In racing, body panels are thin to save weight, but they are subject to extreme wind resistance and chassis vibration. Standard 3/16" pop rivets provide a strong bond, but in materials like fiberglass, plastic, or thin aluminum, the rivet tail can easily "pull through" or tear the panel during a race.
The Longacre 52-36030 Aluminum Back Up Washers are essential hardware for any professional body hang. By sliding these washers onto the back of a 3/16" rivet before it is pulled, you create a large, solid clamping surface. This reinforces the hole, prevents "ovalizing," and ensures that your spoiler, interior tins, or fenders stay securely attached to the chassis even at triple-digit speeds.
Key Features
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Precision 3/16" ID: Engineered specifically for standard 3/16" rivets (the most common size for racing bodywork), ensuring a perfect fit and centered clamping force.
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Lightweight Aluminum Alloy: Provides necessary reinforcement without the weight penalty of steel hardware. When using hundreds of rivets on a full chassis, these weight savings are significant.
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Superior Clamping Footprint: Dramatically increases the surface area on the blind side of the panel, making it nearly impossible for the rivet to pull back through soft or thin materials.
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Corrosion-Free Performance: Aluminum construction ensures these washers won't rust, "bleed" streaks onto your car's wrap, or seize up over time, maintaining a professional look and easy removal.
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Essential for Composites: A "must-have" for mounting fiberglass or carbon fiber components, where the brittle nature of the material requires distributed pressure to prevent cracking.
