Frame Mounting Holes

[Joel T.]

Hi;

On my 1963, I have a number of mounting holes which no longer will hold a bolt. These include a couple of the spare tire tub holes as well as a couple of the parking brake cable mounts. I guess this has come from bolt installation and removal over the years.

What is the conventional wisdom to deal with this? Should I be tapping these out and going with the next size larger bolt? Is there a good source for these "self tapping" type bolts?

Thanks!

Joel

[Bob R.]

Re: Frame Mounting Holes

You could go to the next size bolt or there is an insert that goes in similar to a rivit which leaves a threaded insert recessed. You can then thread the correct size bolt. Once in you can't see the rivits. I used this method for the groud wire connection under the transmission mount. I couldn't find these rivits in fine thread and the spare tire tub is held in place with fine thread bolts.

[Dick W.]

Re: Frame Mounting Holes

Another good option is heli coil inserts. They are available at most professional parts stores, i.e. NAPA, Carquest, etc

[John H.]

Re: Frame Mounting Holes

5/16" Riv-nuts make an excellent and permanent repair in the frame and tank support metal for the spare tire tub bolts; I use aluminum Riv-nuts, as they don't require the special installation tool the steel ones do. Takes ordinary 5/16"-18 bolts, and the Riv-nuts can't be seen with the tub installed.

[Joel T.]

Re: Frame Mounting Holes

John;

Where do you get these?? Should I be able to get them at a local parts store or do I need to go online?

Thanks,

Joel

[John H.]

Re: Frame Mounting Holes

John;

Where do you get these?? Should I be able to get them at a local parts store or do I need to go online?

Thanks,

Joel

Joel -

I got mine direct from Arlene at Riv-Nut about six years ago as "Engineering Samples"; they're Part #A31-125.

Rivnut Engineered Products, Inc.
2705 Marion Drive, Kendallville, Indiana 46755
(219) 347-9383

I use a 5/16"-18 allen-head capscrew and a small-OD AN washer as my installation tool - grease up the threads and washer, run the screw into the Rivnut about halfway, insert it in the hole, and hit it with an air impact gun with a hex driver; that will instantly "set" the Rivnut in the hole - then remove the screw and washer and you're in business.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Frame Mounting Holes

Riv-nuts were, as I recall from my working days, commonly used in original manufacturing processes (not just for repairs), leastwise in the Radiator and Locomotive manufacturing businesses where my experiences were derived. Specially good in light duty sheet metal blind applications. In Locomotives; however, most things are still built on the "Brooklin Bridge" principle which keeps a lot of welders on the job.

I too keep a handy supply of samples around.

Stu Fox

[Michael A.]

Re: Frame Mounting Holes

Rivnuts can be located form several companies. There are a couple of online locations where you can find more about rivnuts and thier installation tools. I have used them for years and they work great!

Cardinal - http://www.cardinalcomponents.com/
Jay-Cee - http://www.rivetsinstock.com/index.html
Hanson - http://www.hansonrivet.com/articles/rivnut-article.htm
Enfasco - http://www.enfasco.com/
Perlane - http://www.perlanesales.com/

Michael

[Gary B.]

Frame Mounting Holes; weld solution

If you know anyone with welding skills, you can also weld in a small, steel disc to fill in the old hole and then drill and tap.

Gary