The Ford Barn

Conaway2 · 11-09-2023, 04:08 PM

Does anyone know an easy way to blind-install D-nuts ?

I've looked at some rivnut installation tools and think one might work. I want to install these in a trunk lid for hinges to convert to a rumble seat.

thanks,
Jim

rotorwrench · 11-09-2023, 04:28 PM

The rivnuts are made to be pulled up with the appropriate puller but they are softer metal and have a zone that is made to collapse on itself. The old Ford D-nuts just have the edge that is formed for swaging. Ford installed them on panels before the body was assembled so they didn't do blind installs.

I would prep them for brazing and basically solder them if they are in a blind situation. If a person had access to the backside it may be possible to swage them in some way but it has to be in the hole to do that.

Phil Brown · 11-09-2023, 07:43 PM

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A 1"steel ball and a "c" clamp work well to install if you have access to both sides otherwise I just weld them in

11-09-2023, 04:08 PM	#1
Conaway2 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC Posts: 601	D-Nut Installation Does anyone know an easy way to blind-install D-nuts ? I've looked at some rivnut installation tools and think one might work. I want to install these in a trunk lid for hinges to convert to a rumble seat. thanks, Jim

11-09-2023, 04:28 PM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,436	Re: D-Nut Installation The rivnuts are made to be pulled up with the appropriate puller but they are softer metal and have a zone that is made to collapse on itself. The old Ford D-nuts just have the edge that is formed for swaging. Ford installed them on panels before the body was assembled so they didn't do blind installs. I would prep them for brazing and basically solder them if they are in a blind situation. If a person had access to the backside it may be possible to swage them in some way but it has to be in the hole to do that. Last edited by rotorwrench; 11-10-2023 at 10:47 AM.

11-09-2023, 07:43 PM	#3
Phil Brown Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Santee Calif. Posts: 509	Re: D-Nut Installation Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) A 1"steel ball and a "c" clamp work well to install if you have access to both sides otherwise I just weld them in