Tek for chassis leg?

[Myles1970]

Hi folks, in the middle of replacing a front chassis leg/apron and was wondering what everyone uses when g-clamps of vice-grips (even the long ones ) won't reach? I've managed to get long grips to reach through a wiring hole on the a-pillar to tighten up the exterior flange (a little), but the flange in the engine bay? There's no way ... I'm not helped by the fact that the firewall has been somewhat 'bruised' in the past.
I'm thinking about hiring out a tek-driver ....any thoughts?

 

[Dcal]

Why do you need to hire a tek-driver?
I usually drive them with a drill unless you are thinking of something else.

Tek screws will distort the metal you are fixing to so I think there are better options.
They will work but will leave a bigger hole than you think.
Also if both layers of metal are drilled the same size you will not get great clamping force untill the layer nearest the head strips. Hopefullythe other layer will hold but you never know and you will certainly need to dress up the metal after you take them out.

I use whatever I have to hand to pull stuff together, self-tappers, pop rivets, bolts, tek screws, whatever I can get to fit.
I would try and get it as close as possible because when you start to weld there is no going back without a lot more work.
If you are plug welding it, don't be afraid to put 6 or 8mm holes in it then you can install some 6 or 8mm bolts, some backing washers or strips of plate on the side with a flange and really pull it all up nicely. Even 5mm bolts are great if room is tight.
More small bolts or fixings will always be better than a few big ones.
When you are happy take one out, weld it, move on and everything will stay straight and true.

You really are doing a great job on the AE86

 

[Myles1970]

Thanks for the ideas and encouragement I can't see the wood for the trees sometimes
I'll have to arm myself with some self tappers and pop rivets .... Tho we're gone back into lockdown here again

 

[grim_d]

Know anyone in aircraft maintenance?

Hex nut clecos would be ideal if plug welding.

 

[Dcal]

Thanks for the ideas and encouragement I can't see the wood for the trees sometimes
I'll have to arm myself with some self tappers and pop rivets .... Tho we're gone back into lockdown here again

Are you still getting post?
I can send you a selection of tek screws and bits and bobs if you want.

Working on the AE86 will take you mind off the madness

 

[CompoSimmonite]

I use self tappers

 

[Myles1970]

Know anyone in aircraft maintenance?

Hex nut clecos would be ideal if plug welding.

View attachment 256393

I actually do! Though he's been out of it for a good few years... I'll ask him next time I see him

Are you still getting post?
I can send you a selection of tek screws and bits and bobs if you want.

Working on the AE86 will take you mind off the madness

Yep, post is still getting through, but I've just checked and the hardware stores are still open, just have to look out for the gestapo en route . Thanks for the offer but I should be able to get sorted out

 

[frank horton]

self tappers or 5mm nuts n bolts...
when ur done just blob mig the holes up both sides .....
they'll look like a spot weld....

 

[500e]

Most retired aero men have a store of goodies, & Clecos are not expensive new & last a life time but don't forget the pliers

 

[grim_d]

Most retired aero men have a store of goodies, & Clecos are not expensive new & last a life time but don't forget the pliers

No pliers for hex or wing type.

Normal spring clecos or screws pins are not strong enough to force items together.

 

[Barking Mat]

Most retired aero men have a store of goodies, & Clecos are not expensive new & last a life time but don't forget the pliers

Why had I assumed they were expensive? What s your definition of inexpensive? I've just googled them and stuck a set in my basket for 39 Euro . 34-6 quid.?

I'll reconsider when sober tomorrow. I'd assumed more than that, perhaps they're cheap rubbish?

Any reccomendations? Cleco set, I sesrched

 

[500e]

There are a couple of makes I presume you bought a No of the same size 1/8 3/16 5/32 are popular sizes, look on bay of thrives there are a lot there but watch price and a size
Some of the bigger ones have wingnuts to tighten rather than springs
How meny did you get for that price
https://mrotools.net/

 

[grim_d]

Why had I assumed they were expensive? What s your definition of inexpensive? I've just googled them and stuck a set in my basket for 39 Euro . 34-6 quid.?

I'll reconsider when sober tomorrow. I'd assumed more than that, perhaps they're cheap rubbish?

Any reccomendations? Cleco set, I sesrched

www.skinpins.co.uk

You do need the pliers for normal clecos.

Or use screwpins, no tool required and clamp harder than clecos, also available in metric unlike clecos.

http://www.skinpins.com/catalog/product_info.php/skinpins-fasteners-manually-operated-p-14

 

[keithski122]

Never ordered anything from this place but they do clecos and other interesting stuff :- https://www.lasaero.com/products/category/P03Z26CCV/

 

[8ob]

Most retired aero men have a store of goodies, & Clecos are not expensive new & last a life time but don't forget the pliers

Yep I am a nearly retired Aero man

Start the car

This type really do grip well.

 

[500e]

LAS good to. Deal with