Driver's targa top bolt is stripped

[Fiddler's Gold]

Any advice as to fixing or replacing this bolt for the top? It does not seem to lock down tight and this is rather concerning at this point.

Do I need to tap it out and get a replacement bolt from Mid America or something?

Advise and thanks!

Andy

 

[1stVette]

I had to replace one when it fell out of the hole and I could not find it. It cost me $8 from Corvette City.

 

[vigman]

Confused

Is the hole stripped? Or the threads on the bolt buggered up? Need more detail!


Vig!

 

[Fiddler's Gold]

Sorry Vig

The bolt is stripped from the lazy SOB previous owner trying to use and jimmy a misshapen allen wrench into the opening instead of going down and buying a suitable Torx driver. The head is kinda stripped and the top is loose when it attaches to the driver's side bolt so I can still remove the top and I figured tap the bolt out and replace? Are these locktighted or lockthreaded what keeps them from backing all of the way out?

Thanks!
Andy

 

[rrubel]

On mine, it's just a piece of plastic acting as a big washer wrapped around the head of the bolt. I picked up a couple at Carlisle JIC because one of mine is getting stripped around the head as well; both of them included the stopper piece. Anyway, the plastic and bolt move freely up and down within the windshield header and the stopper keeps it from falling out the bottom or going through the header at the top. If you pull the trim off, you should be able to easily remove the bolt, and if you look in the Knowledgebase section, hopefully Rob has added the scans I made from the service manual on how that whole assembly goes together.
[RICHR]

 

[vigman]

So the head of the bolt is stripped

Due to improper tool usage so the thread's in the top might be ok IF you can get the stock bolt out.

the new Easy Out style screw removers sold @ Sears work REALLY GREAT!

It's like a reverse reamer.. and the flutes on the tool are cut to bite into the metal when your loosening.... so this SHOULD be the ticket to back the old bolt out.


I have used them with good sucess as long as the bolt is not frozen from years of rust.

You will need a fairly big one to catch whats left of the torx head.


Then just hit a Vette wrecking yard to snag a new bolt... and maybe the factory tool if your lucky!


Vig!