Tailgate hinge bolts.

[PaRenegade]

Better make the holes in the tailgate slightly bigger to allow for adjustment of fit. That's why they used captured nut cages for the hinge to body mount.

 

[Germy]

View attachment 11778

In the bottom hole set, you will see the floating bar that the bolts go in to. How can I get that held in place to drill it out? Should I just cut the body and pull it out and do it on a press?

 

[mtnwhlr]

View attachment 11778

In the bottom hole set, you will see the floating bar that the bolts go in to. How can I get that held in place to drill it out? Should I just cut the body and pull it out and do it on a press?

I think that would be the easist. Just open it up enough to get it out then when done slid it back in and weld up the hole.

 

[Germy]

Done deal

 

[Germy]

Just ordering new tailgate too, it's all kinds of bondoed up

 

[PaRenegade]

That captured nut (floating bar) might not come out so easy since the cage is welded to the body right about where you'd be cutting in at.

 

[Germy]

I'm just lost on this one. Maybe drill at whatever angle I can then thread that hole and with the new bolt in, drill the second.

 

[PaRenegade]

You don't have your gas tank removed by chance do you? The best place to cut into would be the back.
Here's what your gonna be looking at. Now this cages top is pretty much rusted away, that's why the two rods, they hold it in place, but imagine that side covered too as well as the bottom folded down. Keep in mind this pic is with my body upside down.

 

[Germy]

Got two body threads done, two more tomorrow. Tailgate is in bad shape though. Cobalt bits saved my but!

 

[Germy]

Welded one hinge bottom, cobalt bit broke in hole, no chance. Drilled through for the top holes. Grinding and painting tomorrow. I'll post some pics. Thanks for all the help!

 

[Germy]

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Welding went bad, big learning curve. Lots of grinding. Finally got it and things went well. Not pretty but it ain't goin nowhere