[Torquewrench]

I'd been troubled by a passenger side seat belt nut. The nut inside the frame rail had come un-welded and would only spin when I tried to take the seat belt bolt out. Since I was taking the floor pans out I needed to get if off not to mention it's a black belt and I'd like to use another color.

So I finally bit the bullet and used a cutoff wheel to open a square access in the frame rail from above. Once I pryed it up I could stick my mig tip in and give it a couple of spot welds. After I welded it I finally got the bolt out and felt great putting the seatbelt on the shelf with the others. I knocked the access flap back down, cleaned all the paint from the gaps and welded the section back.

A kid from across the road was over in my basement and I was explaining to him why I had to make the repair. I picked up a screw driver to show him where the nut inside the frame rail was. As I stuck the screwdriver into the hole I heard a loud "clunk" as the nut plate fell off again inside the rail.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1575122&a=11977248&p=43129084.jpg
66 C-code convertible
66 C-code coupe
65 GTO hardtop
76 Nova hatchback

 

[66emberglow]

I can imagine your disgust when that nut fell off. And I'm sure the neighbor kid was quite impressed with your welding skills. *hehe*


Coppertone's current condition:
http://www.knology.net/~dorner/images/coppertone2.jpg

 

[65pony]

If you have access, you might try fishing it back to the hole, drilling some small holes in the rail, putting a bolt in to hold the nut, and plug welding it back in. It would be easier to get the welder to and might last more than the time it takes to entertain the neighbor kids. Is that a sign you live in a small town?

 

[Torquewrench]

I probably should have done it that way to begin with. But I didn't know how big the plate was. Now it's fallen down in there I doubt there's anyway I can fish it. I'll just flatten my old welds and cut another hole.

No, I'm not in a small town. I just try to brag about my accomplishments to anyone who gets close to the car. The worst part was all I could say was "I didn't just do that" The kid, only 7, had no idea what I was talking about but he proudly said "Yes, you sure did" with a happy grin no less.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1575122&a=11977248&p=43129084.jpg
66 C-code convertible
66 C-code coupe
65 GTO hardtop
76 Nova hatchback

 

[bluefinger]

I bet that kid learned a few new words that day!

Jason
Formerly Bluestangcom
"Got gas?"
Vintage Burgundy'66 Conv. 289 & C4. GT-ized
Strawberry/Silver '91GT
Rust/Red/Turquoise '67 coupe - Parting Out
Guards Red 2000 Porsche Boxster

http://www.bluestang.com