PG01
Supporting Member
Cant see that hex nut expanding or even crushing, if the hole in roof is hex shaped... not sure...
2013 Tahoe luggage rack rails
- Thread starter Ron C
- Start date
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MidwestMike
Full Access Member
I'm not positive, but for some reason I was thinking they used well nuts...
https://www.google.com/search?q=wel...n5LYAhWEG5AKHQyTBa8Q_AUICygC&biw=1920&bih=888
https://www.google.com/search?q=wel...n5LYAhWEG5AKHQyTBa8Q_AUICygC&biw=1920&bih=888
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Ron C
Full Access Member
Me neither, but "parts drawings" show the nut/fastener goes in from the top, The suburban pic also shows the flange of that fastener, and you can't see the hex-hole. I think the hole is hex shaped, so the fastener doesn't turn when you put the screw in.
I'm not positive, but for some reason I was thinking they used well nuts...
https://www.google.com/search?q=wel...n5LYAhWEG5AKHQyTBa8Q_AUICygC&biw=1920&bih=888
That is exactly what I was thinking (the name 'well nut" I couldn't remember). That would make sense, and actually be better than epoxying it. The screws I saw are machine screws.
PG01
Supporting Member
Didnt think epoxy would hold it, i know i was missing something, i guess that ‘well nut’, crush nut looks lead-ish...meh ya learn something new everyday.... i’d epoxy it anyway, a little added holding power plus waterproofing... 
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Ron C
Full Access Member
Didnt think epoxy would hold it, i know i was missing something, i guess that ‘well nut’, crush nut looks lead-ish...meh ya learn something new everyday.... i’d epoxy it anyway, a little added holding power plus waterproofing...
I have tried that (epoxy) with mounting an antenna on my Jeep CJ, if it just moved a little, it rips the paint off. (but silicone might be a good idea). That would make sense, if the well nut is lead or some sort of lead alloy. We'll see, next week I might pick up a complete luggage rack, buy some nuts online and see where it goes.
I just received a message from a GM dealer, these nuts are called rivnuts, and they may need a special tool for installation(but also there are different 'techniques' to install one
I was told the thread size is: M6 x 1 x 16 I wonder if I indeed need a rivnut tool, or if the screw will crush them correctly by itself
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MidwestMike
Full Access Member
Rivnut, I was close...
Basically an all metal version of the well nut.
I was thinking rubber instead of metal for a better chance of sealing against water.
It would be nice to have the holes marked up there like others reported, I would have to start from scratch on mine.
Basically an all metal version of the well nut.
I was thinking rubber instead of metal for a better chance of sealing against water.
It would be nice to have the holes marked up there like others reported, I would have to start from scratch on mine.
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Ron C
Full Access Member
Rivnut, I was close...
Basically an all metal version of the well nut.
I was thinking rubber instead of metal for a better chance of sealing against water.
It would be nice to have the holes marked up there like others reported, I would have to start from scratch on mine.
Well, once I have these rivnuts installed, I'll probably put a dab of silicone on there before I put the bolt in.
I think that is what "G63: PROVISIONS LUGGAGE CARRIER, ROOF" is, holes in the right places. I am still thinking (and searching). Since the rivnuts have a hex shaft, maybe they don't need the install but just tightening the bolt while keeping the rails down. The rivnut tools I see are more for versions that are round instead of hex, but also, I think you can go either way.
Ron
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Ron C
Full Access Member
This just looks too easy to install rivnuts, I'll attach a video link below:
PG01
Supporting Member
Ya know what ive used them, they came with the bu/air deflector for my hood just use a reg ratchet and the crush easily.
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Ron C
Full Access Member
Oh I would definitely try that, IF I was able to get a mess up fixed. Once the rivnut is in, there is no real way to get it out. I might do a few test runs on a piece of scrap metal (the rivnuts are only 0.99)
Of course there are several options.
Dealer: but they will only sell the new rack to you, and it takes 2 people (according to them) to do it, that's $800+ rack and 4hrs labor (2hrs times 2), that's just a little stuff.
DIY-1: with just crushing the rivnut with a bolt and to nuts, or a cheap tool, Definitely cheapast, but easy to mess up.
DIY-2: get the 'right' tool, practice a few rounds til you get the hang of it and go for it. Yeah the tool is a lot more expensive ($50-$70) and you only use it for 10 rivnuts, BUT still a whole heck of a lot cheaper than the dealer option.
I think it would look good though, a luggage rack on it.
Ron
