Solution for hardtop problem - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Yukon Jack** · 09-19-2007, 10:14 AM

I don't know if I will ever put my hardtop back on but when I took it off I noticed a couple of the attachment points on the windshield were missing the inside nut so those attachment bolts were useless. While reading a Car Craft magazine last night I saw a product put out by Marson called threadserts and it looks like it might be a good solution. Here is a link showing how they used the product

The threadsert goes into a hole and then as you put a bolt in it, it expands the threaded fitting in the hole. *edit - from looking at the info posted by others below it looks like a tool is used to make the threadsert work so not as easy of a solution as I thought.

Here are a couple links I found

company website maybe

place to buy link

Just might be a good solution for this probelm.

BobbyK · 09-19-2007, 10:30 AM

Yup,they work great.

**Tom Vogel** · 09-19-2007, 10:30 AM

The blind nuts are probably still in there... The sheet metal that holds them probably just let them twist out of position, which means there is probably a combination of rust/bunged up threads. When my Jimmy was painted, they took the windshield frame apart and replaced the nuts. Threadserts are good for many things, but remember that they stick up off the sheet metal (they are not flush) so there may be refit issues with your top if you try to use them there. Also, because they expand, unless your windshield frame is solid, they may work loose. Try them, but you may be better off cutting that area out and replacing the metal and the nut. Just food for thought.
Tom

bouncytruck · 09-19-2007, 10:47 AM

We used to use those for retrofitting product at one of my past jobs. They worked pretty good, but occasionally they would pull out. We used them in heavy plastics and fiberglass, not metal though.

ABLAZN · 09-19-2007, 12:54 PM

If you want a flush mount insert, you can buy what is called their Poly Nut. It inserts with the same tool and they a few other types of blind nut to chose from including some for fiberglass work. One of the local street rod shops uses them quite a bit, so that is where I learned about them. I have yet to get my own set up, I am going to use them for several attaching point on the interior of my Blazer. Here is a link to the place that I have found with the best prices.

http://blindrivetsupply.com/default.aspx

LUV2XCLR8 · 09-19-2007, 04:17 PM

Bobby K, where on your top is that pic? Hinges?

**Yukon Jack** · 09-19-2007, 05:03 PM

Here I thought I was posting up something new - should have known my 67-72 buddies would have the goods on these already.

Does the threadsert I mention need a special tool to install it?

tdkosta · 09-19-2007, 05:20 PM

Is this the same as a heliacoil repair kit or something different?

red71cheyenne · 09-19-2007, 07:34 PM

They use a different end on your rivet gun. Not sure if it comes with or you have to buy theirs. I wondered about using these on the cowl on the 71. One of the nuts is gone on it. Or spinning loose in the back.

ABLAZN · 09-19-2007, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by red71cheyenne

They use a different end on your rivet gun. Not sure if it comes with or you have to buy theirs. I wondered about using these on the cowl on the 71. One of the nuts is gone on it. Or spinning loose in the back.

It is a little more complex then a rivet gun, since it has different mandrels for each size of nut that is included in the kit. Here is the set that I am looking at getting since it includes the 3/8" mandrel.

http://blindrivetsupply.com/detail.aspx?ID=573

BobbyK · 09-20-2007, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LUV2XCLR8

Bobby K, where on your top is that pic? Hinges?

Yup...rear hatch hinge.Used the threadsert tool for the screws that hold this gasket coverplate on.
ABLAZIN's link is the kit I have.

09-19-2007, 10:14 AM	#1
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	Solution for hardtop problem I don't know if I will ever put my hardtop back on but when I took it off I noticed a couple of the attachment points on the windshield were missing the inside nut so those attachment bolts were useless. While reading a Car Craft magazine last night I saw a product put out by Marson called threadserts and it looks like it might be a good solution. Here is a link showing how they used the product The threadsert goes into a hole and then as you put a bolt in it, it expands the threaded fitting in the hole. edit - from looking at the info posted by others below it looks like a tool is used to make the threadsert work so not as easy of a solution as I thought. Here are a couple links I found company website maybe place to buy link Just might be a good solution for this probelm. __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 Last edited by Yukon Jack; 09-20-2007 at 09:16 AM.*

09-19-2007, 10:30 AM	#2
BobbyK Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,Mi. Posts: 1,771	Re: Solution for hardtop problem Yup,they work great. __________________ 71 blazer,350SBC,approx.375HP,700R4,factory GM TPI.Dual electric fans,33x12.5x15 ATR on stock suspension. Petrolia,Ontario,Canada but working in Port Huron,MI. See ALL my Blazer pic's HERE

09-19-2007, 10:30 AM	#3
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,565	Re: Solution for hardtop problem The blind nuts are probably still in there... The sheet metal that holds them probably just let them twist out of position, which means there is probably a combination of rust/bunged up threads. When my Jimmy was painted, they took the windshield frame apart and replaced the nuts. Threadserts are good for many things, but remember that they stick up off the sheet metal (they are not flush) so there may be refit issues with your top if you try to use them there. Also, because they expand, unless your windshield frame is solid, they may work loose. Try them, but you may be better off cutting that area out and replacing the metal and the nut. Just food for thought. Tom

09-19-2007, 10:47 AM	#4
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Re: Solution for hardtop problem We used to use those for retrofitting product at one of my past jobs. They worked pretty good, but occasionally they would pull out. We used them in heavy plastics and fiberglass, not metal though. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L

09-19-2007, 12:54 PM	#5
ABLAZN Oh..never mind.... Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Oregon Posts: 588	Re: Solution for hardtop problem If you want a flush mount insert, you can buy what is called their Poly Nut. It inserts with the same tool and they a few other types of blind nut to chose from including some for fiberglass work. One of the local street rod shops uses them quite a bit, so that is where I learned about them. I have yet to get my own set up, I am going to use them for several attaching point on the interior of my Blazer. Here is a link to the place that I have found with the best prices. http://blindrivetsupply.com/default.aspx __________________ 1972 Blazer -6 inch lift -35 inch BFG A/T's Turbo 350 NP-205 454 BB (for now) MORE TO COME !!!!!! Now going to 2WD!!!!! Sold. I got it back after 22 years and did not even know it !!! THE STORY HERE Project Low Down Dirty Rat

09-19-2007, 04:17 PM	#6
LUV2XCLR8 The LuvShack Garage Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Maple Grove, TN (West Side) Posts: 30,482	Re: Solution for hardtop problem Bobby K, where on your top is that pic? Hinges? __________________ Owner/Op: "TN Classic Transport Carriers" The Toy: "Square Vette" 72 Hybrid Blazer Toy Barn: "LuvShack" 40 x 60 x 20 Shop Tow Piggy:"Maddy" 88 Silverado 3500 Hauler: "Feathers" 14 Aluma 8218T

09-19-2007, 05:03 PM	#7
Yukon Jack Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Rose Hill, KS, USA Posts: 12,684	Re: Solution for hardtop problem Here I thought I was posting up something new - should have known my 67-72 buddies would have the goods on these already. Does the threadsert I mention need a special tool to install it? __________________ 1970 Blazer with a 400 sbc and 4" lift 1980 Pontiac Trans Am, 455 Oldsmobile 2012 Kawasaki Concours 14 Last edited by Yukon Jack; 09-19-2007 at 05:03 PM.

09-19-2007, 05:20 PM	#8
tdkosta Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 781	Re: Solution for hardtop problem Is this the same as a heliacoil repair kit or something different?

09-19-2007, 07:34 PM	#9
red71cheyenne Back in the sticks Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Fordland, MO Posts: 3,188	Re: Solution for hardtop problem They use a different end on your rivet gun. Not sure if it comes with or you have to buy theirs. I wondered about using these on the cowl on the 71. One of the nuts is gone on it. Or spinning loose in the back. __________________ 1971 Cheyenne C-10 w/700R4 and Tuned Port Injection 1969 K5 Blazer w/Tuned Port 2010 2SS/RS Flaming Orange Camaro 2011 K1500 Suburban 2014 K1500 Pickup 2008 Nissan Altima? The wifes' hoopty



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