Lower Engine Cover - Re-mounting Latch (cracked/blown out fiberglass)

[kajcienski]

As many DeLoreans suffer from a blown out or stripped fiberglass lower engine compartment latch mount, I thought I would see if anyone has come up with a good solution to re-mount it...? Here is what I know:

- DMCH sells a threaded insert if just the threads have been stripped and the fiberglass has not been cracked or blown out

- I have heard of people using a longer bolt with a similar latch shape and drilling through the cover to secure from the top and bottom

- Re-building the fiberglass (very expensive to have done)

Here is my problem - Mine is totally stripped and much of the mount has chipped away from the PO - I believe using "steel epoxy" to try and re-mount the latch bolt. There is simply not enough fiberglass left to try using the DMCH insert or steel puddy. I have also been unsuccessful in finding a long bolt with a latch shape that will work. Does anyone have a suggestion or solution? (maybe where to purchase a new bolt latch that will work?) I realize locking the lower engine cover is not essential, but I hear it flapping over bumpy NY roads and don't like just anyone having the ability to open the engine compartment in case...

[LEVY]

Fiberglass is cheap. Go to your local hardware store and buy some and fix it yourself. I repaired the whole engine cover.



As many DeLoreans suffer from a blown out or stripped fiberglass lower engine compartment latch mount, I thought I would see if anyone has come up with a good solution to re-mount it...? Here is what I know:

- DMCH sells a threaded insert if just the threads have been stripped and the fiberglass has not been cracked or blown out

- I have heard of people using a longer bolt with a similar latch shape and drilling through the cover to secure from the top and bottom

- Re-building the fiberglass (very expensive to have done)

Here is my problem - Mine is totally stripped and much of the mount has chipped away from the PO - I believe using "steel epoxy" to try and re-mount the latch bolt. There is simply not enough fiberglass left to try using the DMCH insert or steel puddy. I have also been unsuccessful in finding a long bolt with a latch shape that will work. Does anyone have a suggestion or solution? (maybe where to purchase a new bolt latch that will work?) I realize locking the lower engine cover is not essential, but I hear it flapping over bumpy NY roads and don't like just anyone having the ability to open the engine compartment in case...

[kajcienski]

Fiberglass is cheap. Go to your local hardware store and buy some and fix it yourself. I repaired the whole engine cover.

Is it something that I could do (I know nothing about fiberglass repair) on my own? I would love to learn but everyone DeLorean guy I asked assumed I would need a professional. I guess I have nothing to lose since you can't see it anyway!

[LEVY]

Yes, it is real easy and cheap.

Buy some and try. Wish I had pictures of the "before".

Good thing is, if you don't like it,sand it and start all over. $7.00 is all you have to spend.


Is it something that I could do (I know nothing about fiberglass repair) on my own? I would love to learn but everyone DeLorean guy I asked assumed I would need a professional. I guess I have nothing to lose since you can't see it anyway!