I ordered the OEM front mask for my rx8, because I am going on two road trips (300 miles, 1000 miles) within the next two weeks. I went to install it today and was very surprised to run into a problem that prevented me from installing the mask and turned into a pita...

To install the mask you replace four plastic rivets within each front wheel well with some sort of small metal bracket and a screw. The screw *should* just thread right on in to the small metal bracjet with a phillips screwdriver and should only take MAYBE 2 minutes. The problem is that the screws simply do not fit. 1 out of 8 screws was actually capable of threading into the small bracket, 7 of the 8 did not thread into the bracket more than 1 mm, would get stuck, the thread on the screw itself would begin to bend / deteriorate (i figured with some elbow grease the screw would grab and begin to pull through).

So the screws don't fit... I guess I could try to drill the hole out a little bigger in the bracket but I do not have the tools, the time, or the patience and I bought OEM so that I wouldn't have to mess with it. I thought I could throw it on really quick and it turned into quite a hassle (the screws were getting stuck without actually threading in more than 2-3 mm.

I am wondering if anyone that bought a front mask has had a similar problem? Did everyone's screw simply thread right in no problem? I am not sure if I should contact Jason at the dealership that advertises on the forum (forget the name) where I got the mask or make do with what I've got or what. Thanks for your input, I searched and cannot find anyone complaining that the hardware wasn't working.

 

What is a hardware store for?

 

Installed one when the car was new in '04. Didn't run into that problem and don't remember the exact details of that part of the installation. (I assume you are referring to the snap screws in the fender well area.) So, I think the installation hdwe included speed nuts, those little springy-looking things that slip onto the edge of the fender at the site of the existing holes. If the speed nuts that came with the mask are not compatible with the screws (shame on Mazda), like Razz says, a hardware store like Lowe's or Home Depot will have various sizes of speed nuts in the hardware drawers. Take one of the screws with you and find the correct size nut.

 

Can you zip tie it?

 

Didn't have this problem with my '04. Perhaps they made a minor production change that didn't propagate to the mask kit. Or maybe you didn't turn your wheels in far enough and are trying to drive the screws in on an angle.

I say stop being a girl and get your hands dirty. Just drill the holes slightly larger and use a screw driver that fits properly. If you don't have the right tools, buy them - you'll need them again someday anyway. And it'll take more time and patience to pack everything back up and deal with the parts counter again.

 

I took the screws inside to try and thread them on without the little brackets even being on the car. The fact that they dont fit has nothing to do with turning the wheels, the screwdriver I used, or that you want me to buy a drill and "be a man."

Im in my final set of law exams for the year and don't really have time to go to the hardware store and play around with my 8 right now. Besides, the threads on the screws have gotten chewed up trying to screw them in (seriously doubt Home Depot carries snap screws that fit), and even with new brackets my screws are still... screwed.

I was really just starting this thread to get input from front mask users re: whether or not they have had this problem.

 

are you trying to screw them in on the wrong side of the bracket?

 

Nope... I double checked and tried both ways just for the heck of it, thanks for the input though

 

Nope, you're the only one and it sounds like you're SOL. Good luck!

 

Took it to my local mazda dealership (not the place I bought the mask) and the parts manager brought out his tools and gave it a go. They wouldn't bite so he had me pull the car on to a lift to get at the screws better with the air tools. Then he got two screws to go into the speed nuts (1 more than me) and couldn't get the rest (screws were stripping, threads on screws were bending / braking off).

He ordered me some brand new hardware that'll be in tomorrow at no cost. I feel a lot better to have some verification that for some reason the hardware was FUBAR. Looks like I should be all set with replacement screws / speed nuts.

 

Glad it seems to be working out. I didn't have any problem with mine when I installed the snaps, you must have just gotten some bad screws or speed nuts.

 

I didn't have that problem with my '04. What year is yours? Becuase I use my front mask so much, my problem is the screws coming loose and I have to tighten them ever so often. Also when I first put my mask on, it took between 30 mins-45 mins, and a lot of cursing, because it was soooo tight. But once it stretches its all gravy.