Nose panel replacement

[97'scort]

I'm in the process of replacing the entire front end of the car (new bumper, new supports, and new nose piece where the kidney's go). I have it all apart, and the new stuff ready to go.

My OLD nose piece has these odd fasteners mounted on the inside where it mounts to the rad support (PN 07129926108) and my new one, ordered from BMW, doesn't. They appear to be spot-welded on. The dealer can't even find any new ones.

It's not like this is an uncommon part. Any E36 with front end damage would need this replaced. Has anybody come across this? How did you fix it? I don't think I can get a washer and nut in there.

[wbarfels]

I have found that if you just Duct Tape (or any kind of tape) the Nut to the back side oh the whole, make sure it's perfect aligned, then put the piece on the car, and thread the bolt through slowley! or Use just a Tiny amount of JB weld to 3 points of the nut, and keep it centered, let it dry, then put it on.

[97'scort]

You missed the part where I can't even get the nut. Except out of Germany. With a 3 week lead time.