Double wall bolt holes.....

[SACRAMENTO 71]

Hello Everyone! First I wanted to say that I have done a lot of Forum searching and found some GREAT information on tops, However, my million paceo question is: How do you replace the "nuts" on Double Wall Top?

My top bolt holes (Nuts) are either missing, rusted...BAD, or there is a bolt snapped off inside. I`m trying to put the top back on and I would like to do it the right way if possible, so any help from my Blazer Brothers & Sisters would be MUCH appreciated!!!!!

Thank you Nick

[Livrat]

Nick,
About the only way I know if is to cut holes in the top on the inside above each one, drill out the rivets holding the nut plates, manufacture new nut plates, rivet them back in and replace the pieces you cut out. (when repairing the holes you cut remember that it is not fiberglass but is SMC)

[RustyBucket]

Livrat, what's SMC?... are single wall tops made of "SMC" also? I've got a double wall on my Blazer in nice shape and a single wall on my Jimmy that needs a little cosmetic work and paint. Before I sell the Jimmy I want to swap tops. Does "SMC" use different paint & body repair supplies than fiberglass? I need for my paint guy to be aware. Thanks for your help.

[fxdxharley]

Rusty, "smc" is sheet molded composite. it is similar to fiberglass but it requires special resin for bonding and repairs. i believe you can gel coat it like glass or just use lots of high build primer and block, prime, block, repeat. you can get the stuff at a boat store.

[SACRAMENTO 71]

Thank you Livrat! That was the idea I was looking for! I will get started on the parts and update you (I mean ask more questions!!!) as the project goes along. Thanks again!!

[Livrat]

Originally Posted by RustyBucket

Livrat, what's SMC?... are single wall tops made of "SMC" also? I've got a double wall on my Blazer in nice shape and a single wall on my Jimmy that needs a little cosmetic work and paint. Before I sell the Jimmy I want to swap tops. Does "SMC" use different paint & body repair supplies than fiberglass? I need for my paint guy to be aware. Thanks for your help.

Rusty,
fxdxharley is correct.. SMC technically uses the same materials as regular fiberglass with the addition of a "release agent" into the resin mix (to keep it from sticking to the press mold) necessitating using special material for repair, either epoxy resin or specially formulated SMC resin.

If standard polyester resin is used, over time it will fail.

If your paint guy is familiar with early 70's and newer Corvette repair he should know the correct materials to use.

Originally Posted by SACRAMENTO 71

Thank you Livrat! That was the idea I was looking for! I will get started on the parts and update you (I mean ask more questions!!!) as the project goes along. Thanks again!!

Your welcome, keep us updated AND pictures of your progress

[RustyBucket]

Thanks.. Nick, FXDXHarley, & Livrat. Hopefully my paint guy is probably familiar with SMC from Corvettes. Any thoughts on how a top would look painted glossy white with the "texture" smoothed off?

[Livrat]

Originally Posted by RustyBucket

Thanks.. Nick, FXDXHarley, & Livrat. Hopefully my paint guy is probably familiar with SMC from Corvettes. Any thoughts on how a top would look painted glossy white with the "texture" smoothed off?

Actually.. I like em smooth.. but let me tell you its alot of work, Here is a "smooth" white top on my wifes Blazer

[fxdxharley]

And a very nice blazer it is livrat! I like the smooth top as well.

[RustyBucket]

[quote=livrat;5680885]actually.. I like em smooth.. But let me tell you its alot of work, here is a "smooth" white top on my wifes Blazer.

THAT'S WHAT I WANT!! Thanks Livrat, NEAT BLAZER!
The single wall top on the Jimmy was sanded about half smooth before it was painted RED. I'm gonna tell my paint guy I'll swap the Jimmy for paint and body work on my Nova and 'course a smooth white paint on the single wall top. It'd cut down on the CA$$H outlay if he'll do it.

[SACRAMENTO 71]

First Thank you everyone that replied to my Post! I really appreciate everyone sharing their knowledge. Like my Dad always said when working on hot rods, boats, projects, etc "Two Heads are better than one" so in this case I quess 6 heads are better than one!

Second, I wanted to admit I feel like a drama queen right now....

After flipping the top upside down and really looking at the nuts in the top, it was not bad at all! I had to drill a few snapped bolts out, but other than that I just bought a 5/16 tap and cleaned the nut threads. I`m happy to report that other then the back two nuts, all bolts thread into the top perfectly!!!!

My weekend went from 20+ hours of major top repair to 30 minutes of thread cleaning oh yeah.......

[Livrat]

Thats great!! its always nice when you expect a big project and it turns out to be a quick one.

[RustyBucket]

Originally Posted by Livrat

Thats great!! its always nice when you expect a big project and it turns out to be a quick one.

SACRAMENTO 71.. enjoy this moment, it only happens ONCE in a lifetime!
haven't had mine yet ... been waiting 60yrs. for a big project to turn out to be a quick one.