I'm in the process of adjusting a new soft top on my 1966 and one of my soft top mounting bolts (top one) will not tighten up. The bolt is new and the threads on the bolt look fine , so it has to be the backer plate threads are stripped. Does anyone know of an easy fix for this problem? If the fix is a new backer plate , do you know of a supplier that sells the backer plates? Thanks!

 

Well it's not an easy fix, but the plate for the soft top bolts is held in place by another reinforcement plate that covers it in the middle. We just fixed one on a 69 (pretty much the same design) and we had run a wire though the hole first (keeps it from falling) and then chisel the retaining bracket loose from the interior rear pillar wall. Then we removed the plate, welded a new nut on the back side and then re-installed it in the pillar wall.

So basically we cut 12 loose, then removed 11, welded a new nut on it and then re-installed it. Now you don't need to re-attach 12 if you fish the plate back in place with some wire. You can bend 12 back over the plate (it's strong enough to hold it even if not welded). Or once you fish in in place if you can hold it with your hand until you get the lower bolt started.

I hope this helps you.

Willcox

 

I have seen this quite often. You can get a nut on the bolt. This may require using a longer bolt. If the top is already aligned then just fish a nut behind the plate. Use tape to hold the nut on the wrench until you get it started.
The other option is to use a tap and an over sized bolt.

 

I like the tap and oversized bolt option.....

Jack

 

The problem with the over size bolt option is it limits your ability to adjust the soft top frame.

What about a threaded insert... (Heli-coil) possibly drill the hole out in the inner bracket, tap it and then put the insert in place. I've never tried this (why I have no idea) but it may just work and would be a lot easier method. I will give it a go the next time.

 

You guys are overthinking it. I simply use a nut. I do this on a regular basis. Use a little longer bolt if you have to but I don't think you even need to do that.
Once the top is aligned you will never need to touch it again.

 

Thanks for your idea. I used the (Heli-coil) and it works great, You have to drill out the outer brace a little to get the Heli-coil in , but it was an easy fix. !!!

 

Good deal, I'm glad it worked out!

The next time I'll have to remember my post.. lol The issues I've found with going to a larger bolt is the limited movement of the soft top frame. Sometimes a re-hash of how it was done vs. how it could be done pays off..

Willcox