To rivnut or not to rivnut? (1 Viewer)

[CruisinGA]

I have a snorkel on the way, and I'm currently checking to be sure I have all necessary parts and tools ahead of time, for a change, so hopefully, the install will go smoothly, for a change.

I notice in George's writeup he recommends use of 10x32 rivnuts and matching black allen head screws, instead of the included plastic inserts.

Slee's writeup recommends fashioning square holes to help the plastic inserts secure better.

I am wondering, since I have the ability to plan ahead for either method, which I should do.

Do i bother with rivnuts? (How expensive is the tool?)

Or are the plastic inserts good enough, (I assume since slee uses them, they are good enough).

If I should bother getting rivnuts, must I order them, or do any chains carry them? How much should a tool cost?


One other question. The writups mention a brace in the interior of the A-piller that needs to be cleared. It is my understanding that the 3 screws for the snorkel go in between this brace and the W/S gasket. So, this brace is perpendicular to the surface of the A-piller, and is closer to the door than the W/S, correct?

Thanks.

 

[Junk]

Cruisin,
Definitely go the rivnut route if you can. If you pm Riley soon enough, he could send my tool directly to you for use if you'd like.

 

[dd113]

Cruisin,
Definitely go the rivnut route if you can. If you pm Riley soon enough, he could send my tool directly to you for use if you'd like.

I always knew you shared your tool with other men. Good thing Bailey is of age now.

 

[CruisinGA]

Ok I'll contact riley and see what the deal is.

I have every intention of installing this thing within a half hour of recieving it, which should be tuesday, so that may not give us enough time, lol.

Hey David, I've been thinking, in addition to the Snap On pitman arm puller, you could really use a rivnut tool at the shop.

By the way, you make a pretty good santas helper- just missing some pointy toed shoes and pointy ears.

 

[dd113]

Any other tools I can buy to make your life easier? I would buy Junk cuz he is a tool but he eats too much to keep around long term.

 

[CruisinGA]

At least I show up on time.

Thats worth a tool or two.

 

[cruiserdan]

I used 5 mm nutserts in mine (it's a metric car ya know )

The inner brace will prohibit full insertion of at least one of them, I forget which one. Take a large drift punch that will just clear the hole and insert it in the hole and then give it a smart tap. That should clearance it enough to bottom the insert. If not, repeat........




D-

 

[sleeoffroad]

Go with rivnuts if you can. The instructions on the site was when I did my first one many moons ago. I guess I should update it.

 

[CruisinGA]

Good deal, thanks for the info.

Looks like I need to drive around and try to find a place in town with some nutserts or rivnuts.

Do yall find your stuff locally, or do you have to order it?

 

[sleeoffroad]

I have long ago given up on trying to locate things locally and drive around for days to find it. Search on-line and buy. I am also a little bit if a tool snob I have bought to many cheap things and later regretted it. In most cases, I try to buy industrial/commercial grade of tools instead of consumer grade. I have never had a regret on buying a decent tool, but I have had many a regret buying cheap.

For tools, www.thetoolwarehouse.net is a pretty good place to start for funky not so easy to find stuff.

 

[Photoman]

Hi Bailey,
If you are still looking for the rivnuts, NAPA has them. They are called Balkamp poly nuts there. The 10-32 UNF part# is 770-2879 for thin metal. Grip range .20 to .130 - hole size .281 to .285 - drill 9/32".
FWIW, 5/16-18 UNC 770-2881
1/4-20 UNC 770-2880
10-24 UNC 770-2878
8/32 UNC 770-2877

They also have this small tool/set, a larger tool, and an air operated tool.
Also these rivnut/poly nut/nutserts are available (not necessarily from NAPA) knurled for better grip, flush mount, or with a rivet type head.

Bill

 

[CruisinGA]

Thanks Bill, I will be stopping by Napa tomorrow and see if I can pick everything up, and hopefully get this snorkel installed as firmly as possible.

Thanks!


Snorkel is coming in tomorrow, with ARB Bar.