Snorkel Installation (1 Viewer)

[cc93cruiser]

Father and I installed snorkel this past weekend and I have to say it was way easier than what I expected (I did my research on all three install pages-Slee, George and Dan from Realcruiser, thanks guys!) I used all the correct tools, 3 1/2" hole saw, 1/8" drill bit for pilot holes and a step drill ( only way to go). One thing I wanted to point out was that I didn't use those whimpy ass plastic inserts that came with the kit for the A-Pillar (to attach arm of snorkel to A-Pilar). Instead I used some small (1/2" in length, 1/4" threaded Drive Rivnuts, Bolt was 7/8" in length, 1/4" drive also) Rivnuts my dad brought from work and actually worked perfect without a rivnut gun. I am posting pics of what we used to attach these Rivnuts down to the pillar. Oh and the finshed results.

Tool:

A-Pillar:
This is my make believe A-Pillar(have to fit the rivnuts snuggly-make holes in A-pillar slightly smaller than Rivnuts, to were you have to gently hammer down:

Now that the rivnuts are snuggly in, they are ready to be attached to sheet metal-Picture pretty much explains- I used a small nut in the middle of the threaded bolt inwhich a held in place with a wrench and turned the bolt with my ratchet/socket (it is very important that the you can see a little part of the theard from the bolt sticking out from rivnut as this is going to pull rivnut up towards the sheet metal one you start turning ratchet):

different view

Here is a pic of the results!
(Hopefully this was useful to someone

 

[Brentbba]

Very nice - you want to come to SoCal and do one for me?

 

[cc93cruiser]

How about you come up here, can go wheelin too.

 

[CharlieS]

Neat home built tool. That would save the hassle of locating the special tool.

I used one similar once - it was a "special tool" provided by Neuspeed (I used to race VWs) for a strut tower brace. The only problem is it is too easy to over-torque the bolt which will strip out the aluminum nutsert/rivnut. Then you are back to square one. I wonder what happened to that tool, must be in my tools someplace...

The one I've used several times since that special tool is better one specially made for instlling nutsert/rivnut type fasteners - it looks like a rivet gun. It has the same general shape as a rivet gun, but it has a threaded shank that sticks out of the front and when you squeeze the handle it tightens the nutsert/rivnut. Works slick and is virtually impossible to strip out the rivnut/nutsert. they're a pain to drill out once the strip.

Great job on the install.

Charlie

PS. the rivnuts I used came with a spec (actually was on the mcmaster carr web site) of what size drill to use for each size rivnut. You don't want to go to big or too small or else the rivnut may not fit right. It needs room to expand, but not so much that it can turn once installed.

 

[Brentbba]

How about you come up here, can go wheelin too.

If I only had time........