hatch hardware part help
 

I have began work on my 72 K5 and noticed on the rear bed sides where the metal hardtop bracket attaches to the body, the threaded insert has pulled out and are gone. Anybody know if I can buy something that would work from the hardware store. I have attached a picture of another 72 I had that shows the location of the part I am talking about but it is actually inside the bedside.

Re: hatch hardware part help
 

Good question, I removed my hard top for the summer and the nut sleeve just spun in the hole on drivers side. Had to use persuasive tactics! I was going to check LMC catalog, if no luck there then Ace hardware the Fastnal.

Re: hatch hardware part help
 

Brian, not the cheapest fix, but probably the most secure.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-th...nserts/=on0x46

Tool to install is expensive, someone just loaned one out in one of the blazer build threads, wish I had one myself, I would loan it to ya.

Re: hatch hardware part help
 

There is a cheap tool to squish the nut sert, but you could cut an access hole in the upright to hold the spinning nut

Re: hatch hardware part help
 

Should be an access hole in the rear that you can stick a wrench through, just lube up your wrench and put a piece of tape on one side of the box end and use it to hold the nut in place as you thread the bolt.

Re: hatch hardware part help
 

There is no nut on the inside, just a round sleeve with threads. The sleeve is tightly compressed against the body sheet metal. When the sleeve spins there is not enough access to get any kind of tool to grasp it. Cold chisel and hammer - then replace the nut sleeve.

Re: hatch hardware part help
 

Here's the fix I found at the hardware store for $1.20 ea. Ill enlarge the three holes, tack weld them and flush grind them.
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Re: hatch hardware part help
 

There ya go! Bam! :metal:
I'll use the same process...

Re: hatch hardware part help
 

Great fix! I'll be doing the same when the top goes on in the winter.