Trouble finding bolts
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 721
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From: Lexington Kentucky
Trouble finding bolts
My exhaust filler panel came in and I was installing it and had to lower the exhaust to get it on. I loosened the muffler brackets and couldn t get it on so I took the nuts off the bolts on the brackets. Got the filler panel on and one muffler back tight and when I was lining the passenger side muffler up and pushed up on it it pushed the bolts out of their holes and I cant get to them. I looked in the trunk, all plastic lined, I dont see how to get to them. Help !
03 hatchback stock exhaust.
03 hatchback stock exhaust.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
Likes: 17
From: Belleville Mich.
Dixiecrat, you sir are in for a real fun time
This first picture is the complete exhaust hanger.
You can see the part that you lost into the impact bar/tube.
Good luck.
.
Here is a picture of the fixture that the exhaust hanger & nuts bolt to.
It lives within the rear impact bar/tube.
The rear facia is removed to be able to see.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1577763200-post1.html
This first picture is the complete exhaust hanger.
You can see the part that you lost into the impact bar/tube.
Good luck.
.
Here is a picture of the fixture that the exhaust hanger & nuts bolt to.
It lives within the rear impact bar/tube.
The rear facia is removed to be able to see.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1577763200-post1.html
Last edited by bumble-z; May 12, 2012 at 11:01 PM.
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Here's an old post that compliments the one above:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...mounting+bolts
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...mounting+bolts
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Lexington Kentucky
SOB Why did they do that ! !!@#$%^&*()_*(_)(*&^%$#%^&*()_)(*&^%$#@! @#$%^&*()____)($#@@$%^&*()_++*&^%$#@!@@# %^&*(+ All theyd had to do is affix the #$$%^&* thing. You mean I have to take the bumper completely off just for this ?
SOB !@#$%^&*(+_)(*&^^ !
SOB !@#$%^&*(+_)(*&^^ !
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Lexington Kentucky
Thanks Bumble Z for the info. I guess Ill head out to the muffler shop Monday and have them weld it. Thats a ridiculous engineering flaw right there. What if I had been at a muffler shop getting new mufflers and THEY did that. You know they would rig something up, no way they d take that bumper off. Why didn t they just tac weld that clamp holder when they built it, so simple. Im going to need to take my BP med a little early tonight,lol. I was afraid of that as I had it in the back of my mind just didn t want to think it. Thanks again for responding !
Last edited by Dixiecrat; May 12, 2012 at 09:38 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
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From: Miami FL
In post #3, Vetteman Jack gave you a link with some tips it might be worth trying first. One of them recommends using a magnet and the other one (the one before the last post) is very detailed in how to use a wire and a small awl or pick. Both of them require a little patience, though
I would give it a try first. Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
There is another alternative. You can install nut inserts into the existing holes. These are like pop rivets but result in a nut being installed into the hole (may need to enlarge the hole for the correct insert size). You should be able to get a kit from many different suppliers. Don't remember where I got mine years ago. Once installed, you just use bolts to reattach the hanger.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Lexington Kentucky
Thanks Guys ! I didn t take the Vette out today as it was raining and nasty out Ill take it tomorrow. Talked to the muffler shop and he said the same thing, laughed and told me to settle down he could fish it out for me. Told me to drive slow so as not to sling it to the other side. I still dont understand why they didn t tac weld in place from the inside. I guess that tac saved them a quarter ! lol.
Last edited by Dixiecrat; May 14, 2012 at 05:37 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
I had this happen to me. It takes a little patience but it can be fished back out with a piece of mechanic's wire. A tip to make it easier is to drill a hole at least 1/2" diameter between the two existing holes. That will help you find the piece. The hole will be covered once you bolt the muffler back up. Just paint the edge of the new hole to prevent rust. You might want to make the hole big enough to get your finger in if you don't see the bracket.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,393
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From: Belleville Mich.
Thanks Bumble Z for the info. I guess Ill head out to the muffler shop Monday and have them weld it. Thats a ridiculous engineering flaw right there. What if I had been at a muffler shop getting new mufflers and THEY did that. You know they would rig something up, no way they d take that bumper off. Why didn t they just tac weld that clamp holder when they built it, so simple. Im going to need to take my BP med a little early tonight,lol. I was afraid of that as I had it in the back of my mind just didn t want to think it. Thanks again for responding !
One way to prevent this from happening to you or one of your friends,
in the future is to do this...
Go to an auto parts store & purchase four Body push nuts, and install these directly to the threads of the upper exhaust clamp bolts.
That way, once you remove the GM nuts, the push nuts will hold the
exhaust clamp bolts tightly in their original placements.
Of course this is a prevenative proceedure, to avoid the headachs that you could possibly have as the original poster had.
Good luck
Last edited by bumble-z; May 15, 2012 at 09:35 AM.
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Pro
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From: Lexington Kentucky
Well I got it fixed. Went by the muffler shop and we couldn t fish it out so me not wanting to mess up the lines on the rear faceia I took it to the dealership and they loosened the faceia enough to reach in there and put it back in the holes. $100 Live and learn ! Thanks guys I appreciate all the advice.