Tailgate Hinges

[my51chevyrocks]

I have a problem where the previous owner broke the head of the bolt that is used to attach one of my tailgate hinges. I finally got the bolt out, but in the process I ended up pushing the whole nut or housing all the way through the back of the bed frame. Now I have a hole that's bigger than my replacement bolt and I can't get to the back of the hole to put another nut and washer in. Has anyone had this problem and how did you go about fixing it?

[63 & 64 Bowties]

I just had a similar problem with the 70 Mach-1 that my brother and I are restoring. We had a door hinge bolt break off in the captured nut. We ended up welding a nut to a washer, then cut the hole out the same size as the washer, then welded the washer to the hole with the nut facing in. (Hope that makes sense)

[glowins10]

I just drilled through the other side of the stake pocket and used a longer bolt. Doesnt look bad at all!

[my51chevyrocks]

I just might have to do that. Thanks glowins10.

[my51chevyrocks]

Had a good argument about this with my Dad. He thinks the best way to fix my broken bolt/nut issue would be to have someone weld the hole shut and then recreate threads for the original bolt. Only problem is, I don't see it being very strong without a washer and nut on the other end of it. I like the welding of a washer and nut together but how the heck am I gonna weld it on the inside of the bed frame without tearing it up. Thoughts?

[63 & 64 Bowties]

You should be able to make the hole oval shaped so that the washer needs to be turned sideways to go in. Insert a bolt into the welded washer/nut combo to hold it into place while it's welded.

[my51chevyrocks]

Thanks Bill. I will do that.