Door check strap

nick9one1 · Apr 26, 2012

Somehow the top bolts on both my check straps have pulled loose and stripped the thread.

I've had a look to see how I can get behind, as the obvious fix would be to get a bolt in there, but there doesnt seem to be any access at all.
I can get to the lower bolt (just), by using a c shaped spanner through the port which the door wiring comes through. But the top bolt seems to be seperated by some kind or plate inside the frame. I just cant get the spanner any higher as it seems to be hitting a plate.

My only other option is to drill the hole out much larger than I need, and weld in a nut.

Any suggestions?

Kongsodoken · Apr 26, 2012

I'm guessing your talking about the plate that attaches to the A post not the door?[8|]

if so I would try a helicoil failing this a rivnut would do it

drilling and welding could get messey

nick9one1 · Apr 27, 2012

Thanks,

I've never seen rivnuts before, they're a godsend!

Just ordered a pack of M6's on ebay and the appropriate countersunk M6 bolts.

Going to follow this guide so hopfully I wont need the tool. I'll post back and let you know how it went.

Paul 290T · Apr 29, 2012

Nick,

I have the same problem on my 220T. Would you mind keeping us updated on your repair as I am sure more than just myself will benefit from your experience.

nick9one1 · Apr 30, 2012

Paul,

The M6 rivnuts arrived Saturday morning, and I managed to do one side. The spanner and nut method worked for me with no problems.
Door strap is now bolted on nice and tightly.

The only things I would be cautious of..
If the steel is quite thick get longer rivnuts, as the shorter ones might not work. And go for steel not aluminium. Ally might work fine but steel is obviously stronger.

Kongsodoken · Apr 30, 2012

Great pleased it worked for you [

]

I do think Helicoils would work equally well

Paul 290T · Apr 30, 2012

Nick,

I'm pleased it went well for you. Thanks for confirming the method works.

Do you know what the original bolts screwed into, was there a weld nut on the inside of the door surround?

What length were the rivnuts that you used?

Were they a bit short?

Regards

nick9one1 · Apr 30, 2012

The rivnuts were pretty standard length I think (14mm). On the link above it says they will work with a material thickness up to 4.2mm, and thinking about it that's plenty.

It was difficult to tell what the original bolts screwed into, I originally thought captive nuts, as no obvious nut on the lower hole (I assumed I drilled the whole nut out). But the top hole still had some kind of nut or plate behind. Eitehr way the rivnuts worked well

Its worth buying some M6 countersunk bolts too, as the originals are made from what I can only describe as chocolate.