How to mount threaded studs in the engine compartment????

E28 technical advice asked and given! Troubleshooting, modifications and more.
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Duke
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Post by Duke »

The engine is about ready to go back in. I will then turn my attention to the placement of the water lines for the A/W intercooler. I have clamps that will keep the hose in place but no way to mount them. I do not want to drill holes and use nuts and bolts. I would like to mount threaded studs where needed and then just bolt the clamps down with those. Question is, how? Is a MIG welder required or will some type of brazing work? I do not want to make a big production out of this. I also am not willing to buy expensive equipment for this limited need application.

Thanks for any advice!



[Edit by Duke M535Ti on [TIME]1109099307[/TIME]]
Shawn D.
Beamter
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Post by Shawn D. »

I have one word for you: Nutsert! OK, here's a second: Rivnut!

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BTW, I will break my "I (almost) never correct Duke's spelling/grammar" rule -- the word you want is threaded.

[Edit by Shawn D. on [TIME]1109079424[/TIME]]
Mark 88/M5 Houston
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Post by Mark 88/M5 Houston »

Probably less destrucion of the surrounding paint with the nutsert/rivnut than either welding or brazing. just use a dab of sealer on the back side of the panel when finished. Another big plus is you may be able to hit your maintenance guys up for the tools and inserts.
Bill in MN
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Post by Bill in MN »

Go to any motorcyle or snowmobile dealer (probably no sleds where you are though) and get the rubber plugs they use for bolting windshields to their farings. It's a simple rubber insert with metal threads that contract against the back side of the sheet metal when tightened. They're cheap and easy to use. Been using them for years in various applications.
Shawn D.
Beamter
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Post by Shawn D. »

[QUOTE="Bill in MN"]Go to any motorcyle or snowmobile dealer (probably no sleds where you are though) and get the rubber plugs they use for bolting windshields to their farings. It's a simple rubber insert with metal threads that contract against the back side of the sheet metal when tightened. They're cheap and easy to use. Been using them for years in various applications. [/QUOTE]
Those are called "well nuts."

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Well nuts work well in many applications, and I can see how they'd work great for motorcycle fairings (not a whole lot of stress and would prevent cracking/damage to the fairings), but I've found their durability and holding power lacking. For some reason, AMC used them to attach the roof rack rails on my Eagle -- a very poor decision. In Duke's case, though, they might do well with the lightweight lines.

Duke, McMaster-Carr has a number of Nutserts, Rivnuts, and well nuts on pages 3069-3072.
BDK
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Post by BDK »

How about a "left nut".......

LOL..... ~0
Shawn D.
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Post by Shawn D. »

[QUOTE="BNC"]How about a "left nut".......

LOL..... ~0 [/QUOTE]

I think he's already spent that one! :D
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