Luggage rack installation question... not on a Festiva though

[fastivaca]

I'm going to be installing a factory roof rack on my Chev Astro (which never had one). I've got all the parts including the threaded inserts that are used. I think the proper name is "nutsert". Anyways... my question is this: is there a relatively easy way to install those inserts without the proper tool?

I'm trying to be thrifty (I've only spent $25 so far) and don't want to fork out for the designated tool.

Thanks

[Mike McKown]

Drill the hole so the "nut sert" or "rev-nut" is a slight push fit into the hole. Test fit all the nuts with the bolt that going to go in them and make sure there are no burrs on the threads and they run freely. Oil the threads, push the nuts in the hole, hand start a bolt in the nut and then run it home with a fast drill motor. If you're lucky, the bolt will swell the nut as designed and lock it in place. If you mis-cue, you'll have a nut that is half swelled and not locked in place and then you'll be back here asking whot to do next.

If you have access from the bottom side, you can easily hold it to keep it from spinning until the nut swells in place. Make sure you seal the nuts on the top side from water entry before you put your rack on.