Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

smoknbarrels · 05-07-2007, 07:25 PM

How can I fix completely stipped bolt holes in those un-removeable plates in my door pillars (holds the doors on)?? is it possible to get them out without doing too much dammage?
or should I just ream them out to a bigger size..?

anyone have luck with this?

Thanks.

Primered_69 · 05-07-2007, 07:34 PM

Can you weld a nut on the inside of the door or is there not enough room to get in?

Maybe a JB WEld or Epoxy a nut on the back side?

PanelDeland · 05-07-2007, 07:39 PM

smokn,there are several ways to repair those.You could maybe get away with reaming them but the larger bolts may cause interference.You could cut them out and replace(depends on your bodyworking skills).If you are looking for a fix that doesn't require welding you may be able to use a thread insert.You have to drill the hole and tap it then use a tool to screw an insert in.The bolt then threads into the insert.Heli-coil is probably the most well known.Someone else may have another solution or one that works better for you.The real long term fix is to cut them out and replace.One of these other methods may get you by on a driver or may be a temp fix until you do bodywork.At least this will get you a TTT

Sammy · 05-07-2007, 10:17 PM

I don't know if you could reach the door plates but worth a try anyway. If this works you could get buy without re-welding which you may have to, to fix it right. Remove the door from the floor vent see if you can get to the plate that way. Might reach it, but not sure how it is secured. I cut a V slot in between the floor vent and replaced one then welded a thin plate over it. Turned out decent & not all that noticeable.

Aarons72s · 05-08-2007, 12:04 AM

Try coarse thread bolts, factory is fine thread. I tried that on my orange and white and they seemed to thread fine into the stripped holes. They seem to still hold well. Or you could tap it for the coarse thread bolts to. That would be my first 2 suggestion to try.

GREASEMONKEY72 · 05-08-2007, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aarons72s

Try coarse thread bolts, factory is fine thread. I tried that on my orange and white and they seemed to thread fine into the stripped holes. They seem to still hold well. Or you could tap it for the coarse thread bolts to. That would be my first 2 suggestion to try.

id try this first before you got into something indepth

Willy Prost · 05-08-2007, 09:14 AM

I haven't tried this, but what if you welded in the stripped hole (Not entirely but a few spots around the inside). Then retap the hole to the standard size and pitch as original.

grayw0lf · 05-08-2007, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREASEMONKEY72

id try this first before you got into something indepth

I third this method. The fine threads can be cut for coarse threads with relative easy & plenty of strength.

cdowns · 05-08-2007, 02:48 PM

you could turn the doors around and make suicide doors

smoknbarrels · 05-08-2007, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

you could turn the doors around and make suicide doors

, that is a fix i guess, but doesn't seem to be the direction i want to go at the moment..lol ,
so for the coarse thread bolt idea, I just simply turn a coarse thread bolt into the hole without even running a tap into it? will this actually hold the wight of the doors up?

I don't think a few spt welds in the hole would work either, wouldn't that make the steel too hard to tap and too un-even? I'd probabliy just end up breaking the tap off in the hole.

jamis · 05-08-2007, 05:11 PM

Use heli-coils or thread-serts. Thread-serts are better for thinner material but will work there as well.

I had to use heli-coils on the cab side of the door hinge. Just remember to cut the heli-coil insert to fit the depht, then snap the tip off after you install it. A lot of peeps dont know that and put the full length in and when they run the bolt in it damages the heli-coil.

**jaros44sr** · 05-08-2007, 05:53 PM

Tap it to course thread first, sounds like the easiest way. You could always add some thread lock solution...jmho

Aarons72s · 05-08-2007, 09:16 PM

I was able to just force the coarse theread bolts thru the stock holes without a tap, those plates are made of a soft steel. But if you got a tap or want to tap it then by all measns do it. Probably the better way to do it but the other way worked for me in a pinch.

WinDancer · 05-08-2007, 10:05 PM

Coarse threads are stronger than fine. Coat them with red threadlock and just run them on in slow and easy, so as not to heat them up and chance breaking one. When tight let sit for an hour or so, then you can get on with life again

Just be prepared for whoever takes them out having a horrid time. Practice up that 'I had no idea" face.
Good luck- let us know?

**Shock_Me** · 05-09-2007, 11:05 AM

At least you still have something to thread. One of mine broke the captive nut off inside. I guess I'll have to cut the bolt to get the hinge off.

smoknbarrels · 05-09-2007, 12:55 PM

yea, the plate looks to have pretty soft metal, as 2/3'rds of the holes are stripped. I know if i try to just freash'n up the fine threads with the same size tap, I'm sure they'll just cross thread.
I'll give the coarse thread tap a go... should I go slightly oversize? or not nessasary?

Aarons72s · 05-09-2007, 02:19 PM

Same size bolt but coarse thread and you will be fine. That worked for me.

72BLUZ · 05-10-2007, 10:29 PM

Those Inserts Are Called Helicoils. And They Are Sold At Any Parts Store Or Body Supply Shops. Or Check You Local Body Shop

**70C10Toejam** · 05-10-2007, 11:34 PM

I say go for the suicide doors.

or do the General Lee and weld the doors completly shut.

05-07-2007, 07:25 PM	#1
smoknbarrels Registered Mail Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 513	Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? How can I fix completely stipped bolt holes in those un-removeable plates in my door pillars (holds the doors on)?? is it possible to get them out without doing too much dammage? or should I just ream them out to a bigger size..? anyone have luck with this? Thanks. __________________ '67 chev 496, lwb to swb, bagged - pro street project Last edited by smoknbarrels; 05-07-2007 at 07:26 PM. Reason: spelling mistakes

05-07-2007, 07:34 PM	#2
Primered_69 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 1,409	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? Can you weld a nut on the inside of the door or is there not enough room to get in? Maybe a JB WEld or Epoxy a nut on the back side? __________________ 1969 Chevy LWB - with shaved handles; 3 1/2 front/ 5 1/2 rear drop; (waiting to be put back together)

05-07-2007, 07:39 PM	#3
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? smokn,there are several ways to repair those.You could maybe get away with reaming them but the larger bolts may cause interference.You could cut them out and replace(depends on your bodyworking skills).If you are looking for a fix that doesn't require welding you may be able to use a thread insert.You have to drill the hole and tap it then use a tool to screw an insert in.The bolt then threads into the insert.Heli-coil is probably the most well known.Someone else may have another solution or one that works better for you.The real long term fix is to cut them out and replace.One of these other methods may get you by on a driver or may be a temp fix until you do bodywork.At least this will get you a TTT __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

05-07-2007, 10:17 PM	#4
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? I don't know if you could reach the door plates but worth a try anyway. If this works you could get buy without re-welding which you may have to, to fix it right. Remove the door from the floor vent see if you can get to the plate that way. Might reach it, but not sure how it is secured. I cut a V slot in between the floor vent and replaced one then welded a thin plate over it. Turned out decent & not all that noticeable. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

05-08-2007, 12:04 AM	#5
Aarons72s Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 10,670	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? Try coarse thread bolts, factory is fine thread. I tried that on my orange and white and they seemed to thread fine into the stripped holes. They seem to still hold well. Or you could tap it for the coarse thread bolts to. That would be my first 2 suggestion to try.

05-08-2007, 09:14 AM	#7
Willy Prost Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 398	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? I haven't tried this, but what if you welded in the stripped hole (Not entirely but a few spots around the inside). Then retap the hole to the standard size and pitch as original.

05-08-2007, 02:48 PM	#9
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? you could turn the doors around and make suicide doors __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

05-08-2007, 05:11 PM	#11
jamis F.A.S.T. president Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Florida Posts: 1,883	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? Use heli-coils or thread-serts. Thread-serts are better for thinner material but will work there as well. I had to use heli-coils on the cab side of the door hinge. Just remember to cut the heli-coil insert to fit the depht, then snap the tip off after you install it. A lot of peeps dont know that and put the full length in and when they run the bolt in it damages the heli-coil. __________________ F.A.S.T. President and Founder Fabricators for the Advancement of Sawsall Technology "A fear of the Sawsall is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity." ~Sigmund Freud, "General Introduction to Psychoanalysis" Last edited by jamis; 05-08-2007 at 05:19 PM.

05-08-2007, 05:53 PM	#12
jaros44sr Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Philadelphia, Pa. 19454 Posts: 9,706	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? Tap it to course thread first, sounds like the easiest way. You could always add some thread lock solution...jmho __________________ Semper Fi...Uncle Sam, you da man All parts offered to help are free, unless otherwise noted Dont try this stuff in my build thread, unless you have 55 years of mechanical OTJ training SAFETY FIRST AS usual, off topic They say your mind goes second, can't remember the first Jim

05-08-2007, 09:16 PM	#13
Aarons72s Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 10,670	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? I was able to just force the coarse theread bolts thru the stock holes without a tap, those plates are made of a soft steel. But if you got a tap or want to tap it then by all measns do it. Probably the better way to do it but the other way worked for me in a pinch.

05-08-2007, 10:05 PM	#14
WinDancer The Original HotRod KnifeMaker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tenino, Washington Posts: 811	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? Coarse threads are stronger than fine. Coat them with red threadlock and just run them on in slow and easy, so as not to heat them up and chance breaking one. When tight let sit for an hour or so, then you can get on with life again Just be prepared for whoever takes them out having a horrid time. Practice up that 'I had no idea" face. Good luck- let us know? __________________ Dave 69 GMC SWB 2WD 454 Turbo 400

05-09-2007, 11:05 AM	#15
Shock_Me Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 587	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? At least you still have something to thread. One of mine broke the captive nut off inside. I guess I'll have to cut the bolt to get the hinge off.

05-09-2007, 12:55 PM	#16
smoknbarrels Registered Mail Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 513	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? yea, the plate looks to have pretty soft metal, as 2/3'rds of the holes are stripped. I know if i try to just freash'n up the fine threads with the same size tap, I'm sure they'll just cross thread. I'll give the coarse thread tap a go... should I go slightly oversize? or not nessasary? __________________ '67 chev 496, lwb to swb, bagged - pro street project

05-09-2007, 02:19 PM	#17
Aarons72s Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: oklahoma Posts: 10,670	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? Same size bolt but coarse thread and you will be fine. That worked for me.

05-10-2007, 10:29 PM	#18
72BLUZ Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: lafayette, ga. Posts: 832	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? Those Inserts Are Called Helicoils. And They Are Sold At Any Parts Store Or Body Supply Shops. Or Check You Local Body Shop __________________ Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.... Ronald Reagan



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05-10-2007, 11:34 PM	#19
70C10Toejam Hellasick Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Death Moans, IA Posts: 876	Re: Bolt plates to hold doors on are stripped!.. Now what?? I say go for the suicide doors. or do the General Lee and weld the doors completly shut. __________________ I keep two MAGNUMS in my desk. One's a gun, and I keep it loaded. The other's a bottle and it keeps ME loaded. I'm Tracer Bullet. (Calvin and Hobbes) This life was a test. It was only a test. If this had been an actual life, you would have received instructions on where to go and what to do. RED meat is not bad for you...FUZZY BLUE/GREEN MEAT is bad for you!!!!!!!!!!!!! BUILT FORD TOUGH WITH CHEVY STUFF--sticker at Goodguys

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