question about reinstalling map light

[popeye1978]

'86 Cutlass Supreme

I am attempting to reinstall the map light, I was not the one who removed the headliner & light so I don't understand what I am seeing as compared to the Body Service Manual, specifically what is the function of the three rods hanging from the light support?

• The manual does not show them
• They appear to be long rivets
• The rods line-up with holes in the base plate for the map light but I don't see a way to secure the base plate to the light support

 

[Rktpwrd]

'86 Cutlass Supreme

I am attempting to reinstall the map light, I was not the one who removed the headliner & light so I don't understand what I am seeing as compared to the Body Service Manual, specifically what is the function of the three rods hanging from the light support?

• The manual does not show them
• They appear to be long rivets
• The rods line-up with holes in the base plate for the map light but I don't see a way to secure the base plate to the light support

View attachment 161126

They’re not rivets, they in fact thread into the roof support. Coarse thread, should accept a 7mm wrench IIRC. They are what mount the light, there are supposed to be a type of speed nut that looks like a washer with slots cut in it that pushes onto those studs after the headliner and light are installed.

I don’t have any pictures of them, but they’re really quite small and can be easily lost or misplaced.

 

[melloelky]

those are sometimes called push nuts.ive seen them at my local hardware store too

 

[Peter P.]

'86 Cutlass Supreme

I am attempting to reinstall the map light, I was not the one who removed the headliner & light so I don't understand what I am seeing as compared to the Body Service Manual, specifically what is the function of the three rods hanging from the light support?

• The manual does not show them
• They appear to be long rivets
• The rods line-up with holes in the base plate for the map light but I don't see a way to secure the base plate to the light support

View attachment 161126

Should be 3 pushon speed nuts. Attached picture shows the fasteners from a light removed from my 84 Cutlass parts car.

 

[303'505rollin]

Speed nuts

 

[popeye1978]

Thanks for all the replies

 

[Ribbedroof]

speed nuts cut threads, you want push-on retainers

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[UNGN]

In the Hardware aisle in those drawers with metric bolts and nylon sleeves and stuff.

 

[fleming442]

A speed nut would let you remove them easier. The push clips don't play nice on removal.

 

[Ribbedroof]

Tack puller and side cutters, they come right off

Plus, I don't keep them long enough to put 2 headliners in one.