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skid plate install - using the wrong size tap (fixing it with Heli-coil?)

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by super_white, Sep 20, 2020.

  1. Sep 20, 2020 at 11:15 AM
    #1
    super_white

    super_white [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So, I was waiting on new skid plate bolts (accidentally threw out my original bolts). While I was waiting I wanted to tap the holes to clean up the threads before mounting my skid plates. I grabbed the wrong size tap, 12x1.75 instead of 12x1.25, tapped all seven bolt holes. The next day my new bolts arrived and I knew I messed up. I went on Amazon, ordered a 12x1.25 tap, a Heli-coil set sized 12x1.25 and a 31/64 drill bit (correct size for Heli-coil kit).

    I think I have three options:

    Re-tap the holes to the correct 12x1.25 and use the correct bolts from Toyota.
    Find 12x.1.75 bolts and use those (I'm not sure on the quality of the threads in the frame).
    Use the Heli-coil kit and use the correct bolts from Toyota?

    (my fourth option is that Toyota finds a hole when they do the frame spray and I get a new frame)

    I got the drill bit today, the rest of the stuff should be here Monday or Tuesday.

    Can I mount a skid plate using Heli-coil? I've used Heli-coil in the past and haven't had any issues.

    these are the bolts that I tapped for:

    bolts.jpg
     
  2. Sep 20, 2020 at 11:49 AM
    #2
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    Been awhile since I dropped my plate.
    Is a nut and bolt an option?
    The OEM bolts tend to snap of anyways.
     
  3. Sep 20, 2020 at 1:11 PM
    #3
    super_white

    super_white [OP] Well-Known Member

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    A nut/bolt isn't an option because how the frame is constructed.
     
    TnShooter[QUOTED] likes this.
  4. Sep 20, 2020 at 2:21 PM
    #4
    TnShooter

    TnShooter The TacomaWorld Stray

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    I couldn’t remember. Haven’t had mine off in a long time. I do remember a couple being pretty rusted. And I live in the south.
     
  5. Sep 20, 2020 at 2:38 PM
    #5
    fatboyfirebass

    fatboyfirebass Well-Known Member

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    "
    As a general rule, I like to avoid Heli coils. I always advocate the use of a threaded insert. The Heli coil is section of wound up steel like a spring, were as the threaded insert is actually a "slug" of steel that is treaded inside and out. They can also be found with locking tabs that get driven in to prevent the insert from backing out, as well as pre applied thread locker. They cost a bit more up front to get the kit. But worth it, in my option for the piece of mind of strength and longevity.
    threads.jpg
     
  6. Sep 20, 2020 at 7:00 PM
    #6
    winkel

    winkel Well-Known Member

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    I'd just buy new grade 8 bolts that match the tap you used to chase the holes. Mine are still the stock size but I replaced them with hard bolts a couple of years ago and always put a dab of grease on them when reinstalling.
    If that doesn't work, you can go the the next option, but that would be my first shot.
     
  7. Sep 20, 2020 at 7:14 PM
    #7
    toyodajeff

    toyodajeff Well-Known Member

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    I would just try using the bolt size you tapped it for. If it seems to hold ok put low strength lock tite on it. They also make some thread chasing taps that don’t really cut as much as they do move the threads back into place that work pretty good for wallored out holes. You can get them from Lang tools, snap on and possibly Sears but it’s been a few years since I bought my Sears set. You might use those thread chasing taps to put it back to factory spec and use lock tite on it
     
  8. Sep 20, 2020 at 7:19 PM
    #8
    toyodajeff

    toyodajeff Well-Known Member

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