ErnieN85

ebay

brettbolt

I'm also ordering a new radiator support/skid plate. Does anyone know what size of rivnuts I will need? And does GM sell them? Thanks.

brettbolt

I think I found the answer to my own question, and will post it here in case anyone else needs to know.

I went to the Chevy dealer today with the skid plate in hand and after much searching the parts counter guy ordered 4 rivnuts. I hope he ordered the right part number, which I will get on Tuesday.

Also, a metric rivnut fastening tool is hard to find, so I found a description of how to easily make one here:
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/f...ad.php?t=15647

Chevy Cust Svc

I am glad to hear that the dealer was able to assist you. If you have further questions please feel free to contact me of Justin. Thank you.

Tricia, Chevrolet Customer Service.

brettbolt

The dealer ordered the wrong part number for the rivnuts, so I will go back tomorrow and try again. Will post the correct rivnut part number here after I verify the new part number fits.

Also, it would be very nice if GM included rivnuts with the radiator support. Those little things are not re-usable and are extremely hard to find. This would save numerous people much time and trouble for not only the rivnuts, but also the special tool required to install them.

cclive

This is why I think welding is a good way to go...if the part is not too far gone.

calemasters

The part numbers for the nuts are:

11609836 and 11518908

Ketchum

Maybe its your dealer parts dept.issue. They must not sell many of those supports. I got mine fixed while I waited and the dealer had the support and rivnuts in stock. Said they sold and installed a fair amount of those supports.

brettbolt

Thanks, but 11609836 is too big (13 mm). Thats what my dealer ordered by mistake. My radiator support has an unused 13 mm opening on each side, so that may be the source of confusion.

On my '08, it takes 4 10mm rivnuts, 3 for the air dam and 1 for the horn.

My dealer ordered new rivnuts today and didn't tell me the part number.

calemasters

Then you want P/N 11518908. I had both part numbers, but I did not remember which P/N I used.

Jerky

My is WAY too far gone. I shattered the sucker! I've been taking pictures chronicling my process so others can benefit, and I got a good pic of the old on in piece...stay tuned

LS WON

This is a problem with these low profile cars that we should all be aware of curbs, driveways dips in the road

Ketchum

I was very aware. Got me any way. Now I'm even more aware! Law of averages.

LS WON

curb got my front plate once. Also have to be careful on curb rash.

Jerky

very true, though me having to replace mine was a result of my own stupidity, plain and simple

LS WON

I know.. me too
I often wonder if I am better off with Muscle car higher profile like a Dodge Challenger SRT-8
Corvette has to be babied and is fragile.
Corvette seems more prone to damage.

Ketchum

I had filled up at a Circle K in Panama City FI. Pulled out and it was the channel for water run off between the Circle K driveway and the street. There was traffic,speed limit 45. When I saw a clear spot in traffic, I pulled out briskly and BAM! I thought the left front wheel had been shoved through the fender. Turned out I wasn't' far off wrong. Busted the support,dislodged the plastic inner fender and moved the front fascia.

LS WON

And the front spoiler is suppose to scrape the ground which is normal..I guess
She's very fragile.
If I know the street well enough I drive with caution tip toe around before I hit that dip or driveway.

brettbolt

Today I received 4 rivnuts P/N 11518908 and they are indeed the corect size.

Unfortunately, the 'homemade' rivnut tool referenced in my post of 1/20/12 does not work for this application. The rivnuts spin in the hex holes GM stamped into the radiator support, which are slightly too large.

I have welding equipment for steel, but aluminum requires TIG welding equipment. So I might have to purchase a special rivnut tool.

calemasters

Yes, the hex holes in cross bar are too large. The nuts spin in the hex holes when you try to compress the nut. I had to epoxy the nuts into the hex holes.