Messed up the bed metal screw inserts - Need help please

[Jakelake]

Looking at your picture it appears that you have plenty of thread left in the nut to easily fix this problem. The easy fix is to get the correct Tap tool, with proper thread pitch and diameter, and re-tap the nut. This can be done with an inexpensive hand tool, like 20 bucks. I'm guessing if you stripped the bolt out this probably sounds complicated to you but it's very simple to do. I don't mean this in a derogatory way but if you stripped the nut out trying to put the bolt in you most likely are not a great mechanic. Any competent mechanic, and that can be a neighbor or friend, can easily fix this problem. Once you get the proper tap it's a 3 minute fix to clean the nut threads up and install the proper size bolt. You don't need to have the service center do the work. I would avoid a nut cert if possible. That will work if you have destroyed all the threads in the nut, but it appears that you have not done that. If you get the nut tapped properly use a stainless steel bolt of proper thread pitch and diameter. and reinsert the bolt. Turn the bolt in using, only your fingers, and turn it about three full turns before using a wrench on the bolt. This will ensure the bolt is not cross threaded so it's not going to ruin the nut again. You should always do this on anything you assemble. If it binds when turning it in by hand stop and investigate the cause. In your case, if you get the nut threads cleaned up I would turn the bolt all the way in to make sure the nut threads are all lined up properly prior to doing the final assembly. Go to a TrueValue hardware store or a good Auto parts store with one of the original bolts and they can match a new bolt for you. I have everything needed to fix this problem in my garage and it would be just a few minutes of work. I'm not a professional mechanic but I do lots of wrenching on cars, motor cycles, airplanes, anything mechanical. That's why I say a neighbor might be able to help.

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[Jakelake]

Also, I would verify that the bolts that were sent with the kit all have the proper thread pitch. Take one of the bolts that went in easily and compare it to a bolt that did not go in. If the pitch is the same you are good. I only say this because from your picture it looks like maybe the the nut in the truck is fine pitch and the bolt looks like it's a course pitch bolt. Very hard to figure that out by just looking at your pictures but seems odd that two bolts did not work but the others did.

 

[R1Thor]

I don't mean this in a derogatory way but if you stripped the nut out trying to put the bolt in you most likely are not a great mechanic.

"If you can't say something nice...don't say anything at all..."
Dude, this was uncalled for.

I'm a MECHANICAL ENGINEER and I strip bolts all the time. It happens. It absolutely doesn't reflect in any way shape or form poorly on someone if this happens. In fact, I'd argue that if you're not breaking things every once in awhile, YOU are a poor mechanic/tech/maker. Mistakes freaking happen, period. Notwithstanding quality of workmanship of everything, including hardware is inconsistent. Stuff happens.

Gee whiz.

I'd also like to point out that kits like these should not, and do not require anyone who's a 'mechanic' to install them. Accidents happen. Carry on.

 

[martin85bg]

Also, I would verify that the bolts that were sent with the kit all have the proper thread pitch. Take one of the bolts that went in easily and compare it to a bolt that did not go in. If the pitch is the same you are good. I only say this because from your picture it looks like maybe the the nut in the truck is fine pitch and the bolt looks like it's a course pitch bolt. Very hard to figure that out by just looking at your pictures but seems odd that two bolts did not work but the others did.

You obviously do not see the photos well. The whole bed receiver screw nut is out of the bed and the bolt was stuck in it. I had to use a grinder to cut it and take it out of the bed. New ones have to be placed and i fixed it temporary. Eventually i will have the SC get it done the proper way.

 

[martin85bg]

EV1 just called me, they have a Service center in Los Angeles which is about 1h away from me and they will get me in next week to fix the issue. They say new build trucks, mine is 2024 built, might actually have different bed bolt sizes.

 

[mcasserly]

Does anyone know what type of bolts EV1 use in their kit?

I would recommend reaching out to EV Sportline directly. I usually use their support email address. They are very helpful, and should be able to tell you the exact bolt type.

I encountered the same issue with the 4 bolts on the top row of the rear-facing bed wall only going in halfway. The other 12 bolts (I purchased all 16) all worked fine, it was just the 4 that I had the problem with.

Luckily I didn't go in all the way to strip the threads. I ended up emailing them the details of my issue, and they did some further investigation to find out what the correct bolt size was for those 4 holes on the top row. I presume something may have changed with the 2023 R1T, I'm not sure how EV Sportline actually determines that, but they were able to source the 4 correct bolts and send them to me. I just inserted them the other day and they fit perfectly.

Hope this helps!

 

[martin85bg]

I would recommend reaching out to EV Sportline directly. I usually use their support email address. They are very helpful, and should be able to tell you the exact bolt type.

I encountered the same issue with the 4 bolts on the top row of the rear-facing bed wall only going in halfway. The other 12 bolts (I purchased all 16) all worked fine, it was just the 4 that I had the problem with.

Luckily I didn't go in all the way to strip the threads. I ended up emailing them the details of my issue, and they did some further investigation to find out what the correct bolt size was for those 4 holes on the top row. I presume something may have changed with the 2023 R1T, I'm not sure how EV Sportline actually determines that, but they were able to source the 4 correct bolts and send them to me. I just inserted them the other day and they fit perfectly.

Hope this helps!

maybe you didn’t read my message above. Yes they will take care of it. I will bring it to their service sometime next week.

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