How to add more mounts for storage

[Spur]

Anybody have any experience adding more mounts for their storage?

The seat mounts in my Suburban aren't going to be enough for my liking. I want to replicate the factory captive nuts and use the same bolts for everything.

There are a bunch of different kinds of inserts, but I'm not sure what the best solution is. http://www.mcmaster.com/#threaded-inserts/=80khxn

I did a little googling, but couldn't come up with anything. I'm sure this has been done before on a vehicle restoration.

 

[ThomD]

I'm not sure I'm understanding the question, but if you are asking for more ways to to secure cargo, take a look at tie down tracks. There is a thread about them around here somewhere.

 

[Wyowanderer]

Anybody have any experience adding more mounts for their storage?

The seat mounts in my Suburban aren't going to be enough for my liking. I want to replicate the factory captive nuts and use the same bolts for everything.

There are a bunch of different kinds of inserts, but I'm not sure what the best solution is. http://www.mcmaster.com/#threaded-inserts/=80khxn

I did a little googling, but couldn't come up with anything. I'm sure this has been done before on a vehicle restoration.

Having used rivet nuts, plus nuts, and several other types of added nut fastener, I'd probably use the weld nut in the future. None of the solutions you've linked (other than the weld nut) are great solutions, especially if you intend to use them over and over. The weld nuts are fairly good, though. You just need to pay someone to mig weld them in (or weld them in yourself).
If you have access to the other side of the sheet metal, you can use regular nuts and washers, but I'll bet you already thought of that.

 

[Spur]

Having used rivet nuts, plus nuts, and several other types of added nut fastener, I'd probably use the weld nut in the future. None of the solutions you've linked (other than the weld nut) are great solutions, especially if you intend to use them over and over. The weld nuts are fairly good, though. You just need to pay someone to mig weld them in (or weld them in yourself).
If you have access to the other side of the sheet metal, you can use regular nuts and washers, but I'll bet you already thought of that.

I figured the weld nuts would be the best. Problem is, it seems like you need to spot or projection weld them. At least that's what the manufacturer says. I don't see how that's going to work if I don't have access to the backside. Hmmm.


There's a video on how these things work on this page:
http://www.on-b.com/

 

[Wyowanderer]

I figured the weld nuts would be the best. Problem is, it seems like you need to spot or projection weld them. At least that's what the manufacturer says. I don't see how that's going to work if I don't have access to the backside. Hmmm.


There's a video on how these things work on this page:
http://www.on-b.com/

I'd drill a hole big enough for the weld nut to fi in and weld around it. Not pretty, but strong and fast.

 

[Snagger]

I don't think rivnuts (nutserts) are really strong enough for securing heavy loads - they'll pull through or strip their threads in an accident. I'd look at the feasibility of making up some spreader plates with standard nuts welded to them. They could be bonded in place under the floor with PU adhesive - it's incredibly strong stuff that is used on combat aircraft structures and even (I'm led to believe) the space programme.

Cargo rail/track is very useful, being so flexible in application and use - I have several lengths in my Land Rover, but you still run in to the problem of how to attach it. Again, rivnuts are no good, but if the track can be left in place permanently, then standard nuts with large reinforcing washers will do perfectly. The track can then be used to attach lashing eyes or fixing studs like seen here:

http://mudstuff.co.uk/Cargo_Tracking_Mac'sTieDowns.shtml

 

[Spikepretorius]

Here's a link to a thread about a guy who sells a turbo version of the rivnut concept
http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php?t=53759

 

[Spur]

Here's a link to a thread about a guy who sells a turbo version of the rivnut concept
http://www.4x4community.co.za/forum/showthread.php?t=53759

Very cool. Thanks for the link.

 

[Spur]

I don't think rivnuts (nutserts) are really strong enough for securing heavy loads - they'll pull through or strip their threads in an accident. I'd look at the feasibility of making up some spreader plates with standard nuts welded to them. They could be bonded in place under the floor with PU adhesive - it's incredibly strong stuff that is used on combat aircraft structures and even (I'm led to believe) the space programme.


http://mudstuff.co.uk/Cargo_Tracking_Mac'sTieDowns.shtml

I spent some time underneath the truck yesterday, looking at options. I'm thinking that might be the way to go. Drill a hole, weld a nut to a plate, weld the plate to the underside.

I searched for the PU adhesive that you're talking about, but didn't come up with anything that seems like it would work. All of the PU adhesives were flexible. That might be good for joining body panels, but bad for this application.

This might work though. http://www.jamestowndistributors.co...ilyName=System+Three+T-88+Structural+Adhesive

My thought though, is that if I'm welding the nuts to the plates, then I might as well weld the plates to the sheet metal. With enough surface area, I bet it would be really strong. I was thinking a 2x4" plate 1/8" thick. Probably stronger than the factory inserts.

 

[Spur]

Cargo rail/track is very useful, being so flexible in application and use - I have several lengths in my Land Rover, but you still run in to the problem of how to attach it. Again, rivnuts are no good, but if the track can be left in place permanently, then standard nuts with large reinforcing washers will do perfectly. The track can then be used to attach lashing eyes or fixing studs like seen here:

http://mudstuff.co.uk/Cargo_Tracking_Mac'sTieDowns.shtml

Just so there's no confusion, I should explain what I'm mounting. In the back of the Suburban there is going to be a sleeping platform/storage system. The storage is divided into 4 areas:

1. At the rear will be a fridge on a slider, plus two long drawers that house all of the kitchen equipment and supplies.
2. In the middle, over the rear axle will be a 20 gallon water tank.
3. Just forward of the water tank will be two cabinets housing the electrical system with the second battery, fuse panels, etc. and next to the electrical system will be the water system with pump, filter, etc.
4. In the second row seating area will be a removable platform to complete the sleeping platform. Underneath will be a loose storage area. It can be easily removed to accommodate seating for 5 if I need it.

I'm designing the whole thing to be modular, so that if I want to change out components, redesign things, I don't have to start all over. As such, each module (4 in total) needs to be securely mounted to the floor. Hence, my need to add more mounts. As it stands right now, I only have 2 holes in the rear to attach to. Not good enough.

 

[LandyAndy]

How about getting some 3/4pt race harness mounting plates like these :

http://www.shopatron.com/products/p...art_number=DB4186/660.0.1.1.1081.26529.0.0.0?

Saves alot of fab time & they use standard thread sizes so you can use the harness eye bolts as well :

http://www.shopatron.com/products/p...art_number=DB4206/660.0.1.1.1081.26529.0.0.0?

Just a thought....

 

[Spur]

How about getting some 3/4pt race harness mounting plates like these :

http://www.shopatron.com/products/p...art_number=DB4186/660.0.1.1.1081.26529.0.0.0?

Saves alot of fab time & they use standard thread sizes so you can use the harness eye bolts as well :

http://www.shopatron.com/products/p...art_number=DB4206/660.0.1.1.1081.26529.0.0.0?

Just a thought....

Awesome! That's exactly what I was looking for but could never find. Thanks!