lost driver side sill bolt any suggestions for size 02 GTS

[denniskgb]

Had my car out all day yesterday, after i washed it and put back on the lift i gave it a quick check over (that how i found a 3" screw three weeks ago stuck in the rear passenger tire right into the inside wall ouch, had to get a new tire asap)...so i noticed that the driver side sill bolt second from rear jack point is missing and the sill is sagging somewhat (has thermal insulation packed). any suggestions for size that i can probably get from hardware store? I realize its probably a really stupid question so please do not "rip me a new ass...le" for asking. Dennis

 

[WDW MKR]

Your best bet is to convert to machine screws through the installation of RivNuts. See the how-to section for details. I have a bunch of the stock screws in the garage that you're welcome to, but your hole is likely stripped and you'll need a slightly larger screw if sticking with the same type. You can pull on of the others and head to the hardware store for size comparison.

Given that you've already lost a tire, I highly recommend the machine screw conversion.

 

[speedracervr4]

^^^What he said. Bad design by dodge to use self tapping bolts.

 

[denniskgb]

Thank you, i will look into it.

 

[Bugman Jeff]

If you don't want to go that route, or if you hole isn't stripped out, a #10 screw is the right size. That's what I'm using since mine were missing when I got my car. I also put a dab of blue locktite on them to help keep them secure. If/when I strip any out, I'll convert to machine screws.

 

[Camfab]

I used red loctite on the stock screws for years, but pulling the side sills off one too many times finally forced the change over to rivnuts. I think I have detailed pics in a post I did about it. The only downside to rivnuts is that the overhanging rivnut gets hung up on the side sill thermal insulation when reinstalling the sidesills.

 

[denniskgb]

If you don't want to go that route, or if you hole isn't stripped out, a #10 screw is the right size. That's what I'm using since mine were missing when I got my car. I also put a dab of blue locktite on them to help keep them secure. If/when I strip any out, I'll convert to machine screws.

Thank you Jeff I will try that first.

 

[Ron]

I find a dab of silicone does as good a job given that the screws aren't under any real stress. Had one let loose early on and my rear tire picked it up. Expensive screw.