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I have a FW 180 1998 and the remote is separating from the mounting wall, the four screws that hold it in place are stripped and only one remains. Has anyone had this problem and if they have what is the best fix in opinion. Thanks

There are a few things that you can do.

You could coat the screws with 3M 5200 material and re-install them or you could inject some two part epoxy into these holes and then move the remote over slightly and put new screws in fresh fibreglass (this will only work if your remote is large enough to cover the old holes) Thirdly, you could remove the screws and replace them with some small bolts that would have washers and nuts in behind the remote. (Access?) the best method will have to be based on your situation and capabilities. Oh yeah, I always find it best to drill a small pilot hole (1/2 di. of screw) in the gelcoat and fibregalss before inserting the screw.

_________________
Marc, Kathlin & Nathalie


'89 Chaparral Laser 32

'93 Vista 245, 5.8L w/ King Cobra

Former Boats
'01 H260, 7.4 VP Duoprop
'98 H200, 5.0 GL w/VP SX drive

Provided the fibreglass is thick enough, another way could be to use "nut inserts" ( that's what they are called in the UK, I don't know if they are called something different in the US; they are basically an insert with a tapered coarse thread on the outside and a machine thread on the inside. There's a very thin flange on the outer face, meaning they can be screwed in virtually flush, using an allen key. They are usually used in wood, but I have succesfully used them in fibreglass; the drilled hole needs to be the correct size though, to prevent cracking. I haven't found it necessary, but a dab of something like epoxy or 4200/ 5200 PU would ensure they can't unscrew. The old holes from the original screws can be used as pilot holes, in exactly the right position.

If the fibreglass isn't thick enough to take these insert, it's not really thick enough to put screws in either and nuts,bolts and washers would be best!

Graham

Well the remote is actually attached to a padded fiberboard composite material so the fiberglass thing doesnt really work. I guess nuts, bolts, and washers are the way to go. The only thing is that it is really hard to reach the inside to attach the nut and washers, any opinions?

As the "nut inserts" I mentioned were designed originally for use in wood, they work well in MDF and particleboard as well. Maybe you could screw them into this fibreboard, that way you don't need access to the inside face to attach nuts and washers.

Graham