This is an interesting problem...

[tcouture]

As we all know, there is a collection of plastic panels under the car that hides the innards from debris and make the car more aerodynamic. If you look under the car, these panels are held by a bunch of screws and clips or, for some of them, some coarse studs that are welded to the chassis and nylock nuts (nylon locking).

Here is my problem: I have lost one of these studs. It just isn't there and, looking at where is should be, it looks like it was not welded properly (there is paint on half of where the paint should be, probably indicating that the weld was not sticking properly.

My question is this: how do I replace this stud/screw/whatever you call it? I can probably hold the panels with some self tap screws but I would rather go back to what it *should* be... Can it be soldered back?

Any suggestion will be appreciated,

T.

Edited September 7, 2011 by tcouture

[Loren]

Model and year of your car please?

[tcouture]

Model and year of your car please?

2009 Carrera S

T.

[wvicary]

Epoxy would be my first try. Your local autobody garage has some very good two part epoxy used to bond body panels that should the trick.

[tcouture]

Epoxy would be my first try. Your local autobody garage has some very good two part epoxy used to bond body panels that should the trick.

That is a good suggestion wvicary, I never tought about using adhesives. That being said, from your answer, I am not sure which part you would suggest bonding...

So would you:

1. Try bonding studs back to the body?

2. Bond the underbody (plastic) panels together?

3. Bond the underbody (plastic) panels to the car?

I was thinking more along the lines of #1 so I can easily remove the panels when needed... But I am not sure epoxy would be strong enough to glue two pieces of metal together. The other problem is sourcing the studs. I will probably have to fabricate them from something I find in a hardware store.

T.

[PAULSPEED]

You might want to drill a hole and install a

pop revit. Then you can always drill out the pop revit should you want to remove

the panels.

A few pictures would help.

Paul

[wvicary]

Bond the stud onto the body. If you start drilling holes its asking for trouble down the road with water migration and corrosion issues.

[Richard Hamilton]

Something like a weld stud might be easier to bond to the underbody, and give a lot more area to bond. You could then use a plastic nut, so that it can't be overtightened.

http://store.usavediscountmarine.com/Weld_Mount_Stainless_Studs_s/145.htm

[phillipj]

Wouldn't this be a warranty issue on an 09? If there is a manufacturing flaw then Porsche should fix it. I assume the car is still under the original warranty?