The Pantera Place
"Your de Tomaso
Connection"
Stripped Out Sheet Metal Screw Threads
There are a number of places on the older Panteras where de Tomaso used sheet metal screws to hold parts together that strip out over time, e.g. engine cover screen, side covers, front cover over the radiator, etc. A type of thin hard steel "U" shaped folded over speed nut is available from hardware stores that slides over the top and bottom of the screw hole. The speed nut provides new long lasting threads. While you are working on improving the fasteners, new black trim screws with washers are available from automotive stores to finish the project.