Blind bolt options?

[dodge man]

I will try and describe my problem as best I can. My 2004 Ram had a grab handle mounted to the A pillar. It plastic and I ripped it off hauling my butt up in the truck. I put a washer behind it which lasted about a week. There is a company called Geno's garage that sell metal inserts that go behind the grab handle and will make it very strong, so the grab handle problem will be fixed.

My problem is there are two bolts that hold the grab handle up. There are inserts in the A-pillar that the bolts thread into. One of the inserts just spun and wouldn't let me unthread the bolt. I tried everything to get the bolt out but finally just cut if off and let it fall down in the A pillar.

So how do I get the second bolt in? There is a company called Rivnut that looks like they sell what I need, it looks almost like what the factory used. Problem is they only sell English sized stuff, the original was metric. I'm also unsure of size. I also kind of tore up the hole where the insert goes in trying to get the old one out, but its still mostly intact. I'm afraid the new insert if not the correct size will just spin in the hole also. I don't own a welder but if there was an easy fix using a welder I could have someone do it for me. I'm not sure I want to and welding in this area any way.

Looking for ideas?

 

[tjkubota93]

Junkyard?

 

[dodge man]

I would still have to get the insert out of the old truck and into mine. I think when they are installed its a one time thing, they don't come out.

 

[mikehaugen]

How big is the hole?

 

[tjkubota93]

Maybe take a picture of it to dealership and if parts dept says no talk to a tech.

 

[JJZ 109]

Any chance of some type of toggle bolt?

 

[Soundguy]

kinda redneck.. but um.. what about a toggle?

 

[Soundguy]

i see jjz types faster than I do..

 

[mikehaugen]

If there is enough depth in the pillar, maybe you could try to use one of those spring loaded drywall anchors with the "wings." You need to make a pretty good sized hole though, and you'd be stuck with the standard sizes still.

Check out mcmaster carr, I'm sure they have something that would work. There are all types of threaded inserts out there, they have to have something for sheet metal.

Another option, if the base for the handle is big enough to cover the old hole, just move it up or down 1/2" or so and make new holes.

 

[mikehaugen]

kinda redneck.. but um.. what about a toggle?

Maybe that is what I was referring to? Sorry you posted while I was typing.