Interior Cab Plugs

[ChristopherB]

Good Afternoon all! Hope everyone's winter projects are nearing completion, and ready for spring. I'm just wrapping up a frame-off restoration of a very derserving former Fire/Brush Truck ('72 F250 4x4). I'm having trouble with one interior item - those little "plugs " on either side of the rear window. The factory ones crumbled coming out; and I haven't been able to find replacements through any of the familiar places - Dennis Carpenter, LMC, etc. They are approximately 1-1/8" diamter and do not have an interior flange like a standard grommet, rather, they have an 1/4" (or so) stem in the center with a barb at then end. On the face are the letters GB and the number 18. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks - Christopher

[papabug71]

Christopher, welcome to the site. We would love to see some pics of your truck! Sounds like a nice rig.

I think you're talking about the rubber plug for the optional 3 point seat belts? Right above your shoulder if your sitting in the seat..?

I dont think anyone is making repops of those plugs. This is one of those instances where you're gonna have to get crafty & make something else work. Shouldn't be too hard, but nowhere near as easy as ordering replacements.

Be sure to head over to the welcome mat & introduce yourself, & throw up some pics of your truck. We love pics!

[ChristopherB]

Thanks for the quick reply man! I tried to squeeze the Dennis Carpenter plugs in there with no luck at all (many times) ... the sheet metal that contains the nut is too close to the inside cab panel (approx. 1/16") so there's no room for the backside of the grommet/plug. Like you said, option B is to fabricate, I just wanted a second opinion before I made something up. I'll post a few pictures on the welcome page - drove the truck for the first time in 1.5 years the other day; felt awesome! Took it for a quick 2 mile rip ... no plates ... no headlights ... no grill ... no tailights ... no battery ... little alcohol ... hahaha.

[sargentrs]

Try checking for a plastic grommet plug at someplace like McMaster-Carr or W.W. Grainger. They carry a large variety of plugs and you can shave the ends off of the prongs if it's too tight.

[papabug71]

Also, try these guys. They mostly specialize in fasteners & hardware but they do have some rubber grommets & stuff.

http://www.auveco.com/

Looking forward to seeing your truck.

[ChristopherB]

Thanks again for the help guys ... I have grommets coming from everywhere now! A few from McMaster Carr, some from Grainger, and this company called SoffSeal (out of Ohio). I'll try to upload some pictures a little later this evening.

[F100builder]

Part '20' on this page??? Part number 40-1975 at $0.85 each.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fb/full.aspx?Page=14

[Art]

Part '20' on this page??? Part number 40-1975 at $0.85 each.

http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/fb/full.aspx?Page=14

I would like to see a real picture of those, as we know the original plugs used are not a standard item.

I ended up reusing mine when I re-bodied my 69 F100. Because I knew they love to break, I cut apart the cab being junked and pushed them out from the back side. I put some lube on the barb end and they went back into the replacement cab nicely.

[kevins72]

Im also missing one of those plugs, i did order the lmc plugs, don't waste your time/money they are way to small. I called lmc and they think they are selling the right size. Nope they are not. Tried getting some out of a 72 f100 in a junkyard in SC last week but they just pulled apart like mine did when i took it out to see what was in there, been regretting that idea for 6 months now! let us know if anyone finds something that works. Kevin

[cep62]

i did order the lmc plugs, don't waste your time/money they are way to small. I called lmc and they think they are selling the right size. Nope they are not.

In their defense I thought there were different size bolt holes , 3/8- 7/16 ?
correct me if I'm wrong.

[kevins72]

The plug covers the larger hole around the treaded hole, the OEM plug has a nipple in the center that goes into the threaded hole to hold it in place. The lmc plug they sent me had no nipple and was made to fit in the larger hole, but lmc's plug was to small. This is how it is on my 72 f100 anyway, it has no mod's. Kevin