Seat belt bolt broken..advice?

[ajsmith184]

So the seatbelt bolt for the buckle on the drivers side broke off flush with the floor...Easy out wont budge....Any advice? Im sure this isnt the first time it's happened...Drill it out then what? Just want to make sure whatever I do is safe...

 

[xenomarine]

I'd drill it out and run a bolt and nut with some big ass washers to spread the load out. I'd think that would be sturdy enough and definitely the fastest way. If it broke off flush, I'd try turning it clockwise to thread it all the way through the nut and pop out the backside.

 

[Snoozer]

You can also try some from a propane torch. Obviously be careful if you have carpet, etc. If that doesn't work, let some PB Blaster soak in for about an hour. Be liberal with it.

Coat the new new bolt with an obnoxious amount of anti-seize too.

 

[ajsmith184]

I'd drill it out and run a bolt and nut with some big ass washers to spread the load out. I'd think that would be sturdy enough and definitely the fastest way. If it broke off flush, I'd try turning it clockwise to thread it all the way through the nut and pop out the backside.

That was my reaction too, I was worried it wouldn't be strong enough .Guess if I used multiple hardened washers it should be ok.

 

[xenomarine]

I'd use a hardened washer 'on top' of a fender washer on the bottom side. The larger area of the fender washer will spread the load, and the hardened washer will add rigidity to that in turn. This is in theory; if your floors are Swiss cheese, a section of plate steel would rip through it even.

 

[Deuling]

Drill a hole next to it

 

[dremu]

I seem to recall my '90 having red Loctite-looking stuff on the bolts from the factory. Heat, therefore, will be your friend to get that crap unstuck and get the stub loose with an EZ-out like you're trying.

I'm also thinking you might be able to get at the bolt stub from underneath, so for heating (even a propane torch) and/or prying with Vise-grips, might be better.

-- A

 

[sweetk30]

the bolt is locktighted and special 3 side crimped lock bolt. and HARDENED steel .

easyest way i get them out is weld a nut to the bottom stub left . then cool . nextt heat top side glowing red and spin out the bottom.

 

[Irish1941]

If it broken off flush, go under the truck and drill out the two spot welds holding the anchor and it'll fall right out. Then figure out what you want to do to put the belt back in. GM was still stocking anchors due to this being a common problem. Part #15734139. Like $6-$8 bucks.

And you can drill them out easy. Just drilled both of my rear ones. Pilot hole through it and go for it.
They are only grade 8s with blue lock tite from the factory.

 

[919jackass]

i had two broken ones when i did my carpet. drilled them out two 7/16 grade 8's with fender washers. if grade 8's don't hold in an accident well the truck is beyond repair anyway. this is one of those you just have to jump into and go for it. i soaked mine in pb blaster 3 times a day for a week with heat and no go so i drilled them out.

 

[ajsmith184]

i had two broken ones when i did my carpet. drilled them out two 7/16 grade 8's with fender washers. if grade 8's don't hold in an accident well the truck is beyond repair anyway. this is one of those you just have to jump into and go for it. i soaked mine in pb blaster 3 times a day for a week with heat and no go so i drilled them out.

Yep, that is what I am going to do...Everythings always a PITA...

 

[919jackass]

nutt'n to it but to do it