Battery hold down bolt snapped

[doncaruana]

You can rent, buy or borrow drills, drill bits and taps. If you are not mechanically inclined, then have it done. I would bet after so much time in a "salt on the roads" state, to try and replace tray will likely be a PITA.

Yes - replacing the tray I think is a no go. Saw a video and a couple of the bolts are in "take the truck apart to get to these" locations. Plus the rust...

 

[89Suburban]

There's a nut welded to the underside of the tray. That's where the bolt sheared off. Can't replace that with home depot unless I drill out the entire thing and then have something to fill that hole (some big fender washers??).

View attachment 406075

I understand that. If you are able to at least drill the bolt out of the welded nut, forget the thread tapping and install a nut and bolt. Over the original welded nut. That will give the battery tray some sort of strength leaving the welded nut in place like a spacer.

 

[doncaruana]

Until I get the time and tools (and weather!) to do any of this could I use a ratchet strap or something? Is that ill advised?

 

[89Suburban]

Until I get the time and tools (and weather!) to do any of this could I use a ratchet strap or something? Is that ill advised?

Sure you can, ratchet strap, bungee cord. Whatever works.

 

[Hoesgottaeat2]

I second the motion for a ratchet strap or bungee in the interim, until it's fixed. "Interim" is left up to interpretation here of course. Some folks think it means "permanent" lol.