Predator step install gone semi wrong, need help

I picked up a set of Predator steps of CL for Christmas via my wife. I discovered after the fact that the mounting bolts weren't the originals. The threads fit fine but the washer was a basic washer, not the 5mm thick washer needed for the front. So I unknowingly cranked the front one in with the basic washer, which didn't get the steps tight, and now the bolt won't back all the way out. It will back out smoothly about half way and then stop. I'm guessing I flattened the top threads of the bolt when I tightened it up against whatever is above the hole.

I cut some washers to fit between the bolt head and bracket to keep it tight and it seems to be fine. But does anyone know what's above the threaded holes up there? I'd like to use the right bolts but don't want to risk damaging the body threads by forcing the bolt out. If I could get to it from above I could repair the threads or cut the damaged part of the bolt off to remove it safely. Not sure if I could get to it from behind the kick panel. It was dark and cold.

Freaking CL sellers....

 

When I installed mine, I was sure it's a blind hole with no access.

You have options if you f*$k the threads up pulling it out.

Think the bolt is an 8mm x 1.25 pitch. Since 9mm and 10mm bolts can be found with this pitch, can easily go up a size. Sounds like the tap would need to be a bottom tap because of the short blind hole.

 

You could back the bolt out as far as you can without it getting tight , then cut the head off , then screw it in and through . Option 2 would be to make some slotted washers ( a U shaped or C shaped washer ) that you could put on the bolt when it is backed out . Edit , I see you already did option 2 .

 

If it’s tight then leave it ! Lol

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm probably going to open a lock washer enough to get it around the bolt, tighten and forget it.

I do like the idea of cutting the head off and screwing it through, but then I'd have half a bolt rolling around inside the mysterious channel. Any ideas how I could get it out?

 

No idea but there is also the chance the the hole is big enough to fit a single bolt and leaving the rest of the body there won't leave enough space on to put a second one there or if it's empty space then an annoying metallic piece banging around every time you drive.

Opening a lock washer seems the safest.

 

I would just shotgun it and back the bolt out. IF it fucks the threads up to the point they won’t grab, you can repair that. But I have a feeling you would be alright. Or fuck it. WIP it Bro. Cut your losses and weld in place.

 

Have you tried loosening all the other bolts as much as you can first? Maybe that particular one is getting bound up by the others?

 

Already tried loosening the other bolts, it's definitely the bolt in question. I'd bet that forcing it out would pull the bolt threads back into place but I opened up a lock washer enough to get it in there and bent it back. Tightened it up and replaced the other garbage bolts with proper ones. I'm going to let it ride. If I ever decide to take the steps off, that's another adventure. I'll cross that bridge when the time comes though.

Good looking out everyone.