Antenna/Brushguard mounting bolts

[dc_cucv]

I ordered my antenna mount and it arrived today.

When I went to loosen the mounting bolts currently on the truck, they keep spinning like nuts behind them are free.

There is no access to to the nuts from the inside, nor from the outside as far as i can see.

Please tell me it doesn't require removing any entire rear panel to access those nuts

 

[NDT]

What is spinning in the panel is called a Riv-nut. You will need to carefully drill out the bolt and then the old riv-nut, and then replace the riv nut with a new one. McMaster Carr has riv-nuts.

 

[87cr250r]

You might be able to get away with well nuts if you don't have the nut riveting tool. McMaster also has those.

 

[cucvrus]

The tool to put riv-nuts in place is a very simple tool. I am talking the manual type. I had the power type at one time but we quit drilling and installing mirrors and brackets because of corrosion issues. All the chassis we receive now have factory mounted mirrors. I have one similar to this and have put hundreds of 1/4", M6, M8, 5/16" riv-nuts in place. The key is slowly and don't over crush the riv-nut. I do use a cordless impact and slowly tighten the bolt. An all threaded bolt is what you need. Good Luck.

 

[M813rc]

I'm guessing you are referring to the M1009 in your signature?
If they are the mounts near the doors, you can actually reach up inside the panel from below and get a vice-grip on the back of the riv-nut to hold it while you get the bolt out. It's not real easy, and can induce frustration and language not suitable for the presence of ladies or the meek of heart, but it can be done.

If you're like me, use a mirror to check in there for spiders first!

Cheers

 

[ssdvc]

On the old M1009 I had, all the rivnuts were loose (antenna and mirror). I just paid a shop $20 to tack weld the nuts in place and then I painted them again and sealed them with clear silicon. Worked for me.