How do you fix/rig a..

[Mike H]

...bumper bolt hole that is stripped out so that it will hold the weight of an aftermarket bumper? Or am I just hosed?

Both a Nissan dealership and 4WheelParts have had reason to undo the bolts so I can't even go complain to someone to make this boo boo all better.

[Synchro]

you can either retap it fro a bigger bolt. or you can drill it all the way through and put a carriage bolt all the way through.

[Mike H]

Thanks, if you could post some embarassingly remedial instructions that would be great.

Like this:

1. Use this size and type drill bit.

2. Use this size bolt because it will match up to the hole you just drilled the best.

Sorry for being a mechanical moron, never cared to learn before I bought an Xterra. Also if there are any "don't do this" or "you are stupid if you do this" things to know, add them in. I have no idea how to match up bits and bolts and what will weaken the area I am drilling in.

[ScottG]

Can you get the old bolt out? Once you get the bolt out, you may be able use a tap that is the same size as the original bolt to clean up the threads without drilling. If the threads are to messed up you may have to go a little bigger. But, the size of the original bolt is a good starting point for the size to start with.

[Mike H]

I can get the old one out, but can't get it or a new clean bolt back in.

[ScottG]

Try taking the bolt to the auto parts store and tell them you want a tap that is the same size. A tap is a tool for making new threads, or in your case you can probably clean up the old threads. Spray a little oil on the tap when you run it through the threads. Hopefully you can fix it without having to drill. Good luck :flash:

[Mike H]

Thanks, I will try that.

[Synchro]

when using the tap, make sure that you turn it clockwise for a bit and then turn it anticlockwise until you hear a tiny click noise, which is the metal shard breaking off. if you just keep going and don't bother turning it anticlockwise ever, you run the risk of putting too much stress on the tap and snapping it off in the whole. which would be bad.

you can also buy self-tapping bolts. which would be even easier.

[wqbang]

Originally posted by Synchro
anticlockwise

Counter-clockwise?

[Mike H]

He didn't think I would know what "counter-clockwise" would mean Anyone who doesn't know basic info like fixing a stripped out hole can't be that bright ya know!

[rhombus]

I had the same thing happen and just drillied thru the frame.
I stripped one of the upper mounting bolts that the ARB uses.

I think that I used a 1/2 inch drill bit (It was the same one that you need for the WARN fairlead).

Anyways I hope that you are able to tap it but if not drilling is dead easy.

[Synchro]

Originally posted by wqbang


Counter-clockwise?

sorry.....i have been watching a TON of british TV lately (the BBC America channel RULES!!!!) and have been picking up words and such not. anti-clockwise is the way of saying counterclockwise in the shows i have been watching. If you watch Junkyard Wars on TLC, you will hear it all the time too.

[wqbang]

Originally posted by Synchro
If you watch Junkyard Wars on TLC

I watch the show all the time, and never picked up on that. Perhaps I am not that attent.... Uhmmm... Beer..

[Whistler!]

Hey Mike H,
I wrecked my ARB...I had to drill thru the frame to remount a new one.

I used a 1/2" drill bit with 1/2" nuts & bolts...I went to a metal shop &
they had internal frame pipe they installed inside the frame to prevent
the frame from bending when tightening the new nuts & bolts thru the
frame.

When I wrecked my ARB I snapped the front 4 bolts completely off...I
had to tap them out, then drilled thru the frame...Make sure if you do
this, you drill both sides evenly or it won't be straight.

Good Luck:smoka:

[rednec]

How did you wreck your ARB?