Disco 2 Rear storage box fixings question...

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RogerStenning

RogerStenning

Active Member
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Location
South London
OK, here we go again...!

I'm planning to install an Amateur Radio transceiver into my Disco 2; however, I have hit a little snag, and was wondering if anyone knows the answer.

The plan is to install the main body of the radio into the left-side boot storage bin in the boot space; there's a 12VDC line from the rear accessory socket I can use, and the run from the radio to the planned antenna (to be mounted on the back door) will be agreeably short. Now, a while back, I saw a wonderful idea regarding mounting electronics in that bin without having to drill holes in the trim panels, however I can't fin any reference to those screws/bolts/whatevers anywhere :(

Here's an image of the problem...
installation-plan.jpg

Sources:
Top photo: Ebay.
Bottom photo: http://www.digital-car.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?7325-My-Discovery-install

Now, I'm not a member of the digital car forums (nor do I plan to be), so contacting the OP there is not possible.

I need to know what size the screws or bolts that fit in the arrowed holes in the top section of the photo are, and if I need to get lengthened ones in order to fit a mounting plate (something like a 5mm thick panel of MDF or similar) like the guy over in Digital Car did.

I've searched every combination of words, including: "discovery" "2" "internal" "trim" "rear" "diagram" "bolt" "screw" "bin" "storage" "box" and many, many more until I'm almost cross-eyed. I suspect I'd have better luck with a visual parts catalogue (such as microcat?), but even Rovers North (who stuck theirs online!) doesn't appear to have that level of detail :confused:

(Also, I checked the online microcat at http://cat.lrparts.ru/ but even that seems to fail to show what I'm looking for)

Anyone give me any help on identifying these fixings, please?

Cheers in advance :) :)
 
Last edited:
Not yet. *Ahem* There's a fair amount of clutter in there, y'see :oops:

I was hoping for a simple solution, and I'm working late shift this week (off to work in half an hour, in fact)!
 
Ah! I see:rolleyes: I'd go and check on mine but is currently undergoing some major surgery so is down at the garage. I've found that some of the exterior trimming is held on with 10m M4s so I wouldn't be surprised if it's just an M4 that goes into a clinch, if that's the case the M4 are easy to get hold of at all sort of lengths. If I get mine back before you dig your way through to the bins in yours I'll have a look and let you know.
 
Cheers :) I should get a chance to have a look on Saturday, all things being equal, but was hoping to get the info sooner, so I could stick an order in with Namrick or similar :D
 
Spong said:
From the second picture it looks like they use the 'fir tree' type trim fixings:-
View attachment 117014
Click to expand...
I would tend to agree with @Spong about the possibility of the use of fir tree fasteners. The only other methods of fasteners in that area of the trim are a couple of self-tappers. There doesn't appear to be any bolts at all. Fir tree fasteners can be obtained in various diameters and lengths.

Untitled.gif
 
OK, thanks for the info on the fir trees, but they aren't what's in there; unfortunately, the diagram doesn't meet with reality, and the phot is more accurate. There are a total of seven (7) screws or bolts going into the load area of the trim fascia behind the kickoff blanking panel; four (4) of those hold on the hinges for the top cover. The remaining three (3) seem to have no other purpose than to hold the fascia trim in ace, and it's these that I need to know about. Question: can they come out another five millimetres while still retaining thread in their sockets, or do I need to buy replacement ones that are longer, to do the job?

I'm going to have a look at them on Saturday, but if anyone k owns for certain before then, I'm all ears :)
 
RogerStenning said:
Now, a while back, I saw a wonderful idea regarding mounting electronics in that bin without having to drill holes in the trim panels, however I can't fin any reference to those screws/bolts/whatevers anywhere :(
Click to expand...
Over the last couple of days I've looked at a number of pictures of those rear lower trim panels and nowhere can I find a photograph of one with those three holes you've shown arrowed, whether for a storage box or third row of seats.
It looks like the author of that original article had at some time removed the trim panel and drilled and mounted that board before replacing it.
I'm pretty sure that there are no metal fixing points at those locations behind the trim panel.
 
It's turning into one of those periods where, despite what you want to do, other things get in the darn way. Last night, and today, have been two such days. Let's hope tomorrow brings some sanity into things over here.

Brian - so noted, thanks.

IF I find there to be no holes, how rigid is the trim itself? Is it rigid enough to be able to mount a mobile radio bracket (squared 'U' plate, long base, two shorter 'ears' to screw the radio into, picture below) using self-tapping short screws without undue vibration/oscillation to the radio itself resulting while driving, or would I have to install strengthening plates behind the trim panel?

8900-mounting-bracket.jpg
 
RogerStenning said:
It's turning into one of those periods where, despite what you want to do, other things get in the darn way. Last night, and today, have been two such days. Let's hope tomorrow brings some sanity into things over here.

Brian - so noted, thanks.

IF I find there to be no holes, how rigid is the trim itself? Is it rigid enough to be able to mount a mobile radio bracket (squared 'U' plate, long base, two shorter 'ears' to screw the radio into, picture below) using self-tapping short screws without undue vibration/oscillation to the radio itself resulting while driving, or would I have to install strengthening plates behind the trim panel?

8900-mounting-bracket.jpg
Click to expand...

From what I've seen of that panel and others in the vehicle, it's a "hard plastic" and about 3/16 inch thick.
As to whether you'll need reinforcing behind the panel, that would depend on the weight of the radio you're thinking of installing there. Looking at the mounting bracket you've shown I would venture that it's not that heavy, at least nowhere near as heavy as I've been known to install (Pye AM25B Vanguard) in vehicles and "floating gin palaces".
I have installed a 1kgm powder fire extinguisher on similar plastic with 5mm nuts and bolts and just "penny washers" behind the panel to spread the load. So if your rig isn't too heavy you might be able to get away with that method.
 
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