip choppy water the old ones would vibrate out. They work great.
The only kit I could find was this one: Marson (MAR39202) Professional Thread-Setter Kit. The one I have is a model 61609. I hope this helps.