mx5cartalk.com

I am looking to retrofit the 6 point rear brace from a later model NA to my car. This the brace that links the lower points of the rear subframe to the rear section of the tub through a hole with a captive nut on the other side.

This captive nut is located in a cavity which can only be accessed by cutting a hole in the body.

So, does there exist a fastner which will go into that hole and as you tighten it up, spread itself out to secure itself in the hole. Similar in action to a dynabolt.

I have been to a large fastner shop in Brookvale (Bomond), and they don't think that such an item exists. Has anyone any ideas please?

Rivnut also known as nutsert.

Dann

Too small. Needs to be 18mm maximum. Rivnut I think is only 6mm biggest? The bigger ones need a special pneumatic gun...which I don't have.

The company's that child seats and such will be able to help you out

You need weldnuts then.

Dann

Therein lies my problem; I can't get something bigger than the hole into the hole without drilling another, bigger hole. If you know what i mean?

So why not just do that?

Dann

Because I am hoping that a simpler solution exists

Tap the existing hole?

Dann

Would it be possible to weld a piece of wire to the nut? I have used this method in the past.
Greg.

Very thin metal Dann.

Please elaborate Greg?

I think what Greg is trying to ask is if there are any holes into that cavity? where you can weld a piece of wire onto the nut then feed it into the hole

mitch_f1 wrote:Too small. Needs to be 18mm maximum. Rivnut I think is only 6mm biggest? The bigger ones need a special pneumatic gun...which I don't have.

I'm confused what's 18mm max?

How big is this bolt? and can you put pics of what you are trying to bolt to where?

If the metal is too thin do you think it is wise to use this location as an anchor point for something that could save your life?

Listen to Dann as from his fabrication skills he may have some idea! If you want a technical/engineering answer get in contact with Danny at Australian Diversified Engineering. Or use some blue tack/double sided tape.

I know what he wants to do, I am just pointing out all of theoptions and they are-

Rivnuts- but he doesnt want to think outside the square, he wants to use factory bolts rather than 2 smaller ones.

Weldnuts- but he doesn't want to get it welded.

Drill and Tap- but that is literally impossible and I was being a smartass when I posted that.

Dann