installing anchor "nuts" for 69 sport mirrors ?

SAC69 · Sep 7, 2003

My 69 did not come originally with the sport racing mirror's so I am retrofitting them. I bought the screw and the original-type anchor which is basicially an internally threaded sleeve. These drop into the hole from above and are supposed to "pinch" the sheetmetal like a pop-rivet. The Mustang store where I bought these said the factory had some type of tool to install these and said I could hold them with vise-grips while tightening the mirror-hold down screw but access is pretty tight.

Is there is better way to attach these anchor's or should I just use the screw with a nut from inside? Although, with an inside nut, I'd need to remove the door panel to hold it in event mirror needs tightening.

Thanks.

sharkmouth · Sep 7, 2003

I dont know what theyre made of, but when I reskin my doors, I was planning on tacking them to the skin.

todamay · Sep 7, 2003

You can find the tool that installs these blind nuts at a store like HARBOR FREIGHT. It is alot like a poprivet tool. You can buy it online. TOD

70_Cougar · Sep 7, 2003

Go to this site

http://www.harborfreight.com/

and do a search on this: ITEM 1210-1VGA

I purchased it just to put the mirrors on my cougar. Did a good job. Reattached the crappy tailgate FORD panel on the back of my 90 F250 also with this thing.

John

SAC69 · Sep 7, 2003

Excellent info on the Harbor Freight tool, exaclty what I need and at a good price.

Thanks for the prompt responses too.

Shark: FYI, the Ford-type inserts respond to a magnet so they are steel and not aluminum.

fordnut · Sep 7, 2003

Most body shops have this tool. Shouldn't cost you more than a couple bucks for them to put them in for you...

geegee · Sep 7, 2003

RivNuts come in steel and aluminum types. Basically they're a hollow internally threaded pop rivet. These are used a lot on aircraft. The disadvantage of using them for one time jobs is the high cost of the installation tool. You can however simply insert a screw into the RivNut and then tighten it and it will pull the RivNut up tight provided you can get some grip on the rivet to keep it from turning while you're cranking on the screw. Once inset, it won't come out without drilling them out. Neat fastener and easy to use with the right tools. You might check with an aircraft shop and see if they can install a couple for you. Takes about 30 seconds with the right tools.

sharkmouth · Sep 7, 2003

Thanks a bunch SAC69.

Feex · Sep 8, 2003

An even simpler way is to use a longer screw, with a nut and washer installed( Screw, nut, washer, RivNut). Install into the hole, insure that the screw is all the way through the threads, tighten the nut with a wrench while holding the screw still. This will pull up and collapse the RivNut. Then remove the screw and nut and your all set.

installing anchor "nuts" for 69 sport mirrors ?

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