Soft top frame stripped - is there a fix?

[dakman29]

Apologies if this has been covered but I am having an issue with my soft top frame.  It's been a constant battle to keep all of the connection points tight but most recently I had one of the flat top bolt/screws pop out of the frame. There are only two flat tops as far as I know and this one is on the driver's side.  This is the connection where when the top is up the connection point is hidden behind another, thus the need for the flat top bolt/screw.  In trying to reattach I find that the point that the bolt/screw threads into may be stripped as the screw goes in but won't tighten down and just pops out again. I tried just screwing the bolt into the connection point without going through the hinged bar firs just to test it and as I said it just spins and won't bite.  I tried another screw to see if that was the problem, but same result.  Is there a fix that anyone knows of short of a new soft top frame?  Thanks. 

[Cees Klumper]

I would tap a larger bolt hole and either search for a matching bolt or have that specially made. That ought to work fine. Other than that, helicoil or other fixes are also possible I imagine, such as wleding the hole shut and then tapping the correct size hole back in.

[sandcrab59]

dakman:
Call or email Gernold in Maine. he might answer your question.
He repairs the frames all the time, I have personally watched him work.
Fantastic work but expensive.
Email:
sltechw113.com
Tel # 207-985-3001
Tell him Tom Mrowka said to call.
Tom

[stickandrudderman]

Use a time cert to repair the thread. Kits are expensive so you might have to find someone to do it for you but should only take 30 mins.

[tel76]

I used a Heli coil to repair the mine, they are not expensive and do the job.

[Jack Jones]

A Time-Sert is more expensive but for good reason, it is a one time repair when done correctly. Helicoils can pull out and for this reason Time-Sert even makes oversize kits to repair failed Helicoils.

[tel76]

In this particular application a Heli-coil is sufficient, you would not over tighten the screw and pull out the Heli-coil with a screw driver.

[dakman29]

Thanks to all for the responses.  Very helpful.  This forum never fails to come through.