[markpj23]

OK pretty dumb question here I'm sure, but how do I install the front rubber splash shields on the inner fender using the staples supplied with them?

Special tool? Or do I just toss those staples and use some self-tappers?

[dataway]

Do you have the original wheel houses with the staple holes still in them? If so, reuse the old holes and just bend them over.

If you have new wheel houses then you could probably drill some little holes and do the same.

[OG68]

To add on to what Data said, clamp the rubber on the engine side of the fender, then drill through the fender hole and through the rubber at the same time. Insert the staple and slightly bend the leg with a needle nose. Use a small hammer with a dolly or a block of wood behind the staple and lightly tap the staple legs into position.

[markpj23]

Thanks guys. I assume the staple crown faces the engine compartment?

[OG68]

The rubber can go on either side of the fender. I only mentioned placing it on the engine side for ease of drilling.
I placed my rubber on the outside with the staple crown against the rubber.

[markpj23]

Originally Posted by OG68

The rubber can go on either side of the fender. I only mentioned placing it on the engine side for ease of drilling.
I placed my rubber on the outside with the staple crown against the rubber.

many thanks for the picture!

[ZeGermanHam]

Another thing I saw in a video elsewhere was to actually apply a very small amount adhesive around the perimeter of the opening to glue and hold the splash shields in place while you use an itty-bitty drill bit to drill through the existing staple holes and into the new rubber splash shields.

Regardless, I would definitely not use self-tapping screws or bolts, nuts, & washers. There is a '66 GTO up for auction on Bring A Trailer right now that went that route and it looks pretty bad.

[Terry M. Hunt]

Another suggestion is to use stainless steel wire that is intended to safety wire certain fasteners on race cars, aircraft, etc. instead of the supplied staples. The safety wire is easier to bend and doesn’t rust. You can cut a piece about 3 inches long then bend it into a square bottom U shape. Push this through your pre drilled holes then cut off the excess and bend over each leg with a rolling motion with needle nose pliers to duplicate the look of a closed staple. Lousy description, but maybe you get the idea.

[ZeGermanHam]

Yep, in addition to stainless safety wire, you can also use 25lb. galvanized steel wire (available anywhere for a few bucks), cut it into short lengths, then clamp down in some Vise Grips or other pliers and bend over the jaws to get crisp 90-degree bends. The wire will bend easier than the staples, but will still be very secure and won't rust.

[tom s]

I used alu wire.VERY EZ to work with.Tom

[markpj23]

Thanks guys for the replies.

Upon closer inspection I DO have the old staple holes there (old eyes....), so should be easy to use the staples.