C-2 Seat Track Bolt

[Don Z.]

One bolt ( front )on my '66 seat track has finally pulled loose from the welded nut under the car. I had re-tapped the nut sometime back. Now the bolt won't hold again. Threads in the nut I guess are pretty well shot. I know I can re-tap to a 3/8" but I don't think I can get the correct headmark for the seats in the 3/8".
Is there such a thing as putting a new set of threads in the nut? Someone told me along time ago about something called a helicoil?? Don't know what it is , where to get it or what maybe available to fix the problem. Any help appreciated.Thank You

[Joe L.]

Re: C-2 Seat Track Bolt

Don-----

Yes, the nut can be "repaired". Several different types of repairs can be used. A Heli-Coil is one type. This is a "spiral wire" type of thread repair. It involves drilling out the threads to a specific drill size, retapping the hole with the special size tap supplied with the kit and inserting the spiral wound thread repair. Heli-coil repair kits are easy to find in most hardware stores (if you're looking for a common size as is the case here). A kit which includes the tap, insertion tool, and several inserts will cost you about $25-30 for smaller sizes like this. The drill bit you need to buy seperately or already have in your drill index.

I'm not a big fan of Heli-coils for nut repair like this, but they will work. I suggest installing the insert with a good sealer/locking agent like Locktite.

Another thread repair which I like better for this is a "Thread Sert". I think that these work better for a nut repair. However, these are a lot harder to find in retail stores or supply houses. Do an internet search under this term and I think you'll find sources for this type of thread repair.

[Don Z.]

Re: C-2 Seat Track Bolt

Thank You Joe for the insight. Since I live in a small town, I'll look into both to see if either is available and go from there.