[ejbleen]

We've reached the stage where our "temporary" conversion to our van should become more permanent - hence all my questions for the forum members! I should make it clear here that I am not a craftsman of the kind seen in several conversions on this forum - I'm a hacker.

Some of the stuff that is currently secured in various ways to the cargo hooks really should be fastened to the walls. However, one of the principles behind our conversion is that everything we do should be reversible, so the van can be sold or traded at some point in its original condition. I am finding this principle difficult to maintain when it comes to wall fasteners.

What I am looking for is a blind wall fastener that is somehow removable ... and so far I'm drawing a blank. Those nice round holes in the sides for the plastic rivets to hold the black plastic panels are tempting. But all the fasteners I have seen that would work are either non-removable, will deform (i.e. widen) the hole, will make the hole smaller (if kept - e.g. rivnuts) or will have parts that, upon attempted removal, will drop for ever out of reach and probably rust or rattle. Briefly, I shan't be able to put the original plastic rivets back in those holes - or, if I can, then there'll be old bits of fastener rattling around on the blind side. I am starting to think that I am yearning for the physically impossible ....

The only thing I've been able to think up is a toggle bolt with the spring removed. It might be possible to "spread" it with a small screwdriver on original insertion, and then remove it later by "de-spreading" it in a similar way. But this seems a little crude, even if it's possible.

Can anyone offer advice or help?

Regards,
EJB

 

[jonsobi]

Although they do not meet your criteria for removeability, the 1/4-20 riv-nuts are easy to install, are reusable, and are barely noticeable if not used. In the few places I used them in place of the plastic covet inserts, the black cover hole fits over them nicely and the riv nuts could even be used to re fasten them.

My advice, don't worry unduly about trade in time. Go for strength and ease of installation.

 

[GROOVY2]

Cleco 's -

Cleco are clamps that have been used for building airplanes etc -

Cleco is a spring loaded clamp that works by drilling a hole thru
whatever need to be clamped together -and inserting Cleco pin into hole-
spring loaded Cleco pins Pull parts together

Cleco are Very strong and work in metal plastic wood just about anything-

come in different hole sizes and lengths- Very strong

the Special Cleco pliers are Needed- regular pliers wont work -

 

[Cold Iron]

Search wellnut or rubnut, rubber body with threaded insert. Used for roof racks.