Pass side horn mount holes missing. Options?

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I'm still working on mounting all the stuff behind the headlights and I've come to the realization that the new hood surround support on my 69 non-AC car is missing the two passenger side holes, one threaded for the bolt and one for the ear on the horn bracket. I can drill the appropriate holes my question is what's the best way to get the bolt hole threaded? I've thought about underdrilling it and then tapping it but that support is only sheet metal and I'm not sure there's enough material there to tap. Another option is maybe fill it with something like JB Weld and then tap it after it hardens? Is there anything I could insert there with threads that would allow me to bolt the horn up? Heli-Coil maybe? I'm not too worried about how it will look because the horn bracket will conceal it, as long as it's flush with the surface of the surround. I've attached some pics of that area and they are in sequence of that area from drivers to pass side. Keep in mind the car is already painted which of course limits my options some. Thanks for any suggestions.

Mike

[Edward B.]

Re: Pass side horn mount holes missing. Options?

May I suggest a rivet nut kit which is available in SAE or Metric threads. Once you have one you'll wonder how you ever got along without it.

[Michael L.]

Re: Pass side horn mount holes missing. Options?

I think that would def work. I need it to do a 5/16x18 thread size. The one you listed goes up to 1/4. If I get the proper mandrel and rivet nuts you think it will do a 5/16 rivet nut?

Mike

[Michael L.]

Re: Pass side horn mount holes missing. Options?

I picked up rivet nut set that will do the 5/16 thread size I need. I just wanted to ask before I start drilling holes if there is a consensus that these holes definitely need to be there and that the new hood surround support was simply made without them, perhaps because some years had only one horn mounting location originally. My pre-disassembly pics show the horns mounted one either side of the mid-line, straddling the vacuum relay valve. Once I drill I can't go back. I apologize for the orientation of the pics. They're upside down and I can't seem to get them posted right side up.

Mike