Front Clip cab bolt stripped

[88Burb17]

Hey guys,

Working on my 88' burb and ran into this issue with the single bolt behind the door. I keep wrenching and it just keeps spinning.

I pulled the cluster out to see if its the same threaded piece on the back side thats just tach welded onto the body but all I could find was a hole about half an inch higher than the bolt. I stuck my finger in there and could barely feel the tip of the bolt.


Anyone have any idea what my best bet is here? My idea was to cut the bolt, push the other side into the abyss and figure out a way to attach the new fender. Possibly weld a bolt to the body and use a nut to secure the fender.

 

[scouthead]

I wouldn't want to weld on the body in an area like that if I were not already committed to a lot of paint work - welding will cause corrosion there, and everywhere below it where moisture can accumulate???

I cant remember, but I would think it was a captured nut in a tack welded cage, or nut that was friction welded to the panel that has come loose.

My thoughts on what i would do:
-drill out the head with consecutively larger bits until the head pops off.
-push the remaining bolt pieces out of the way, and use one of the "riv-nuts" in that spot. Really not that expensive -

I have a cheap set that came with some of the threaded inserts, and have only used it a few times, but am happy to have it as a last resort for those blind spots now.

 

[88Burb17]

I wouldn't want to weld on the body in an area like that if I were not already committed to a lot of paint work - welding will cause corrosion there, and everywhere below it where moisture can accumulate???

I cant remember, but I would think it was a captured nut in a tack welded cage, or nut that was friction welded to the panel that has come loose.

My thoughts on what i would do:
-drill out the head with consecutively larger bits until the head pops off.
-push the remaining bolt pieces out of the way, and use one of the "riv-nuts" in that spot. Really not that expensive -

I have a cheap set that came with some of the threaded inserts, and have only used it a few times, but am happy to have it as a last resort for those blind spots now.

So I went ahead with your suggestion and the riv-nut tool from harbor freight was exactly what I needed and made the whole thing super easy. I had enough space to get my saw all in and cut the bolt off, then the M8 riv-nut fit snuggly. I did a test fit and so far there’s no alignment issues at all.

 

[scouthead]

Awesome. I remember when a friend made me aware of those... it was a "where have you been all my life?!" situation.

I saw the photo of the tool - THEY HAVE UPGRADED since i bought mine lol... rubber/plastic grips? such frivolousness at harbor freight?!