Pesky Frunk Inner Trim Panel Fasteners, my solution

[The Weatherman]

I purchased the nylon wing nuts and press-in anchors at ACE Hardware. I installed the anchors into the slots where the original fasteners were and took #8-32 screws and cut the heads off of them and screwed the threaded rod into the anchors. Then installed the trim panels and secured with the wing nuts. I didn't replace the original fasteners in the front of the panel because they work ok. Must be they are inserted into a different size square hole. Black wing nuts would look better but I couldn't find any easily.

Awsome!! Thanks for the details. Great solution!

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[gmarcucio]

The metal screws really clash with the white plastic. Definitely needs a custom paint job.

I know, not the prettiest looking mod. Now I'm thinking about purchasing these thumb nuts. They would look much better. However, I'm worried about hood clearance. I won't know until I purchase them and try them.

 

[salmotrutta]

I lost most of these clips when I had to charge the 12v battery to get it to shut up about the low battery level. Module replaced so that should go away but I'm annoyed that Ford would have such a crappy way of securing a panel that clearly has to be removed for a simple maintenance issue. Especially if you are likely to be trying to remove it in less than ideal conditions when jump starting another car.

Maybe they will include a baggie of replacement clips when they send out our charging adapters.

 

[gmarcucio]

I lost most of these clips when I had to charge the 12v battery to get it to shut up about the low battery level. Module replaced so that should go away but I'm annoyed that Ford would have such a crappy way of securing a panel that clearly has to be removed for a simple maintenance issue. Especially if you are likely to be trying to remove it in less than ideal conditions when jump starting another car.

Maybe they will include a baggie of replacement clips when they send out our charging adapters.

I agree, at least make the clips available, but even then, what are you supposed to do order a years supply of them? I admit, most owners won't even remove these panels. But what about anytime you want to or need to you shouldn't have to go through the hassle.

 

[RickLightning]

On both the Mach-E and the Lightning, they made battery access (Mach-E) and jump posts (both) ridiculous.

The idea that a brand new panel has to be ordered is totally absurd. Zero reason for that. Mine needed a new one right away, as it came (dealer demo with 400 miles) missing several.

 

[JRT]

I'm not following the issue here, I've never needed to remove anything, do the backsides fall off?

 

[mattskr]

I'm not following the issue here, I've never needed to remove anything, do the backsides fall off?

I've been following this thread trying to understand the issue as well. I've taken the left liner off multiple times to reach the jump point and I actually thought the fasteners work well. Quarter turn they release, they all stay intact on the liner. Simple to put back on as well. Maybe certain trucks had different fasteners?

 

[RickLightning]

I'm not following the issue here, I've never needed to remove anything, do the backsides fall off?

I've been following this thread trying to understand the issue as well. I've taken the left liner off multiple times to reach the jump point and I actually thought the fasteners work well. Quarter turn they release, they all stay intact on the liner. Simple to put back on as well. Maybe certain trucks had different fasteners?

A good portion of the time, part of the connector falls into the truck, never to be seen again.

 

[rtk11226]

There has got to be some talented CAD designer out there that could spend a few minutes designing a new clip that can easily be 3d printed. Having a downloadable design sure would be nice (and appreciated).

 

[invertedspear]

There has got to be some talented CAD designer out there that could spend a few minutes designing a new clip that can easily be 3d printed. Having a downloadable design sure would be nice (and appreciated).

https://www.f150lightningforum.com/forum/threads/frunk-clips.14437/post-357140

 

[Computermedic78]

There has got to be some talented CAD designer out there that could spend a few minutes designing a new clip that can easily be 3d printed. Having a downloadable design sure would be nice (and appreciated).

I wouldn't say that I'm talented, but I did design these as a 1 piece. The files are free to use for yourself on printables. All I ask is that if someone wants to purchase some that they do it from me.

https://www.printables.com/model/689023-f150-lightning-trim-clip

For those without a 3D printer you can purchase anything I have designed from my website here https://www.mattsprintables.com/.

 

[Lytning]

Awsome!! Thanks for the details. Great solution!

Great idea! The nylon nut inserts look like the ones that were used in bumpers for license plate attachment.

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