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MG MGA - Hood frame

When I took out the bolts that secure the hood frame to the side of the car, I heard a captive nut fall off. Is it possible to get access to it by removing the inner splash panels in the wheel arch? If not, I think my only option is to weld a nut to a the back of a metal strip, and fix it to the body, under the small trim panel - unless anyone has another suggestion.

Regards to all.
D J Hill

There is no access, it is inside a welded box section.
N McGurk

Following Neil's comment, to fix it you need to cut out a region around the hole, make up an insert with a nut welded to the back, and weld it in again. While you are at it, it is probably easier to take out the area containing all 3 captive nuts and do them all at once.
Fixed nuts are easier but you need to jig them to be more accurate than captive nuts.
Better, use a tapping plate 1" x 1/4 mild steel for all 3 screws, then you can jig them accurately.
Art Pearse

The first time I had to do that (1977) with one nut only, I had the body apart. I opened an access port in the back of the post, repaired the cage with a new square nut, and welded the post closed again.

The second time I had to do it (1998) on both sides, the car was still assembled. I made a thick steel plate with three tapped holes, and welded it in flush to the inside surface.

If the metal in the are is still solid (usually is), you can weld a nut to a wide washer (not too thick), drill a hole large enough to clear the welded nut, and weld the washer/nut assembly to the face of the panel (not quite flush). It isn't pretty, but the rear kick panel covers it so no one will notice.
Barney Gaylord

Many thanks to Barney, Neil and Art. I half suspected it wouldn't be straightforward! I'll obviously got a job for the weekend.

Best wishes

D J Hill

What about try to use a rivet-nut or similar? Would these work?
http://www.rivetnuts.com/ribbed-l-rivet-nuts.htm
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

Mike, interesting product. Probably best on virgin sheet metal. Problem is, the captive nuts already there will interfere with installing these inserts.
Art Pearse

I'm sure you can punch out the cage, but the existing hole in the sheet metal might be to large. You also have to buy the special tool to install the large threaded inserts.
Barney Gaylord

Once again, thanks for all the comments. In the end, I found an easy solution - I got a large washer (about 3/4" dia) and welded a nut on it that fitted the thread on the original bolt. I made the hole slightly larger so the nut went in, then welded the washer to the frame. Probably not one for the purists, but it's worked!! Only took 10 minutes too.

DH
D J Hill

This thread was discussed between 04/10/2012 and 12/10/2012

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