The two center bolt holes on my convert X-Brace are stripped. They don't appear to be clip-nuts like the leaf spring mounts are. I am considering drilling and tapping them to the next bigger size. Any better ideas? Thanks!

[ 04-24-2003, 07:45 PM: Message edited by: BPOS ]

BPOS, that should work fine. There are some big square nuts welded on the inside. I could post a pic if you really wanted to see inside.

Kevin

BPOS - since it sounds like you don't care to much about the bolts being stock appearing, how 'bout trying a Metric bolt first?
I know "metric" can be a bad word around these cars sometimes but I've found that you can go a 'half size' larger by using the next size larger bolt in metric. You will need to purchase the bolts and a Tap for that size. Should put you in the $5~10 range for the repair.
I have used this "technique(?)" to repair several stripped bolts in areas that can not be seen and it has work quite well. You could mark the bolt with paint (or?) so you know it's a different size - or you'll just fiqure it out when the socket doesn't fit anyway.

Just an idea - hope this helps graemlins/waving.gif

Metric bolts?!?!?!?

I have to admit that I used this trick in a couple of places myself....shhhh!!!

you could helicoil it, and keep the stock bolt size.

You could weld them up,drill them and retap them the correct size

I usually drill/tap to the next size. I like the metric idea. Love this site.

i would drill out and heli coil back to original size, that way you have the same size bolt head whenever taking the plate off, just would make things easier
jake

The 'Heli-Coil's are a good idea for softer materials but, they are usually very hard to drill and tap into blind captive nuts and/or hardened materials (such as nuts) as they tend to back out with the bolt. If you do go the thread repair route, make sure too install them using Loctite 'Stud & Bearing Mount' locking compound, this will help prevent them from backing out of the hard material the first time you take the bolt out.
Install the insert, allow the compound to set-up and then chase the threads with a standard tap before installing the final fastener with a little lube on it, then you will have the best chance of a permanent repair that can still be serviced normally.
Good luck - post back with results please!

Heli-coils will take far too much work and the results won't be much better than if you just drill and tap to the next size up. I would drill and tap to the next metric size if i were you.

Thanks for all the replies and the great ideas. I think I'll do the drill/tap/metric thing. Does anyone know off the top of their head what the next metric size up from 3/8-16 is? Thanks!

PS It has a METRIC Th200 in it so I'm not too worried!! This ain't a trailer queen - just a driver!

BPOS - Sorry guy I fell asleep graemlins/boring.gif on your reply asking for Metric bolt size - it should be a 10 MM.
You probably aready fiqured it out and fixed it by now. graemlins/beers.gif