Seat belt bolts

[skiver.]

I've had both seat belts off for a refurb and to fit some nice new guides. Both the lower bolts holding the belts to the chassis mounts were difficult to remove but came out complete and won't go back. One feels like it will cross-thread and the other just will not 'bite' into the captive nut.
I've removed the seats for better access and tried new bolts but I think the nuts are corroded and will need re-tapping. The problem is these nuts are just above floor level and I need to find a way to tap them.
As usual, any help appreciated.

[TwinKam]

Are you sure you're using the correct bolts? They'll be 7/16" UNF, not metric.
If you want to chase the captive thread, use the tap in a ratchet tap holder, or drive it with a 8 or 12 point socket and ratchet, or failing that, an open ended spanner.

[phillpot]

Tool for the job......... Thread Restorers


Can't vouch for the quality of this kit, I wouldn't expect too much at that price, but should be good enough for occasional/hobby use?

[N7GTX]

Or file a chamfer on the end of the bolts. This will take away any damaged lead thread and making the end of the bolt a fraction smaller will allow it to go in a touch more. Use a little grease to help.

[BeastMaster]

N7GTX said:

Or file a chamfer on the end of the bolts. This will take away any damaged lead thread and making the end of the bolt a fraction smaller will allow it to go in a touch more. Use a little grease to help.

Using the old bolts with an angle grinder put 2 or 3 groves along the length, and the above chamfer which should make a thread cleaning tool, better to go in a few threads and out at a time than try and wind it straight in.

Andy

[skiver.]

All very useful info, thanks.

[BoostedChim]

Is the fibreglass clear around the hole?

[phillpot]

BoostedChim said:

Is the fibreglass clear around the hole?

Mine was sort of "opaque" rather than clear, does it make a difference?

[skiver.]

BoostedChim said:

Is the fibreglass clear around the hole?

Mine has thick metal spacers within the fibreglass which guide the bolt through if that's what you mean.

Anyway, job done now. I used a good quality tap and small open- ended spanner; worked a treat.

Thanks all

Edited by skiver. on Friday 13th October 15:26

[TwinKam]

skiver. said:

BoostedChim said:

Is the fibreglass clear around the hole?

Mine has thick metal spacers within the fibreglass which guide the bolt through if that's what you mean.

Anyway, job done now. I used a good quality tap and small open- ended spanner; worked a treat.

Thanks all

Edited by skiver. on Friday 13th October 15:26

Proper tools, proper job

[phillpot]

There are three types of tap, it is all to easy to cut a new (cross) thread with a decent tap, particularly a "taper cut", if access is awkward , thread restorers or the improvised "cuts down the threads on a spare bolt" will find the original thread, in my experience

Taper, second and bottom.................




You're sorted, that's the main thing