Clam off - but bolt sheared. What now??

[Tim S]

Took the front clam off yesterday - first time I've ever done it and first time it's been off for at least 6 years.

All came off without too much drama, but one of the bolts that holds the bottom corner (in front of wheelarch) sheared...so I've got no way of fixing the clam back on again there. The nut's fixed in a tiny recess that I can't see into, let alone get a tool on it. Don't want to get too forceful with it, for fear of cracking the fibreglass.

Any thoughts/advice much appreciated!

Cheers

Tim

[r10crw]

Any chance of a picture identifying the bolt?

What Ive done in the past is cut open the area to gain access to the rear of the bolt. They typically used nuts welded onto a small serated washer and held in place using tigerseal. I cut this away and weld a stay onto a new nut then fibreglass this into place before sealing up the area again.

Its not a brilliant solution but its the best Ive come up with, N1, N3 my own cars and some friends have it done this way without issue.

Smee had some done on his S1 so dont know if he took pictures as we did it.

Craig.

[Rich H]

Drill it out and helicoil the nut.

Or drill it out adn use a jacknut

[Tim S]

Thanks both.

I'll try drilling it out - then if I fail I can learn how to fix fibreglass

Cheers

Tim

[Rich H]

File the stub flat if you can, centre punch it, several nice small sharp drills, steady pressure, some oil for lube, medium speed.
Do it in stages as you don't want to get it hot as it'll melt/burn the fiberglass.
If it squeals/chatters then the drill is blunt use another one. If you press on it'll work harden the stub and it'll be game over.

Drill it undersize then work up in 3 steps to the helicoil size.

***Do not use an easy out of any description***

[Tim S]

Good advice - thanks Rich