Uh-oh... Stripped Seat Bolts?

[skylinedrifter]

I am having problems bolting down my passenger seat. It feels like the bolt holes have been stripped. Funny thing is that nothing felt wrong when I was taking them out....Anyway, has anyone experienced this same problem? Please tell me this is relatively common and there is an inexpensive fix.

[chevelle_lover]

I have seen on other models of cars I have worked on when the bolt is put on at the factory it is forced in place for the first few threads. If the part never comes out then there is no problem.For yours just get a tap and die set. Put a little grease on the tap and thread it into the body threading just to clean up the thread. The grease will trap the shavings. Use the dies to clean the threads of the bolt and it should go together like it was new.

[Jyik40]

Another way to fix the stripped hole is to get a Heli-coil set. Just drill out the stipped threads with the included drill bit, tap the hole with the included tap, then thread in the insert. The threads will be stronger than the original threads. I always loved using them on softer metals (especally aluminum).