anybody ever done this

[sdave7]

anybody ever cross-thread the back bolts to the cross member?? I have no idea what to do now. they thread right up into the body and I have no idea how they started wrong, but they sure did.. I'm going to cry....91 gl

[mattswabb]

Remove the bolt and get a tap and run the tap thru. Maybe you might get lucky. I'm not sure what bolt you're referring to but you also might be able to weld the parts together.

[Mike McKown]

Sometimes you can restart the bolt straight and it will go on in straight. If that doesn't work and the threads are destroyed to the point a thread chaser won't straighten things up, you can drill/tap to the next SAE thread oversize maybe.

I too do not know which bolt you are referring to.

[CharlieZ]

If Matswabb suggestion doesn't work out, going to a similar size SAE thread and bolt might work. You'd have to "create" a shouldered bolt tho. I did this on the front two by machining some fat and thick spacers out of aluminum bar stock. Helicoil thread inserts are an option. Requires a special Helicoil tap so the repair might be a little pricey for just two holes.

[Gforcefd]

You can also buy these things that go into the whole and replace the threads with a new metal. They look like little springs, and stick in with loctight. Can't for the life of me remember what they are called.

[ketchup]

those spring thingys are helicoils.. i say a cross thread is a tight thread... i say tighten it up and worry about it if you have to take it apart again. but thats just me not a good enough repair for most people.

[Gforcefd]

Thank you ketchup you rock