Mid-Year hood problem

[Jim W.]

I'm looking for solutions/ideas on how best to repair one of my hood latches. What I mean by hood latches are the two spring/bolt attachments at the rear of the hood that keep the hood closed, and are released to open. One of my latches' attachment points in the hood itself is stripped (passengers side). The bolt that screws into the hood is fine, but the threads in the hood are stripped. Has anybody even repaired this part of a mid-year hood? If so how did you do it? Has anybody ever helicoiled (sp?) the threads in the hood? I'm afraid I'll drill through the top of the hood, and if I drill it correctly I'm afraid I won't have room to tap the new threads for the helicoil. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Jim Webb, Bowie, MD

[Joe L.]

Re: Mid-Year hood problem

Jim----

Since it's virtually impossible to replace the tapping plate in the hood, a thread repair is about your only option. Of course, there are several ways to go. You could just drill and tap the hole for the next larger size, but then you will end up with a non-original head sized bolt. It will be functional, though.

Better yet would be to install a thread repair, of which a Heli-Coil is one type. There are actually many types of thread repair inserts available on the market. I like Heli-Coils for "blind tapped" holes, but I don't like them as much for a situation like this. For this repair, I'd recommend a product called "Thread-Serts". And, there are several other similar products on the market, which will also work well. The "Thread-Serts" and other similar products involve a complete threaded insert unit which is either threaded or otherwise locked into an oversize-drilled hole. Heli-Coils, on the other hand, are a coil-type thread repair.

You will have to be very careful with respect to drilling, but you can do it. Your best bet would be to obtain a drill stop or collar. Then, using the drill stop or collar, set the depth of the maximum drill penetration that you need which will avoid contacting the fiberglass, and you can safely drill away.

[Tom Freeman]

Thread-Serts or Time-Serts?

Joe, here is a web site for "Time-Serts", http://www.timesert.com , which is a threaded insert. Is this the "Thread-Serts" you mentioned, or something else?

tom...

[Ed S.]

Re: Mid-Year hood problem-The Magic of Chemistry?

Mike,

While I would lean toward using one of the repair techniques previously mentioned, have you considered the use of a "chemical" thread repair option? I seem to recall a product (by PermaTex?) where you smear the thread repair compound into the offending retainer, and then thread the proper size bolt (that has been coated with a release agent that comes in the kit) into the bolt/retainer. Believe its supposed to develop full strength within 24 hrs.

I have never used this repair approach, and am only providing it as another potential option. I would be interested in comments (pro/con) from other list members.

Good luck,

Ed NCRS#13671

[Jerry Clark]

Re: Thread-Serts or Time-Serts?

Hi Tom:

I am familiar with the Thread Sert product and Time Serts, ( I looked at the page) are not the same . Thread Serts, when installed, leave a "flange" after installation, Time Serts appear not to, they seem very similar to a Heli Coil.

jerry

[Gary Schisler]

Re: Mid-Year hood problem-The Magic of Chemistry?

Ed, I have used Loctite "Form-A-Thread Stripped Thread Repair" before with good success. I have no experience with the PermaTex, although I am assuming that this is probably the product that you are looking for. It works very well in areas that don't require exceptional strength, although the chart says that a 7/16" repaired thread, for example, can be torqued up to 34 ft.lbs. I think it might be ideal for this type of application.

It is very easy to use and is an essential tool box item and is certainly a lot easier to try before using a Helicoil. It is Loctite reorder number 81668. Gary

[Joe L.]

Re: Thread-Serts or Time-Serts?

Jerry and Tom,

Yes, and it's that litle flange that makes the "Thread-Serts" the preferable thread repair device for this particular installation. On some applications, the flange could present a problem. But, on this one, it's preferable.