Installing "D" nuts

[Tinbasher]

Does anyone have or know of a tool or technique to install "D" nuts to get a nice looking job. I'm installing some new ones in my sub-rails to install the front floorboards. I've tried hammering and dolling them in but I don't like the finished look, it's too rough compared to the original pressed in ones.

John Poole

[mot]

use the peen on a ball peen hammer

[wrndln]

What I do is use a large ball bearing that will force the top part of the D nut outward. I lay the ball bearing on the top, then with a large C clamp tighten the C clamp until the top part of the D nut spreads out from the force of the ballbearing being forced downward. The ball bearing needs to be big enough to force the top of the D nut outward so the top of the D nut can be hammered down tight. After the top is spread outward some, I do what Tom above does, finish the peening with a hammer. I don't think it is possible to get a perfect peen like Ford did, as I am sure Ford had special costly machines to set the D nuts, like Ford did with their fancy rivet squeezers.
Rusty Nelson

[Kevin in NJ]

There are several ways to make the peens look nice. I have done all the above. In truth, there are some D nuts that are just not easy to set. I is more important that they stay in place in my book. I looked at them and realized that once the car is together no one can tell how you locked them in place.

So some of mine are peened some and tack welded in place.

The factory had these real nice tools that were likely air operated that just smushed them so nicely. That is the only way to really do the job and we just can not do it easy, especially if you are doing them alone.

So keep that in mind as you do not need to kill yourself making them perfect, unless that is your real goal.

[Tinbasher]

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Thanks Guys: I like these idea's I'll give them a go.

Thanks: John Poole