Fastener

[1tenor]

I need some advice. I recently had a china bomb explode and do some damage. The damage isn't extensive and I can repair it myself I believe.

However, I need to remove a brace that supports the exterior wall. It's sort of an L shaped brace that connects to the main frame rail. The tire bent this brace and I need to remove it and try to straighten it in order to do the repairs.

On the wall end it's fastened with a regular bolt and nuts. On the frame rail end, it appears to be connected with some type of rivetnut. The head looks like a carriage bolt. On the other side of the frame rail is the rivetnut. Pictures are attached.

I'm guessing the only way to remove these is to grind or cut the heads off someway? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[1tenor]

There's the rivetnut.

[chuckster57]

Those rivet nuts are the same thing that’s used on the A/C. You can replace them, I have the tool and an assortment of nut rivets from Harbor Freight.

https://www.harborfreight.com/10-in-...kit-58078.html

[JRTJH]

It would be tricky to get a grinding wheel in there without risking some damage if it slips. I'd look at using a chisel and a ball peen hammer. Cut the head off the bolt and then use a punch to drive the bolt through to the other side. Replace them wtih grade 5 bolts, lock washers and nuts. Use locktite red on the bolt threads.

[1tenor]

Used an oscillating tool with a metal cutting blade to cut one off. Slow going. but it did the trick.