convertible top frame mounting

[Kuz]

Three of the six nuts welded to the body , that the top frame attaches to are missing.Once the interior panels go in I can't access them. How do I fix it? Keith

 

[DrEntropy]

"ZERTS"

 

[Kuz]

OK I"ll bite , whats a zert?

 

[Bugeye58]

A Zert is a female Zort.
Seriously, Keith, it's a threaded insert.
Jeff

 

[Kuz]

A hardware store/Lowes Item?

 

[Bugeye58]

Keith, maybe a really <u>good</u> hardware store. I doubt if the big box store would have them, but you never know.
Jeff

 

[tony barnhill]

Zerts or weld nuts in place of the captive ones that are missing.

 

[Scott_Hower]

Truth be told, I JBwelded a captive nut for my top frame.
Insert suitable bolt, add nut from the backside, tighten a bit; apply JB goop all around the nut and let set overnight. Remove bolt. It's not welded, but it will hold in place once snugged down.

 

[RonMacPherson]

I believe the full name is Nutsert. It is an expandable insert with the threads in it. You place it in the hole, then using the supplied tool you collapse it, similarly to a rivet, where it expands on the inner part of the metal that it is placed into.

A lot of good automotive parts houses have them, or can get them. If you are unsuccessful in your area you might try one of the hardware specialists, perhaps MacMasters-Carr?(dunno if I have the spelling right, but I know they've been mentioned here on the BCF a number of times.

 

[DrEntropy]

Any good "house-o-threads" type fastener supplier should carry 'em.

 

[geosilver]

I had the same problem,2 nuts missing and cured it myself. I removed the side panel behind the seat to gain access behind the bolt holes. Took a scrap piece of 3/16 inch steel about 1 inch by 2 inches, held it behind the holes and marked the 2 missing holes. Then drilled and tapped to the size of the bolts. I then pop rivited the bar behind the holes and installed the frame. I can actually tighten the frame tighter than before because the bar is stronger than just 1 tacked on nut.