Fender to Cowl mounting nut problem

mrsbojigger
mrsbojigger Senior Contributor
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Hey Guys,
Has any of you had this nut missing? I need to permanently secure a nut behind the cowl so I can mount the left front fender. The back side has sheet metal obstructing getting back there to weld in a nut. I had thought of a couple of possibilities.
1. I could insert and weld in a T-nut from the front side but then I would have the thickness of the T-nut flange to deal with since the fender flange fits flush on to the cowl sheet metal.
2. Another option would be to cut out this complete area of sheet metal, weld a nut on the back side of this sheet metal and then weld all this back in place. Yuk!
3. Opening up the odd shaped hole slightly and then place a "heavy nut" (they have a larger outer diameter to them) behind the sheet metal and tack weld from the front, then finish off the weld flush with the surface.

Are there any types of special nuts that could be inserted into this opening?

Any other experiences or ideas of how to go about this?

Peace,
Chaz

Comments

  • Duck tape
    "remember, we're all in this together"
  • mrsbojigger wrote:
    Hey Guys,

    Has any of you had this nut missing? I need to permanently secure a nut behind the cowl so I can mount the left front fender. The back side has sheet metal obstructing getting back there to weld in a nut. I had thought of a couple of possibilities.

    1. I could insert and weld in a T-nut from the front side but then I would have the thickness of the T-nut flange to deal with since the fender flange fits flush on to the cowl sheet metal.

    2. Another option would be to cut out this complete area of sheet metal, weld a nut on the back side of this sheet metal and then weld all this back in place. Yuk!

    3. Opening up the odd shaped hole slightly and then place a "heavy nut" (they have a larger outer diameter to them) behind the sheet metal and tack weld from the front, then finish off the weld flush with the surface.



    Are there any types of special nuts that could be inserted into this opening?



    Any other experiences or ideas of how to go about this?



    Peace,

    Chaz



    Chaz, I wouldn't reccomend this fix for every problem but you might want to try using something like JB weld with a nut embedded to match a bolt that would be run through later on. The other thing you could do would be to weld the whole thing up and then drill a small pilot hole for a large sheet metal screw to be put in later. This particular junction isn't super critical except for keeping the sheet metal lined up. No stresses of unusual amount would be put on this so you can relax about how you can go about it.Good luck Chaz.
  • Ol racer
    Ol racer Senior Contributor
    I wonder if you can get at the back side to drill a hole saw just large enough to insert a washer and nut using a 3/8" long extension, or consider a large 'Nutsert' that is crimped in place if only a low tension panel alignment 'point'.
  • Use Ol racers's idea but go the opposite way. The other attachments on the fender have the nuts on the fender and you insert the bolt from the inside. If you can drill a hole under the dash, weld a nut on the fender and insert bolt from inside. I can't remeber how much room is under the dash for a hole saw.
  • Ol racer wrote:
    I wonder if you can get at the back side to drill a hole saw just large enough to insert a washer and nut using a 3/8" long extension, or consider a large 'Nutsert' that is crimped in place if only a low tension panel alignment 'point'.

    I agree with Ol Racer. Plug that hole, after marking the location from reference points and buy nutserts from McMaster Carr along with the hand installation tool. Very solid and usefull for many purposes. I have the large installation tool that will go up to 1/2-13 inserts and have used it for numerous purposes.
    Bob
  • at least my idea is less expensive
  • rpmonroe wrote:
    at least my idea is less expensive
    You and I think a lot alike. LOL
  • mrsbojigger
    mrsbojigger Senior Contributor
    Ah ha! Nutcerts!
    Thats what I was looking for.
    Can't use duct tape! Thats whats holding the rest of the car together.
    Thanks Guys!
    Peace,
    Chaz
  • I had to go to u-tube and watch some old Red Green after that



    what a riot hahahahahahahahahaaaaaaaa!
  • And remember, if the ladies don't find ya handsom at least they'll find ya handy!
This discussion has been closed.