GM Accessory Auxiliary Step - install question

[DeadheadNM]

I'm leaning toward installing these GM accessory steps in the blazer I'm building before the rocker box end plates are bolted on. These steps would make it a lot easier for my wife to get inside.

Am I correct that the rivet/well nuts provided mushroom outward when the bolt is torqued down to secure the threads into the sheet metal of the rocker box floor?

I'd like to have a more permanent thread addition that would allow me to unbolt the steps when/if I choose to do so. Any ideas?

I'm concerned the supplied threaded end would loosen then spin precluding bolt removal.

[DeadheadNM]

Instructions are dated Nov 1970

[Bigdav160]

They appear to be nutserts. I use a tool like this one to collapse them. I am not sure you'll be able to do it with just the bolt.

I noticed the one I linked to has just metric anvils. This one has fractional and metric

[DeadheadNM]

That's a big help. Thank you. I'll look into the tool. Honestly I'm not crazy about the look of the steps but if I can remove them as desired I'd install them for my wife.

[DeadheadNM]

Since the end caps were off these got added. Skipped the nutserts and used metal strap w welded bolts inserted into the rocker boxes threads down. As such, I can unbolt these as desired. Happy wife happy life.

[DeadheadNM]

...

[jocko]

They look good Pete!

[57taskforce]

That blazer is coming together really nice Pete!

[BLAZERMAN]

I like the way they look! I have an NOS set as well that Ive been saving for a 1 ton project. They are shaped a little different than yours.

[72 tigger]

Looks good- metal plates are much better than the rivnuts

[Killer Bee]

rivnuts are great if;

A, they are properly sized

B, they are properly installed in appropriate material

I have this tool that works like a champ, forget that hand lever pull stuff.. the tee handle has a 1/4" drive in the center to attach a ratchet for the larger nuts..

Hand-Driven Tools for Low-Profile Rivet Nuts

and be sure to buy the mandrel set for the thread sizes you're going to use..

when selecting the nut inserts, pay attention to fastener size, grip length [thickness of material your installing through] and material type..

I've used these for everything from mounting large tool boxes to bed rails to cleats on boat rails.. they work great!

the larger ones like 3/8" steel do take a lot of effort to compress so the right tools make a big difference..

if I can remember, I'll add some pictures from my set in the garage.. I made some examples of a couple of rivnuts in different thicknesses of material to see what a good crush looks like opposed to a bad one..

properly compressed, the nut opening will be centered and very strong, will not spin out when torqued and very easily removed.. they are also less intrusive to a project than adding other members to support or hold something, when the fastener/part is removed, they are very clean looking..

good luck!

[72 tigger]

I would agree that rivnuts are great. I think the metal plate will distribute the load better- if that makes sense

[undertaker72]

They look great pete

[DeadheadNM]

You guys are the best. Thanks for all the good words. Tyler I've got your aux tank parts set aside for our next visit. I appreciate the education on rivnuts.

In fact, now I'm probably going to use a rivnut to repair the hinge on my vintage Snap On 50th anniversary tool box. The lower of the hinge pop rivets separated from the box. A rivnut seems a good way to repair it.

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by BLAZERMAN

I like the way they look! I have an NOS set as well that Ive been saving for a 1 ton project. They are shaped a little different than yours.

I've seen yours in another post - I suspect the difference being these are K5 specific and yours are for a pickup. Post pics once you get yours in place.

[Killer Bee]

^ nice tool box! I'm a well known Snap-on snob

I do like the idea you used to install a nut plate bracket inside the rocker..

definitely better to reinforce the host material and spread weight over broader area..

I like those steps, might even support my husky frame LoL

where blind holes are required and no internal access is available, rivnuts can be good solution..

and in areas where appearance quality counts, they're clean looking when installed properly..

here's the rivnut kit I put together for myself in a small tackle box.. handy tool for sure..



these aren't the best examples, but does show the importance of choosing proper grip length..

[DeadheadNM]

I may reach out to you when I get the time to repair the box. I miss the working hinge! Thanks for posting.

[Killer Bee]

absolutely! yer welcome to borrow it if you want to try it out, flat rate shipping and save some money until you decide if you need one..

[DeadheadNM]

Thanks! I may do that. Pete