fender flare repair?

[EUREKA]

I broke off most of the studs on the steel fender flare retainers. Looks like simply drilling out the old studs and replacing with bolts would work. I assume this is common and that there is a common repair?

 

[Limeyjeeper]

I am doing it right now. Grind the stud off, drill it out and replace it with an M5 stainless steel bolt and internal tooth lock washers. The washer will hold the bolt in position. You can weld them in but the metal is very thin. I would also paint them if you can. The zinc coating doesn't really stop the rust. I used 1" long bolts.

 

[Pete M]

those bolts are made of like the weakest metal ever.  

[Limeyjeeper]

11 minutes ago, Pete M said:

those bolts are made of like the weakest metal ever.  

Yea, I just snapped a couple off a 3 year old NOS flare retainer and it was already rusting!!

[ghetdjc320]

2 hours ago, Limeyjeeper said:

I am doing it right now. Grind the stud off, drill it out and replace it with an M5 stainless steel bolt and internal tooth lock washers. The washer will hold the bolt in position. You can weld them in but the metal is very thin. I would also paint them if you can. The zinc coating doesn't really stop the rust. I used 1" long bolts.

 

Nice idea! I’m going to copy this for my flares when the time comes

[fiatslug87]

I brazed the new bolts, no worries of blowing through the thin metal.

[Limeyjeeper]

These are the internal lock washers I used:-

 

Amazon.com: Bettomshin 40Pcs M5 Internal Tooth Lock Washers, 5mm ID 12mm OD Starlock 304 Stainless Steel Push on Lock Washer Locking Clips Fastener, Used for Replacement and Maintenance of Machine Parts Silver : Industrial & Scientific

 

 

[Limeyjeeper]

1 minute ago, fiatslug87 said:

I brazed the new bolts, no worries of blowing through the thin metal.

I am using stainless bolts which complicates things a bit.

[Red Mistress]

Anyone tried plastic nuts ?

[EUREKA]

Thank you Limey, excellent solution!

 

I knew someone here would have already thought this out and arrived at a better solution than I likely would have myself. 

[91Pioneer]

You can tack weld the screws/bolts in place, I did. Just don't go hog wild, just tacks.