Background
There are 4 wheel covers, each with a thickness of 1/4”
The front wheel covers are different from the rear covers
The wheel covers sit flush against a flange on the side panel (also 1/4” thick)
Research and Concept Development
1.0 Bolts
Nuts and bolts provide a simple solution to mounting the wheel covers (similar to what was done on MS12 with the windshield)
Pros: simple initial installation process, only requires holes to be drilled into panels
Cons: difficult installation/removal process due to the bottom face of the cover
not very convenient as it requires reaching in from the door or trunk opening to tighten the nut
NOT FEASIBLE
2.0 Base Nut or Floating Nut
involves a nut adhered to the side-panel side, and a fastener through the wheel cover panel
this way, the fastener can be tightened from the outside without requiring any tools/hands on the inside of the vehicle
relatively simple installation/removal process and initial assembly
need to ensure the bolt heads are as flush as possible to the vehicle’s outer surface
Base nut:
threaded inserts into sandwich panels for greater strength https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fastenerdimensions.com%2Fpanel-fasteners&psig=AOvVaw0TzJKbJqY7i-zlE2B0L1Q4&ust=1618366897250000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCPi546eV-u8CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD
could also look into grommets or inserts
3.0 Quarter-Turn Fasteners
involves a mounted receptacle and a fastener that only requires a 90-degree turn to secure
receptacles can be riveted, welded, or adhered
Links:
Dzus fasteners: DZUS Quarter Turn Fasteners
installation video: The Ultimate Dzus Fastener Installation Guide
Quarter Turn Fastener Selection Guide
(could we glue a weld nut instead?)
4.0 Clip-on or Snap-in Nuts
not very feasible as these are used with thinner panels (sheet metal)
https://southco.com/en_us_int/fasteners/emdzusemreg-quarter-turn-fasteners?receptacle_style=Clip-on
NOT FEASIBLE