Had an interesting challenge when my B post cage nut on the passenger side stripped and I developed movement in the T Bar where it attaches to the B Post, giving rise to a horrible knocking sound and I'm sure not good for safety or body shell rigidity.
Apparently this is quite common after an acid dip, which mine has had, when of course the cage nuts get dipped as well, leading to the edges of the threads being eroded.
I thought I was in for major "expert" activity, but had the idea from a pal to go in through the inside of the B post and do something. So I set to with of all things my Dremel with a coarse cutting disc and a large drill, and successfully made a smooth oval horizontal slot just below the top of the post, having first removed the B Post trim cover. The cage nut can't in fact be removed from the bodyshell as it's welded to the inside top of the post. However, I drilled it through to the size of the existing bolt and used a longer bolt. I then slid a nylon nut and spring washer (stuck together with Blu Tack !) into my new slot with needle nosed pliers and managed to catch the bottom of the new bolt. The new slot also allows a spanner to grip the nut and I now have a completely solid fixing which can be removed any time in the future. I am completely happy that the limited slot I have cut won't interfere materially with structural strength. Totally to my surprise the job wasn't too hard and I am back roaring around with a solid feel to the car.
Onwards and upwards, but I thought it was worth sharing this one !
Richard
Apparently this is quite common after an acid dip, which mine has had, when of course the cage nuts get dipped as well, leading to the edges of the threads being eroded.
I thought I was in for major "expert" activity, but had the idea from a pal to go in through the inside of the B post and do something. So I set to with of all things my Dremel with a coarse cutting disc and a large drill, and successfully made a smooth oval horizontal slot just below the top of the post, having first removed the B Post trim cover. The cage nut can't in fact be removed from the bodyshell as it's welded to the inside top of the post. However, I drilled it through to the size of the existing bolt and used a longer bolt. I then slid a nylon nut and spring washer (stuck together with Blu Tack !) into my new slot with needle nosed pliers and managed to catch the bottom of the new bolt. The new slot also allows a spanner to grip the nut and I now have a completely solid fixing which can be removed any time in the future. I am completely happy that the limited slot I have cut won't interfere materially with structural strength. Totally to my surprise the job wasn't too hard and I am back roaring around with a solid feel to the car.
Onwards and upwards, but I thought it was worth sharing this one !
Richard
Comment