Chrome Dash Air Vent

[balimatharu]

I thought this might be helpful for someone who is repairing the broken studs on the chrome vents.
I just successfully rebuilt the retaining studs.
I used dental titanium pins and epoxy resin. Instead of epoxy, dental filling composite could be used.
Just need to drill down about 1.5 mm and thread in the pins using finger and thumb.
I have taken a few photos which explains the procedure.
I previously used the same procedure to enhance the indicator cancelling mechanism.
By the way I am a dentist. We use these pins frequently in the teeth.
I have more than four photos. I will make two posts.

Bali

[balimatharu]

Some more photos

[col320ce]

Great idea ... I am fortunate enough to be able to lay my hands on that material too.  I have a few which need repairing ...

[stickandrudderman]

Good idea. Have you managed to replicate the original doametr of the pins? They look a little larger than original.

[balimatharu]

I have done the second one. This time I used composite light cure. This is stronger than epoxy and cures in 30 seconds to full strength. I have taken a photo of the completed job and I have fitted it as well.
Of course similar pins were used.
Rubbed down to fit. Fitted well.

[Pawel66]

I think you might have provided a cure to heel effects of many disasters happening during dismantling of these vents...

[mtoomey]

Amazing work, very well done

[Benz Dr.]

I agree. They're rather poorly engineered and very prone to breaking those pins off or the small hook near the bottom. Good fix that doesn't show and probably stronger than original.  I like these kinds of repairs.  GOOD WORK YOUNG MAN!!!!  ( you're hired )

[balimatharu]

Bought my car 4 years ago. At that time the signal switch won’t cancel when returning the steering back.
Took the steering wheel off and managed to find out the reason. The plastic bit was just touching the cancelling plate on the steering shaft but but not protruding into the notch.
Took the switch out. The plastic bit would fully extend. Came to the conclusion that the plastic bit is worn down.  Tried different types of resins, glues etc. Nothing sticks to it.
I used the same procedure to extend the trigger point. Used 4 pins cut down to 1.5. and cured the resin on it. Polished the end and reduced to 1mm. It worked the treat.
Unfortunately I didn’t take any photos.

[stickandrudderman]

Presumably, this being dental equipment, it is not readily available to us mortals?

[mdsalemi]

Presumably, this being dental equipment, it is not readily available to us mortals?

Get with the program, Stick!  It's the 21st century and the internet is here! https://thedentalmarket.net/dental/pins-posts/  note their logo says "open to the general public" 
I'm sure the same kind of online source is also in UK...unless there is any truth to the British aversion to dentistry...

I agree. They're rather poorly engineered and very prone to breaking those pins off or the small hook near the bottom. Good fix that doesn't show and probably stronger than original.  I like these kinds of repairs.  GOOD WORK YOUNG MAN!!!!  ( you're hired )

Of course you know this bizarrely engineered piece was NOT designed to be repeatedly taken off and replaced. The pot metal casting gets brittle with age, too--making the task +50 years that much more difficult.

When I did not know any better in my restoration, I managed to completely remove, disassemble and have the main parts all replated. We did not plate the vanes as there was too great a risk of losing one in the tank or finishing. But, the rest of the assemblies were plated, reassembled and reinstalled without breaking anything. A miracle. I'd never attempt again!