splash guard staples

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
I ordered new canvas splash guards for the inner front fender liners on my '53 Hornet from Kgap the other day, but I see they don't come with the original style fasteners.



The original fasteners look to be a type of staple, but if they are, that must be quite the staple gun to penetrate right through the metal fender liner !!

They seem to be some sort of very tough wire, and am wondering what others have used to repair this item? Seems regular staples would rust off in no time, so maybe a stainless one would work, but where to find that ?



I guess you'd have to insert them into the original tiny holes, and bend them over on the back with pliers, or a small hammer ?



Or does one just drill in some stainless screws, or pop rivets ?



Wouldn't be like factory though, ---- which goes against the grain a bit with me, unles its hidden where it can't be seen.



I notice also that the rubber strip that goes across the front of the rad where the hood latch mounting plate is, is also tacked down with these "staples" !! Waddaya do here ?? This ones right in your face when you open the hood. Can't cheat here !!



silverone

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    You're correct, the fasteners you speak of are staples. They were applied with a pneumatic stapler. I'd say you're right on target with the idea of making your own pseudo staples and inserting them into the existing holes. If originality is what you're after, I'd avoid screws and pop rivets. Don't bother looking for staples. Unless you use and/or store the car in adverse conditions, heavy steel wire will suffice. Case in point, I just helped a friend remove steel staples from the skirts on this Hudson so we could replace the rubber gaskets. After 50+ years, the staples were solid. Hope these tidbits help.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    What you have discovered is what we all learn when doing a REAL reconstruction. The staple substitute I used ,involved using copper wire and drilling out the slightly smaller diameter staple hole. Copper is bendable, won't corrode like steel and holds the rubber just as well. Just get some solid copper wire at Lowe's or Home Depot about the same gauge as the staple { 14-16 gauge} and start making your own staples. I had a little jig made so bending went pretty fast. Good luck.
  • Clutchguy
    Clutchguy Senior Contributor
    I have found that stainless steel welding wire works the very best.You can cut a piece about 2",using a pair of pliers,fold the ends to 90 deg.making one longer than the other.[makes staple]Making one end longer than the other allows you to start the staple in the first hole and then the other hole.Once you have got it started thru the holes,cut the staple to the desired length before you completely fold them over.The stainless won't rust,and also won't unfold once it has been folded.I use this method for other things like the "catwhisker"on the door glass,and several other places on cars.Hope this helps.
  • Walt-LA
    Walt-LA Senior Contributor
    Restoration Specialties has hard 1/2 inch staples made for this purpose. Though I've mostly used maleable wire to make my own, the ones which I bought from them work very well- though a bit hard to bend, and need to have the "legs" shortened for many applications.



    Silverone,



    I f you use the hard staples from Restoration Specialties, it's necessary to pull the fender tie panel to bend them, except for the area around the ornament, which can be removed separately. They're toohard to do with a tool through the grille.



    Walt-LA
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I'll get some of the 1/2 inchers you mentioned from Restoration Specialties, and see if they work for me too. I quickly discovered the originals are very tough little critters themselves, so expect I'll have to struggle a bit to get the new ones just right, but that's part of the fun too. Getting it done right the first time is always worth it in the end I've learned.



    I can cheat a bit though, 'cause I have all the panels off the car, and can work on the bench with them, where I won't need five foot arms !!



    Thanks Guys for all the really helpfull info on this subject !! I was worried I'd be looking to buy a pneumatic stapler there for a bit ! :-)



    silverone
  • Walt-LA
    Walt-LA Senior Contributor
    Silverone,



    Send me a PM with address and I'll mail you a sample. Walt-LA
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Silverone,



    Although I like your tenacity in thinking to make your own staples, who would have thought someone still actually produces these. And to boot, you're getting a free sample. You can't beat the fine people on this forum.



    Dave
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Amen to that comment Dave !!



    Awesome folks, these Hudnuts of the world !! Makes me proud to be considered one of them.



    silverone
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Silverone,



    Where else but here can one be a "nut" and have it be OK? Let us know how your staple project works out.
  • Nevada Hudson
    Nevada Hudson Senior Contributor
    The felt on the window channels is also stapled through steel.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Aha, I 've not got to it yet, but will have a few of these to do along the way as well. This'll be good practice for that job.



    I'll be an expert in no time flat --- especially if the samples Walt sends me work out. :-)



    silverone.
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