So I did the side sill rivit nut conversion tonight....

[Bonkers]

...exactly as the "how-to" here said and every single rivit, not one, not a couple, EVERY SINGLE RIVIT on both sides failed on the first five mintue drive afterwards. Now the sills are just hanging on loosely by the stripped fasteners.

What could have possibly gone wrong and how do I fix it?

 

[dansauto]

rivits too small or holes too big. It needs to be real tight. I dont subscribe to the corrisoion theroy. I have repaired many sets and ususlly the problem is just condensation under the insulation oxidating the al.

 

[KenH]

Another possibility is the type you used. Some have a smooth shaft and some have a serrated shaft which grip better since they basically have teeth. Here are a couple of pics of the ones that I used which have been installed and working fine for the last year and a half.

 

[Joel]

Use steel rivinuts, the alloy type are not suitable. The ones I used are 5mm with a hex type external....works great.

 

[Janni]

Yup - use the steel rivnuts with the knurled outside. Otherwise, the aluminum smooth sided ones just done grip and you'll end up drilling each one of them out.

Also, make sure you use the proper size drill bit - they should be tight and difficult to get in the hole - we often have to use a little persuasion.

If you do that - you'll be a happy camper with the results. Rivnuts rock.

 

[Qualitywires.com]

Another possibility is the type you used. Some have a smooth shaft and some have a serrated shaft which grip better since they basically have teeth. Here are a couple of pics of the ones that I used which have been installed and working fine for the last year and a half.

Where did you get those rivet nuts at Ken?

 

[KenH]

Where did you get those rivet nuts at Ken?

They are plated steel. I got them from Reid Tool Supply. I think they are PN BTI-40 with 10-32 thread. I used the A-L Series tool with the 10-32 adapter. Worked well, but I ended up grinding down the head of the tool a little bit for clearance to get into the access holes for the top nuts.

As noted above, I would stay away from aluminum which is what you find most places.

Here's the link.

https://reidecom.reidtool.com/xephr/qbe/REID_PDF_DISPLAY

--- Ken

 

[GTS Bruce]

So what the problem with using a SS crew? GTS Bruce

 

[Bonkers]

Just in case anyone was curious or having trouble finding these -

Reid - 800-253-0421 - Ask for Eric - Tell him you need BTI-40 (as stated above) and he can get them to you for .25/p + s/h. Mine arrived from Michigan in two days.