Hi Guys i was wondering if there was a better way to attach the brackets to the frame than using the self tapping bolts? thanks Todd :TU:
The only thing I've seen is a rivnut. You have to drill the holes out. Then the rivnut is pushed into the hole, tack welded in place. You then insert the bolt and tighten it. It's like a rivet, the back end mushrooms out behind the hole. Put them on my 72 years back. They came with the big Herb Adams sway bar I ordered for the front of my Skylark. Much better retention than the stock self tappers. Don't know where to get them though.
Those are aluminum, don't forget that...they will strip easily if overtightened. They were originally designed with a small tab that engaged a slot on the sheetmetal and were installed with a special tool (that would hold the rivnut from rotating while crushing it properly). Biggest problem would be overtightening, the whole mess would rotate or strip. If welded of course much more solid but still be careful. I was thinking somebody should make a small bracket with two nuts welded on and maybe a tab so you could insert it through the front of the frame and engage the bolts..it would spread the load out more. Just some thoughts....
