The car is a 00 civic. The bolt that is threaded is the rear bolt that is common in size to the two front ones. The bolt doesn't slide in and out, it actually has to be screwed in but it never tightens. Does anyone have any other suggestions besides inserting a bigger bolt? The reason why I'm asking for other solutions is because the seat will have to come out and then be put back in again.

 

Sounds like it is stripped. The proper way to repair it is to drill it and re-thread it with a tap which is the next size up, and then put in a larger bolt that matches the new threads.

 

It can be taken out by unscrewing. My problem is if I put in a bigger bolt now, what happens if the same thing happens to the bigger bolt, what would be my options? The reason why I have to take the seat out again is because I have a sparco seat that is being welded to the stock rails, but that won't happen until march.

 

Well, uh...If you didn't understand my post you'll need to have someone else fix it for you.

 

Woops, sorry. I thought you were explaining the process of removing a stuck bolt.... I need to wake up a little more. Thanks for the help.

 

One option would be to use a Heli-coil. You drill out the threads, re-tap the hole with the tap that comes in the kit. Screw in the new threads (its a little wire rolled like a spring). And then you can use the original size bolt again.

 

Would a helicoil be safe for a seatbelt fastener?

 

Would that pass tech inspection??

 

Done properly they can be stronger than the original. They are great to use when the base metal is not hard enough to hold threads, or will wear from repeated use, which seems to be the case.

 

Where can I get the kit? At home depot?

 

I get mine from industrial supply type places. Reid Tool, McMaster-Carr, Enco, places like that.


[Modified by metalworker, 4:46 PM 11/18/2002]

 

or a good auto supply place will have them.

 

I found a site that carries the helicoil kit; however, they have a lot to choose from. Does anyone know which one I should get for the 12mm seat bolt? There are "course" kits and "fine" kits. Also they have other variations. If you look at this site: http://www.helicoils.com/, you'll see what I mean. Thanks

 

The bolt size is NOT the size wrench that you used to take it out, it's the dimensions of the threads ( dia. by threads per mm) . I'm a lot stock Honda ignorant so I don't know what that is. But when you find out thats what you want to order.

 

Find the right size bolt with good threads, and feed it into another seatbelt mount of the same size and thread pitch. It'll be trial and error but then you can find out what thread pitch and size you need, and order accordingly.

That's what I would of done anyways, instead of asking a message board, but that's just me.

 

pretty sure it is 8mm X 1.