Skid frame install question

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Jan 16, 2006 | 08:10 AM

Billdog350

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Drifting

Joined: Dec 2005

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From: East Hampton CT

Skid frame install question

Guys, I found the thread in the FYI area about what I need to repair/replace the front skid frame. However, I looked on GMpartsdirect and they only list one riv-nut part number for the car. However, in reality, I need at least 10 smaller nuts for all of the various accessories. Here are the part numbers that were listed in the other thread:
Part #------Qty---Description
10188023---001---Insulator (goes to bottom of radiator)
10278679---001---Insulator (goes to bottom of radiator)
10278679---005---Nut
10400765---001---Plate (the actual impact bar, unpainted)
10419312---001---Panel (air deflector)
10419313---001---Panel (air deflector)
11515638---010---Nut-speci
11515757---010---Bolt-Metr
10281487---010---Nut *

Which is the nut I need? I'm assuming 11515638....since that's the only one listed 10 times but there is also the 10281487....can anyone confirm?

Jan 16, 2006 | 10:35 AM

94legaleagle

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2005

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From: Rugby North Dakota

If I recall right (been a few months), there are 3 riv-nuts on the drivers side where the air pump mounts, and at least one riv-nut on the passenger side (I think the pass side one is bigger too). There could be more, I don't recall.

You seem to only be looking for ONE riv-nut; which riv-nut(s) are you looking for on the skid plate? I'll try and take a look tonight, count the riv-nuts, and figure part numbers out.

PM me if you need to.

Jan 17, 2006 | 08:45 AM

Billdog350

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Dec 2005

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From: East Hampton CT

Ok, I ended up heading to a GM dealer and picking them up with the skidframe in the back of my truck just in case they didn't fit. The correct part number for the 10 small riv-nuts is 10281487. I only needed ONE of the larger ones.

Also, I don't know if there is a special tool or process, but you can't just tighten the riv-nuts in the frame or they'll just spin and strip out the hole! I held onto the captured washer on one of those 6mm bolts with a set of vice grips and then slowly cranked it down with a 10mm socket. The riv nut expanded nicely every time without spinning. hope this helps!

Jan 17, 2006 | 11:58 AM

JEEP/C5

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2005

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From: Fayetteville AR

Is this a simple bolt on procedure or do we need any special tools to replace the skid bars? Mine took a good hit on a parking curb I did not see and it really made a mess of one side. I was hoping I could replace the whole bracket myself with hand tools (and air ratchet).

Jan 17, 2006 | 01:07 PM

Billdog350

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Drifting

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From: East Hampton CT

Absolutely NO custom tools are needed. Actually, you can do the entire job with a 13mm, 10mm, and 7mm socket and box wrench. I had to remove my front bumper to install the vararam at the same time so I can't tell you how easy one job is without the other. You'll need the parts on the list in the other thread (specs, dimensions, etc) that is stickied at the top of the general forum. The riv-nuts are especially important, as well as the skid frame itself. Only about 10 bolts to remove the frame from the car including all accessories and stuff. The actual frame only uses 4 bolts to attach to the rest of the car. I have some pics I can post that might help people.

Jan 17, 2006 | 01:08 PM

94legaleagle

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2005

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From: Rugby North Dakota

It is a simple bolt on procedure, no special tools needed. It will involve a little disassembly since the skid plate is also the support for the radiator and A/C condensor. The skid plate attaches w/ 4 bolts to the underside of the frame.

This post got started because when you order a NEW skid plate from the General, it comes WITHOUT the riv-nuts installed in it - therefore, you have to get the riv-nuts where the air pump mounts on the passenger side, and a slightly bigger riv-nut for the passenger side (I remember now, the bigger riv-nut on the pass side is where the horn mounts :-)).

Anyway, there is a special riv-nut tool which can be used to install the riv-nuts; or, you can use a fine thread bolt w/ a nut on it to squish the riv-nut; or, you can do as previously mentioned and used a vice-grip to hold the edge of the riv-nut to keep it from spinning - and yes, I've encountered riv-nuts that spin when installing them. You can also wedge a small, flat screwdriver under the riv-nut or beside it to keep it from spinning.

Jan 17, 2006 | 01:21 PM

Eric Fischer

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2000

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From: Freehold, NJ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billdog350

The correct part number for the 10 small riv-nuts is 10281487. I only needed ONE of the larger ones.

Good information.

Could you add the part number for the large nut so we have it for future reference?

Thanks.

Jan 18, 2006 | 10:33 AM

Billdog350

Thread Starter

Drifting

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From: East Hampton CT

Skidframe and Vararam install pics.

Remove these plastic rivets and 10mm screws.

Remove these 3 screws with a 7mm wrench.

These 10mm nuts are hidden up inside each side of the front bumper where the bumper meets the fender.

Unplug and remove this connector fron the skidframe before pulling the bumper off.

Here is a shot of the front without the bumper.

Remove the air pump on the drivers side and horn from the passenger side of the skidframe.

Reinstall new RIV-NUTS into the new skid. You will need to hold the washer on the 6mm bolt (10mm head) with a pair of vice grips so the entire riv nut doesn't spin when you tighten the bolt. You'll need to repeat for each riv nut so they expand in the skidframe properly.