Chassis Access Problem

[The Moosehunter]

Can anyone tell me if there is a way of getting to the lower seat belt mounting bracket without major dismantling/fibreglass cutting, as I am trying to replace the seatbelts and the bottom bolt appears to be corroded in. I have not had chance to fully investigate as I lost the daylight, however on fairly close inspection, thing look a trifle awkward.

Checked the bible, seen the bracket, but no clues there.

Any tips from hardened Griffers ?

Its an early 92 model



>> Edited by The Moosehunter on Friday 26th August 16:51

[griffter]

The Moosehunter said:

Can anyone tell me if there is a way of getting to the lower seat belt mounting bracket without major dismantling/fibreglass cutting, as I am trying to replace the seatbelts and the bottom nut appears to be corroded in. I have not had chance to fully investigate as I lost the daylight, however on fairly close inspection, thing look a trifle awkward. Checked the bible, seen the bracket, but no clues there. Any tips from hardened Griffers ? Its an early 92 model

Not only is it corroded in, but welded in too! The nuts are fixed to the brackets, so you should just be able to undo and withdraw the bolt without having to worry about getting a spanner on the nut.

One of my outer bolts was corroded into the nut, and sheared when Tower View tried to remove it. They had to drill it out and re tap the thread. Damn good job they did too in awkward circumstances.

The outer brackets are very hard to access as they are in the sill 'tunnel' above the chassis tube. Your options, I guess are either butcher the fibreglass or lift the body slightly. The inner ones, I believe are just about visible from in front of the diff, but probably require removal of the exhaust and possibly propshaft to access.

[The Moosehunter]

griffter said:

either butcher the fibreglass or lift the body slightly

Hmmmmm That was what I feared would be the response.

I haven't tried forcing it yet, but intend on soaking with penetrating fluid and possible using an battery powered impact driver to shock it loose.

Failing that I'm in the poo.

Lifting the body slightly sounds such a simple move. However in reality I'm sure it's anything but.

Does the seat tub area lift out at all, or is it bonded into to rest of the body ?

[griffter]

It's the whole body or nothing I'm afraid, and lifting it's not trivial!

I'd get a specialist to do it - then if they shear the bolt, they can drill and tap it.