Topaz plastic side panels

A couple of the self tapping screws that secure the black plastic panels around the side windows have come loose.   The drilled holes in the van body have become enlarged and rusty so screws won't hold.  I assume I need to completely remove sade panels and sort rust. Will something like "Gripfill" help when it goes back together?  any ideas?    Terry

This forum's Daisy Mae is probably the best person to comment, as she had her side panels removed and black vinyl wrap applied instead. As I recall the result looked good - better than the plastic panel originals, IMO.

Unfortunately I can't find the thread in which she describes what was done, because this forum's search tool is poor - you can put a username in as part of the search criteria, but it just seems to ignore it!

One other thing that surprises me - I don't ~recall~ there being screws into the bodywork. My memory (possibly inaccurate) is that all of the fixings went into timber bearers that are bonded to the original factory glass. If so, yours may not be as fitted from the factory?

Found the thread, which I though had photos, but it seems not, which is a shame:

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Roopert,   thanks for your quick reply.  I must admit Ihave not yet looked behind the panels, I just assumed the screws went into metal.  I shall look further for signs of wood. There are ony 3 loose screws, the panels are firmly fixed by the rest.

Good job you noticed - at motorway speeds the wind drag force is very high, and it's common for people here to report that theirs came loose and got ripped off on the motorway - never to be seen again. I suspect you'll find that the screws go into (by now slightly rotten, possibly) wooden battens - so the old trick of inserting matchstick pieces may help them grip.

Thanks again,  I shall investigate soon.

I just increased the screw gauge on mine - from the AS 3mm to 3.5 mm which meant the black screw ‘caps still worked. I also added new screws (black capped) in strategic places, fore-warned by other folk losing the trim panels. The panels are secured to plywood formers which seem well secured - even bonded - to the van body.

Thank you

I had the same problem removed panels and as expected wood blocks glued to window we’re rotting , treated all with wood hardener and wood filler , added one extra block just in case. Refitted job done.

We had decided before covid to have windows wrapped in vinyl (after seeing Daisy Mae pictures) her van looked very smart  still not done! 

Don’t think glueing panels back on would be a good idea you may want to take them back off one day.