Broken engine cover

[JohnZ]

Hi there! Unfortunately my engine cover broke while I was trying to remove it. Due to a too-much-rusty bolt I applied a strong force to loose the bolt itself and it all snapped under my hands ! :frown:

So now the two screws holding the closing piece can't be linked with the cover... I think it's impossible to explain by words, so take a look at this and you'll understand:

257542575625757

Now the question is: how do I fix that? I already reinforced the louver with 2 metal brackets, but this is so much tinier and I can't put there some thick metal, otherwise the plastic bracket with screws won't slip in anymore... Well I broke just one "hole" but I think it won't hold the cover anyway...

Any suggestions?

:smashfreak:

[BABIS]

this is a very simple solution ;) http://delorean-parts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DPNW&Product_Code=106356DP

[JohnZ]

Yes that sounds good, but what about reinforcing the pre-existent holes? Could it be done with a thin layer of metal glued just on one side?

I have to try, nonetheless it could turn into a failure :swear1:

Anyway, since the original "sliding block" is not broken I could drill new holes on that one before buying the DMCNW part... isn't it?

:approve:

[Chris4099]

Yep, I got that about 9 years ago and it's been working fine since. Highly recommend it!

Edit: If you drill new holes and off-set the existing mount, it will have a great effect on what angle the cover rests. You'll then end up with a cover that hits the louvers and can't lock in place or one that when locked is lower which reduces engine access. I highly recommend the same existing location.

[JohnZ]

Thanks Chris! :) What I mean is that instead of buying the new sliding piece, why don't I try to actually modify the existing sliding block that is currently on my car in order to match the two holes, but to reinforce it with 2 new holes?

I'm thinking about doing a "replica" of the improved sliding block that DMCNW sells before ending up buying it! Do you think that it can be done?

[Patrick C]

I repaired mine with fiberglass boat hull repair putty. Let it dry, sand it, then epoxy a thin piece of aluminum sheet metal on both sides of the rib. Let it dry, re-drill the holes and you are set. Painting it black is optional, but I did it. Mine has held for 7 years so far since the repair.

[AugustneverEnds]

Mine's been glued on for 2 years now

[JohnZ]

Ok thanks guys, I think 2 tiny sheets of metal should do it... I'll keep you updated!

:)